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The RV show season may be in full swing, but for those 65,000 of us planning to take an RV vacation this year, February is a good time to start completing that maintenance and repair to-do list. Did you know that over 80% of all RV repairs can be completed yourself?
This month, we feature Jared Gillis of All About RVs. His YouTube videos focus on helping his viewers with maintenance repairs, and DIY projects.
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than to take your special someone on a romantic RV vacation? In the Are We There Yet? Department, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best camping locations for couples.
Did you stand on the platform at the RV show looking through the windshield of those multi-million dollar Class A RVs and wonder what if? We took our shoes off and walked through the best luxury motorhomes worth dreaming about in our Drivable Motorhome Section.
In our Towable Trailers Section, we explore the many peer-to-peer RV rental companies that provide RV drop off, set up, tear down, and pick up at your specific campsite.
Our Van and Truck Camper Department examines the van chassis RV manufactures use to help you decide which is right for you.
We break down the best RV mattress companies in our RV Gear Department to help you determine which brand will give you the best night's sleep.
Todd Henson from the NRVTA helps us answer that one question on many people’s minds in our Nuts & Bolts Section: How many solar panels do I need for my RV?
Have you heard about the new reality show RV Unplugged? This Reality Show on YouTube sends 8 RV Influencer teams into the wild, for a chance to win $10,000. To survive, they compete in reality-show style games for points and supplies. Learn the details in our News & Noteworthy section.
We hope you enjoy this edition of RV Camping Magazine, and thank you for your subscription. Mike
FEBRUARY 2023
VOL.3, ISSUE 2
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Scarpignato
BRAND MANAGER Susan Scarpignato
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brian Newman
DESIGN
SR. ART DIRECTOR Kelly Y. Lee
CONTRIBUTORS
NRVTA Thomas Godwin Terri Nighswonger
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING SALES Mike Scarpignato mike@rvblogger.com 443-699-6556
EDITORIAL mike@rvblogger.com
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Atheory keeps popping up about how many solar panels RVers need. The infamous 1 watt per every battery amphour on your RV just won’t go away. I can tell you that this 1-to-1 ratio is simply not true.
If you’re getting into solar, I’ll definitely recommend that you use lithium batteries. They’re a far better choice when it comes to using high-amp power through an inverter.
When you use lead-acid or AGM batteries, there’s a limit on how much current those batteries can take to charge them. Generally, they can handle between 35-55 amps continuously. What you don’t want to do is overtax those batteries.
What you need to do is ask the right question, which is: “how much power do you consume during the day?”
Using a solar controller, you can feed your batteries and send some power to your main electrical line. Keep in mind that solar panels don’t produce much energy, so you need to be wise with your usage.
The goal is to charge your batteries during the day while powering your
There’s a lot to learn – and love – about RV life, and the best resource for information, discounts, on-the-go assistance and more is the FMCA RV Club. FMCA is your ally to navigating the RV world with confidence. Here are a few of the great benefits that come with being a member of FMCA.
FMCAssist Medical Emergency & Travel Assistance Program
All members receive emergency medical evacuation coverage included with the membership. (over a $200 value).
Roadside Rescue®
FMCA members can purchase roadside assistance at FMCA’s discounted group rate.
FMCA’s Tire Savings Program
Save hundreds of dollars on name-brand RV, light truck, and passenger tires.
RV at the same time. So you're all set if you use 2,000-3,000 watts of power during the day and your solar panels produce that much power or more. Then, once the sun goes down at night, your batteries will take over until you turn everything off for the night, and the whole cycle starts the next day again.
Another great thing about solar panels on RVs is that you can add panels and solar controllers as needed. You can start off with 1 controller and 1 solar panel. Then, as your needs increase, you can add
more panels and bigger controllers to maintain your system better.
But here’s where reality steps in; the Earth rotates, clouds blow in, and you may not always have clear sunstrike all the time. Also, if it’s August and it's 100+ degrees outside, that
heat is an amperage killer. Extreme heat will slow down your wattage intake versus more temperate temperatures.
Solar panels work best on very cold, cloudless days when the panels are getting direct sunlight. If you’ve ever seen a solar panel
field, you’ll notice that some rotate with the sun to maximize the sunstrike time just for this reason.
So for us RVers, you’ll have to take into account that you’ll have peak charging points during the day around noon and waning charging as the sun moves across the sky. Do your best to have the most sky coverage, and add panels and charge controllers as needed. Try and minimize your electrical use to decrease battery use during the day, and lithium batteries have better charging capabilities.
If you would like to be able to fix the majority of the problems on your RV yourself, check out the Home Study Course offered by the NRVTA!
BY TERRI NIGHSWONGER
There is likely nothing in the world that says “home” like your own comfortable mattress. Having just returned from a couple of weeks visiting family, it felt good to be back in my own bed. Whether you live in your RV full-time or are a weekend warrior, your mattress should feel like home whenever you sleep on it. There is just no good reason to be uncomfortable.
Choosing the best mattress shouldn’t be a big deal. Check out our RV mattress guide and make sure you have sweet dreams in your RV.
You will find a great product in the Tochta brand as it is rated online as one of the most comfortable mattresses. It has great reviews as well. This company is great for RVers because it makes standard and custom-size mattresses for any RV or home.
Tochta also makes hinged mattresses to fit your slideout or murphy bed, where you can choose the vertical or horizontal fold position on the
mattress. For the best walkway space, you can have them reshape the corners.
The company offers free shipping, a 100day trial, and a 10-year warranty.
Tochta mattresses are made of foams that are CertiPUR-US which means they meet standards for minimizing
off-gassing. They have no harmful chemicals. Like all custom mattresses,
Tochta lets you choose your mattress's thickness and comfort level.
Brooklyn Bedding was listed as one of the best mattresses for 2022. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the company began offering bed-in-a-box mattresses in 2008. It ships US-made mattresses direct-to-consumer in a wide range of firmness levels and designs. The company even offers ecoconscious and budgetfriendly models.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping, returns, and a 120-night sleep trial. The Aurora Luxe is its best-selling mattress. It’s a hybrid mattress available
that comes in three levels of firmness.
The Aurora Luxe is designed with hot sleepers in mind. Materials like pocketed coils, gel-infused memory foam, and a top layer with phase-change technology to regulate your
body temperature for a cooler sleep experience.
Brooklyn Bedding also allows you to custom design your mattress and even choose a split design to give a different kind of comfort on each side of the bed.
Wilderness RV Mattress is a family-owned and operated business with more than 15 years of experience. This RVing family of mattressmakers knows what you need in a mattress for your motorhome or travel trailer. They, too, started by replacing a bad mattress supplied by the RV manufacturer. Today
they design mattresses focused on RVers to keep cost, weight, and durability in mind.
Your Wilderness RV Mattress comes in a compressed box so you can easily maneuver it around your RV. They offer free shipping and a 100-day trial period, along with a 10-year warranty.
Wilderness offers bunk and the Canyon mattress, designed to be the perfect mix between comfort and budget. Starting at around $800 for an RV queen, the Canyon is made from a high-density 6” poly support foam topped with two inches of gel memory foam.
For a cooler sleep, check out these mattresses from Nolah. Nolah mattresses are not made with memory foam. Instead, the company uses a more durable mattress material with better pressure relief on your hips and shoulders. The construction and coil system work to promote cooling. This company’s foams are all CertiPUR-US certified with no chemicals.
The Nolah Natural is a medium-firm mattress
that is eco-friendly with organic cotton, wool, and Talalay latex. You get a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping, returns, and a lifetime warranty.
Nolah mattresses are decently priced compared to some other more expensive brands. They offer shipping in an eco-friendly box, and customers can return their mattresses if they are satisfied. Returned mattresses are donated to local charities or recycled through local state programs.
Finding a comfortable mattress at a reasonable price for your RV is simple. Many mattress factories provide custom sizes, thicknesses, weights, and firmness for a great fit for your RV. Most are packaged in boxes that are easy to maneuver in your RV, and all have great trial lengths and return policies if you don’t like what you get. You don’t have to settle for
less in your RV, whether you sleep on it for a few nights a year or it is your home base.
Finding quality sheets, mattress pads, and other bedding that fits your RV mattress is more challenging. Several of the mattress companies selected also provide bedding to go with your new mattress.
Places like Amazon also have bedding for your RV mattress. Check out CinchFit RV Sheets,
a great solution for mattresses with rounded corners. These can be found on Amazon.
QuickZip RV sheets are also a great option. These easily zip off the bed when they need to be washed. Many with rear-corner beds in Class C motorhomes or travel trailers find these sheets the best solution for that near-impossible “cleansheet” day bedding change.
Also, check out Etsy.
com, Tochta.com, and MattressInsider.com, where you can order custom-sized sheets for a non-standard RV mattress size.
No matter what mattress and bedding you pick, make sure you choose a brand that is comfortable for you and will last for years. Skimping comfort to save money in your RV is unnecessary, and a good mattress will make your motorhome or travel trailer feel more like your home away from home.
Seriously? You can rent and have a travel trailer delivered to your campsite? That’s right. It's 2023, and you can rent just about anything. You can rent a private island, tires, Christmas trees, and even wedding attire. Why not a travel trailer?
The problem is, renting a travel trailer requires some careful consideration. It’s certainly not one of those things where you just pick up your smartphone and call “Grandma’s Rentals” down the road and expect a premium product.
Fortunately, we have a list of five fantastic options for travel trailer rentals that won’t sell you short.
Outdoorsy is a company whose focus is on outdoor fun rather than a purely luxury experience. That’s
not to say they don’t have anything comfortable to offer because they certainly do.
Outdoorsy functions like a mobile Airbnb by matching RV owners with potential RV renters.
They cover multiple categories, from Class A Motorhomes to popups and everything in between. All you have to do is sign up on their website and browse local RV options from the various RV owners in your area.
Renters only pay a deposit when the RV owner accepts their rental
request, not before. Communication with the RV owner is an absolute breeze via text, voice, or app. Outdoorsy even offers excellent insurance and a delivery/pickup service within the owner’s radius for a flat fee or by the mile.
• 10 categories of RVs on offer
• Multiple cancellation options
• Easiest renter/owner communication on the market
RVezy has grown a reputation for providing the smoothest online service and user-friendly process in the RV rental market. While they’re relatively new in the U.S. (opening shop in 2020), they’re carving out a niche quickly. They
also have one of the best insurance and roadside assistance services.
As a peer-to-peer rental service, the available RVs are numerous and diverse. Pick-up and drop-off are standard, with the owner walking the renter through, taking
pictures, documenting, and signing off on the rental. Many, but not all, owners offer delivery, setup, and pick-up.
• The rental process is fantastically simple
• Deliverable, pet-friendly RVs
• Strong customer service
RVnGo is another young but rapidly growing RV rental service. Like RV-Ezy and Outdoorsy, RVnGo offers a peer-topeer rental service that includes outstanding peer-to-peer connections, communication, and ease of rental service through their website. The platform offers fairly decent liability insurance as well.
Like most peer-to-peer, the vast majority of the process is renter and owner communication, including delivery options assuming the RV owner offers it. You’re fully covered from the drop-off to pick-up if they do.
• No exorbitant commission fees
• Reliable RV rental insurance
• One-stop-shop rental and insurance service
We realize that when it comes to travel, vacations and renting out your RV, that you have a lot of options
Some of the options are better known and have been around longer than us.
THAT MEANS: We work harder to make a bigger impact. We work harder to earn your trust and loyalty.
We don’t just say We Bring People Closer Together...
At RVnGO. We live and breath it.
RVshare is one of the big dogs in the business, with a well-deserved reputation for high-quality peer-to-peer connections. Standard delivery options are available as well from owners that offer it. However, RVshare takes it a step further.
If you want a specific RV and it's not in your local area, some renters on the RVshare platform
are more than willing to deliver that same RV, even if it's outside your location. RV rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, liability, and collision coverage for RVs less than 15 years old.
Instead of a total price, RVshare’s prices are laid out on a per-day basis.
• Air-Ride Suspension
• 3 ft. of modular storage
• Deep well sink
• LED lighting system
• OPT.: Single or dual battery system
Not interested in renting a travel trailer? How about a campervan rental? One of the more popular camper van rental options, Escape Campervans, offers campervans with a wildly colorful aesthetic. Originally a New Zealand company, Escape Campervans’ success brought them stateside fairly quickly.
While you can’t pick a specific van, Escape Campervans tailors their van rentals to your needs, including any add-ons you want. Be sure to book a few months in advance as Campervans are highly popular, and orders fill up fast.
Insurance coverage is up to your carrier, but Campervans offers thirdparty, minimum liability. Escape Campervans operate like Uhaul, with a pick-up and drop-off system that includes oneway trips.
• No nickel and diming for add-ons
• Unique painting aesthetic for each van in their lineup
• Seasoned vans are offered for sale
All five of these RV rental companies stand atop the RV rental industry, especially RVshare and Outdoorsy. They offer flexibility and freedom, while some deliver your rental to your doorstep or campground.
Plus, it's a good
opportunity to test drive the possibility of owning your dream travel trailer with as many days and nights as you want and can afford. The peer-topeer nature of RV rental companies incentivizes both parties to prioritize maintenance and upkeep.
Escape Campervans isn’t peer-to-peer, but the kaleidoscope exterior colorations are just too cool to pass up. Whether you want a fantastic vacation option or just a little “try it before you buy it” experience, one of these five travel trailer rental agencies will set you up nicely.
The Lectric XP™ 3.0 is your gateway to an elevated and powerful adventure!
A quieter motor, increased torque, more durable brakes, longevity boosters, and added suspension are only a few of the many notable upgrades with this epic eBike design. Best of all, brand new optimized gearing makes riding at higher speeds smoother than ever before!
The XP™ 3.0 is also compatible with fan-favorite new accessory options including the Yepp Seat and a Passenger Package that can hold riders up to 150lbs.
Our bestselling eBike deserved an upgrade, starting at $999, or $91/mo, shop the XP™ 3.0 at LectriceBikes.com, available and in-stock now!
BY RVCM STAFF
There are many ways people get into the RV Lifestyle. As a child, Jared Gillis grew up as a weekender RVer with his parents. Then, as an adult and faithful Christian, an ill-fated mission trip to Nicaragua made him reevaluate things. Returning home to Arizona, with some prayer and contemplation, Jared, his wife Kris, and their two pre-teen boys, Matt and Eli, decided to sell everything and hit the road.
“As they travel, Jared uses his knowledge and experience to teach YouTube viewers how to repair RV problems, review products, and other valuable tips”
Today, the Gillis family travels the country in their Dodge Ram 3500 and Grand Design 28BH, exploring and learning
everywhere they go.
As they travel, Jared uses his knowledge and experience to teach
YouTube viewers how to repair RV problems, review products, and other valuable tips that newbies and seasoned RVers can use for their travels.
We had a chance to speak with Jared about his YouTube channel, how his family lives the full-time lifestyle and their advice for others contemplating joining the RV life.
We started the All About RVs channel to share what we learn and pass that on to other RVers so they can enjoy RVing more. We hope to have good information that can help if you have been RVing for years or just starting out.
When you start out, it can be a big learning curve, so we hope the videos help. We did start with a Vlog style but soon discovered it wasn’t for everyone in our family, and we weren’t that entertaining.
So we switched it up and focused on giving helpful information. One of my favorite things about publishing these videos on YouTube is meeting people on the road who have watched them, which helps our viewers
“One of my favorite things about publishing these videos on YouTube is meeting people on the road who have watched them.”
in their RV journey.
HOW HAS FULL-TIME RVING CHANGED YOU AND YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD?
The main thing it has done for us is slow us down. It gave us a chance to have less busyness in our lives and more time together. I have been very thankful for the memories we have made, and the amount of time we spent together.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE RV LIFESTYLE?
I grew up camping and did a fair amount of backpacking. I actually tried a few backpacking
videos a long time ago. We continued camping as we were raising our sons. There was a point where I was gone a lot for work.
We knew something had to change since we weren’t spending as much time together as a family. Our solution was to sell everything and set out in an RV.
WHAT STATES AND/ OR COUNTRIES ARE STILL EMPTY ON YOUR RV STICKER MAP?
We still haven’t been to a few places: Michigan,
Minnesota, Indiana, and North Dakota. They’re still on our “To Do” list, but with so much to see and do in our beautiful country and revisiting our favorite places, it gets difficult to figure out what’s next.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOCUS YOUR CHANNEL ON HOW-TOS AND DIY PROJECTS?
I have a background in contracting and wanted to share what was fun for me and could help others.
WHAT OTHER RV EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR OUR READERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DIY, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR?
I greatly respect other RVers like our friends Mark and Trish at “Keep Your Daydream,” who entertainingly share good info and have built some good resources with E3 camping.
Chad and Tara at “Changing Lanes” do a good job sharing what
is working for them, and Brian at “RV With Tito” has some great DIY projects. A resource I enjoyed was the fundamentals home course from the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA).
Learn more about the National RV Training Academy in RV Camping Magazine’s January 23 Edition.
WHAT’S ON YOUR RV BUCKET LIST?
We thoroughly enjoyed Alaska and want to go
back for a summer trip. It’s hard on the RV, but it’s a unique and beautiful place.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO START THEIR RV ADVENTURES?
My advice is to start
where you can. When it comes to RVing, bigger isn’t always better; you don’t need all the accessories, just get out there and make some memories. Find what style fits you and your family. Some like RV parks, and others
“We thoroughly enjoyed Alaska and want to go back for a summer trip. It’s hard on the RV, but it’s a unique and beautiful place.”
like boondocking. Both are great and can be a great way to make memories you will have for a lifetime.
We keep it pretty simple. We mainly have the YouTube channel and a small website for the info to support the videos we upload.
When you peruse the catalog of videos that Jared provides on his YouTube channel, his advice on the RV lifestyle isn’t just about RV maintenance and repair. You’ll find him, Kris, and sometimes the boys talk about topics that truly define his title, “All About RVs.”
“Now that we have YouTube and RV Influencers like Jared, if a small repair situation occurs, we can simply pull up the video we need, follow the instructions, and continue our journey.”
You’ll find the family walking through new RVs, discussing their homeschooling materials and other subjects concerning the RV lifestyle. As Jared mentions, not only did he bring his own set of repair skills with him on the road, but he also learned from others he’s come across within the RV blogging/vlogging community.
Before the internet, the fear of breaking down in the “middle of nowhere” was always a fear even the most experienced RVer had. Now that we have YouTube and RV Influencers like Jared, if a small repair situation occurs, we can simply pull up the video we need, follow the instructions, and continue our journey.
The same is true when it comes to the needed RV accessories. We get to learn from real RVers that use these products daily. The best part about all of these RV Influencers is that you get to learn from their personal experience and get to know who they are as people.
BY RVCM STAFF
The concept of a “bus” has taken 2 forms in RV History. The VW Bus, with the pop-top roof, convertible furniture, and some very nostalgic decor, became the forebearer of the Class B RV.
Another bus builder, Eugene Prevost, was a furniture maker in the 1920s. Once he received his first commission for a wood-framed passenger bus on an REO Truck Chassis in 1924, he ditched the cabinets and church pews to become
North America’s leading bus manufacturer.
Today’s luxury Class A motorhomes use the Prevost, Freightliner, and Spartan chassis paired with the best engines from Cummins or Volvo. Together, they create the
core of the most elegant rolling mansions in the RV industry.
Here are some fantastic luxury Class A motorhomes to dream about having in your driveway someday!
Though no longer manufacturing RVs, you can’t discuss luxury motorhomes without bringing up Country Coach. Originally, the brand was named Caribou Manufacturing which later became Monaco. When one of the founding partners and RV Hall of Famer, Bob Lee, separated from Caribou, he started Country Coach.
Today, the brand only exists at the Oregon Motorcoach Center in Eugene, Oregon. It’s a service and storage center for luxury motorhomes that specializes in keeping Country Coach RVs on the road. Even by today’s standards, as seen from the many “RVing With Andrew Steele” YouTube videos, these motorhomes are still luxurious at 20+ years old.
One of the many gorgeous examples is the Country Coach Intrigue which began in 1994 and continued until Country Coach closed its manufacturing doors in 2008. It used a Cummins or Caterpillar
engine that was between 300 to 525HP.
Depending on the model year, you could choose between a 36’ to 45’ length and 3 to 8 different floorplans with a single to
quad slideout. The Intrigue was built on Country Coach’s in-house DynoMax chassis. The company closed the model in 2008 as a 45’ motorhome with a quad slide.
MOTORHOMES
wood, stone countertops, and the best state-ofthe-art technology that’s still relevant today. These used luxury Class A motorhomes are still highly in demand. 051 DRIVABLE
2008 Country Coach Intrigue
• CHASSIS: Country
Coach Dynomax chassis
• LENGTH: 45’
• GVWR: 47,600 lbs.
• TOW CAP: 15,000 lbs.
• SLEEP: 2-4
BEST FEATURES
• Aqua-Hot Hydraulic Water Heater
• Mid-ship pass-through bathroom
• Cabinet door over RV control center
• Built-in safe
Entegra’s Cornerstone is a luxury Class A motorhome built on a Prevost chassis that will make everyone happy. Why!? It’s called the Cummins X15. You can enjoy the 605HP @ 2,050 lb/ft. torque while you ride in luxury.
The Cornerstone includes a 15-inch dash screen, adaptive cruise control, passive/active surround traffic monitoring, and premium leather furniture.
The 45F floor plan is a 1 ½ bath layout with a huge rear closet. Full-timers will love the fact that the washer/ dryer is perfectly placed inside the closet, making laundry day simple.
Owners will also find that all the features and appliances are perfectly proportioned. For example, the residentialsized fridge is large, the dining table is good for 2, and the living room seating is comfortable without eating up center aisle space. You can also
choose between a roadside hide-a-bed or an entertainment center with extra storage. Either way, you can enjoy a 50” TV on a televator.
Entegra
• ENGINE: Cummins 15L I6 X15 Turbo Diesel
• CHASSIS: Spartan K3 chassis
• LENGTH: 45’
• GVWR: 54,000 lbs.
• TOW CAP: 20,000 lbs.
• SLEEP: 2-4
• 3,000-watt pure sine wave inverter
• 43” Samsung exterior SmartTV & JBL Speakers
• Villa heated and cooled driver & passenger seats
• Fisher & Paykel dishwasher
• Sleep Number king bed
Liberty built this Prevost chassis quad-slide motorhome for a returning customer. Taking over a year to build, this coach was a game changer for the company since it was the first quad-slide they ever built. They added super slides that exceeded the Prevost chassis’ GVWR after the customer’s desired interior features to maximize space.
Liberty reduced the Volta Battery Storage system and used a smaller tankless water heater to
“Liberty built this Prevost chassis quad-slidemotorhome
for a returning customer.”
cut weight. Besides these 2 compromises, this legendary RV maker stuck to the same high-level quality they built their reputation on for over 50 years.
• ENGINE: Volvo D13 13L I6 Turbo Diesel
• CHASSIS: Prevost H345 Chassis
• LENGTH: 45’
• GVWR: 53,000 lbs.
• TOW CAP: 20,000 lbs.
• SLEEP: 2-4
• Blindspot Detection System
• Mortiz Octoplex Electrical Architecture
• 65” 4K LED Outside E-Center TV
• Volta Power System
Lithium Ion Battery System
• Heated Floor w/ 4 zones
Foretravel placed a bathtub in their rear bathroom, and we’re not talking about those small molded-fiberglass versions. This top luxury motorhome brand uses a ceramic residential soaking tub any adult would love to spend hours in, listening to Enya with the scented candles and getting the whole relaxation experience.
Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. Add the stone tile, natural
• ENGINE: CUMMINS 15L I6 X15 TURBO
DIESEL
• CHASSIS: SPARTAN K4 CHASSIS
• LENGTH: 45’
• GVWR: 54,000 LBS.
• TOW CAP: 20,000 LBS.
• SLEEP: 2-4
BEST FEATURES
• 320-Watt Solar Panel Package
• 15” Digital Dashboard screen w/ controls
• Multiplex lighting system
• Natural Quartz Countertops
• 18 Bottle Wine Chiller
wood, and other quality materials, and you have a true Presidential Suite on wheels with a GVWR of 54,000 pounds. To move this palace on wheels, Foretravel pairs the Spartan K4 chassis with a Cummins X15 engine.
While the Prevost Chassis could handle
this weight, Foretravel decided to use a chassis often used by first responder vehicles like firetrucks and construction vehicles. This way, weight constraints wouldn’t limit the incredible luxury features that make these motorhomes one of the best.
The average diesel motorhome has a lifespan of about 20 years. Yet these rolling mansions can easily confound those expectations. Brand new, in today’s money, you’ll pay 1 to 2 million dollars by the time you’re ready to roll off the dealer’s lot. Yet these luxury motorhomes were built to last.
As we discussed above, Coach House motorhomes may have closed their production floor, but the Eugene, Oregon, location, which used to be a production plant, is run and operated by past employees from Coach House. That team is dedicated to keeping those legendary RVs on the road as long as possible. With the quality construction, materials, and loving labor put into each vehicle, it's entirely possible that this brand could be as immortal as Bob Lee’s RV Hall of
Fame Induction.
The same is true for these other brands— Entegra, Foretravel, Liberty, Marathon, and others that manufacture motorhomes at this level. Even at 10, 15, and 20 years old, these luxurylevel motorhomes have fantastic quality, the best features, and fantastic technology that will still turn heads as you cruise down the road. Like a distinguished person, no one has to know your new RV’s actual age- after all, isn’t that just rude?
RVing with your partner is a fun way to add adventure to your relationship. Each day brings a new landscape and the potential for exciting, wild experiences together: hiking, cooking outdoors, and watching the stars come out at night.
For Valentine’s Day, here are some of the best campgrounds for couples to enjoy a romantic getaway. Each park has something unique to help you share the love on this special day, from secluded beaches to mountain views and hot springs.
For those seeking a remote destination without sacrificing comfort, Big Bend National Park presents an excellent choice for romantics traveling by RV. The park’s vast desert landscape provides seclusion from civilization yet still offers visitors ample opportunities to immerse themselves in its beauty.
Couples can explore the park’s trails, relax by its creeks, and marvel at the February - March
wildflower season sporting the tallest Texas bluebonnets.
When you arrive at the Rio Grande Village RV Campground, you know you are in for an unforgettable trip and a unique nature experience. With its gorgeous scenery and peaceful atmosphere, the park provides a hideaway for couples looking to reconnect. Offering the only full hookups in the park and located next to the Rio Grande Village camp store, the campground is the ideal place to set up your RV.
Enjoy kayaking or
canoeing on the Rio Grande, then take in a romantic sunset on an evening boat ride.
The nearby Panther Path nature trail is an excellent way for couples to observe local wildlife, while the easy-to-navigate Dirt Road Loop offers panoramic views of the Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains.
Fishing, swimming, and bird watching are popular activities at this RV campground. And don't forget to check out the nearby hot springs, a popular destination for all Big Bend National Park visitors.
Looking for a romantic getaway that offers seclusion, beautiful views, and easy access to the best attractions in the Smoky Mountains? Then look no further than The Appalachian RV Resort.
Located just 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this resort is idyllic for couples looking for a camping experience unlike any other.
Each campsite has its picture-perfect view, with all the amenities necessary for an unforgettable RV experience.
The resort is located just moments from Cades Cove—a hidden gem deep within Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This historic area is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in East Tennessee, including ancient churches and grist mills that date back over two centuries.
And thanks to The Appalachian RV Resort’s
secret entrance, campers can easily access Cades Cove without driving through Gatlinburg.
When you’re not exploring the Smokies or taking advantage of all the resort offers, plenty of other attractions are located nearby. For example, just 10 minutes away lies Pigeon Forge—home to Dollywood and its worldfamous roller coasters.
Sam’s Family Spa offers the perfect romantic getaway for RV couples.
In the picturesque Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, the resort is a majestic oasis of heat, mineral water, and hot springs that offer restorative relaxation and rejuvenation.
The resort provides the ideal atmosphere for a romantic getaway with four naturally heated and nonchlorinated mineral spas.
Experience the ultimate relaxation while taking in stunning views of sprawling mountains, lush canyons, and star-studded
nights with panoramic sunsets.
With 175 RV sites, there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the peace and beauty of this desert oasis. Each site has full hookups and access to showers, laundry facilities, fire pits, picnic tables, and more.
Other amenities include a large heated swimming pool, wet and dry saunas, and walking paths, all designed to help you relax and reconnect with your special someone.
You can also enjoy nearby activities, like golfing, tennis, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides. Be sure to hike nearby Joshua Tree National Park and San Gorgonio Wilderness Area or explore the nearby Salton Sea.
Adventures await at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park next to the historic train depot in Williams, Arizona. Just two blocks from Route 66 and downtown Williams, there is much to explore and discover.
One of the significant benefits of staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is the adjacent historic train depot that was once part of Santa Fe Railroad’s transcontinental rail line.
Established in 1908, this beautiful station is a testament to a bygone era.
Take a short walk from your RV site, board the train and enjoy a 65mile journey through the stunning Kaibab National Forest and into the breathtaking South Rim of the Grand Canyon, leaving all the congestive traffic behind.
Besides the famous Grand
Canyon Railway, the park is a short drive away from unusual rock formations and Sedona’s Red Rock Country hiking trails.
It’s also only an hour from Flagstaff with its many attractions, such as historic Route 66, Lowell Observatory, and Walnut Canyon National
Monument.
The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park has all the amenities necessary for a memorable vacation, including access to the adjacent hotel’s swimming pool and spa, convenience store, and on-site laundry. With its rich history,
stunning scenery, and endless outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why this park is such an attractive destination for romantic RV couples.
Explore some of the most beautiful RV parks in the country with your special someone. From a natural oasis in California to a historical destination in Arizona, these best campgrounds for couples offer something special for those looking for an unforgettable getaway.
The Class B motorhome has reemerged from the shadows and re-established itself in the RV world. Rarely will you find them in campgrounds because they reside on the polar ends of the RV lifestyle: boondocking or camping at host locations.
When the modern camper van hit the “limelight” in the last 2 decades using European-Styled van chassis, they started with one or two floor plans that were ideal for that specific van.
As RV manufacturers and van conversion companies became more creative, it's now at the point where you can choose the same floor plan regardless of van. But, how do you know which van chassis is the best for you?
Many choose the Vanlife to enjoy the nomadic lifestyle, have their own space while visiting relatives in the city or suburbs, use it for work, or have a comfortable vehicle that helps with medical needs.
Here are the pros and cons of the 3 leading van chassis RV manufacturers are using today.
1500, 2500, 3500)
No one can start a class B motorhome conversation without talking about the one that re-ignited the Current Camper Van Era. The 2023 MercedesBenz Sprinter offers 3 chassis variations for camper vans: the cargo van, crew van, or passenger van version with full side windows.
Starting last month (January 2023), the Sprinter Platform now only comes as an allwheel-drive that adapts the power up to a 50/50 split between the axles. The AWD chassis put the 4x4 chassis in mothballs, but off-road fans will still have the Winnie Revel, PleasureWay Rekon, and other 4x4 vans to keep on their wish list.
Last month Mercedes retired the 6-cylinder engine. See our January 2023 issue to learn more about these changes and how Mercedes-Benz compensated with its OM654 I4 diesel engine.
• ENGINE: OM654 2.0L I4 Single/Twin Turbo Diesel
• PREVIOUS ENGINE: BluTec 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
• TRANSMISSION: 9-Speed Auto
• VERSIONS: 1500, 2500, 3500
• GVWR: 8,550- 12,120 lbs.
• POWER TRAIN: All-Wheel Drive, 4x4
• PAYLOAD: 3,083-6,790 lbs.
• TOW CAPACITY: 3,500-5,000 lbs.
• EXTERIOR/INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS
• AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE
• AMERICAN COACH PATRIOT
• COACHMEN GALLERIA
• STORYTELLER OVERLAND
• WINNEBAGO REVEL
Regarding drive-assist technology, the Sprinter has all the features anyone could want. Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist Mirror, Attention Assist if you start crossing lanes, and a digital rearview mirror that gives you a bumper and distant rear view.
Of course, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Touchscreen Infotainment System is everything you have come to expect. Connect your wireless device, charge it, and sync up your favorite RV navigation app.
The Sprinter Recall: Recently, Mercedes had a recall on the manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission equipped on the 2019-2022 Sprinter. The free recall is being repaired through a software update and, in extreme cases, replacing the parking brake paw. The issue is that the paw and the transmission show more wear than they should.
In April 2009, Italian Automaker Fiat bought the bankrupt Chrysler Corporation that DaimlerBenz was selling and restarted the Dodge RAM Van line with its reliable Ducato.
We know it today as the ProMaster, which has Chrysler’s trustworthy 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine out of their Trenton, Ohio Plant.
For 2023, Dodge tweaked the front end and made other updates too. The big news, though, is the roof. You can still buy the 5’6” standard or 6’5” high roof. But for real standing height, you can special order the Super High Roof that measures 7’2”.
The Super High Roof only comes on the 3500 ProMaster, so you need to decide if you need 4,430 lbs of payload and 6,410 lbs of towing power in a 9,350 lbs GVWR van.
Regarding recommendations, the RV Industry uses the ProMaster more often,
077
lessening the Sprinter’s dominance. There’s a reason for that: Its balance of power, interior space, and features are ideal for many floor plan components and infrastructure.
DODGE RAM
PROMASTER
• ENGINE: Chrysler Pentastar 3.6L V6 Gas
• TRANSMISSION: 9-Speed
• VERSIONS: 1500, 2500, 3500
• GVWR: 8,550- 9,350 lbs.
• POWERTRAIN: Front Wheel Drive
• PAYLOAD: 4,680 lbs.
• TOW CAPACITY: 6,910 lbs.
• EXTERIOR/INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS
TOP 5 DODGE RAM
PROMASTER CAMPER
VANS
• AIRSTREAM RANGELINE
• COACHMEN NOVA
• PLEASURE-WAY TOFINO
• ROADTREK ZION SLUMBER
• THOR DAZZLE
(4 LEVELS: T-150, T-250, T-350, TRAIL
In July 2000, Ford introduced the U.S. to the Ford Transit. It was narrower and a bit taller than the E-Series many of us grew up with since the 1960s. Yet Europeans have known the Transit since 1965.
In June 2020, Ford released the Transit Trail in Europe. The van variant uses the all-wheel-drive off-road chassis and has standard fog lights, side mirror marker lights, and a brush-guard cladding surrounding the lower body.
The American version this year will use 16” steelalloy wheels and other additional equipment, making this van chassis seriously competitive for the Sprinter’s off-road version.
• ENGINE: Ford EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Gas
• TRANSMISSION: 10-Speed
• VERSIONS: T-150, T-250, T-350, Trail
• GVWR: 8,670- 11,000 lbs.
• POWERTRAIN: All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel-Drive
• PAYLOAD: 3,060-5,110 lbs.
• TOW CAPACITY: 5,000 lbs.
• EXTERIOR/INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS
• CHINOOK BAYSIDE
• COACHMEN BEYOND
• EMBASSY DOLPHIN SS
• JAYCO SOLSTICE LI
• LEISURE TRAVEL VANS WONDER
In 1963, the Beatles kicked off Music’s “British Invasion.” In 2001, Mercedes started the “European-Style Van Invasion” with the Sprinter. Comparing the “Fab-4” to a van is insulting, but there is a parallel.
The quality of today’s vans is second to none (at this point in today’s automotive market, recalls are “par for the course”). The differences between these van chassis measures in quarter-inches rather than miles. Each has a few significant differences and many tiny variations.
Whether buying the complete Class B motorhome from an RV manufacturer or buying the empty cargo van for a custom build, floor plans are adaptable. Here are some key points to contemplate to help you decide which camper van chassis is suitable for you:
• When it comes to repairs and maintenance, do you prefer to do it yourself or take it to the service center? (Sprinters can only be worked on by Mercedes Authorized Service Centers)
• While the world is going electric, gas and diesel will still be available for
years, but how much can you budget for fuel?
• What is most important on your feature list in your desired camper van: sleeping space, workspace, kitchen, bathroom placement, storage, or something else?
• Will you need bigger water storage tanks and off-grid amenities for offgrid camping, or will you have plenty of hookups to use in your travels?
• Where do you need the engine power the most? Will you tow something heavy or have luxury features that weigh more? (pulling versus payload)
While we all enjoy our favorite RV Influencers' weekly videos and blogs, Todd and Tony from the NRVTA had an idea. This past summer, 8 RV Influencer teams (couples and singles) participated in a “reality show” style competition. The winner received $10,000 and became the First RV Unplugged Winner!
The RV teams were split between the blue or red teams. Of course, who better to lead these two teams than our favorite Texan RV Influencers Phil and Stacy from “Today is Someday.” Phil’s Blue Team went head-to-head against Stacy’s Red Team.
Parked in a remote location, contestants were put through the mental and physical rigors of survival-style games while boondocking to earn points for
needed supplies and to stay in the game. This first-of-its-kind gameshow will run on YouTube from March - May 2023.
Starting March 2nd, the NRVTA producers will begin to release videos that will feature the 8 RV Influencer teams that participated. Many of these names will seem familiar to you (especially 2 of them on Phil’s Blue Team).
Do you remember where you were when your elected official won the election? What about some other major events in your life that happened? Join the Blue and Red Teams of RV Unplugged in Athens, Texas, at the NRVTA’s Big Red Schoolhouse to watch the last episode together!
There are only 150 RV sites available, so you want to reserve your spot as soon as possible. This
RV Unplugged Website
4-day event will be filled with events, food, and workshops by the cast members and the NRVTA team. Don’t worry; nobody will ask you to compete for your food.
Instead, you’ll learn great tips and tricks from some of the best RV Influencers in one location. In addition, there will be a Q & A session where you
can learn more about the experience of each team and so much more.
RV Unplugged Rally
Make sure you catch every exciting minute of this new RV competition on YouTube. You’ll want to
subscribe to the YouTube page and the newsletter on the official website to stay up-to-date on the latest news and episodes.
For the dates of each RV Influencer’s story and when the episodes will air, go to the RV Unplugged Website and click on “Release Dates” to see the schedule. Back
RV Unplugged YouTube Page
RV Unplugged Website
