ISSUE 17 | FEB/MAR | 2024
1of 1:
THE ULTIMATE FUZION
48 STATES IN 8 MONTHS
CAMPING IN CANADA’S CROWN LAND GOT INTERNET?
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
COMING THIS SPRING
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7
From the Publisher
9
Contributors
11 The Feed 12 Happy Campers 15 Round Up 17 Featured RVer 19 48 STATES IN 8 MONTHS The Trip of a Lifetime
26 FIBERGLASS TRAILER FAVORITES 39 Decor Ideas for a Vintage Vibe 43 Places To See and Stay Campsites and Nearby Attractions
54 ONE OF ONE: THE ULTIMATE FUZION A Q&A with Cortni Armstrong of The Flipping Nomad
64 Collab With Us 65 RV Couple Creates New Internet Solution
71 CAMPING IN CANADA’S CROWN LAND Boondocking Offers Flexibility for Last-Minute Trips
76 Careers On the Road 78 BOONDOCKING 80 Gear Guide 82 Events
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THE NATION’S
LEADING
RV OWNERS MAGA ZINE
RV TODAY MAGAZINE ISSUE 17 | FEB/MAR | 2024 Publisher: Demian Ross Chief Editor: Nikki Kirk Editorial Director: Jamie May Art Director: Melinda Galjour Copy Editor: Kristin Skaggs Sales Team: Richard Kirby, richard@rvtoday.com Scott Stahley, scott@rvtoday.com
LET’S CONNECT #rvtoday @rvtodaymag /rvtoday @rvtoday
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Disclaimer: One of the great things about digital publications is the ability to link you directly to the products or services you want to hear more about. Some of the links in this issue are affiliate links where we earn commissions on goods or services you buy. These commissions help us to continue to publish the magazine. RV Today is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@rvtoday.com Copyright ©2024 Blue Compass Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions.
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OUTDOORS
PUBLISHER A business coach once told me every company needs a rival. Apple has Microsoft. Nike has Adidas. Budweiser has Coors. McDonalds has Burger King. RV Today magazine had Camping World’s RV Magazine, but Camping World decided to no longer produce the magazine at the end of 2023. The magazine space is an interesting one to be in. While print isn’t a great place to publish breaking news in this day and age, if you are covering a niche lifestyle with content that is always relevant – even a few years later – you can thrive. And guess what? RV Today is thriving! Readers are smart and they know when they are being marketed to. To be a successful magazine in 2024, you have to be just a magazine. I know that sounds funny but it’s true. A magazine isn’t truly a magazine if the main objective is to promote the dealerships you own, your agency, or your membership service. Those are not magazines. Those are Trojan horse marketing pieces disguised as magazines. For example, if the largest national dealer publishes a generator comparison article in their magazine and doesn’t include the popular Harbor Freight Predator 3500 because they don’t sell it in their stores, then that is more like a catalog than a magazine. The other thing that makes a magazine truly a magazine is having a print version available. Even though I know
you might be reading this on your tablet or laptop, a vast majority of people still want to read their magazines in print. They are trying to disconnect from their devices – especially when RVing. Magazines are here to stay because of the experience they offer to readers. Advertisements don’t disrupt the experience. You are not dashing to find the “skip ad” button in a magazine. I want to extend a special welcome to all the new subscribers who have come over to RV Today as one competitor closed its doors and another decided to no longer offer a print version of their magazine. We are so glad to have you here and don’t worry, we will be here for a long time to come. Demian Ross, Publisher @demianross demian@rvtoday.com
When it comes to how we RV, I realize that what’s normal for me might not be normal for you, and vice versa. I’m reminded of this nearly every time I’m on the road and someone does a double take—I’m not typically who people are expecting to see jump out from behind the wheel of a truck towing a trailer. Catching sight of these reactions, I remember that seeing a woman hitching up, backing in, and towing is not normal for everyone, even though it’s perfectly normal to me. In this issue of RV Today, we’re introducing you to another woman who tows—Cortni Armstrong. Check out her beast of a build on pages 54 through 63. And if you’re a woman who tows, or a woman who wants to tow, I’d love to hear about your experiences as well. Visit rvtoday.com/feedback to tell me your thoughts. Jamie May Editorial Director jamie@rvtoday.com
ISSUE 17 | FEB/MAR | 2024
FROM THE
1of 1:
THE ULTIMATE FUZION
48 STATES IN 8 MONTHS
CAMPING IN CANADA’S CROWN LAND GOT INTERNET?
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
ON THE COVER:
Cortni Armstrong (The Flipping Nomad) and Patti Baruxen in front of The Ultimate Fuzion. Photo by Keystone RV Company.
COME EXPLORE THE OPEN ROAD
Rediscover the joy of travel with Corterra by Heartland. Imagine waking up to a new sunrise through
panoramic windows, sipping your favorite wine as the landscape changes before your eyes. With Corterra, we bring the comforts of home to the heart of nature. Modern interiors crafted with elegance,
a solar energy package for sustainable travels, and a wine or coffee bar to celebrate the end of each day’s adventure. Your only concern? Crafting a trail of unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Let Corterra be the backdrop to your family’s greatest adventures and the stories you’ll tell for years to come.
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CONTRIBUTORS
CORTNI ARMSTRONG
Melissa Parsons @melexploring_
@theflippingnomad One of One: The Ultimate Fuzion
Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels
Cortni has been a full-time RVer since 2014. She wanted a cute, modern RV interior, and after realizing what she wanted didn't exist, she started her business, The Flipping Nomad—an RV renovation business turning normal, forgettable RVs into bespoke, dream spaces. Cortni and her team do custom work for clients and also coach DIYers on RV basics and renovations. Learn more at theflippingnomad.com.
JT and Berenise Winders @sunshine_ministries Ali Enerson @a.family.adventures Ashley Peeples @peeples.and.places Gwendolyn Call @chaoskiddosandharmony Anne Klumpp @ontheroadofadventure Lauren and Sam Lynass @alittlebitunhitched Ben and Charity DeVries @gratefulglamper Melissa Sheremeta-Ponto @mshereme Holly Beaven @mimiandpoppygonenomad Robin Beal @robinb0696 Julia Thomas @natural.jules
KERISA TIONGSON
@travelingtiongsons 48 States in 8 Months: The Trip of a Lifetime Kerisa Tiongson travels full time in her 17-foot toy hauler with her husband, Anthony, their cat, Tiskies, and their dog, Butters. In more than three years of RV life, they’ve traveled to all of the lower 48 states together. Kerisa is a freelance copywriter and travel blogger. Her favorite place to explore is the Pacific Northwest, especially Washington and Idaho. Follow her travels at travelingtiongsons.com.
RYAN PONTO
@dasponto Camping in Canada’s Crown Land
Sarah Sanville @sanvilleinvestments
Ryan, an engineer by day and photographer by night, and his wife Melissa, a pediatric dental hygienist, started out tent camping through the wilderness. Eventually, they added their two faithful golden retrievers and a 2019 Airstream Basecamp 16X. They’ve now expanded their adventures to include free camping in Canada’s Crown land, as well as winter camping and using their Basecamp year round. Find them on Instagram @dasponto and @mshereme.
Kimberly Crossland @cruisinandcampfires
RYANE SMITH
Gretchen Watson @themindfulnomadic Felicia “FJ” Johns @everyday.with.fj Giancarlo Damiani @yearlongweekend
Roxanne and Gary Brooks @siptaptow Celeste Davia @daviadesiresphotography
To learn how to become a contributor with our magazine, please visit rvtoday.com/work-with-us
@roamingwiththesmiths Decor Ideas For a Vintage Vibe Ryane and her full-time RV family are exploring the breathtaking landscapes of North America while embracing a life defined by freedom and unique adventures. Their mission goes beyond travel; it's about inspiring others to live boldly and authentically. Through a nomadic lifestyle, they’ve found their purpose: to ignite the spark of living freely and show that it is possible to live outside—and outside the box—every day! Follow them @roamingwiththesmiths.
NOT THE TIME TO WISH YOU BOUGHT AN RV WITH ABS.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have been a requirement on all passenger vehicles in the United States for over a decade. So, why aren’t these life-saving systems standard on all RVs?
PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE WITH LIPPERT ABS.
Watch the video to learn more about Lippert ABS and find out what brands are currently helping owners protect what they love. lippert.com
THE FEED
“I’ll always be that girl who is okay with feeling a little lost. It’s all part of my journey!”
Patty Gill
@gills_on_wheels
“Enjoying the beautiful hill country from our bedroom window”
ns
Melissa Parso
g_ @melexplorin
JT and Berenise Winders @sunshine_ministries
“It’s strange how we love the small space—it feels so much more simple and slow-paced!”
Ali Enerson
@a.family.adventures
“Road life isn’t for everyone and it isn’t always glamorous, but we think it’s absolutely worth it!”
Share your thoughts and shape our stories! Submit your reader feedback for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue: rvtoday.com/feedback RV TODAY | 11
CAMPERS
Our readers share what they love about RVing!
“We have had lots of little funny moments!” Ashley Peeples @peeples.and.places
“We love living a ‘normal’ life while traveling full time.” Anne Klumpp @ontheroadofadventure
12 | RVTODAY.COM
“Time with my family and simple living!” Gwendolyn Call @chaoskiddosandharmony
“The minimalism of it all!” Lauren and Sam Lynass @alittlebitunhitched Visit rvtoday.com/happycamper for a chance to be featured. RV TODAY | 13
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH The whole point of a weight distribution hitch is getting the correct amount of weight moved from the rear axles to the front axles of your vehicle. Current weight distribution hitches take an all-or-nothing approach: loaded or unloaded. Our composite LITEFLEX® bars make it possible to fine-tune your setup with just the pump of a handle.
Preset head angle works for every setup
Setup is all done on the driver’s side.
Load the bars by pumping the handle until desired weight is transferred to the front axle.
Immediate and continuous friction sway prevention
Single pivot point eliminates noise and wear points
Our tapered composite spring bars made with LITEFLEX® technology by Hendrickson cover 600 - 1,600 lb tongue weight.
Composite bars are lighter-weight and 5x more flexible than steel, but with similar strength.
Unload the bars by simply twisting the needle valve knob.
Pressure gauge to ensure a repeatable setup
ROUND UP
Airstream
AIRSTREAM AND TOMMY BAHAMA COLLAB
RVers can upgrade four of Airstream’s Interstate and Atlas Class B touring coach models built on the MercedesBenz® Sprinter van chassis with an optional Tommy Bahama® package. The upgrade includes beachy decor as well as a built-in bar, drinkware, and bottle storage. Included are additional beach accessories in an exclusive bundled kit.
KOA Campgrounds
KOA Milestone Achievement
KOA has announced it’s hit a significant milestone—a Net Promoter Score of 70. Net Promoter Score is a key indicator of customer loyalty and satisfaction, and this score places KOA in the same category as brands like Starbucks and Costco. This achievement highlights the brand’s growing popularity and steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction.
LANDTRUST OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TO CAMPGROUNDS
A land-sharing marketplace called LandTrust is offering a new alternative to traditional campgrounds by partnering with landowners to offer exclusive RV and camping access on farms and ranches across the country. Currently, landtrust.com lists more than 1.25 million acres of private land across 40 states, with more than 200 listings offering RV and camping experiences. The site was initially started mostly to offer hunting and fishing access, but is expanding to offer unique RV and camping experiences as well. Founder and CEO Nic De Castro said, “LandTrust is for exclusive access to working farms and ranches. It’s more for the off-grid type of camper who’s looking for outdoor recreation opportunities and no one else around.”
More Women are Becoming RV Owners Statistical Surveys tells us that since 2019, RV registrations for camping trailers, class A, and travel trailers have seen the most growth among women. This uptick in ownership demographics indicates that more women are entering the market. Historically, men have accounted for around threequarters of RV purchases.
HOSPITAL RV SITES
Some hospitals are offering RV sites for patients and patients’ families. Typically, spaces will be available by reservation for RVers seeking treatment. Some hospitals offering RV sites for their patients include Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center in Montana, OHSU in Oregon, and Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas.
RV TODAY | 15
ROUND UP The Ultimate RV Repair and Restore Hotel Package Visiting Elkhart, Indiana, for RV repairs and looking for a place to stay? One hotel in the RV Capital of the World has you covered. When you stay two nights or more, Hotel Elkhart’s exclusive package includes a $25 food and beverage voucher for The Corner Bar, two tickets to the RV Hall of Fame, complimentary parking, and a 2 p.m. checkout. Visit hotelelkhart. com/special-offers to reserve.
National Park Entrance Fee-Free Days Experience the magic and wonder of America’s national parks in 2024 and enjoy no entrance fees on these upcoming dates. APRIL 20: First Day of National Park Week JUNE 19: Juneteenth AUGUST 4: Great American Outdoors Day SEPTEMBER 28: National Public Lands Day NOVEMBER 11: Veterans Day The fee waiver for the fee-free days applies only to National Park Service entrance fees and does not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours, or other activities.
16 | RVTODAY.COM
Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
istock.com/ RLT_Images
Hotel Elkhart
TESLA CYBERTRUCK
With shatter-resistant glass, a stainless-steel exoskeleton, and an 11,000-pound towing capacity, Tesla’s Cybertruck is the latest and greatest RV camping innovation to hit the market and is available for order and delivery in 2024. CYBERBEAST MODEL SPECS: Estimated 320-mile range 0 to 60 MPH in 2.6 seconds 2,500-pound payload 11,000-pound towing capacity 67 cubic feet of lockable storage 17-inch ground clearance in extract mode 120V and 240V outlets can operate power tools Estimated 470-mile range with range extender upgrade Weight = 6,843 pounds Length = 223.7 inches Height = 70.5 inches Cargo capacity = 120.9 cubic feet
FEATURED RVER
meet
Ben and Charity DeVries
B
EN AND CHARITY have been traveling for more than five years in their 2004 Fleetwood Discovery. They travel with their children, Dakota and Trinity, as well as their dog and two cats. “Our motto is experiences over things,” they said. They wanted to spend more time with their kids, and their home on wheels allows them to cherish family time and focus on creating unique memories together. Two of their favorite experiences came this past summer when they stayed at a campground next to Cedar Point, an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. “We spent two days riding some of the best roller coasters in the country while also having our home on wheels to walk to each night. It was a ‘vacation’ experience with our RV and not just a ‘life on the road’ experience.” Another top memory was when they stayed at a campground that offers boondocking spots in Wisconsin. They were there for the EAA AirVenture convention. Charity said, “2023 was record-breaking with the number of planes, people, and campers that came! There were planes flying overhead every day from sunup until sundown—many of them military F series jets doing aerial performances!” Experiences such as these are possible because Ben and Charity prioritize time and location freedom. Instead of selling their house to go RVing, they use it as a vacation rental, which has allowed them to save money to fund travel. To see other amazing spots Ben and Charity have visited, follow them on Instagram @gratefulglamper. RV TODAY | 17
18 | RVTODAY.COM
48States 8Months in
W
HEN WE CROSSED the Arkansas state line, I started crying. We were driving over the Mississippi River and I heard the navigation voice say, “Welcome to Arkansas,” and I replied back as if she could hear me, saying, “You have no idea.” I looked over to the passenger seat and saw my husband, Anthony, who was holding our dachshund, Butters, while our cat, Tiskies, sat on the center console. Anthony said to me, “You did it, babe.” I learned about the nomadic lifestyle in college. I had a professor
The Trip of a Lifetime BY KERISA TIONGSON
who had written a Moon guidebook, and while sitting in his class, I got the wild idea that I wanted to see all 50 states. I graduated college, moved, and settled into a career, but I couldn’t shake the idea. As my life evolved, so did my travel plans. My new dream included the four of us seeing as many states as we could in our budget-friendly trailer, with all of the lower 48 states being the lofty goal. We left Idaho on November 14, 2020, and by August 6, 2021, we were popping champagne in Arkansas, our 48th state together in just over eight months.
RV TODAY | 19
Use these worksheets to start planning the trips you've been dreaming about within the lower 48 states.
PLANNING OUR ROUTE
I used to write down places I wanted to see on a scrap piece of paper: New York City, Key West, Acadia National Park, Route 66. That list lived in my purse for years, and when it came time to plan our 48-state route, I used it as my starting point. Because it was winter when we left Idaho, we headed south to spend the holidays in Southern California with our families. I opened up my laptop, unfolded a giant map of the United States on my parents’ table, grabbed a pencil and a calendar, and began to plan. We started with just a couple of months, because we had to be back in California for a wedding. Our plan was to drive to the Florida Keys, then visit our best friends in New Jersey, and then take Route 66 back to California. We weren’t sure how our cat would do on the road, so we told ourselves that if she couldn’t handle it, we’d be happy with this adventure and we could stop there. We traversed Highway 10 from California to Florida, and in a month’s time, we were sipping cocktails in Key West. Our travels took us north to New Jersey, where we enjoyed a couple of weeks in our friends’ driveway. It was then time to head toward Chicago, where we began our two-and-a-halfweek journey along the original roads that are still drivable from the Mother Road back to Southern California, with 27 states under our belts. Back in my parents’ driveway, I was sitting on the porch enjoying a cold one with my dad, looking at the incomplete sticker map on the back of our home on wheels. He reminded me that I didn’t have to see everything now—I had done more in five months than most people do in a lifetime! But our pets loved life on the road, and I wasn’t done. So back to the map and pencil I went! I drew a route that would take us through the rest of the 48 states, ending with Arkansas. In April, we headed north from California along the entirety of PCH to Washington, then we headed east. I was crying on a bridge in Arkansas less than four months later.
20 | RVTODAY.COM
Alabama
Nebraska
Arizona
Nevada
Arkansas
New Hampshire
California
New Jersey
Colorado
New Mexico
Connecticut
New York
Delaware
North Carolina
Florida
North Dakota
Georgia
Ohio
Idaho
Oklahoma
Illinois
Oregon
Indiana
Pennsylvania
Iowa
Rhode Island
Kansas
South Carolina
Kentucky
South Dakota
Louisiana
Tennessee
Maine
Texas
Maryland
Utah
Massachusetts
Vermont
Michigan
Virginia
Minnesota
Washington
Mississippi
West Virginia
Missouri
Wisconsin
Montana
Wyoming
T TO SEE: N A W I S E PLAC
K C A R R U T YO TRAVELS
Print this!
rvtod ay.c lower om/ 48
RV TODAY | 21
The Best Parts OUR RELATIONSHIP GOT STRONGER
Traveling hundreds of miles a day, driving through storms and city traffic, navigating narrow roads, and having no personal space could make or break a couple. But this chapter of our lives made us stronger than ever. We got engaged a few months before hitting the road, and we figured if we could survive this journey in a 17-foot trailer, we could survive anything. We know that no matter what our lives look like in the future, we can use the communication skills and patience we learned from this trip to make it through whatever obstacles may lie ahead.
INSPIRING OTHERS TO TRAVEL
We celebrated my birthday in Maine, and my parents flew in from California to spend a week adventuring with us. I remember kayaking with them in the Atlantic Ocean, watching them laugh while trying to figure out how to paddle in unison. My mom is terrified of drowning, but here she was facing her fears for a bucket list adventure.
MEETING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY
Traveling the U.S. in an RV means you’ll meet people from all walks of life. RVs with stickers from every corner of the country are great icebreakers, and some of our best conversations have been with other RV owners on their own cross-country journeys.
22 | RVTODAY.COM
A FOODIE’S DREAM COME TRUE
We love food. We jokingly say that we didn’t just travel around the country; we ate around the country. We’ve enjoyed brisket in Texas, lobster rolls in Maine, key lime in Key West, and all the Hatch chile we could handle in Albuquerque. Eating in every state really expanded our palates, and there are things we enjoy eating now that we probably wouldn’t have tried if we hadn’t taken this trip.
What We’d Do Differently GO MORE SLOWLY AND BE MORE FLEXIBLE
The grand finale of our 48-state journey was getting married in Big Sur, California. Unfortunately, having a deadline resulted in traveling way too quickly. Covering 200 to 500 miles three to four days a week means you’re bound to miss things! We realized we should have planned more rest days to soak in the experience and allow for spontaneity. There were many times when we had a long travel day and we’d see something cool along our route, but we’d have to drive right past it. Our pace didn’t allow time for the unexpected finds and hidden gems scattered all over the country.
RV TODAY | 23
SAVE MORE MONEY
There are many unexpected expenses with RV travel—both good and bad. Surprises ranging from tire blowouts to unplanned adventures are bound to happen. Things will also break faster when you’re traveling faster. People say driving an RV down the road is like an earthquake, meaning things will break, and often. This gets amplified when you add in frequent travel days and a budget-friendly (i.e., cheap) trailer. RVing can be expensive, especially during the summer peak season and with gas prices fluctuating every day. We thought we left Idaho with a good amount of money saved, and we ended our journey with our savings account on fumes. That’s to be expected when you’re living an eight-month vacation-like lifestyle! But we do wish we’d saved more so we could have splurged more, and so we could have slept better at night knowing that whatever tomorrow brings, we had it covered.
FROM ONCE IN A LIFETIME TO A LIFESTYLE After the sticker map was filled, the vows were said, and the honeymoon tan faded, we were left with the question, “Now what?” We knew we couldn’t go back to our old life, so we found ways to keep going. We move more slowly thanks to Anthony workamping seasonally. We save more money and we’ve established a routine that allows for a solid work schedule mixed with the freedom and flexibility that RV life brings. Tiskies and Butters get to spend their lives on an endless adventure. What started as the trip of a lifetime has turned into a lifestyle better than any daydream I could’ve ever imagined.
Follow Kerisa's travels @travelingtiongsons 24 | RVTODAY.COM
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F Fiberglass
Always be sure to check the compatibility of the towing capacity of your vehicle and your travel trailer of choice. Trailers are listed in no particular order. These are several of the manufacturers’ top sellers. Not all features are listed. Please visit the manufacturer’s website for up-to-date information.
Photo Courtesy Oliver Travel Trailers
Trailer FAVORITES
IBERGLASS TRAILERS ARE some of the easiest RVs to own and maintain, and they come with many benefits. They’re some of the lightest travel trailers, so you may not have to invest in a heavy-duty, expensive tow vehicle. Their rounded corners and smooth sides make them aerodynamic. They’re not prone to leaks, they’re easy to clean, and they tend to have a higher resale value than other RVs. Gelcoat cracks are a minor drawback owners may experience—they are a normal part of owning a fiberglass trailer and can be repaired. But not all fiberglass trailers are created equal! True fiberglass trailers are full-body fiberglass, which minimizes seams, allowing for virtually no leaks. Others may use some fiberglass components, such as just for the roof or walls, but will not be one molded structure made of fiberglass. We checked with several fiberglass trailer manufacturers to find out which of their models are most loved by their customers. Here they are.
L’air Trillium Heritage Standard
Photos Courtesy L’air Camper Co.
Front and rear convertible dinettes
28 | RVTODAY.COM
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
L’air Camper Co. puts a modern spin on a retro camper. The standout feature with L’air fiberglass travel trailers is that the fiberglass body— including all walls, the roof, and the floor—is one continuous structure. Based in Canada, L’air makes it easy for U.S.-based customers to take a trailer home with their Easy Pick-Up USA program. With this program, you can pick up your L’air Camper at the border in Buffalo, New York, or Port Huron, Michigan, with other pickup options including Albany, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; and Denver, Colorado.
Features: • Fully-molded fiberglass body • Lightweight • Front and rear convertible dinettes • Dual pane thermal windows • Fiberglass tongue box • Optional water system • 15-inch aluminum rims • Additional upgrades available
Specs: GVWR: 2,200 pounds Length: 13 feet, 5 inches Axles: 1 Sleeping capacity: 3 RV TODAY | 29
Happier Camper Flagship HC1
Photos Courtesy Happier Camper
Ultra lightweight and ready to take anywhere, the Flagship HC1 is a customer favorite from California-based Happier Camper. These vintage-inspired travel trailers are towable with most vehicles and can fit into a single parking space. Happier Camper trailers are made of a double hull molded and bonded fiberglass shell, which means a molded interior and exterior with insulation between the layers. The unique modular components inside allow you to rearrange the layout or change up the floor plan as needed. They can also be removed and set outside to give you more living space while camping.
30 | RVTODAY.COM
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
Features: Sample layout with optional modular components
• Ultralight • Modular components • Changeable layouts • Towable with most vehicles (dry weight about 1,100 lbs.) • Rear hatch • Panoramic windows • Solar ready • Made-to-order • Fully customizable from upholstery fabrics to exterior colors
Specs: GVWR: 3,500 pounds Length: 13 feet, 5 inches Axles: 1 Sleeping capacity: 5
Large rear hatch RV TODAY | 31
32 | RVTODAY.COM
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
Photo Courtesy Happier Camper
RV TODAY | 33
Molded anti-skid fiberglass floors
34 | RVTODAY.COM
Photos Courtesy Cortes Campers
Cortes Campers Cortes 17
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
From Ohio-based Cortes Campers, the award-winning Cortes 17 is lightweight and aerodynamic, with several color options to choose from. These molded fiberglass travel trailers are RVIA approved and contain everything you need to comfortably camp and sleep two people while traveling. Inside, you’ll find features like built-in window blinds and screens, on-demand hot water, and molded anti-skid fiberglass floors. There is no wood, carpet, or linoleum, so you can rest assured these will last for years to come.
Features: • Double hulled with honeycomb core • Four season capabilities • Double bed • Shower • Three burner cooktop/oven • Microwave • 8 cubic feet refrigerator/freezer • Double-pane acrylic windows • Daytime and nighttime configurations
Specs: GVWR: 3,500 pounds Length: 18 feet, 2 inches Axles: 1 Sleeping capacity: 2 RV TODAY | 35
[Pop-up: Soft-close drawers]
36 | RVTODAY.COM
Photos Courtesy Oliver Travel Trailers
Oliver Legacy Elite II
Fiberglass Trailer Favorites
Soft-close drawers
Oliver Travel Trailers are made in Tennessee with high-quality durable materials that are meant to last. Available in two different floor plans, (one being a convertible dinette to a king bed) Oliver’s Legacy Elite II is a customer favorite in the twin bed floor plan. Not only will you find a thoughtfully put together double hull rig, but you’ll also be pleased to discover ample storage and easyto-clean interiors. Typical household appliances come standard, including a water heater, air conditioner, furnace, refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Boondocking packages are also available.
Features: • Four seasons ready • Luxurious interior • Full bathroom • Nev-R-Lube axles • Sewer hose bumper storage • Power awning with wind sensor • European style design • Hardwood soft-close drawers
Specs: GVWR: 7,000 pounds Length: 23 feet, 6 inches Axles: 2 Sleeping capacity: 3 RV TODAY | 37
“MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME” We have been members for three years now, and when we do camp at a Harvest Hosts site, we really enjoy it every time. We've been to wineries, vineyards, breweries, alpaca farms, museums, and distilleries and we've always enjoyed it. It's so much better than staying at a campground. You get to experience the real USA. - Harvest Hosts Member, Sabine S
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCE "NATIONAL PARK RESERVATION GUIDE"
Decor Ideas for a Vintage Vibe BY RYANE SMITH
R
EADY TO BOOGIE down memory lane, unleash your inner hippie, and turn your RV into a groovy, cozy paradise? With a few key elements, you can infuse your RV with playful energy and bohemian charm, creating a space that celebrates freedom, creativity, and the joy of the open road.
BOHO BLISS Introduce the bohemian spirit by incorporating natural materials like rattan, wicker, and bamboo. Chairs, tables, and storage solutions using these materials can infuse your RV with a touch of earthy texture. Blending these natural elements with retro aesthetics creates a harmonious and inviting space.
MACRAME AND HANDMADE WHIMSY No groovy haven is complete without macrame artistry. Hang dreamy macrame plant hangers, lay down earthy rugs, and create cozy nooks. Embrace the carefree vibes and let your inner flower child run wild.
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COLOR EXPLOSION
PATTERN POWER
VINTAGE VIBES
Get ready to paint the town—or rather, your RV! Transport yourself back in time with bold, vibrant colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and avocado green! Live a carefree life and splash those vibrant colors around on your walls, cabinets, and even furniture.
Retro patterns—including geometric shapes, paisley, and psychedelic prints—can capture the essence of the era. Let your upholstery, curtains, and accent pieces become a canvas for visual delight.
Seek out vintage treasures to transport your RV back in time. Explore your attic or visit flea markets in search of lava lamps, vinyl record players, funky artwork, and musical instruments. These nostalgic gems will turn your RV into a time capsule of groovy goodness.
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PLAYFUL TOUCHES Invite some unique and playful elements into your paradise! Hang beaded curtains to create funky doorways or room dividers, or install disco balls for impromptu dance parties on the go. And don’t forget about fun accessories, like peace sign wall decals, lava lamp-inspired nightlights, and colorful string lights. Let the good vibes roll wherever you roam.
HIT THE ROAD IN STYLE Once your transformation is complete, hit the road and let your RV be your dance floor. Embrace the freedom of the open road as you cruise in your one-of-a-kind groovy getaway. Spread joy wherever you go and immerse yourself in the peace and uplifting vibes your transformed home brings. It’s a journey that nourishes the mind and body.
Follow Ryane, Drew, Bear, and Blue’s everyday moments and wild adventures on Instagram @roamingwiththesmiths
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ON
A
REAL
VACATION
CHANGE OF SEASON CALLS FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY.
GO
GO EXPLORE
Places to
SEE & STAY
COST $ Up to $30/ night $$ $31-$60 / night $$$ $61+ / night
FAST FACTS Full Hookups Big Rig Friendly Kid-friendly Pet-friendly Pool Wi-Fi
Whether you’re venturing out for a cross-country road trip or exploring locally, here are some famous and unique must-stop places to see and stay across America!
Attractions Campgrounds H Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts locations and reviews generously provided by the team at Harvest Hosts. Visit harvesthosts.com for 15% off.
Have a place to see and/or stay? Visit rvtoday.com/work-with-us and click the Campground or Attractions form to share your favorite road trip spots! RV TODAY | 43
Pacific 44 | RVTODAY.COM
MOONBEAM FARM Corning, CA
MoonBeam is a popular farm and country store in Northern California. They grow culinary and oil-production lavender, along with organic heirloom self-sustained loofah sponges. In the summer, farm tours are available so you can learn how loofah is grown and harvested. If you find yourself in this region of the Golden State, be sure to stop by this picture-perfect lavender farm.
THOR’S WELL
Some call it Oregon’s greatest mystery, and others call it a natural wonder. Either way, this large, 20-foot-deep sinkhole is definitely something to see! Thor’s Well is off the Oregon Coast Highway right outside of Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. According to local expert Gary Hayes in a post on traveloregon.com, “Formations like Thor’s Well … are typically formed over long periods of time geologically. They begin as a sea cave and eventually the top of the cave collapses, leaving an opening where the tide surges from below send water shooting upward with dramatic force.” If you’re looking to see this magnificent site for yourself, the best time to view it is at high tide or after a storm, when the water is surging highest over and into the rock hole. Photos by Robin Beal @robinb0696
FORT STEVENS STATE PARK
1675 Peter Iredale Road Hammond, OR 97121
$$ Fort Stevens is a beautiful historic military state park on the far North Oregon coast. The park is the site of inactive military bunkers and equipment. There’s so much to explore and see, including paved bike trails, ocean beaches, wild moose, and the wreckage of the Peter Iredale. And rumor has it that Fort Stephens is haunted! There is a lot to do in the area outside the park. Astoria is nearby—this northernmost town on the Oregon border is known as the setting of “The Goonies.” There are also Thousand Trails campgrounds within a 30-minute drive both north and south. We love it so much we’ve been back more than once! By Holly Beaven @mimiandpoppygonenomad
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THE WINERY AT HOLY CROSS ABBEY Cañon City, CO
Mountain
This award-winning winery is on the grounds of a former monastery for Benedictine monks, known as Holy Cross Abbey. Opening a winery at the Holy Cross Abbey was an idea that the founders of the monastery first had in 1886. In 2000, their dream became a reality! Today, the winery produces 18 wines, has a dedicated tasting room and gift shop, and has won more than 100 awards. Stop in for a visit next time you’re in Colorado.
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SANTA FE KOA JOURNEY 934 Old Las Vegas Highway Santa Fe, NM 87505
$$$ We made this cute, cozy campground, with spots nestled between piñon and juniper trees, our base camp for visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and viewing the most recent solar eclipse. It’s about an hour's drive from the event, but well worth it to have peace and quiet during the rest of your stay. The camp staff was so friendly and helpful, and their gift shop and general store have everything you need to restock supplies. The playground is great for letting kids burn off their energy after a long day on the road. They’ll even deliver pizza to your campsite if you need a break from cooking. The laundry and showers were clean, and we felt comfortable using them. They took great care of us while we were there and went above and beyond for everything we needed. By Jamie May @jypsythreads
TWIN FALLS Idaho
Twin Falls is a mid-sized city in Southern Idaho, nestled along the Interstate 84 corridor. It’s known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Snake River and the iconic Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the Niagara of the West. The city offers a mix of outdoor recreation, agriculture, and ample opportunities for mid-trip resupplies at big box stores such as PetSmart, making it an exceptional choice for a travel day detour or even a longer stay. In the RV community, Twin Falls is also known as a gateway to adventure, because the area offers endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is only two hours north of town. By Julia Thomas @natural.jules
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Central 48 | RVTODAY.COM
FAUBOURG BREWING COMPANY New Orleans, LA
The story of Faubourg Brewing Company first began in 1907. Faubourg is the French word for “suburb,” and it’s a term New Orleanians regularly use. Faubourg Brewing Company strives to be the neighborhood beer of New Orleans, bringing people together. In the past 100-plus years, Faubourg Brewing Company has survived both prohibition and Hurricane Katrina. Although the original building was destroyed by the hurricane, they were able to find another home outside of New Orleans to brew. In 2019, the current brewery was built in New Orleans East. This brewery is part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans, and a must-visit if you’re in the area!
PENSACOLA BEACH RV RESORT 17 Via De Luna Drive Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
$$$ Pensacola Beach RV Resort is a promising destination for RV enthusiasts seeking a blend of relaxation, convenience, and seaside charm. This Gulf Coast campground has an extensive range of amenities. A private beach is exclusive to park guests so you can lounge on the sandy shores, tan in the Florida sun, or simply enjoy the calming sounds of the water. Other on-site amenities include well-maintained full-hookup sites, clean shower facilities, laundry services, reliable Wi-Fi, playgrounds, a tiki bar, complimentary chairs and umbrellas, and a fenced pool. Located on the Santa Rosa Sound, there is access to water activities and diverse attractions, including the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, National Naval Aviation Museum, Downtown Pensacola, and Fort Pickens. This resort is a great value for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. By Giancarlo Damiani @yearlongweekend RV TODAY | 49
Central 50 | RVTODAY.COM
UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE 509 West Willow St. Scottsboro, AL 35768
Unclaimed Baggage—or “The Airplane Store,” as we like to call it—bills itself as the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage. The huge secondhand store sells all kinds of unclaimed airline items. As you drive up, you’ll notice the oversized parking lot ready for your RV and the bright orange antique pickup with a load of suitcases parked out front. The excitement begins as you walk through the clever entryway, which opens to a world of endless finds. Unclaimed Baggage has it all, including clothes, jewelry, bags, electronics, and sunglasses. The store has many different name brands to choose from, all at a discounted price. You’ll even find a room set up like a museum with some of the most unique articles that have been unpacked over the years. Unclaimed Baggage is a must-see experience. There are also some great parks and views within about an hour’s drive from this one-of-a-kind retail store! BY FELICIA “FJ” JOHNS @everyday.with.fj
GULF SHORES RV RESORT 18717 Barefoot Way Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
$$$ Nestled in the peaceful woods of Gulf Shores, Alabama, lies a treasure—Gulf Shores RV Resort. The resort has more than 175 RV sites and is equipped with full hookups, roomy concrete pads, and inviting picnic areas for delicious meals outdoors. It’s the perfect destination for any RV enthusiast. Take a splash in their seasonal pool and hot tub, or play horseshoes or corn hole if you’re looking for some friendly competition. The kids stayed entertained for hours on their nostalgic tire swing and we loved the large laundry facility and contemporary bathrooms. Located right outside the hub city of Gulf Shores, this campground is less than 10 miles from sugary-white beaches and a plentiful selection of restaurants. By Gretchen Watson @themindfulnomadic
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Photo by Shaun Terhune Photography
Eastern
Have a place to see and/or stay? Visit rvtoday.com/work-with-us and click the Campground or Attractions form to share your favorite road trip spots!
LITTLETON New Hampshire
This little town is situated at the top of the stunning White Mountains and overlooks the Ammonoosuc River. Main Street is filled with quaint Americana shops, restaurants, and attractions. My favorite shops include Chutters, which claims to have the world’s largest candy counter, and Shaun Terhune, an amazing rustic photo gallery and gift shop. Schilling Beer Co. is a must-stop for locally-sourced food and craft beer, and you can eat overlooking the river. Another wonderful stop is Super Secret Ice Cream nearby in Bethlehem. They have locally-sourced, handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors! There is a lot to do, including hiking, biking, skiing, boating, swimming, and climbing. The year-round entertainment is endless, and there are several campgrounds nearby that are perfect to use as your home base.
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By Sarah Sanville @sanvilleinvestments
FUNKY BOW BREWERY & BEER COMPANY Lyman, ME
You’ll find this family-owned brewery in the woods of Maine. Funky Bow Brewery and Beer Company is known for its live music and dog-friendly atmosphere. Everything you could ever need is here—incredible beer, delicious pizzas, and vibrant ambience! You’ll be sure to have a great time.
A collection of smaller, lighter and more affordable RVs designed for today’s owners who want to get back to camping basics without sacrificing the features they love. Welcome to RVing Within Reach. LEARN MORE
Patti Baruxen Cortni Armstrong @theflippingnomad
@theflippingmom
ONE OF ONE:
THE ULTIMATE FUZION A Q&A with Cortni Armstrong of The Flipping Nomad
D
REAMS CAN COME true! We asked Cortni Armstrong about her most recent project, The Ultimate Fuzion—a one-of-a-kind toy hauler turned home and shop on wheels. Here’s what Cortni, also known as The Flipping Nomad, shared about her dream, her process, the build, and what’s next.
Q&A Q:
For those who may not already know your story, can you share a little about the creation and evolution of The Flipping Nomad?
A:
The Flipping Nomad started as my Instagram handle, but quickly became a full-fledged business. I became a full-time RVer in 2014. One year into it, I realized that I love the lifestyle, but I couldn’t stand the interiors! In 2015, I took matters into my own hands and renovated a fifth wheel for myself. I felt like there might be a business opportunity there—maybe other people didn’t like the interiors either. My head kept telling me, “There’s a reason all these interiors look the way they do. You’re the only one who wants something cute.” But then my heart would say, “No! I can’t be the only one! There are millions of RVers out there—some of them must feel the same way!” After two years of back and forth in my head, I found the courage to give it a try. I bought a 30-foot fifth wheel, renovated it, and sold it locally via Craigslist. Then I did another one
after that. While I was renovating those two, I posted about them on my Instagram account just for my old college friends to see what I was doing now. I had zero intentions of growing a following or leveraging social media as marketing. But I had made the account public, and as fate would have it, people I didn’t know started following me. At first, it sort of weirded me out! I was actually contemplating making the account private, but then I witnessed the power of social media for the first time. On Instagram, I shared that I had purchased the next fifth wheel 56 | RVTODAY.COM
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I would be renovating. A couple that had been following me saw the post and reached out. They said, “We love what you do, and this floorplan is what we want. Would you be interested in us pre-purchasing the rig from you and walking through some of the design decisions with you?” A sale before the renovation had even started? Amazing. That was in 2018, and since then, we’ve pre-sold every rig we’ve purchased to one of our followers. In 2021, we changed our business model to only work with RVs that our clients already own, and that has proven to be the right move. The power of social media has also brought me some incredible sponsors and opportunities. Namely, in 2019, Keystone RV Company reached out and said they would love to do something together. In December 2019, we debuted the Ultimate Montana that we built together. GMC also joined the project and provided me with my dream truck, a GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Dually. Then in 2023, Keystone, GMC, Lippert, and a handful of others joined forces again to build the Ultimate Fuzion toy hauler. 58 | RVTODAY.COM
Q:
You just finished this massive Ultimate Fuzion project. How did the idea come about?
A:
Keystone, GMC, Lippert, my team, and a few others built the Ultimate Montana in 2019. It had success, but we also felt like the mission was short-changed because of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the business of The Flipping Nomad and my personal desires were changing. We had a shop in Idaho, then Texas, where we did renovations for clients. But the overhead and logistics of having a shop space were preventing me from traveling the way I wanted. I thought, “What if we could load the tools into a toy
hauler and go to the client instead of the client sending their rig to us?” That turned into, “Let’s build the ultimate toy hauler,” and the Fuzion brand fit the bill.
Q:
Please tell us about the design elements you worked into The Ultimate Fuzion.
A:
Personally, I like a pretty moody interior. The Ultimate Montana was all black with black cabinetry, which I loved. I wanted to do that again, but a softer version. For the Ultimate Fuzion, I went with a dark stained cabinet for the kitchen, and a deep gray/brown color for accents. I used a product called Pole-Wrap to give one wall in particular some great texture. Pole-Wrap is made of very thin slats glued to a fabric, which
makes it very flexible to wrap around structural poles. An unintentional side effect is that it also creates great texture on walls! It’s being widely used in design right now. I also love a modern, contemporary look. I’ve been wanting to use a ribbon chandelier for quite some time, but couldn’t ever get the wiring to cooperate. I pushed myself pretty hard to figure out how to get one in the Ultimate Fuzion, and I’m glad to say we pulled it off! Now I have a gorgeous ribbon chandelier above my kitchen/dining area.
Q:
Tell us about the technology incorporated into The Ultimate Fuzion.
A:
I have three areas of technology in the Ultimate Fuzion that I’m really excited about. The first is the awnings from Solera, a Lippert company. The awnings have wind sensors and bring themselves in when they detect wind. I think all RVers can appreciate having that peace of mind! The second is the switchable glass, also from Lippert. The
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Ultimate Fuzion has a side patio, and we installed a special glass in the wall between the patio and the living space. When the glass is off, it looks like a normal window. When the glass is on, it frosts, and you can shoot a projector through it so it becomes the TV for the side patio. It’s so cool! The third area, and one of the first ideas I had for the Ultimate Fuzion, was a hidden appliance garage. We mounted the backsplash to two high-speed actuators, which lift the backsplash to reveal the appliance garage. This is where I store the coffee pot, air fryer, and tea kettle. It’s so nice to have quick and easy access to those appliances without always having to see them. The actuators have a remote control, which makes the process even more fun.
Q:
A:
How are you feeling about it now that it’s done?
Now that the Ultimate Fuzion is done, it feels a little surreal. I had dreamt up so much of it for so long, like the cabinet configurations and the special nooks for dog beds and laundry hampers. To see those come to life and to get to actually use them is pretty special.
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“I have to give the biggest thank you to all of the partners and sponsors that made the Ultimate Fuzion a reality. It would not have been possible without Keystone RV Company or Lippert.”
Q:
What’s ahead for you in 2024, and where can people see the Ultimate Fuzion in person?
A:
We are hosting an event with the Starry Night RV Resort in Fort Worth, Texas, for the solar eclipse in April. It’s going to be five days of fun! We’re also hosting a workshop in conjunction with the event where people can learn how to customize their own RV. We have several other events in the works for the rest of the year. Keep an eye on Instagram @theflippingnomad and our website, theflippingnomad.com, for more details.
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“We were able to take the Fuzion to the next level thanks to GMC, Battle Born Batteries, Future Solutions, Lectric eBikes, MCD roller shades, KICKER Audio, AIA Countertops, Tredit Tire and Wheel, and Schattdecor.”
XP 3.0 eBike, only $999! Light, Foldable, Fully Assembled.
LectriceBikes.com
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RV Couple Creates New
Internet Internet Solution Solution
MobileMustHave.com (MMH) provides reliable internet solutions to our community. The founders are full-time RVers themselves, so we asked them to share their story with us.
I
N 2015, ERIK McCauley and his wife, Kala, began exploring the country while working from the road. They had found themselves feeling trapped and consumed by the traffic and lifestyle while living in a Connecticut suburb of New York City. Erik was growing a fragile tech startup, and Kala was working in operations for a global bank. They enjoyed their financial success, and they loved their jobs, but they didn’t love the commute or the monotony of a stationary lifestyle in the busy Northeast. The road was calling—they sold the house, packed up everything, moved into their motorhome, and began their journey in the spring of 2015. On the road, Erik quickly realized he was in big trouble. Working remotely meant he needed to be connected 100% of the time, and his job in tech made it even more embarrassing when his connection stopped working. He had invested in the best RV-specific internet solution available at the time, but it just didn’t work that well. This is an issue many
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of us have faced—a lack of connectivity interfering with our remote jobs, which are essential to our ability to continue traveling. This kicked off a search for reliable internet. Perplexed that such a big need was not being met, Erik approached the problem from a different angle. Forget the RV industry—how are other people solving this problem? One night, his police officer friend stopped by. Erik saw the police car, looked at his friend, and asked, “Do you have good internet in that patrol car?” “Sure do,” replied the friend. “It works great. I honestly never think about it.” The friend never needed to do anything to get online, and he also explained that the Wi-Fi switches from AT&T to Verizon if he doesn’t have coverage in a particular area. The temptation was too great! Screwdrivers came out and seat cushions started flying as they tore apart the squad car. Soon, Erik found the answer to how this squad car was connected to the internet—a little black box covered in dust. And, sure enough, it was broadcasting Wi-Fi just like he was at home. After doing more research, Erik found that this device was made by a company that only worked with the government and other businesses. The device was known mainly to first responders as the 66 | RVTODAY.COM
gold standard in connectivity. It was well built, had Wi-Fi and cell signal, could connect to campground Wi-Fi, and even had advanced networking features that allowed you to combine multiple internet connections together. It truly had every feature he could think of, and best yet, it was reliable! Erik used his connections in the tech world to get his hands on the device. He installed it and went on with his life, enjoying reliable internet anywhere he went. Months passed, and in fireside chats, Erik found himself telling everyone about how he was connected to the internet when others in the same park had no connection. It started to become clear to Erik that he could solve internet connectivity for the masses by not only showing them the technology, but explaining how to set it up easily, and without an IT guy. MobileMustHave.com was born. What started as a hobby on a personal blog quickly grew to a company with more than 50,000 customer orders per year. That little black box was made by a company called Peplink (peplink.com), and MobileMustHave.com was their partner of the year this past April as one of the fastest-growing companies offering their products. The secret to MMH’s growth was not just in finding the technology, but in developing an extensive support network, including staff, influencers, YouTube
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videos, and training information. They also work with manufacturers to make the products better. MMH has expanded to offer surge and power products, tire safety products, and water filtration products. We asked Erik why MMH only carries a few types of products, since he has such a large audience. “It’s simple—we only sell what we roadand battle-test ourselves. If we don’t test it, we can’t sell it,” Erik said. They continue to grow by remembering that anything they sell has to actually solve a customer problem, not just claim to solve it. Erik and Kala now have two new additions to their mobile crew. Bradley and Zachary have more miles under their belts than most kids their age, and Erik and Kala plan to keep it that way for years to come. Check out @mobilemusthave on Instagram for more information.
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Camping in Canada’s Crown Land Boondocking Offers Flexibility for Last-Minute Trips BY RYAN PONTO
B
Y THE TIME summer rolls around, campsites can get a little busy. These days, all of our favourite campgrounds are typically fully booked, sometimes even months in advance. So what do we do? Attempt to book an entire summer’s worth of campsites all at once, hoping they line up with good weather and weekends we don’t have other plans? You could try, but you’d be rolling the dice. So where does that leave us? Our RV is a 2019 Airstream Basecamp 16X, dubbed the Tin Palace, with factory-installed solar, rock and window guards, a 3-inch lift, and decent all-terrain tires. Meant for more than your regular campsite or RV resort, it’s the perfect unit to help us escape to the wilderness and avoid the headaches of attempting to book campsites. In four years of ownership, we’ve experienced great campsites across Western Canada. But in the summer of 2023, we wanted something more. Once the snow finally melts, it’s time to switch the Tin Palace from winter mode to summer mode. This typically involves de-winterizing, but Melissa also loves to decorate, so the change of seasons also means a change of themes. Out go the flannel plaid duvet and pillows, and in come the summery colors and lighter blankets. Just because you’re camping or boondocking doesn’t mean you can’t make it look nice, too.
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In previous years, we had dabbled once or twice with Crown land camping, known as dispersed camping or boondocking to our friends in the United States. But we’d only tried a night or two, and rarely more than once per summer. So this year, without trying to book a single standard campsite, we set our sights on Crown land. There are many public land use zones along the Rocky Mountains in Alberta for us to explore; the only downside is you have to find the good spots for yourself, because everyone wants to keep them secret. But can you blame them? These sites are so beautiful! Luckily, a good friend of ours shared one of his favourite easily-accessible gems. We hadn’t really tested the limits of the Tin Palace, so having a known spot to set up a home base was a huge plus. We always ensure all of our prep work is done before we intend to head out, but prepping for camping off-grid requires some additional planning. Since the sun sets really late during Canadian summers, our solar system provides plenty of power. Our refrigerator is a 3-way unit, so it can run off the propane tank for days with no issue. The Tin Palace has a 20-gallon (75-liter) freshwater tank along with a 22-gallon (83-liter) black/ gray combination tank. This allows us the luxury of cooking, doing the dishes, and having our own bathroom with a shower. But even with this large
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capacity, water management is a concern! Melissa and I travel with our two golden retrievers, Finn and Tucker, and the four of us can power through a good amount of water. We had saved our old freshwater packing cubes from our tent camping days, so between the 20 gallons in the Tin Palace and an additional eight gallons in the water cubes, we figured that should cover us for the four nights, including some very quick showers, keeping everyone hydrated, and doing some dishes. The evening before our long weekend on Crown land, Melissa got to work with the inside preparation. She packed up the dry goods in our Thule Go Box. The previous night, she had fired up the fridge so it would have time to cool down before she loaded it, which is an often-missed step that leads people to wonder why their RV fridges don’t work well! After that, she made up the dinette/bed. While Melissa focused on the inside, I ensured everything on the outside was ready to roll, including checking the tires’ general condition and air pressure, re-torquing all the lug nuts, and ensuring the propane tanks were all topped up and the water tank was filled. You get into a good rhythm after a few times, and we usually have the Tin Palace ready to go in less than an hour.
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On Friday, we both got off work early and rushed home. Within 30 minutes, the trailer was hooked up to our Audi Q7, the dogs were loaded, and we were on the road. Getting away before the long weekend crowds on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway is a huge stress-reducer. Once we’re on the road, there’s no real rush; we just cruise along and get there when we get there. After about 45 minutes on the main highway, we hung a right and headed west toward the Rockies, with our planned destination somewhere along the Cline River just off the David Thompson Highway. We made a quick stop in Rocky Mountain House for fuel and some snacks before completing the last leg of our 3.5-hour drive. We had already planned out a few potential spots, knowing it would be busy and the best sites
would be taken early. With our fingers crossed, we scoped out the first riverside spot we had checked out earlier in the summer, hoping we got away early enough. But we were met with disappointment as we came around the bend to see it was already occupied. After a few more failed attempts, we accepted that we wouldn’t be getting a riverfront spot. Not all was lost, though, as we found a nice inland camping spot with some great trees and amazing views of the mountains in every direction. One of our favourite benefits of life with the Tin Palace is the setup time. Once we’ve found our campsite, we can make quick work of getting the trailer rigged out for the weekend. Melissa and I both usually hop out quickly to assess the site—Crown land camping doesn’t always provide you with a nice, level site, so some creative positioning of the trailer may be
required. Once we figured out the best location to park, which included ensuring we had a good view out the back door, it took no time at all to maneuver the trailer into place. Like preparing to leave for the weekend, once we arrive, Melissa always sets up the inside while I focus on getting the trailer level, stabilized, and unhooked. After that is all done, we work as a team to set up our “awning,” which is a Rab tarp, poles from Amazon, and barrel nuts with ring bolts to secure it to the Basecamp’s Keder rail. We usually have the entire setup done in 20 to 25 minutes. And so the weekend began, our Tin Palace perfectly nestled in the Rockies as our base camp for countless adventures. It’s the perfect getaway from city life. Find Ryan and Melissa on Instagram @dasponto and @mshereme.
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CAREERS on the Road
FINDING A WAY to fund travel is essential, and there are many different ways to make the full-time lifestyle work for you. From creative businesses to seasonal gigs to unique side hustles, our readers reveal how they make money on the road.
@themindfulnomadic “Content creator and digital marketer”
@daviadesiresphotography “I make most of my money on the road through my photography!”
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Courtesy Mystache Photo
@siptaptow
Courtesy Mysta
che Photo
“We take bookings for our mobile bar when traveling and then go ‘home’ for event season.”
@cruisinandcampfires “I own a paper goods/ stationery line for RVers.”
Here are other unique jobs from our readers:
• IT work from network installs to support istockphoto.com/Stefano Termanini
• Graphic designer
Do you work from the road? Share your job for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of RV Today: rvtoday.com/careersfromtheroad
• Project manager building lab and radiology interfaces • YouTuber • Tourism boards and brands partner
RV TODAY | 77
BOONDOCKING Washington Gulch Pittsburg, CO
38.94157, -107.02503 Washington Gulch camping area is located in the Gunnison National Forest approximately eight miles north of Crested Butte, which is a quaint and quintessential Colorado mountain town with quality restaurants, bars, and shopping. Snagging a seasonally-available designated dispersed campsite in this extremely popular area is not easy. Still, if you manage to pull it off, you’ll find yourself grinning ear to ear, basking in the surrounding wildflowers and aspens while enjoying unobstructed views of Mount Crested Butte. Most Washington Gulch campers visit the area for its world-class photography, hiking, mountain biking, and OHV opportunities, and it’s easy to see why! Just north of Crested Butte is the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which is home to bucket list hiking trails such as West Maroon Pass, a 10.3-mile (one-way) trail that takes you from Crested Butte to Aspen (and/or the reverse). Big rig campers would be wise to scout ahead as the access road often includes sections with tight tree overhangs and deep ruts, and at a certain point, the road becomes a four-wheel drive/high clearance zone with no room to reverse course. By Julia Thomas @natural.jules
GEAR
GUIDE
1.
RV STATE STICKER TRAVEL MAP
This is a colorful and fun way to track your travels! Stick each state's sticker to the map to check your visit off your list.
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2.
NATIONAL PARKS JOURNAL AND PASSPORT STAMP BOOK
Take this book with you to each national park you visit in the U.S. and get it stamped. This book includes pages for all 63 national parks.
3.
4.
Keep track of places visited and places left to explore with this pushpin cork board wall hanging map.
Because it's always smart to have a backup map on hand, check out the most up-to-date version from Rand McNally.
PUSHPIN CORK BOARD
RAND MCNALLY 2024 ROAD ATLAS
Have a product you love and want to share? Tell us about it! Visit rvtoday.com/products for a chance to have your product review featured in an upcoming issue of RV Today.
5.
PERSONALIZED PHOTO MAP Visualize your progress by personalizing each state with a photo of you there. The map comes with instructions on how to print and cut your photo shapes. Frame optional.
6.
7.
A decorative way to monitor where you've been, this pillowcase makes a great gift for any RVer.
This reusable water bottle pulls double duty. It comes with stickers for each national park that you can add to the side of the bottle to mark off where you've been.
STATE COLORING PILLOWCASE
NATIONAL PARKS WATER BOTTLE
8.
9.
A great conversation starter, this frameable poster allows you to scratch off each park as you visit to keep track of your bucket list travels.
Showcase your memories from your national park visits in this customizable collage. Instructions to print and cut your photo shapes are included.
NATIONAL PARKS SCRATCH OFF POSTER
PERSONALIZED NATIONAL PARKS COLLAGE
RV TODAY | 81
EVENTS
Upcoming RV Events and Rallies
Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2024 events. Visit rvtoday.com/rv-rallies for more information. MARCH
MAY
RVing Women SoCALjourners Chapter Annual Meeting and Rally March 14–17 Hemet, CA
Puyallup RV Show May 2–5 Puyallup, WA
Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat and RV Show March 15–17 Bakersfield, CA FMCA’s 108th International Convention and RV Expo March 20–23 Tucson, AZ
APRIL Grand Design RV Eclipse Rally April 5–8 Waco, TX 10th Annual Vintage Camper and Classic Car Show April 19–21 Hemet, CA Escapees RV Club Best of Nashville HOP April 28–May 4 Nashville, TN
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Ontario Grand Design Owners Rally May 30–June 2 Cherry Valley, ON Rainbow RV Las Vegas Memorial Weekend Rally May 31–June 3 Las Vegas, NV
JUNE Music City Motorhome Expo June 4–7 Lebanon, TN FMCA’s Great Lakes Area Rally June 5–9 Greenville, OH Airstream Club’s NC Waterfalls Galore Rally June 20–23 Lake Toxaway, NC
JULY Holy Toledo! July 18–22 Toledo, OR
Tin Can Tourists’ 4th Annual Thumbs Up Rally July 25–28 Harbor Beach, MI Jayco Owners Rally July 17–21 Gettysburg, PA
AUGUST RVing Women Full Timers Chapter Virtual Meeting August 20 Virtual Rainbow RV’s CA Mammoth Lakes Labor Day Rally August 30–September 2 Mammoth Lakes, CA
Events listed are a courtesy to our readers, with dates and details subject to change. For more information, contact the event organizers directly. To have your event listed, please visit rvtoday.com/submit-event
LEARN MORE
Check out our new 2024 Fifth Wheel Buying Guide