Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The House of the Sun is an apt name for a place that hosts the world’s most stunning sunrises. At Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, visitors vie for the opportunity to see what Mark Twain once described as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.”

It seems the sun begins and ends at Haleakala Volcano, where it is believed that the demigod Maui lassoed it in the sky, slowing its descent to lengthen the days on this beautiful island. Today, you’ll need more than a day to discover the treasures hidden between Haleakala’s rain-forested rocky coasts and the top of its desolate crater.

Why Visit Haleakala National Park?

Haleakala National Park is a remote region full of contradictory landscapes and topography. From sea level to over 10,000 feet, the park is home to an amazing array of wildlife and vegetation. Dolphins may greet you along the coastal rainforest and endangered songbirds might sing you to sleep at your campsite.

Awe-inspiring sunrises give credence to the park’s name, and it is easy to see how Polynesians believed Haleakala to be the House of the Sun. It’s one of the most unique places in the US and, honestly, the world. The wildlife is abundant and interesting, the views are spectacular, and the place is magical in all the right ways.

When to Visit Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is open year-round, but temperatures and weather can be deceptive. Maui’s south Pacific location doesn’t receive the same four seasons as most parks in the US, so it makes more sense to break down weather patterns by the park district. But wherever you go, prepare for drastic weather changes.

Fifth wheel RVs offer many advantages thanks to their unique towable design. The fifth wheel hitch provides RVers with additional floorplans, amenities, overall length, and much more. But there is one glaring barrier to entry with fifth wheel RVs — most require a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Heavy-duty pickups are large and powerful machines. They’re also expensive, which dissuades many potential fifth wheel owners. Many buyers simply can’t afford to buy a heavy-duty truck, such as a Ford F-350 or a Chevrolet Silverado 3500, in addition to the cost of a fifth wheel (even if you buy a used fifth wheel).

Can You Tow a Fifth Wheel RV With a Half-Ton Truck?

Fortunately, there are fifth wheels designed to be towed by certain light-duty half-ton pickups, like an F-150 or a Toyota Tundra. If you already own a half-ton truck, you don’t have to settle for a traditional travel trailer if you’re set on a fifth wheel floor plan.

That said, not all half-ton trucks can or should tow all fifth wheel models. Use a tool like Camping World’s Towing Guide to calculate your truck’s towing and payload capacities. Understanding weight ratings is vital to selecting the right travel trailer or fifth wheel your truck can tow safely.

A base-level half-ton pickup may not be able to tow all fifth wheels. But half-ton trucks with high enough towing and payload ratings have the ability to tow many. With that in mind, let’s look at half-ton fifth wheels and the trucks that pull them.

September brings with it some of the best weather and the best places to visit if only to witness Mother Nature doing what she does best — painting her landscape with autumnal colors.

With summer, you’re forced to endure the heat. In winter, you must brave the cold. But fall gives you refreshing days sandwiched between cool mornings and nights that make it the perfect time to explore the country in your RV.

So, channel your inner Earth, Wind & Fire because the best places to RV in September will surely have you dancing from destination to destination.

Acadia National Park — Maine

Very few places compare to an east-coast autumn and Acadia National Park proves that point every year. With its rugged mountains, thick forests, alpine meadows, and windswept coastlines, fall shows off by transforming the foliage and the views entirely.

There are plenty of roadways to explore by RV as well as trails for hiking and biking and water for kayaking. Regardless of how you soak it in, the September views will not disappoint. Located on the coast of Maine, it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer.

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Florida RVers have no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing a place to camp. This whole state is a hotspot for tourists and travelers. In addition, many snowbirds are drawn here during the winter. One destination that should be on everyone’s radar is Island Oaks RV Resort. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and fun!

There are several enticing features in this resort, but one of the biggest distinguishing factors is the water features. Island Oaks RV Resort has two lakes: one for swimming and one for fishing. There’s also a pool in between them, so everyone can pick the option that suits them best. 

This park has also been highly rated by guests and critics alike. If you’re looking for a campground that’s bound to deliver a great experience, make your reservation at Island Oaks RV Resort today! Below, we’ll cover some information about this park, as well as some of its best features.

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RVs all have stabilizers of some sort. Stabilizers, and the tongue jack in the case of travel trailers, help support the RV. Without them, the RV rocks and shakes every time you move. 

When we set up an RV, we level it, put out the stabilizers, and open the slide-outs. When an RV is parked, the majority of the weight is on the axles. So what supports the RV slide-out?

Slide-outs are designed to support themselves and in most cases are capable of doing so. However, there are some situations when additional slide-out support might be needed.

Most slide-out stabilizers are very similar in design and construction. They are steel, adjustable supports with a solid flat base. The top has two lips to prevent the support from slipping out from under the slide. 

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Nobody likes taking out the trash, but this is an important chore for any household. It’s especially important in a small area like an RV because the garbage is never far away, and the smell can start to take over the space. Once the garbage smell takes hold, it can be difficult to banish it. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent or get rid of the garbage smell in your RV. This is a common problem faced by homeowners and RVers around the world, so there are lots of possible solutions. Some solutions involve simple habit changes, while others use specific products to reduce odor. 

If the smell of your trash can has been growing lately, check out the tips below. They’ll put you on the path to enjoying a sweet-smelling RV in no time!

Regularly take out the trash

This first solution is pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. Trash cans don’t smell bad on their own, so it’s the contents you need to worry about. I know I can let the garbage can pile up before I get around to taking it out, so I imagine some of you are the same. If you do this, though, the can has a lot more time to build up that powerful garbage smell. 

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Troubleshooting RV electrical systems isn’t as complex as you might imagine. You’ll need a basic understanding of AC and DC power, the ability to operate a volt meter, and the know-how to understand your volt meter’s readings. 

But there are various electrical issues that require different troubleshooting approaches. So let’s provide overviews of those components and some basic electrical troubleshooting tips for common RV electrical problems. 

Disclaimer: Working on RV electrical systems can be hazardous. If you’re not comfortable with any of the testing methods below, contact a Camping World Service Center to schedule a diagnostic appointment today. 

Understanding AC and DC Power

Your RV’s electrical appliances derive power from shore power (AC) or your coach batteries (DC). Your microwave and air conditioner usually require AC power, but your water pump, refrigerator, and vent fans can operate using 12-volt DC power. 

Fall is quite possibly the best camping season of all. The air is crisp, the leaves change into beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow, and the mosquitoes have finally taken a hike. As summer fades and the cooler temperatures set in, it’s also time to change up your RV decor from light and airy to warm and cozy.

Here are some easy ways to decorate your RV this fall camping season.

Layered in Cozy

Nothing says cozy like soft throw pillows and cuddle-worthy blankets. As temperatures cool off, make your RV feel extra “homey” by layering up your bed, sofa, and camp chair with these basic creature comforts. Pair different textures for added depth. Chenille, velvet, and plush fabrics in warm colors like terracotta, burgundy, and olive are the perfect accents to give your RV a touch of fall.

Festive Front Door 

Give your RV autumnal curb appeal with a festive wreath. A wreath on your door is an easy way to dress up the outside of your RV and invite fall into your home-on-wheels. Find a wreath with pops of warm colors, flannel, pinecones, pumpkins, dried or faux maple leaves, or other elements of nature.

Go the DIY route with a wreath form, floral wire, and glue gun to create your own wreath. Hang your fall wreath with Command Outdoor Hooks or dangle it from the awning, camp chair, or flag stand.

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When you think of great RVing destinations, Ohio might not be high on the list. However, this is a beautiful state that has a lot to offer to travelers. There are lots of great RV parks in Ohio, and one of the best options is Lake Loramie Campground. 

The campground in Lake Loramie State Park puts you close to the action. This highly rated campground has plenty of amenities and activities to create a better experience. The lake itself is close by, and it’s enormous, so this destination is perfect for fans of boating and watersports. 

If you want to explore a less-traveled state, Ohio is a fantastic option. It provides a lot of natural beauty and some campgrounds that are true hidden gems. Below we’ll give more details about Lake Loramie Campground and some of its best qualities. 

One of the best parts of the RV lifestyle is meeting great people on the road, many of whom may become lifelong friends. But when you’re moving your RV around a lot, it’s natural to consider your RV’s security. 

When considering how to prevent RV theft, it’s best to be prepared. RVs are a significant investment themselves, not to mention that they’re often full of belongings you value. Here are several ways to deter Grand Theft RV, from simple outdoor lighting ideas to complete RV security systems.

Do Your Homework

Knowledge is your most valuable asset in the fight against RV theft. Researching where you’ll travel and the potential dangers of those areas is critical. It doesn’t require a ton of time, and it may lead to something as simple as booking a campground in a safer neighborhood, but that can go a long way towards improving your RV’s security. 

Utilize Trailer Hitch and Fifth Wheel Locks

For travel trailers and fifth wheels, swiping a full rig can be as simple as backing up, hooking up, and pulling away. Unless you always keep your trailer attached to your tow vehicle (which is unrealistic), you’ll need a way to secure it when you detach. 

Hitch and trailer locks fit into the hitch opening and lock with a bar over the top, preventing anyone from dropping the hitch onto their own vehicle. A fifth wheel lock wraps around the hitch beneath the trailer and makes it impossible to connect to a fifth wheel hitch.

At first glance, Guadalupe Mountains National Park might appear desolate and remote but visitors find a region that reaches from the desert floor to the highest mountain in Texas.

In the towering cliffs of El Capitan lie the remnants of an ancient marine fossil reef, the largest in the world.

Carved out of these imposing mountains sits an interior of sheer-sided canyons, white gypsum sand dunes, and a habitat so sweeping in its diversity that over 1,000 plant species and a variety of 60 mammal groups live here.

A peek into the park will overwhelm travelers with its grandeur and humble existence as they realize it’s been hiding in plain sight all along!

Why Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in an RV?

The park has two campgrounds that accept smaller RVs, and the area is large enough to spend several days exploring. Rather than driving two to three hours back to an RV park or motel in the city every evening, most travelers opt to boondock in their motorhomes or trailers. Having your home with you provides a great platform from which to venture out into the wilderness.

If your dreams of traveling the open road and finding unique campground across the USA is struggling to get off the ground, don’t miss the Dutchmen Atlas travel trailers on sale now. These amazing travel trailers are built light and packed with features so that you can feel at home wherever you go. Learn more in this Dutchmen Atlas travel trailers for new RVers review.

You’ll love the modern interior of this Dutchmen Atlas 2202RB travel trailer. The private master bedroom gives you the privacy you need and features a king bed to ensure a great night’s sleep. The rear bathroom features plenty of storage and a walk-in shower.

Additional Features:

Take this Dutchmen Atlas 2502REF travel trailer on the road and get to your dream destinations with your loved one. You’ll find a set of theater seating in the slide-out to ensure everyone is comfortable during movie nights. Additionally, the booth dinette provides a perfect place for dinners together.

Additional Features:

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North Carolina has plenty of fantastic campgrounds and resorts that visitors return to time and time again. One of the best camping destinations in the state is the Mountain River Family Campground. 

This is a fairly small and cozy campground that combines beautiful scenery with top-notch amenities. It’s located next to a lovely river, so you’re never far away from a lush nature walk or a fishing trip. If you want to enjoy the forests, lakes, and mountains of North Carolina, make a reservation for this park today. 

Mountain River Family Campground has been highly rated by guests and critics alike. Let’s explore some of the details that make this campground so exceptional. It may even become a new favorite stop for you and your family!

Mountain River Family Campground

The Mountain River Family Campground is located at 8555 S US 19E Hwy, Newland, NC. It’s right next to the North Toe River, which is a fairly large body of water. If you want to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is a great place to do it—especially during the fall!

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There are basically two types of gloves for handling the dirty work of dumping RV holding tanks. RV dump gloves seem to be either flimsy disposable gloves or more durable sanitation gloves that are meant to be washed and reused. 

Of course, disposable gloves can be washed and reused as well, but they have a tendency to tear and/or get small holes in them after several uses. There is a surprising amount of controversy among the RV community about whether you really need to wear gloves for dumping your RV. 

The health danger from RV sewage comes from E.coli and other bacteria that inhabit the digestive system. If you’re only handling plastic hoses, can’t you just wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you dump? In this article, we’ll try to sort out what the facts are, and we’ll look for the truth in this ongoing debate.

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With the rising popularity of RVs, more and more people are thinking about living in an RV full time. Although there are plenty of benefits to this lifestyle switch, there are also significant downsides. Make sure you consider the cons as well as the pros before you make any decisions about living in an RV year-round. 

For some people, it makes sense to move their life into a vehicle and travel around. In fact, this is the plan for many retirees and young couples! However, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows when you live out of an RV.

There are plenty of annoyances, stressors, and problems that come with this lifestyle. In some cases, the pros may outweigh the cons, but we’re going to dive into the bad parts of full time RV life today. Not everyone was built to live in an RV, so make sure you consider whether or not this decision is right for you.

Limited storage space

One of the biggest drawbacks of living full time in an RV is the lack of storage space. Most RVs try to include as many cabinets and closets as possible, but there’s only a certain amount of space available. By necessity, most full time RVers need to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle. Some people can do this easily, while others have a hard time narrowing down the essentials and letting things go.