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Interpreting An Internet Speed Test Isn’t Difficult

Many RVers require stable internet for work, streaming, travel planning, finding local attractions, and more. This is why we have incorporated the internet speed test feature into RV LIFE Campgrounds and the RV LIFE RV Safe GPS app. So what is a speed test, and how do you interpret speed test results?

Internet Speed Test Basics: What Do The Numbers Mean?

Speed is typically measured in units over time. A car going 60 miles an hour (mph) will travel 120 miles in two hours. Water leaving a hose at one gallon per minute (GPM) will fill a five-gallon bucket in five minutes. In the case of internet speed, the “unit” that is measured over time is data. So internet speed is simply the amount of data that is transferred over a given amount of time. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Download speeds

For most users, download speed is the most important part of the speed test. It tells you how fast you can receive information from the internet. Streaming, browsing the web, and checking your email requires you to download information. Unless you are only checking email, a good minimum speed for a pleasant internet or streaming experience is at least 5Mbps for a single user.

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Sponsored by Trippy Outdoor

This Unique Camping Chair Shows Off Timeless Engineering

RVers are always looking for that next cool product they can buy to enhance their camping experience, improve their RV, or make themselves more comfortable. I recently discovered a local company right in my backyard that creates beautifully crafted camping chairs that are as unique as they are innovative. 

Trippy Outdoor camping chairs

Trippy Outdoor, a Texas company based in the DFW area, builds hand-crafted, laminated outdoor chairs based on the simple principle of opposing force. The result is an incredibly strong, lightweight, and surprisingly comfortable camping chair. Weighing only 8-10lbs themselves, these camping chairs can hold up to 1,000 pounds. 

The Trippy camping chair consists of two pieces that come together in just 4-seconds. It doesn’t take a scientist to see that the Trippy Outdoor camping chair is different. It is science however that makes this chair so strong. Regarding the great strength of these chairs, the Trippy team mentioned that they have run over the camping chairs with cars and tried to “smash them with metal plates”, in what was apparently Office Space inspired “testing”, yet the Trippy outdoor chairs held their own.

Creating a great camping chair

After shaping, layering, laminating, and lacquering American Sugar Maple to a finish that Tony Hawk would appreciate, the sleek wooden frame is then outfitted with a durable aluminum powder-coated socket that doubles as a storage sleeve. High quality stainless steel hardware holds it all together.

Get a taste of Germany in America’s Midwest. Located in the heart of the Wolverine State, Frankenmuth celebrates its ties to the old country in a big way; in fact, the town’s nickname is Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Looking for great Oktoberfest celebrations? You’ve come to the right place, but don’t limit yourself to the fall Teutonic celebration. Every season gives you a reason to visit Frankenmuth.

German Origins

The area’s German roots are apparent just about everywhere you look in Frankenmuth. Shop for European goods in the Bavarian Inn Castle, learn how to roll an authentic Bavarian pretzel at a local bakery and sample hops from the many breweries in town. The Frankenmuth Brewery is a great place to start; it opened in 1862, making it the oldest brewery in Michigan, and it continues serving tall steins of golden goodness. You can view the town from a pedal-powered trolley or take a walking tour to see the sights.

Cruising the Cass

Launch a kayak or canoe for a trip down the Cass River, close to town. You might even be able to paddle under the Holz Brucke (German for “wooden bridge”) Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Michigan and a prime example of Bavarian craftsmanship and design. For an old-timey sample of Bavarian charms from the water, step aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. The authentic stern-driven paddlewheeler operates one-hour historical tours on the bucolic waterway.

One of the most common questions we get deals with the RV black tank and how to keep it clean and odor free. This week in Episode 406 of the RV Podcast, we interview a true expert – Steve Korsvall, aka “the RV Proctologist.”

For the past 15 years has run his RV Proctologist business in Quartzsite, AZ, helping RVers with their black and grey tanks.

Quartzsite is well known in RV circles. With an annual population of 3,700, Quartzsite grows during the winter months to a population of hundreds of thousand – with most of the new arrivals being RVers.

And when these visiting RVers experience problems with their black or grey tanks, Steve is there to help. He helps those in the RV parks and helps those boondocking in the BLM desert.

And boy, has he seen it all.

It’s a thought that every RV enthusiast has at some point — to sell or not to sell. If you’re asking yourself that question and have decided that the time has come to sell your RV, don’t panic. You’re in good company. Selling can be an adventure, often just as exciting as the adventures you’ve been on in that exact RV you want to sell.

Many RV owners decide to go through a dealer when selling their RV, using a process called RV consignment. It’s a process that has become popular since the RV owner doesn’t have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork that often come along with selling an RV. Waiting for the ideal buyer to come along can be a time-consuming and somewhat stressful experience.

With consignment, all of those boxes are checked on your behalf!

The Camping World Consignment Process

Camping World’s consignment program involves a professional sales team that partners with a vast national dealer network, together they take the initiative to sell your RV as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The goal? To get you the most cash as possible for your RV. By marketing the RV through the most heavily trafficked RV marketplaces in the world, you can rest assured that your RV is in good hands.

The consignment process is easy, straightforward, and hassle-free! In fact, it can be explained in six easy steps:

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The ocean communities on the Outer Banks of North Carolina are a beautiful place to visit. In addition to beach activities and offshore fishing, you can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, or be on the lookout for wildlife at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

There are numerous Outer Banks campgrounds that can accommodate RVs. You can quickly narrow down the options on RV LIFE Campground Reviews or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Pro.

OBX Campground

First up on our list is OBX Campground, which can be found on Colington Island in Kill Devil Hills. It is conveniently located to the beach, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and several local attractions and restaurants.

When our family started to travel in an RV with our pets, we had no idea the fun that was in store for us. The RV life changed us for the better and, we hope, made us better dog parents. But along the way, and in every state and probably on every highway, we have made many mistakes.

Some mistakes you just have to learn for yourself, but other mistakes can be avoided when it comes to RVing with your dog. Preparation, flexibility, and a sense of humor have to be packed just like the snacks! Yes, please don’t forget the snacks when RVing with your dog. Lesson learned. But there are many more mistakes we have made in over six years of RV life with our dogs.

Don’t make these mistakes like we did!

Not Checking a Campground’s Dog Policies 

I did not realize that there are some campgrounds that simply do not allow dogs. In addition, many campgrounds have breed restrictions, weight restrictions, and the number of pets allowed in your RV. Read the small print, and if in doubt, ask.

After driving all day, it is a horrible feeling to know you are not welcome once you arrive and have to leave. We have found that state parks, national parks, and county parks are more accommodating for dogs. If you are staying at a private park, it is extremely important that you are aware of their dog policies.

Is there anything more rewarding after a day of adventures than a nice meal around the table? Maybe a shower, but that’s a different conversation. Returning to the campsite to share good food and great memories around a comfortable camping table is one of the best parts of camping.

Many RV enthusiasts overlook the benefits of a folding camping table. Fortunately, it’s an easily avoidable mistake. Hopping from campsite to campsite doesn’t require forgoing the luxury of dining at a table with your favorite people.

Here are the best reasons to pack a folding camping table in your RV.

Folding Camping Tables are Convenient

The ease of setting your folding camping table up anywhere is one of its biggest perks, but there are other reasons why these tables are super convenient.

Whether you need a surface for family game night, extra space for prepping meals, room to spread out crafts, or any other reason where a table comes in handy, a folding table makes camping easier. Simply unfold and set up and you have an instant flat surface for all your needs.

These beautiful & unique gardens in the United States have towering desert cacti, enormous water lilies, and underground fruit trees…

I don’t know about you, but Jennifer and I love gardens. Walking through an impeccably landscaped garden is refreshing and relaxing.

There’s a wide variety of gardens in the United States, from California to Maine. Some are located in big cities, while others can only be found by venturing to small towns.

The following list covers everything from a hand-carved underground garden to huge botanical gardens. So, buckle up and hit the road to these beautiful destinations.

Continue reading 10 Beautiful (& Unique) Gardens in the United States at RV Lifestyle.

Learn other ways to get the most out of your RV by subscribing to our Camping World YouTube channel.

An RV without a battery is…well, it’s still an RV, but with fewer amenities than you’d want. RV batteries keep your unit’s electrical features functioning properly, so it’s important to keep your battery in optimal condition.

So let’s highlight a few ways to safely ensure your battery is operating at capacity, from troubleshooting to charging. 

Where is Your RV Battery?

Depending on your RV type, your battery (or batteries) will be located in different areas. Here’s a quick breakdown of general locations, but remember this may vary slightly for different makes and models: 

How to Test your RV Battery

If certain electrical systems on your RV aren’t functioning as expected, you’ll need to check your battery’s voltage. To do this, you’ll need a volt meter, and you’ll need to switch it to the Volts DC setting. 

If you have a motorhome or a towable and you’ve selected your first destination, you’re officially ready to pack up for some serious fun. The biggest challenge when camping for the first time is deciding what to pack without overloading your RV with unnecessary items and camping gear you may not use.

RVs give you the freedom to bring a lot more than you could when car camping. But you need to be careful not to exceed your camper’s weight ratings. Follow these RV packing tips to save space, time, and stress when you pack for your first camping trip.

First Things First – Gear Testing and Preparation

Before you randomly start loading things into your RV, play around with your gear in the backyard. Get comfortable with pitching your tent, explore the features of your camping cooler, and test out a meal or two on your portable grill.

By testing out your gear in your own backyard before reaching the campsite, you can maximize setup time when you arrive. Who doesn’t love saving time? Especially when there is plenty of adventure ahead on your RV trip.

During this phase, consider how your gear will fit into RV storage compartments. Loading smaller gear into storage bins or containers saves space and keeps your gear organized so you don’t have loose items moving around when you’re in transit.

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RV camping just wouldn’t be the same without our dogs. After all, dogs are an important part of the family and deserve a special spot in family vacations. However, hot summer weather can make life absolutely miserable for our pooches. Summer heat can even be deadly for dogs. And it doesn’t take long for the heat to kill, particularly if dogs are left inside an RV or other vehicle. 

Some dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than others. If your dog has a short muzzle, you’ll need to be especially careful that they don’t get too hot. Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Mastiffs are a few dog breeds that are more prone to overheating than other breeds.

Fortunately, no matter what your dog’s breed, there are many ways to help keep your dog cool while RV camping (even when it’s hot out). We’ve put together our top life-saving hacks from the advice of dog experts.   

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How To Detect RV Propane Leaks

RVers use propane for cooking, heating, and even running the RV refrigerator. There are some great benefits to using propane in our RVs. Propane is abundant, affordable, and it burns cleanly. In addition, propane is extracted, produced, and distributed throughout North America, so it’s easy to find a retailer.

While we use propane in its gas form, it is stored differently. Propane is compressed and stored in its liquid state. Liquified propane gas (LPG) is propane gas that has been compressed into a liquid state. When we buy a cylinder of propane, it is in a liquid form that expands to a gas when we open a valve.

What does a propane gas leak smell like?

On its own, propane is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. Even though it’s non-toxic, propane gas poses a significant health hazard to both humans and pets. If it is inhaled, propane can asphyxiate us very quickly.  

Biking is one of the best ways to explore once you’ve set up your RV basecamp. Whether you’re exploring trails in the national parks or biking downtown to check out the local cuisine, transporting a bike on your RV expands your travel options once you reach your destination. 

But, it can seem daunting to get your bikes loaded onto your recreational vehicle and transported safely. The good news is that RV bike racks are made for all types of RVs, and you’re in the perfect place to find which type is right for you. 

Why Get a Bike Rack for an RV?

If you have a motorized RV, you could always secure your bikes inside while traveling between destinations. And we’ve certainly known owners of new and used travel trailers that transport bikes in the bed of their tow vehicle or on a roof rack. 

Toy haulers are perhaps the easiest because they have a garage that can be used for gear storage. But fifth wheels make it tough because the pin box takes up so much space in your truck bed, and your 5th wheel cap needs room to pivot as you go around corners. 

While there are ways to transport bikes without a rack, here are the major benefits of RV bike racks: 

RV camping is already a significant upgrade from tent camping and sleeping on the ground. But once you experience the comfort and ease of a traditional RV, it’s only natural to consider RVs with even more luxurious amenities. 

All RVs can be your home away from home, but few can turn heads like the best luxury RVs. Luxury RVs offer the chance to explore in style, with posh living spaces and unique amenities you won’t find on other campers.

If you’re looking for an RV that redefines glamping, luxury motorhomes and towables can’t be ignored. So let’s explore whether they’re the right option for you. 

What is a Luxury RV?

Luxury RVs aren’t necessarily defined by RV types. For example, there are luxury fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, and all types of motorized RVs. Some of their common traits include: 

In addition, many RVs that are built to go off-road fall into the luxury category. This is because they must feature higher-grade construction than traditional RVs, as well as include amenities like solar panels, upgraded suspension and shock absorption, and higher ground clearance.