So many options ... which one is right for you? Dan Schmidt explains the differences between today's modern crossbows for whitetail hunters.
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Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles
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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?
Photo by Camping WorldFortunately, 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
Image: Skyler Ewing via ShutterstockVery 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.
Saying "Shoo Fly" doesn't cut it when camping. Here's how to get rid of flies at a campsite, according to your fellow RVers...
Continue reading How to Get Rid of Flies While Camping (10 RVer Tips) at RV Lifestyle.
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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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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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Pool at Island Oaks RV Resort. Photo via resort.
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.
Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.
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.
Every year more bowhunters start using a backpack for bowhunting Whitetail deer. If you’re thinking about a better bowhunting backpack check out this video I found of the Top 7 Bow Hunting Backpacks reviewed. By Robert Hoague
Links to the backpacks reviewed in this video are below.
Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack https://amzn.to/3s9jHKEALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS https://amzn.to/3F3nn43Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack https://amzn.to/3oWiEeUTENZING TX Series Hunting Packs https://amzn.to/327DrD6ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Pack https://amzn.to/31Zy7SLALPS OutdoorZ Big Bear Hunting Pack https://amzn.to/3s4b0BbBadlands Timber Treestand Hunting Daypack https://amzn.to/3yuogA9Copyright
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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
Image: Jenny AndersonNothing 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
Image: Jenny AndersonGive 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.
Essential Info About RV Refrigerators is the topic of Podcast 413. We interview Todd Henson from the National RV Training Academy. Do you have a compressor or absorption refrigerator? Find out all about the types and challenges for both for today's RVer.
Continue reading Essential Info About RV Refrigerators at RV Lifestyle.
The south side of the area where I live is bordered on a river that takes a sharp bend that turns the thousand acre place into an L-Shaped property. So, generally, the natural water supply is ok. But this year the flowing water in the river came to a stand still causing the river to dry up in many places. And the 100 plus heat wave we’ve experienced made most of the man-made stock ponds dry up — or get seriously low.
The picture below is taken from my front yard looking across a sun-dried crop field. The distant tree line is 800 yards away.
Normally there would be weeds and native grasses growing. Deer would browse around and pick up tid-bits to eat. Amazingly enough, those tid bits managed to grow and deer, like the one below, are professional tid-bit finders.
Below is a doe and her 2 fawns and they are nursing actively.
The drought, besides creating a water shortage situation, has made a surprising effect on the deer movement. I see deer out during all hours of the day. The 100 degree heat has scorched the ground level plants that would ordinarily be natural browse.
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Lake Loramie State Park. Photos via RV LIFE Campground Reviews
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.
I’ve used Thermacell units since they were made available to the general public 22 years ago (the technology was first unveiled in 1994). Seeing that it’s been 20+ years, I just assumed everyone in America knew about them. I was wrong. This past month, I had the pleasure of welcoming a new videographer to our […]
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Tim Wells videoed his successful South Texas bowhung big Wild Boars and Neilgie bulls. Tim dropped a wild boar in seconds with a new broadhead that Grim Reaper Broadheads sent him to test. Next he ambushed a big Neilgie Bull at point blank range while hiding in the Texas scrub brush. And also a Rio Grande wild turkey Gobbler.
Fast action hunt with cool slo mo kills. Says Tim, “Bloods flying and critters dying.” Tim is fillin’ the freezer with lots of wild meat.
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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
Photo by Camping WorldKnowledge 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
Photo by Camping WorldFor 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.
Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a leading provider of outdoor and backcountry experiences for youth for more than 30 years, is pleased to announce that the organization has partnered with MYSTERY RANCH and Outside Interactive Inc. to launch an inaugural Find Your Good fundraising campaign, with a donation match campaign in September.
The Campaign runs, September 12-22, with the culmination of the Backpacker Get Out more finale at Neptune Mountaineering on Sept. 22, 2022, Gear and Skills Clinic and Pint Night Celebration (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Benefitting Backcountry Squatters (CU Boulder Chapter) and Big City Mountaineers.
2022 marks the launch of Outside Interactive Inc’s Find Your Good campaign. The Find Your Good platform was created to connect people who love to spend time outside with like-minded nonprofits that are anchored in the outdoors. Find Your Good supports nonprofits in seven categories: hiking and camping, cycling, running, climbing, winter sports, healthy living, and sustainability.
“The Find Your Good initiative is an incredible tool to help connect people with nonprofits who have similar principles and values, rooted in the outdoors,” said David Taus, executive director, Big City Mountaineers. “Outside Interactive Inc’s dedication to supporting Big City Mountaineers and other organizations with similar values really catalyzes BCM’s goal of breaking down barriers to outdoor access for young people from disinvested communities.”
“I’m so thrilled to have Big City Mountaineers as a member of our first cohort of Find Your Good,” says Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and community partnerships at Outside Interactive Inc. “The work BCM does is so important and impactful, not only to the kids they serve but the outdoor community at large. We’re honored to support them and share their incredible work with our audience.”
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Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, renowned for its Sandhills location providing spectacular astronomical views, has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
Merritt has hosted the annual Nebraska Star Party each summer for 29 years, when professional and amateur astronomers converge to take advantage of a sky free of light pollution.
Merritt is the first Nebraska site certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. The IDA is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide.
“This is an exciting first for our state,” said Executive Director of Nebraska Tourism John Ricks. “The Dark Sky Park will attract people to experience the awe and splendor of our night skies, adding yet another excellent, unique experience to visiting Nebraska.”
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director Tim McCoy added, “We’re thrilled and honored to have Merritt Reservoir be given this prestigious distinction. It’s another great reason to visit this well-known park.”
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BISMARCK, ND — After consideration of letters presenting the concerns of U.S. hunters from Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation partners, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today new provisions allowing import of hunter-harvested wild game birds from Canada into the United States. These new provisions amend the APHIS declaration of 10 days ago that functionally shut down all import of birds from all Canadian provinces.
“This is great news for American waterfowl hunters already in Canada and for those with plans to hunt there this season,” said Delta’s chief policy officer John Devney. “As The Duck Hunters Organization, we sincerely thank APHIS for reconsidering the restrictions and for doing it so quickly. It definitely puts optimism back into the hearts of hunters looking forward to hunting ducks and geese in Canada this fall following what promises to have been an outstanding summer of duck production!”
The USDA announcement says that, beginning immediately, APHIS will allow the import of hunter-harvested wild game bird carcasses, originating from or transiting through Canada, meeting the following conditions:
Viscera, head, neck, feet, skin, and one wing have been removed; andFeathers have been removed, with the exception of one wing – as required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for species identification; andCarcasses must be rinsed in fresh, clean, potable water prior to packaging and must not have visible evidence of contamination with dirt, blood, or feces; andCarcasses must be imported in leak-proof plastic packaging and stored in a leak proof cooler or container during transport and import; andCarcasses must be chilled or frozen during transport and import.APHIS further recommends that boots and any equipment used to process the carcasses should be clean and visibly free from dirt, blood, tissue and feces.
However, it’s important to note, cooked or cured meat and meat products (for example, sausage, jerky, etc.) WILL NOT be allowed for import because USFWS regulations cannot be met to identify the species.
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Union Volunteers, Former NFL Player Priest Holmes Help Kansas City Area Youths Get Hooked on Fishing
Kansas City, Mo.—Nearly 200 young anglers and their families lined the banks of Troost Lake in the heart of Kansas City alongside local union members and other community volunteers and retired Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes on Saturday for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2nd Annual Greater Kansas City BCTC Take Kids Fishing Day.
Hosted by the USA and the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC), the free event was supported by Priest Holmes Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Kansas City Parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Marriott Hotels and the USA’s Take Kids Fishing Day Host Sponsor Humana.
Thirty-three volunteers provided nearly 200 inner-city youth—many first-time anglers—with fishing instruction and assistance.
“Take Kids Fishing Day gave kids and parents from different economic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the outdoors through fishing and build their confidence in handling rods, reels and baiting hooks,” said Holmes, who is actively involved in the NFL Players Association and the USA. “There were lots of memories made. I watched one boy pull worms out of a bait cup with so much interest. Other kids said they have never fished before. I encouraged them for trying something new and challenged them to keep fishing after the event.”
All the young anglers received a free fishing rod and reel, to ensure they have the chance to continue fishing for years to come. Many of the kids won additional outdoor gear in giveaways held during lunch.
Thirty-three volunteers from the Greater Kansas City BCTC, Ironworkers Local 10, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2, Fire Fighters Local 42, Insulators Local 27, Teamsters Local 41, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 518, Bricklayers Local 15, Pipefitters Local 533, Electrical Workers Local 124, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, NFLPA, along with staff from Marriott Hotels, Humana, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and the Missouri Department of Conservation provided participants with hands-on instruction and assistance using their new rods along with tips on how to catch a big one.
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