Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Timing is everything when it comes to many things in life, like when it comes to selling your RV. We all know that summer is a great time to find out what your RV is worth in order to sell it. But did you know that finding the right buyer for your RV actually starts long before you ever think about hanging that “For Sale” sign out front? I learned this the hard way last month after deciding to put our fifth-wheel up for sale.

How Not to Get the Best Price for Your RV

One of the biggest current trends in RVing is for owners to remodel and redecorate inside their RVs. Many RVers are remodeling their rigs into cozy wheeled homes that show off their personality and enhance their camping style. My husband and I did the same when we bought our second fifth-wheel back in 2014. We had no idea that our modifications would make it difficult to sell years later.

Our new-to-us RV was a 2010 Northwood Arctic Fox 27-5B bunkhouse fifth-wheel. When we discovered it on a dealer lot in Wyoming, we were mesmerized by the RV’s pristine condition. Garaged and meticulously maintained by its previous owners, it still had all its original furnishings and decor. That camper appeared to come straight from the factory, and we couldn’t sign the sales contract fast enough.

It was the bunkhouse that grabbed us. And what we did to that tiny space would come back to bite us years later when we put the RV up for sale. But back then, all we knew was that the bunkhouse was ideal for creating our future road-warrior workspace. So out went the bunk beds and in went a computer workstation/jeweler’s bench for me. Next, I tossed the factory window valances and put up my own window treatments. Finally, Jim removed the jackknife sofa and replaced it with his own desk built from a tree he felled while workamping on a Colorado dude ranch. Before long, that Arctic Fox was uniquely ours. Then about 10 years later, we decided to try truck camping life. Earlier this year, we made the move to put it up for sale.

RV tires come in various sizes, profiles, wall ply quantities, and rated pressure/load capacities. And all of these rely on compressed air or similar gas to operate. Much of the performance, lifespan, and durability is dependent on the internal pressure being correct for the vehicle’s weight and that it is maintained, and the type of air you put into your tires could affect how well they stay inflated over time. So which is better when choosing between nitrogen vs air to fill your RV tires?

Nitrogen vs air

Well, as we all have probably experienced, keeping the air pressure at the required pressure is an ongoing task. It normally requires that the pressures are topped up at least every three months or so. This need is driven by constantly escaping oxygen molecules that are small enough to migrate through the tire casing.

The compressed air found in most auto and truck tires contains about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and a balance of mixed gases. And, in addition to the oxygen passing through the tire casing, moisture in the air is the other issue. This moisture can be corrosive to both steel and aluminum wheels.

Recreational vehicles come in many types, makes, and models. This can make it difficult for people to choose a unit that would best fill their needs, application, and desires. In addition, they must fit it into their budget. This selection holds true whether a potential buyer is seeking a new or a used RV. Options are critical to this decision.

For those purchasing a new rig, there may be more financial discissions to make as optional equipment and possible add-ons are offered. Some of these optional extras are not only a great feature but may also increase the down-the-road resale value. Let’s look at some of the choices that may be available and worth consideration.

Hydronic Heat System

In lieu of an RV furnace and a hot water tank, the hydronic heating system can deliver both interior heat and hot water when needed. The forced air heat is supplied by the circulation of glycol to strategically installed fan-driven air movers. This is a far superior RV heating system in its air distribution. For house hot water, this can supply a near-continuous flow. While this is a somewhat pricey option, it has a substantial return on resale value.

Dishwasher

While seemingly not a needed appliance for a trailer or motor home, it can deliver worthwhile benefits. A dishwasher can alleviate the need to wash dishes every day while keeping the sink and galley tidy. Additionally, it will reduce the freshwater quantity due to only requiring one wash every few days.

An off-grid campsite can be terrifying for those who get spooked by the remoteness, while the busyness of a luxury campground can annoy those seeking serenity. My family is somewhere in the middle — and chances are, yours might be, too. How do we go about evaluating campgrounds to find the right spot for us? Check out these tips for picking the perfect park for you:

Know Your Style

Know thyself. The ancient Greeks understood that knowing yourself was the first step to finding wisdom. This happens to be great advice for evaluating campsites. Finding the perfect park starts with knowing your own preferences, which vary widely from person to person.

As you travel, pay attention to campsite and campground features and environments, and you’ll begin to notice some patterns in your preferences. 

Here are some elements to consider:

Getting into nature is easy, but following good RV camping etiquette takes practice. Now that more people than ever are discovering the joys of RVing, the time is right for all of us to practice good manners at the campground. Here’s how to make summertime camping experiences positive for everyone we encounter.

I love the freedom to shake up my routine with RV living. To wake up with the sun, go to sleep with the moon, and explore a gorgeous destination without the worries of routine living. RV trips can be filled with joyful opportunities that bring out the kid in all of us, but unfortunately, some folks forgot their manners. According to Facebook’s largest group of workampers in the U.S., more RVers than ever are making a bad impression at campgrounds.

The State of RV Camping Etiquette

As a moderator of the Workamping group on Facebook, I recently polled members about their experiences with campers’ behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The majority of poll takers (103 out of 126) indicate that RV camping etiquette could use some improvement. Workampers in the group are working at public parks and private RV resorts, and all report encountering the same bad camping manners, such as:

“For the most part, people are respectful. They are made aware of park rules ahead of time as well,” says Carrie Tuttle, a workamper since 2018. “Every season though there are a few who think the rules don’t apply to them and test the waters.” Tuttle believes the majority of guests know what good RV camp etiquette looks like.

This week in the Good Sam camping news spotlight, we’re taking a look at how campers are adopting AI as a means of trip planning, how you can earn $70 towards your next stay at a campground, and how the RV rental market is at an all-time high.

Campers are quickly adopting artificial intelligence

According to a recent study by KOA, 32% of campers claim to have used artificial intelligence as a means of trip planning, with another 22% of the survey intent on using AI for future travel. Primarily, most campers see AI as a helpful tool for finding well-reviewed parks, gathering information, or even just crafting an itinerary for upcoming trips. The study seems to suggest that campers are adopting AI technology quicker than any other group of recreational travelers. With an estimated 22 million households planning on camping over the 4th of July weekend, the data suggests that AI will be a pertinent part of many people’s summer plans.

RV rental market is at an all-time high

A recent report from Outdoorsy claims that the rental market for RVs is the highest it’s ever been, with 76% of their bookings coming from first-time customers. Additionally, renters are taking longer trips than in previous years (about 1 to 2 more days on average), with many expecting this trend to continue growing. One of the suggested factors for growth stems from inflation in the hotel industry, with the average cost of a room increasing by 54% in the past year. Other reports even predict the RV rental industry to be worth over $1 billion as soon as 2031.

RVshare and Hipcamp giving away $10 million in overnight stays

To commemorate their 10 years in business, RVshare and Hipcamp have announced a partnership and are planning to give away up to $10 million to RVers for overnight stays to celebrate. The relationship between the two companies will mean further integration between Hipcamp’s and RVshare’s inventory. As of last week, customers who book rentals through RVshare’s website or app can claim a promo code worth $70 for a Hipcamp booking. Note that the offer will only be valid for stays falling between June and December of this year.

The post June RV & Camping News appeared first on Good Sam Camping Blog.

Obviously, nobody plans for an emergency, but try as we might, accidents will still happen. With that, it’s imperative that you respond quickly and appropriately to mitigate further disaster in the event of a camping fiasco. To ensure the most safety and enjoyment, here are some best practices for first aid while camping. 

Prevention and first aid basics 

When it comes to first aid, the best offense is a good defense (or something along those lines). The best course of action is to anticipate disaster and prepare for the worst before it actually comes to fruition. Take it upon yourself to research any potential hazards, wildlife, poisonous plants, or weather-related risks that could affect your trip, as well as stocking up your first aid kit with essentials for any scenario.

For example:

Additionally, you would do well to familiarize yourself with fundamental first aid techniques such as CPR, the Heimlich, or cleaning wounds.

Common camping injuries 

Let’s break down the more common camping accidents with some quick tips for remedying the situation. Keep in mind that this list is for minor injuries that can be self-treated. In the event of an actual emergency, be sure to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Camp within reach of New England’s most celebrated destinations. Circle CG Farm Campground in Bellingham, Massachusetts, sits less than an hour away from Boston, Cape Cod, and other popular Bay State spots. Spend the day visiting places like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park, then relax at a highly rated (9.5/9.5*/10) resort with ample amenities. 

Travelers who prefer to stay local can enjoy the campground’s many activities, from Christmas in July to live music. The campground’s lush, wooded setting completes the picture for a relaxing vacation.

Camping Comfort

Occupying 30 acres, Circle CG Farm Campground sits amid ample shade trees in rustic surroundings. Recreation abounds here, with a pool, rec hall, and other spaces where campers can congregate. Guest can unleash their competitive spirit in the game room or hit the miniature golf course. Go fishing in the pond or hit one of the nature trails that stretch through the rustic property. 

The resort supplies travelers with all the stuff they need, including metered propane, ice, pet supplies, and firewood. The country store sells groceries, and restrooms and showers in the park have a starred rating for cleanliness.

We’re truly fortunate to live in a country brimming with natural beauty. With a wide range of aesthetic and ecological diversity ranging from coast to coast, the United States offers a lifetime of photo-worthy opportunities. To help you plan your next adventure, here’s a starter list of 5 stunning photo-ops you need to see for yourself, as well as a list of nearby campgrounds.

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Likely at the top of most people’s bucket lists, the Grand Canyon is among the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, let alone the United States. Carved over the course of millions of years by the Colorado River, the massive canyon offers plenty of hiking, whitewater rafting, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Nearby campgrounds:

The warming spring temperatures have ushered in another camping season along with the promise of hot, lazy summer days. Thoughts of spending hours enjoying hiking, fishing, or exploring nature’s secrets in the backcountry come to the forefront of your mind. Yes, it’s time to get the RV on the road with an eye toward air conditioning performance.

The heat of summer is welcoming for many as each day unfolds with higher temperatures. But while evening temps cool down significantly, there are some campers who find the overall climate too warm. For these folks, air conditioners in trailers and motorhomes are both needed and appreciated.

However, having an air conditioner might not be enough. Having an efficient air conditioner capable of producing a steady flow of cold air is needed to complete the summer camping picture.

Keeping Your AC Unit Cool

So, how should we go about making sure we are getting the most from our RV air conditioner? Well, before embarking on your first season’s trip, a basic operation test should be made on the air conditioner(s). This involves merely running the air conditioning and measuring the incoming air temperature. A probe thermometer or infrared temperature gun can be used for this. As a rule of thumb, a reading of anything between 16 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit lower than that of the air entering the AC unit is an acceptable result. During this trial run, the functions controlled by the thermostat can be tested and set.