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Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, puts a modern and luxurious twist on a historic road trip. Located off the legendary “Mother Road” (also Interstate 40) the resort brims with state-of-the-art luxuries, including a resort-style pool and luxury sites with 100-amp hookups. Guests can hop on a shuttle to the neighboring Route 66 Casino Hotel, which bustles with slot machines and high-stakes tables.

To the west of Route 66 RV Resort, Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, treats visitors to charming neighborhoods with historical buildings, many from the route’s golden age. There’s also a dynamic art scene and restaurants that serve up the finest Tex-Mex food in the Southwest. Food lovers can discover new flavors from centuries-old recipes passed down through the generations or delve deep into Native American history. 

The Route’s Roots

Connecting Chicago and Santa Monica, California, the “Main Street of America” was made famous in part by the homey diners, colorful neon signs and quirky hotels that greeted motorists in every town. Albuquerque was no exception, and the stretch of Route 66 that runs through the city keeps this vibe alive. Along this corridor, which follows Central Avenue through town, several shops and restaurants celebrate the route that has guided motorists across North America since the 1930s. 

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RV Trip Ideas: Blue Water RV Resort On The Texas Gulf Coast

There’s a saying that the only time salt lowers your blood pressure is when you’re at the coast. There is definitely something calming about watching the water hit the shore and listening to the sounds of the waves. One of the best places to experience the peacefulness of it for yourself is Blue Water RV Resort on the Gulf Coast of Texas. 

What to expect at Blue Water RV Resort

Nestled along the shore between Surfside Beach and Galveston, Blue Water RV Resort on the Texas Gulf Coast has everything you need for an amazing vacation. The resort sits right on the bay, offers canal access, and has lots of sandy beaches for guests to enjoy.

Stunning tropical landscapes as well as sunrises and sunsets await you every day. Want to spend the day on the water? The resort has a crossover for guests to reach the beach and a private boat ramp and docks for fishing and boating. They even rent kayaks and paddleboards.

Blue Water RV Resort currently has an excellent 9.0 average rating on RV LIFE Campground Reviews. According to one visitor,

The last thing anyone wants to consider when planning an RV vacation is the possibility of fire. However, a little prevention goes a long way to ensure a safe and trouble-free holiday. It’s worth it, so take the time to ensure you’re protected.

The video above covers the essential safety equipment for all RVs. Below, we’ll discuss the causes of RV fires and provide a few safety tips for fire prevention.

RV Fire Safety On the Road

According to FEMA, approximately one in eight fires responded to by fire departments in the United States is a highway vehicle fire, which includes recreational vehicles. After accidents, mechanical failure in one of the following areas contributed to most of these fires: the engine, running gear, or wheel area of the vehicle.

The most important prevention for mechanical fire is to maintain your RV or tow vehicle’s electrical system and mechanical components. Here are a few critical things every RV owner should check before each trip to reduce the chances of a fire while traveling:

It is equally important to know what to do in case a fire occurs while you’re driving to your destination.

Travelers from all over the world marvel at the red rock formations and sandstone arches that dominate the Mars-like landscape at Arches National Park. 

Located in southern Utah in the town of Moab, the park covers 76,500 acres and has over 2000 arches within its borders – the highest concentration in the world. The surrounding Moab area is a destination for rock climbers, mountain bikers, off-road enthusiasts, and geology buffs. 

There is something new (or, rather, very old) and exciting waiting around every corner of the Colorado River that runs along the park’s southern border. Arches National Park sees over one million visitors each year. Because of its popularity, a trial timed-entry permit system was implemented for April – October 2022.

RVing in Arches National Park is an experience like none other. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Why Visit Arches National Park in an RV?

With 18 miles of scenic driving within the park and its location in Moab, Arches National Park is the perfect RV base camp for a classic American southwest adventure. There is a campground within Arches National Park that accommodates RVs up to 40 feet in length, but it can fill up quickly.

Picture this: you’ve planned the perfect getaway with your significant other or your family while the kids are on a break from school. You’ve scoped out the most romantic destination with a wine tasting for two, or landed on a family-friendly spot that has an adventure suitable for all ages.

It’s far enough away to require traveling but not so far that you have to spring for airfare or worry about carry-ons. In fact, the journey itself begs for an RV road trip. There are sights to see and miles to collect along the way, making the location the cherry on top once you arrive.

So, how will you get there? The best way possible, of course — in a sprinter van.

What is a Sprinter Van?

Chances are you’ve seen a sprinter van on the road without even realizing that’s what you were looking at. A light commercial vehicle designed to carry passengers or cargo, a sprinter van can be used in a variety of ways, with the goal of getting from point A to point B in style and comfort.

Ranging in size depending on passenger or cargo capacity, a sprinter van marries luxury and convenience like nothing else on the road.

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Sponsored by rvroof.com

Owning an RV is like having a home on wheels. Just like your sticks & bricks home, there are normal maintenance and repairs that must be done. While the roof on your home may not need a great deal of attention, your RV roof does. In fact, your RV roof must be inspected carefully several times a year.

FlexArmor, designed by and offered exclusively through rvroof.com, is a unique system to address weak points in the roof of all RVs, the multiple caulking joints, and the maintenance they require. 

As early as 2005, FlexArmor considered the RV roof with intent, seeking to not only fully understand the roof anatomy of this high-tech vehicle of travel but offer a permanent solution to the unique weak points.

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Get Rid Of The Water Spots On Your RV Windows

It can be annoying when you find water spots on your RV windows or windshield. These are sometimes difficult to remove, and they can make your glass appear cloudy and dirty. If you want to get rid of these annoying little marks, there are several techniques you can use. 

In addition to standard hard water spot cleaners, you can use substances like toothpaste, WD-40, vinegar, lemon juice, or an abrasive tool like steel wool. Just a bit of scrubbing should do the trick!

There are lots of ways to get rid of water spots, but you can also take certain measures to prevent them from forming. We’ll cover some of the most effective treatments below, as well as some preventative tactics. 

Commercial cleaners

To start off, you can always turn to commercial products that were specifically designed to break down and remove hard water stains. There are lots of options that will work well for RV/vehicle windows. Some of the best products to try include:

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The Best Options For Stationary RVers

Where to park an RV full-time

If you need to park an RV full-time, you have some options. The country is full of safe, legal, long-term RV parking spots. Whatever the reason may be, let’s look at some of the locations where you can park an RV and settle down for awhile or even permanently.

Park an RV on your own land

Depending on your needs, this could be the best option financially. There are pros and cons to any location, of course. You could already have existing land or you might consider purchasing a tract.

Pros of parking an RV on your own land:

In 1932, outlaw couple Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow fled to Carlsbad, New Mexico, to find sanctuary from the cops. Granted, most of us would disapprove of how they made a living (robbing banks), but you have to admit: they had good taste when it came to picking a hideout.

Most visitors to the region would agree. The area surrounding Carlsbad, in particular, consists of scenic desert hills with legendary historic sites and state and national parks in every direction. Ninety years after Bonnie and Clyde’s visit, the small city, nicknamed the Pearl of the Pecos, continues to thrive as an oasis in the desert. The town has pleasant, treelined streets with friendly residents and the wide Pecos River flowing through it. Excellent restaurants, water recreation and microbreweries keep visitors busy.

Bonnie & Clyde’s RV Getaway RV Park

Bonnie and Clyde’s RV Getaway RV Park, named after the infamous couple, puts travelers close to everything this region offers. Located eight miles north of Carlsbad and nestled in a 30-acre ranch, the park surrounds visitors with sweeping views of Southwest scenery. The 40-space park treats guests to roomy spaces that accommodate slideouts. Guests enjoy friendly service and ample picnic shelters, grills and tables. 

The park is kid-friendly, with a safe environment and a playground for burning off energy. Anglers can hone their skills in the park’s fishing pond. A coin-operated laundry is available, and full-hookup sites powered by 30- and 50-amp power keep RVers comfortable. The Wi-Fi supports streaming and is available for two devices per overnight site.

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Propane is an essential fuel source for RVs. It is used to operate appliances like your water heater, furnace, refrigerator, oven, and cooktop, and it’s especially vital when you’re boondocking without electrical hookups. 

Because it’s a flammable liquid, you need to know how to connect propane and safely turn it on, and that’s true whether you’re renting an RV or you own a new motorhome. So let’s cover the basics of RV LP systems and how to use them. 

The Different LP Containers and Their Locations

There are two types of LP containers: DOT cylinders and ASME tanks. DOT cylinders are the removable type on most travel trailers and fifth wheels. ASME tanks are the type that are permanently mounted to the frame or floor of motorhomes and accessed through an exterior compartment door.

On travel trailers, you’ll typically find DOT cylinders mounted to the trailer’s tongue or, in rarer cases, to the rear bumper. On fifth wheels, the cylinders will usually be found inside a storage compartment.

As long as wheels have been around, people have been living in vehicles — or out of them. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, “van life,” has become the newest iteration of this tradition. Many wanderers are taking to vans, school buses, and RVs to live out the life of their dreams.

These days, van life is more about taking control of your life, carving out space to pursue your curiosities on your own terms. Ultimately, van life is more than a lifestyle — it’s a mindset.

Step One to Living Van Life: Find the Right Rig

Full disclosure, this process can be time-consuming and stressful at the beginning. However, it’s best not to rush it. It’s an important decision and you want to choose the right van for you.

Make a list of the things that you need in a tiny space — the ability to stand up, bed size, kitchen space, etc. — and weed out any options that don’t meet those. If you’re stuck or torn between a few, try some on for size. Good Sam’s RV rental platform will allow you to try different types of RVs, from Class B’s (the most “van” like RV out there) to big ol’ Class A’s. 

In this phase of the journey, you can determine what the van life will look like for you. Will you be a part-timer, full-timer, or weekend warrior? Are you planning to build it out yourself, or do you want something move-in ready? Will you need to tow another vehicle for grocery grabbing and excursions?

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

When you get to an RV park or campground, one of your first steps requires knowing how to stabilize your RV. Properly stabilized, your recreational vehicle won’t sway back and forth when the kids jump around inside after too much sugary dessert. 

Travel trailers are stabilized using jacks, fifth wheels utilize what’s called landing gear, and many motorhomes are equipped with leveling systems that both level and stabilize your RV. 

Remember, stabilizing jacks and landing gear are NOT meant for leveling your RV. Leveling an RV must be completed before stabilizing your RV and requires leveling blocks and the proper orientation of your tongue jack. 

So, before you learn how to stabilize your RV, watch this quick video on how to level your RV first. 

When it comes to your RV, leaving it plugged in for long periods of time may not be the best idea. It can cause issues with certain appliances (see RV refrigerator basics) and leave your RV susceptible to electrical issues if you’re not protecting your system with a surge protector.  

Whether you’re renting an RV or have decided to purchase one, RV power can be confusing for even the most advanced RV enthusiast. Fortunately, you’re in the right place to break through that fog of confusion.

Should you leave your RV plugged in all the time? No. Well, “not quite,” is the short answer. The longer answer? Read on for more details to ensure your RV continues to run smoothly.

Understanding the Basics of RV Power

It’s important to know how your RV is powered and how to ensure that power is used and maintained. There are two power systems that supply power to an RV: DC power which uses 12-volt direct current, and AC power which uses 120-volt alternating current.

12-volt DC power from your battery bank (whether lead-acid, AGM, or lithium) can power things like lights, fans, your tongue jack (if it isn’t manual), and water pumps.

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Snowbirds migrate from the northern reaches of the continent to the Sun Belt when the weather starts to get cold and snowy, just like millions of actual birds that migrate back and forth ever year. And just like the flocks of birds that follow familiar routes, RV snowbirds tend to make this journey on a few well-traveled arterials.

The two major routes connecting these two seasonal zones are the two interstate highways near the west and east coastlines. That would be I-5 in the west and I-95 in the east.

Although there are several north-south interstate routes in the interior of the continent, these two main routes carry the bulk of RV snowbirds simply because the coastal regions of the continent are the most densely populated areas; therefore, there are more RVers in the coastal states and more RV snowbirds.

When you see a large luxury RV driving down the road, it’s natural to wonder, ‘do you need a special license to drive an RV?’ With modern motorhomes being comparable in size to semi-trucks, it’s a legitimate question to ask. 

For most RVs, you’ll only need a valid driver’s license to rent an RV and drive it legally, but some states or RV types will require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or another type of special license. 

Whether you’re looking to rent a class A motorhome with Good Sam RV Rentals or you’re shopping for a sizable RV yourself, here’s what you need to know about driving and maneuvering recreational vehicles.

What Are The Different Types of RVs?

If you’re new here, let’s begin with an overview of the various RV types and classes:  

Motorized RVs

Towable Campers

Towable campers include travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and pop-up campers. Truck campers are kind of in their own category, but they still rely on you having a truck that can handle the camper’s weight.