The Year of the Camper

from Cache Valley Family Magazine Summer 2020

Navigating the Market Through a Pandemic

the Camper THE YEAR OF

written by EMILY BUCKLEY, editor in chief

This year just may be “the year of the camper.” Considering that millions of cooped-up Americans are eager to get out and travel and that driving will be the preferred method of transportation for the near future, self-cocooning in some sort of RV would seem to be one of the most desirable ways to travel with family or close friends.

“We are some of the fortunate who have thrived during this pandemic,” Derek Hendricks, marketing manager for Castle Country RV in Logan, said. “Apart from providing several jobs and hiring new employees during this pandemic, we have been able to help a lot of people find an RV that suits their needs so they can camp in comfort and luxury.”

Anyone with travel plans this spring or summer has had to reevaluate them, and Castle Country RV has been there to help. “We have focused on helping people who have had their vacation plans changed,” Derek said. “With shutdowns of major cities and cruises, along with several travel restrictions, many people have turned to vacationing and social distancing in nature. With camping being one of the only options for deviating from the typical routine of work and home life, many people have been looking for trailers to plan trips and carry all of their toys.”

Castle Country RV is under new ownership this year. Randy and Valorie Haugen, and their son, Jason, who are the majority owners of Legacy RV Center in Salt Lake City purchased the business in February. “Although we are under new ownership, Cache Valley residents can expect the same quality service they’ve always gotten at Castle Country RV,” Derek said. “We offer the lowest prices in the country on trailers and strive for greatness. The only changes we plan to make are for improvement — our new owners have a great vision for the future, and we are excited to see what this new adventure brings!”

Castle Country RV is starting work on a new 20-acre lot in Wellsville that will better fit their inventory. Along with more space for trailers, the new store will provide more bays for service, have a larger parts department, offer a dumping station, and, in some cases, let customers stay the night in their trailer.

If your family is wanting to join in on the year of the camper, Castle Country RV wants to make your RV shopping experience as safe and easy as possible. To accommodate those who are at high-risk for sickness or feel less comfortable, they are offering contactless, free delivery within 100 miles. They have also adjusted store policies, are avoiding handshakes, and are allowing customers to walk freely through trailers and contact a salesperson once they have questions.

Hitting the road in your RV is a great way for families to experience new sites together, but road trips can also result in grumpy kids and exhausted parents. Before you pack up for a summer outing, consider these 8 tips to make things go more smoothly:

SET EXPECTATIONS Before you even leave the driveway, set expectations as a family. Will electronics be allowed? If so, when? Who will be responsible for what chores when it comes to setting up and taking down camp? Explain campground etiquette.

GET ORGANIZED Organization is key, especially when road tripping. Create organized spaces for them to store their toys, books, and activities. An RV can become cluttered very quickly without assigning a space for everything.

DON’T FORGET A DOORMAT A doormat and area to leave shoes either right outside or inside the RV will go a long way to keep a clean and organized living space.

DEFINE PERSONAL SPACE If you’re on a long trip, decide how to provide each person with their own personal space.

PACK A BABY GATE FOR YOUNGER CAMPERS For little ones and babies, a pack and play or baby gate is a good idea to ensure safety around the campfire or in the RV.

BE PREPARED If your children are old enough to pack for themselves it is a good opportunity to let them practice responsibility, but be prepared to back them up in case they forget something. Bring extra blankets, jackets, sunscreen, and necessary medications.

THINK CREATIVELY ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT When it comes to entertainment, the world around you is about as good as it gets. National parks and public lands often have programs for kids and teens. For rainy days, make sure to have coloring books, bubbles, and card games handy. Some days even call for a movie. One of the great things about today’s RVs is the ability to combine modern conveniences with the great outdoors.

ENJOY EACH OTHER Don’t forget the most important part: Enjoying one another. Take time to let the kids be kids and marvel at the way they see the world. Lie under the stars together one night or enjoy a s’more, even if the marshmallow is a little burnt.