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MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR RV! RENT OUT YOUR RIG FOR AN EASY WAY TO GENERATE INCOME HOW TO RUN AN ETSY STORE FROM YOUR HOME ON WHEELS

Towing Guide to

M O R E T H A N 1,0 0 0 A P P R OV E D L I S T I N G S

GET SET FOR SUMMER

Check out our expert advice on safe travels in your perfect towing combo.

TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY YOU TRAVELING WITH TEENS AND TWEENS THE HOTTEST NEW MOTORHOMES

JUNE 2021 | RV.COM

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A New Class B Van From Jayco

TOP FEATURES • • • • • • • • •

JRide®: Hellwig® helper springs, over-sized rear stabilizer bar Tecnoform® European-style, high-gloss cabinetry JAYCOMMAND® powered by Firefly 7” Pioneer® Infotainment center with Apple® CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Ultraleather® swivel driver and passenger seats with 6-way lumbar adjustment Thule® armless patio awning with LED light strip, bike rack and roof rack 190W roof-mounted GoPower!® solar panel with integrated control panel Winegard® ConnecT™ 2.0 4G/WIFI/Digital TV Antenna Solid-surface kitchen countertop with pull-out extension

JAYCO, CIRCLE 113 ON READER SERVICE CARD

20A

20T

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Contents JUNE 2021

Win-Win

With Good Sam’s new peer-to-peer RV Rentals service, you make more and save more, so you can get out with the family and enjoy the good life (see page 66).

FEATURES DAZZLING DAYS 18 TWO IN MONTREAL

A mother and son team up on a whirlwind tour to check out the arts, culture, and recreation in Canada’s second-most populous city.

38 2021 TOW RATINGS

How much trailer can your new vehicle tow? Check out this year’s listings to find out.

KAYAK (AND RV), 24 HAVE WILL TRAVEL

How to choose the right kayak for your next adventure.

28 GUIDE TO TOWING

How to select the perfect trailer and tow vehicle combination, plus expert tips on the proper equipment and practices to make the most of your towing experience.

TO SUBSCRIBE, GO TO RV.COM/SUBSCRIBE

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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Contents JUNE 2021

DEPARTMENTS

7 MESSAGE FROM MARCUS Make the Most, Save the Most 10 THE BUZZ Here’s what our readers are saying.

Foodie

12 MISSION: POSSIBLE Get to know celebrity chef Robert Irvine.

13 CAMP CUISINE Mexican street corn is the ultimate finger food; Chef Irvine ramps up the tanginess with some surprising additions. 14 LOCAL FLAVORS Washington’s Whidbey Island is a seafood lover’s paradise. On the menu: Lemon garlic steamed clams and a nice dry Italian wine. 15 SUMMER BEERS Stay golden and sip sunshine with delicious brews of gold, hazy yellow, and pale amber.

Rigs + Gear

56 ONE SWIFT MOTORHOME New Class B from Jayco blends easy handling and versatility with all the comforts of a larger motorhome. 58 CHARGING AHEAD Monitoring your RV’s battery power. 62 MOTORHOMES ARE RVS, TOO! We haven’t forgotten the motorized aspect of RVing. Here are some of the hottest motorhomes for the summer. 66 RENTING THE COMFORTS OF HOME By renting out your RV with Good Sam, it can help pay for itself in no time.

Life on the Road

70 TRAVELING WITH TWEENS AND TEENS Our top dos and don’ts to make your young travel companions—and yourself—even happier campers.

In the Know

54 FIND YOUR GROOVE Hit the road this summer to gain a new perspective on why you travel.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

74 ETSY FROM AN RV It’s easy to run a business from your RV; it just takes some planning, and lots of organizational skills. 78 AN RV LIFE YOUR BODY WILL LOVE The summer season is a great time to “healthy up” your RV adventures. 80 THE RIGHT RV FOR YOUR PETS Selecting the perfect rig for your four-legged travel companions made simple. 82 SNAPSHOTS So, where to next?

MORE ONLINE @ RV.COM How to Keep Lovebugs Off the Front of Your RV What Does “Solar Ready” on my RV Mean? Best Destinations and Activities for Families

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STOP DREAMING START DOING

Scan to “Get Matched” with your perfect Keystone RV models.

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PUBLISHER, CEO, & CHAIRMAN MARCUS LEMONIS EDI T ORI A L Managing Editor Kristopher Bunker Features Editor Donya Carlson Art Director Rick Damien Production Manager Kath Cunningham Consulting Tech Editor Jeff Johnston

HENSLEY MANUFACTURING INC., CIRCLE 112 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Contributors Stefany and James Adinaro, Lisa Ballard, Kerri Cox, Ray Diehr, Ann and Eric Eichenmuller, Robert Irvine, Rachael Johnson, Paige Marley, Erin Peters, Sean Pierce, Abbey Robertson, Ian Spanier, Michael Stahl ADMINISTRATIVE Chief Operating Officer Tamara Ward President – GS Media & Events Vilma Fraguada Vice President – Media Services Pete Fikis Marketing Director Amber Kansou Director of Operations Lori Guiang Business Manager Katey Purgatorio ADVERTISING West Region Scott Oakes 847-229-6758, scott.oakes@goodsam.com Midwest/North-East Region Ryan Reinke 612-695-3219, ryan.reinke@goodsam.com CUSTOMER SERVICE Print Subscriptions 800-825-6861, rvmagazine@cdsfulfillment.com Editorial info-rvmagazine@rv.com Website RV.com Digital Subscriptions 866-799-4084

RV Magazine (ISSN 2693-9673) is published monthly by GS Media & Events (a division of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC), 250 Parkway Dr., Ste 270, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Periodicals postage paid at Lincolnshire, IL 60069 and additional mailing offices. The annual subscription rate is $19.97 per year in the U.S. For Canadian and international subscriptions add $12 per year. US funds only. U.S. Postmaster Send address changes to RV Magazine, P.O. Box 5859, Harlan, IA 51593-1359.

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Canadian Return Address GS Media & Events, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J3. Publication Sales Agreement #40012332.

Printed in the United States. © 2021 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. RV Magazine is a registered Trademark of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Unauthorized use of any of Good Sam’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Privacy Promise RV Magazine will never intentionally share subscribers’ names, addresses or other personal information with other companies when requested not to do so. If you do want to opt out from receiving marketing offers in the mail from other reputable companies, or if you opt out and subsequently desire to opt back in, contact RV Magazine by mail, phone or email: RV Magazine Mail Preference Service P.O. Box 5859, Harlan, IA 51593-1359 800-825-6861, rvmagazine@cdsfulfillment.com This policy applies to postal mail; RV Magazine will not send commercial emails to subscribers unless authorized to do so. RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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WELCOME

MAKE THE MOST, SAVE THE MOST We all know that the popularity of RVing is at an all-time high and the momentum is here to stay. As a result, tech companies have capitalized on our space, capturing the excitement, the demand, and the revenue of the peer-to-peer RV rental business. Don’t get me wrong. This is a good business model. Just like Airbnb has disrupted the hotel industry, peer-to-peer RV rentals are a game-changing platform that makes RVing more accesIt’s an opportunity for sible to everyone. RV owners to become What I don’t entrepreneurs. It like about current outside platforms changes the financial are the high fees landscape, making for the owner as RV ownership an well as the renter. If you own the investment. RV, you made the investment, and you deserve to make the money on it. For 55 years Good Sam has been advocating for RVers in order to create a better environment for us. That environment should include a peer-to-peer RV rental platform that benefits our community financially, which is why Good Sam has created Good Sam RV Rentals. (See page 66 for a full article on this topic.) This program will seamlessly help owners and renters

connect and once they do, it will offer the lowest fees, for both parties, guaranteed. Whether you are considering turning unused RV days into additional income or are looking to rent an RV for the weekend, Good Sam RV Rentals will help you make the most money as an owner or save the most money as a renter. And, if you’re someone who is leery of renting because you don’t want someone else using your sheets? Buy new ones—you’ll have the money for it. •

Marcus Lemonis Publisher @marcuslemonis

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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THE BUZZ your campsite.” You also listed several books about travel. I like to read books by RVers about their adventures. Here are a few I have enjoyed: Movin’ On: Living & Traveling Full Time in a Recreational Vehicle, Ron & Barb Hofmeister Steeles on Wheels: A Year on the Road in an RV, Mark & Donia Steele

In “How to Be a Good Neighbor” in the April issue, you missed the number-one pet peeve of all my camping friends: If you must garland your campsite space with garish lights, please at least turn them off when you go indoors for the night. There is nothing that destroys the mood of a great night outdoors around the campfire more than a string of bright lights, or even a bright white porch light that is left on by campers who have retired to the inside for the night. Jerry Bormann, Plymouth, Minnesota

FROM TWITTER

What’s your best RV hack? @mykidsmeow Using a magazine organizer to store my dishes. @jessenchantment Don’t fill up your water tanks until you get to your destination. You’ll save on gas. @annieberkness Our best hack when we had a travel trailer was offering it for rent on RV Share. It helped us pay off our loan, fund maintenance/repairs, provided extra money to purchase more camping gear, and we took some of our best trips, all with the (mostly) passive income we made.

CONNECT WITH US info-rvmagazine@rv.com RVdotCom RV.com RV_com

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

MORE GREAT READS I like the new magazine and would like to offer some thoughts. I like the crossword puzzle; it’s about the only one I can finish because others are too difficult. I also like the photos by readers (“Snapshots”). I would like to see recipes for pressure cookers like the Instant Pot, since they can be used for quick pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. In the “How to Be a Good Neighbor” article in April, I did not see “Don’t let your fire pit smolder with smoke that drifts into your neighbor’s RV, especially when you are away from

TECH Q&A IS BACK!

Vicariously Yours, Letters and Lessons from the Ultimate Road Trip, Traci Bray The Red Road Diaries: Tales of Traveling the Back Roads of North America in an RV, Judith Callison Great Eastern RV Trips: A YearRound Guide to the Best RVing in the East, Gordon Groene and Janet Groene Doin’ the Southwest Adventure Caravan 2015, Frank T. Hogg Linda Rogers, via email PUMP UP THE VOLUME My wife and I love music and want to upgrade our trailer’s stereo. Either I have been

GETTING CONNECTED We are new to RVing and having challenges with internet connections. We both work remotely and need a strong connection. At home, my wife uses an Altigen IP 720 internet-based phone that connects directly to a router or booster with an ethernet cable. So, we are looking for this type of setup for our RV. I thought it would be easy but am finding there aren’t many options out there. Any guidance you or RV Magazine readers can provide would be appreciated greatly! John Troulis Hawley, Pennsylvania

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What products/services do you currently use to help with improved internet connectivity while on the road and in camp? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! INFO-RVMAGAZINE@RV.COM

Have a question about all things RV, including systems, engines, accessories, or construction? Submit it to our expert at techqa@rv.com and it may be selected for publication. You must include your name, city and state, phone number (will not be published), and type and model of your RV.

ILLUSTRATION: BUBA VIEDMA

NOT LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

looking in the wrong places, or it is really tough to get decent information about stereos and speakers and what is needed. All we want is better sound quality that is a bit louder (though we do not want to bother other campers). The RV/trailer websites seem to only have speakers for $20–$60 a pair. The stereo itself has also been tough to figure out what I should get. Do your readers have any suggestions on upgrading the stereo in an RV? Tim Putnam Oro Valley, Arizona

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11 PROGRESSIVE.indd 4/22/21 4:00 PM - 11 -

Translation: A major blowout on the right side has your family waiting on the roadside. But no matter the diagnosis, we’re here for you with optional Roadside Assistance coverage. Get protection you can really see with Progressive. 1-800-PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, CIRCLE 122 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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CHEF ROBERT IRVINE’S CAMP CUISINE

Mission:

Possible Celebrity chef Robert Irvine’s passions go beyond the kitchen. BY DO NYA C ARLSON

PHOTOS: IAN SPANIER

orld-class chef and philanthropist Robert Irvine spends about 300 days a year on the road for work and has the energy and enthusiasm of a kid tearing into a pile of birthday gifts. He credits his wife, Gail, a retired professional wrestler and a producer for “Impact Wrestling” for being by his side. In addition to filming for “Restaurant: Impossible” and recently back-on-the-air “Dinner: Impossible,” Irvine does charity work for the United Service Organizations, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and his own Robert Irvine Foundation, all of which support military personnel and first responders.

which set him on the path to join the Navy at age 15½. He says, “Without the men and women of our military, we wouldn’t have any of the freedoms we enjoy. It’s essential that they know that their sacrifice is honored and appreciated. In the military, the whole family serves. When a parent is deployed, there are children at home who aren’t getting the attention that parent would have been able to give them.”

Many people know him as the chef who can turn a plate of veggies, a freshly caught trout, or a filet mignon into a mouth-watering masterpiece and the make-no-bones-about-it businessman who delves in to turn flailing restaurants into successful ones in 48 hours on “Restaurant: Impossible.” Irvine enjoys helping people and says the show is the perfect venue “to bring all my expertise into a situation where it’s very badly needed and see the positive impact it has.” He takes each situation to heart and says it’s an exhausting process but once the owner/chef “removes their ego from the process, we’re off and running” and he has absolute faith it’ll work out.

He explains that he gets an endorphin rush out of giving: “I believe we’re here to lift each other up.” It’s a satisfaction that’s “more rewarding than anything you might do for yourself. I feel it when I help a struggling restaurant owner, when my foundation is able to buy a motorized wheelchair for a disabled veteran, and I’ll never be able to get enough of it.”

When Irvine was 11 he joined the Sea Cadets in England where he was born, RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

“I believe we’re here to lift each other up.” - Robert Irvine

Staying fit is another passion. “My day isn’t complete until I’ve had a training session and worked up a good sweat,” he says. He got into lifting weights at a young age: “I wanted to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I saw him on the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine and my mom fed the passion by getting me a weight set.” But it was Gail who’s “incredibly meticulous about her diet and eating for peak performance” and

set him straight on eating right. He then became very interested in how to make eating healthy as tasty as possible. When asked what his preference is to eat—sweet or savory—he laughed and said, “You can’t make me pick and I won’t let you! I love, love, love pub food, and that’s what my Vegas restaurant (Robert Irvine’s Public House at the Tropicana) is all about. I love a good burger, ribs, a pot pie, pizza. But I also love something a little sweet to finish the meal. It’s a nice little reward and also sends a signal to your brain that the meal is now complete. At least that’s the signal it sends to my brain!” Irvine feels fortunate to “have a perfect day all the time. I show up in a new city, go get a lift in, and then get to use every skill I have at my disposal to help people turn their lives and businesses around. You can’t work as much as I do unless you really love it.” •

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Make It

GRILLED MEXICAN

STREET CORN

SERVES 4 PREP TIME 10 MINUTES COOK TIME 10 MINUTES

PHOTO: RAY DIEHR

You’ll Need • 2 fresh limes, zested and juice squeezed separately • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (substitute with queso fresco or feta cheese if desired)

heat.

2 In a small mixing bowl, whisk

together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, chili powder, lime zest, and lime juice. Set aside. 3 Grill the corn for 3 minutes

n any dish, butter and salt can do a lot of heavy lifting all by themselves. That bit of fat and sodium instantly enhances everything from veggies to meats and practically everything in between. But if, like most Americans, butter and salt are the only two toppings you use for corn on the cob, you’re doing it wrong—and you could learn a lot from how they do corn in Mexico. Traditionally, Mexican street corn is served covered in butter, mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. My version here nixes the butter for sour cream and adds lime and cilantro; combined, these up the tanginess a few notches and all but guarantee you won’t be able to stop at just one ear. You need to make this! The extra prep is minimal. The payoff is massive. — ROBERT IRVINE

• 4 fresh ears of sweet corn, husks removed and rinsed • ¼ cup sour cream • ¼ cup mayonnaise • ½ bunch chopped fresh cilantro • ½ tsp chili powder

1 Preheat grill to medium-high

• 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges to serve on the side with the corn

on each side until charred and tender. 4 Brush on the sour cream-

mayo mixture and then sprinkle the corn with the crumbled cheese and serve with lime wedges on the side.

LIMES AND SOUR CREAM UP THE TANGY FACTOR!

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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FOODIE On the Menu

Lemon Garlic Steamed Clams

LOCAL FLAVORS

WHIDBEY ISLAND ESCAPE by A N N E I C H E N M U L L E R

 If your summer travels take you to Washington State, don’t miss Whidbey Island. To reach this Northwest jewel located 30 miles north of Seattle, you must first cross the Deception Pass Bridge, a combination of two narrow, heart-stopping bridges 185 feet above the turbulent waters connecting Skagit Bay with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Whidbey Island is an RVer’s dream with six state parks, rugged cliffs, majestic trees, whale watching, and quaint villages with seafaring charm. There is plenty to do on this island, both indoors and out. Seal-watch on a kayak tour, take the kids to see a play at the Whidbey Children’s Theatre, or browse the island’s galleries, bookstores, and antique shops. Our favorite destinations? The lighthouse in Fort Casey State Park, the Spoiled Dog Winery, and the Langley Whale Center, where we learned all about the Puget Sound’s orcas. Another cool feature of a Whidbey Island vacation? You can dig up your own dinner! Shellfish can be recreationally harvested from select public beaches, including Double Bluff State Park, West Penn Cove, and Long Point. Check for rules and locations at wdfw.wa.gov. To plan your Whidbey Island camping trip, visit go-washington.com/whidbey-island.

Washington’s Whidbey Island is well known for its delicious seafood, but especially so for mussels, oysters, and clams.

On a cool Pacific Northwest evening there is nothing better than the savory aroma of clams simmering over a fire. For direct campfire cooking, avoid softwoods due to their tendency to spark and pop. SWEET, SALTY FLAVOR

YOU’LL NEED  Brine: 1⁄3 cup salt in 1 gallon cold water 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tsp crushed red pepper ﬂakes (optional) 1 cup dry white wine 3–4 dozen steamer clams 2 tbsp lemon zest 2 tsp each fresh chives, basil, and parsley, snipped Lemon wedges MAKE IT 

1) Soak clams in brine for 20 minutes to purge sand and grit. Rinse. Desalt by soaking an additional 15 minutes in cool tap water. Drain. 2) Melt butter in cast-iron skillet over low ﬁre. Add the garlic and red pepper ﬂakes. Cook until softened.

HIGH

LOW

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

A dry Italian white complements the rich, buttery taste of this dish. We like Gavi, grown in the southeast Piedmont, sometimes called “the Chablis of Italy” for the grape’s delicately floral, citrus characters. Another plus: Even quality wines of this variety tend to be inexpensive.

Our budget-minded bottle is La Doria Gavi, 2019, with its bright straw-yellow color and balance of floral and citrus notes. $15 A Domini Villae Lanata La Toledana 2018 is our date night choice, a bit drier with a hint of apple and a clean, mineral-laden finish. $27

PHOTO: ERIC EICHENMULLER

FINE PAIRINGS

3) Add the white wine, lemon zest, chives, and basil. Bring to simmer. Add clams. Steam until open, approximately 4–6 minutes (longer for larger clams). Discard any unopened clams. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges and serve with an artisan bread loaf.

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ON TAP THIS MONTH

SUMMER BEERS

With hues of gold, hazy yellow, and pale amber, sipping sunshine has never been so easy. by E R I N P E T E R S @ T H E B E E R G O D D E S S

PHOTOS: COURTESY THE BREWING COMPANIES

ou’ve gone through your summertime RV checklist and are ready to hit the road in high gear. Clear up some space for the following coolerworthy pales, pilsners, lagers, and fruit-inspired beers, because outdoor activities just seem that much more fun with a refreshing cold brew in hand.

Allagash Brewing Company, River Trip, Belgian-style table beer (Pale Ale): Coming in at an easy 4.8% ABV, this session ale contains grains from Maine and Comet and Azacca hops, adding an aromatic burst of ripe melon and citrus and hop-forward grapefruit and stone fruit notes. Enjoy on the river, or in the backyard or backwoods.

GrabldAone Co

Crooked Stave, Von Pilsner, Keller Pilsner: What do you get when you combine the brewery’s super soft water, traditional floor malted barley, and the finest German hops? This unfiltered crushable beer. This dry-hopped kellerbier is a traditional style of lager that’s uncommon in America. With a strong citrus-forward taste, the Pilsner malt base anchors the beer nicely. Drinkers of this brew may notice notes of white wine and lemongrass. Serve with Prosciutto di San Daniele, red cabbage salad with roasted cipollini onions or wild mushroom pizza with caramelized onions, fontina and rosemary. Mikkeller, Raspberry Blush, Berliner Weisse: This sour ale brewed with rye, barrel-aged coffee, and raspberries pours a hazy, rosy pink. Moderate tartness is met with vibrant raspberry jam and crisp carbonation. Light acidity of the coffee balances well with the tart ripe fruits. This crazy blind date of a beer actually turns out very well; it’s surprisingly good. And lucky for us, it’s distributed in 14 states including California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee.

Deschutes Brewery, Da Shootz!, American Pilsner: Crave that feeling of jumping in the lake on a hot summer day? This contemporary American pilsner is clean, lightly toasted with a hint of citrus and is a refreshing boost for your taste buds thanks to Lemondrop, Tettnang, and Azacca hops. Deschutes’ version of the hoppy light lager has an ever so slightly sweet grassy finish. Search for their beers with their beer finder at deschutesbrewery.com/beer-finder/

MONTHLY POUR

TO GO

SIXPOINT APOLLO STYLE: SUMMER WHEAT ABV: 5.2% NOTES: LEMON, GRAPEFRUIT, AND GINGER SNAP Behold this citrusy, radiant, all-quenching gift from the sun god. Sixpoint’s awesome fanfavorite summertime beer has been rereleased. Driven by a unique yeast strain that creates a delicious and refreshing brew, Apollo has a smooth feel designed for easy drinking all summer long. Look for hints of lemon, grapefruit, and ginger snap in every refreshing sip. Available April–September.

(continued on pg. 16)

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Pivo Pilsner: Inspired by the dry-hopped Tipopils from Birrificio Italiano, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson drew upon multiple European influences to create this revolutionary pilsner. Translated literally to mean “beer” in Czech, it was first released in 2012 and quickly became one of their most highly regarded beers. And dare I say, it’s a defining moment in beer style history (and sales!) with a return to proper, full-flavored lagers. Pivo is one of their most awarded beers, taking home Gold at the Great American Beer Festival three years in a row. Got IPA fatigue? Grab a Pivo.

Adventure To Go

Sea Eagle SE330 Inﬂatable Kayak Lightweight, portable, inflatable kayak for 1 or 2. Great for paddling calm waters, whitewater, surf, camping, and fishing.

SEA EAGLE, CIRCLE 125 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Fits In A Bag!

• Weighs just 26 lbs. • 11’2” x 34” • Holds 1-2 people or 500 lbs. • Deflates to 24” x 16” x 7”

SE330 Pro Package

includes 2 paddles, 2 seats, pump & storage bag.

Just $349 with FREE ground shipping to contiguous U.S.

800-944-7496

for a Free catalog Dept. RM061B RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

OEC Brewing, Coolship Lager: OEC Brewing has been praised by Forbes and hailed as America’s most innovative craft brewery. The brewery’s onsite bakery also makes wild fermented sourdough bread. Brewed using a traditional double decoction mash and hopped with fine European noble hops, it rests in their copper coolship for an hour after the boil. After a cool fermentation using a Czech lager yeast, it’s cellared for several months. Greeting the palate with bready and lightly toasted grain notes, the open fermentation reveals a unique farmhouse note. Hailing from Connecticut, this is a swiggable blonde lager with complexity. Cigar City Brewing, Guayabera Citra American Pale Ale: With notes of bright berry, lime leaf, tangerine, papaya, and kiwi, this hop-forward outstanding brew is perfectly quaffable on a summer evening. This took home a silver medal for the International-style Pale Ale category at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. Try it in a ceviche with pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, red onion. See the full recipe at cigarcitybrewing.com/ our-beers/recipes/ceviche-withguayabera-citra-pale-ale

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INSPIRATION | TRAVEL

Montreal Two Dazzling Days in

AN RVING MOTHER-AND-SON TEAM TAKE IN THE HIGHLIGHTS AND HISTORY OF THE SECOND MOST-POPULOUS CITY IN CANADA. BY

LISA

BALLARD

The Montreal metro area

is home to more than 4 million people. It’s the second largest population center in Canada, after Toronto. The city in the province of Quebec has intrigued me since childhood when I visited there with my parents. I returned in my 20s, as it was the closest big city to the rural New Hampshire town where I lived at the time. Back then, I was mainly interested in major league sports events, concerts, hip boutiques, and strobing nightlife. It was Paris without the need to travel to France. Nowadays, I’m drawn to active, outdoor activities. Give me an adventure topped off with delicious food and a sprinkle of local culture or history, and I’m a happy traveler. As a result, I rarely seek out cities as destinations, but Montreal is different. It’s all of the above, as I discovered on a road trip with my 22-year-old son, Parker.

Lights + Action

Balancing the interests of a 20-something and 50-something can be challenging, but I pulled rank as Parker’s mother and opted to start our visit at Basilique Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Basilica) in Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal). Montreal’s original Notre-Dame church dated back to the founding of the city during the 17th century. After a fire razed the building, the current basilica was built in the 1820s in the Gothic revival style popular during that era. “A church?” groaned Parker. “I think you’re going to like this one,” I replied, flashing two tickets to the light show, “AURA,” which used the basilica as a backdrop. The line for the show wound its way through a side gate, along a walkway and then into the great stone building, where ushers instructed us to find a seat in a pew. As the church filled, we stared quietly at the ornate altar and stunning statues, highlighted with purple and gold lights.

Know

BEFORE YOU GO

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

When the 20-minute show began, strains of choir music filled the cavernous sanctuary, which was reborn as a springtime garden. As the seasons progressed, the towering ceiling and massive pillars became a canvas for the summer sun, followed by colorful fall foliage. Then we were underwater, as stormy seas crashed over us. Moments later, the waves froze and cracked as if the building were crumbling. Then, the music became more contemporary as lasers raced here and there. We floated upward, passing through

PASSPORT

You need a passport to drive into Canada from the US. Consider crossing the border on a two-lane road, rather than on an interstate highway, to avoid potentially long lines and wait times.

LANGUAGE

Approximately 60% of Montreal residents speak French as their first language, compared to 20% English and 30% other languages. Most menus and signs are in both French and English.

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PHOTOS: DELPIXART/GETTY IMAGES; LISA BALLARD

A view of Montreal from the Saint Lawrence River with the prominent La Grande Roue Ferris wheel. Insets from left: Kayaking on Lachine Canal. The Japanese garden at the Montreal Botanical Garden. A bass-and-asparagus entrée at one of Montreal’s numerous restaurants that emphasize locally harvested ingredients.

the clouds into outer space, carried by the pulsing lights and music. And then it was over, leaving our jaws on the floor. “Wow!” said Parker. “Welcome to Montreal!”

The Old Port

From Notre-Dame, we headed down the cobbled streets to the Old Port. Montreal is located on a large island in the Saint Lawrence River near its confluence with the Ottawa River. Like many cities in North America, Montreal started as a trading

TRANSPORTATION

There’s no need for your tow vehicle or dinghy to ever leave the campsite. The Metro (subway), BIXI shared bikes, and city buses will take you where you need to go if it’s too far to walk.

MONEY

Check conversion rates before you go. Canadian coins are also called quarters, dimes, and nickels. Canadian pennies ceased to be minted in 2012. Prices are simply rounded to the next highest nickel.

center at a key spot on a major waterway. Though Montreal’s commercial docks have greatly expanded and modernized, its Old Port remains a center of the action. Today, though, instead of fur traders and sailors, it’s a hub of family-friendly attractions including river cruises, jetboat tours of the rapids, pedal boats, festivals, a pirate-themed ropes course, and much more. One could spend a week in just this part of the city, but we only had two days, so we headed for one of the city’s most prominent attractions, La Grande Roue.

CREDIT CARDS

Let the bank that issues your credit card(s) know that you will be traveling in Canada, to ensure the card(s) will work there. Consider a card that does not have a foreign transaction fee.

MEASUREMENTS

Canada uses the metric system. For reference: 100 kilometers per hour equals 62 miles per hour. Unlike the US, gas in Canada is sold by the liter: 3¾ liters of gas is equal to 1 gallon.

CHECK FIRST As of press time, nonessential travel to Canada was still banned. Check for COVID-19-related travel restrictions: ca.usembassy.gov/ travel-restrictionsfact-sheet

RIGHT ON RED

Much like here in the US, you can turn right on a red traffic light in your vehicle most anywhere in the province of Quebec— except on the island of Montreal or wherever otherwise noted. RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC

Bird’s-Eye View

The end of the zipline was next to the base of La Grande Roue. After getting fitted with a harness and helmet and taking the brief training session, we climbed several flights of stairs to the launching pad. Excitement welled inside me. I love zip lines! The 1,200-foot-long MTL Zipline would be my first urban ride. As one of the instructors clipped me to the roller on the cable, I took one

MORE TO EXPLORE H2O Adventures

Boat rentals on Lachine Canal (kayaks, electric boats, pedal boats, and swan boats). aventuresh2O.ca

Le Musée des beauxarts de Montréal

The MTL Zipline is a must-do urban adventure that plunges toward the Saint Lawrence River. As you zip, you can see the entire Old Port.

Five pavilions containing a world-class collection of visual art, sculpture, and design, including works by First Nations and Quebec artists. mbam.qc.ca/en/

last look at the Old Port below me, then lifted my feet. Immediately, I accelerated through the air. The port. A ship. A skyscraper. A boat. The wheel. Whoosh! And it was over. Parker landed on the bottom platform just after me, his smile as big as La Grande Roue. Afterward, as we walked past the stalls of T-shirts and other souvenirs, we babbled on and on about the ride. Some things in life are sheer fun and that includes the MTL Zipline.

“When the show began, strains of choir music filled the cavernous sanctuary, which was reborn as a springtime garden. As the seasons progressed, the towering ceiling and massive pillars became a canvas ... ”

Origins

We capped our day at Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s archaeological and historical complex a

PLACE D’ARMES A statue of Montreal’s co-founder and ﬁrst governor, Lord Maisonneuve, faces Notre-Dame Basilica in the center of the historic city.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Jardin Botanique

With 185 acres of themed gardens and greenhouses, this national historic site is considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the world with diverse collection of 22,000 plant species. espacepourlavie.ca/en/ botanical-garden

Montreal Tower

With a 360-degree view at the Parc Olympique (Olympic Park), watch athletes in training, visit the Olympic museum, and check out the public skatepark. parcolympique.qc.ca/en/what-todo/the-montreal-tower/

PHOTO: MARC BRUXELLE/GETTY IMAGES

It’s hard to miss La Grande Roue, a 200-foot-high white Ferris wheel that towers over the Old Port. Parker and I had a cabin to ourselves, with comfy seats, air conditioning, and an impressive 360-degree view of the city and the river. The wheel made three slow rotations. Each time around, we spotted new things. Huge container ships on the Saint Lawrence, jet skiers, Mont Royal (the height of land in the middle of the city), Notre-Dame Basilica and the MTL Zipline. “Let’s go there next,” exclaimed Parker as soon as he spotted the zip line.

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Visitors walk through a huge sewer pipe at Pointe-à-Callière for an unusual look at the city’s early infrastructure. Colorful lights enhance the underground exhibit.

couple blocks from the zip line. This unique museum took us under the city streets to see the foundations of Montreal at its birthplace. Created in 1992 as part of Montreal’s 350th birthday celebrations, Pointe-à-Callière brings the city’s early history to life, not only through the many artifacts on display, but also because visitors can walk among (or on plexiglass above) the pilings and walls of the original settlement, as well as down a massive underground sewer pipe.

We started the next day at another museum, Le Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal (the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts). The museum is 160 years old, yet still appeals to a broad variety of tastes in art, music, and cinema. Its massive collection of 43,000 works is spread among five pavilions. Like the Old Port, it was too much to see in one visit. Parker and I concentrated on the collection of Canadian and First Nations art and sculpture, which,

Stylish, useful fun and

Show your love for the campsite wherever you go.

At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Parker admires an abstract painting, “Kashak,” by Rita Letendre, a 20thcentury native Quebec artist.

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For more information, please visit

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PHOTO: MARC BRUXELLE/GETTY IMAGES

Arts, a Canal, and a Leaning Tower

after the visit to the archaeological museum, made us feel well-versed in Quebec history and traditions. After a couple of hours at the Le Musée des beaux-arts, we needed to get outdoors. Our next stop was my favorite of the trip, Lachine Canal. We rented kayaks, then paddled along the canal for about a mile, until we reached a dead end at a closed wooden lock. At least we thought that was as far as we could go. As Parker posed for photos by the lock, a passerby shouted a warning to him that a boat was coming! Within a few moments, water started spewing lightly from the old gate. We quickly paddled to a nearby dock then

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What started as watched as the dribble turned into a trading outpost a gushing cascade. After the flow during the 1600s, abated, the locks slowly opened, Montreal has grown and a small motorboat emerged. into an urban international hub of We followed it back down the canal, fashion, festivals, chocking the episode up to another food, and outdoor adventure in Montreal. activities. It wasn’t our last either. After watching bikers and in-line skaters roll around the track for the Montreal Grand Prix, an annual Formula One car race, we visited the American pavilion from the 1967 World’s Fair, which is now a biodome. The huge glass bubble was the architectural inspiration for the Epcot Center at the Walt Disney World Resort. From there, we walked around a lake atop Mont Royal in an expansive park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who also designed Central Park in New York City. The two parks are so similar that a couple of X-Men movies with scenes in Central Park were filmed on Mont Royal. We ended our visit to Montreal with a tour of the city’s exquisite botanical gardens and then rode the elevator to the top of the Montreal Tower on the campus of the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. At 541 feet high and leaning at an angle of 45 degrees, the tower is listed in the Guinness World Records book as the tallest tower with the most incline in the world. (By comparison, the Tower of Pisa

is 186 feet tall and leans four degrees.) From the top of the tower, we gained the most expansive view yet of the “city of festivals.” As we moved here and there to look across the cityscape, I was already planning my next visit. We had a dazzling two days, packing in more than most people do in twice that time, but Montreal has so much to offer, even for outdoorsy people like Parker and me.

WHERE TO STAY Camping La Clé des Champs Complexe VR is a 10/10*/10 rated Good Sam Park with more than 200 full-hookup sites. It is located approximately 20 miles from the US/ Canada border. campinglacledes champs.com

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC

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A C T I V E R V E R S | K AYA K S

Have Kayak

(and RV),

Will Travel

HOW TO CHOOSE A FANTASTIC FLOATABLE FOR YOUR MOBILE LIFESTYLE. BY ANN EICHENMULLER

You could call us water junkies. We have camped beside meandering rivers, placid lakes, turquoise bays, and gentle surf. Whether it’s the mountains of Tennessee, the coast of Maine, or the Florida panhandle, if we’re camping, chances are we are spending our daylight hours under, in, or on the water. While our personal fleet includes everything from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to a trailered speedboat, our must-have watercraft while traveling is a kayak. It is versatile enough to be used in most conditions and gives us the freedom to explore, fish, and even dive on near-shore reefs. But with all the kayaks available on the market, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? It’s easy: Start by assessing your needs and storage space and know your options before you shop. ENTRY-LEVEL SIT IN

Lifetime Cruze 100

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

Length: 10’ Weight: 45 lbs Max Load: 275 lbs Pluses: Deep hull channels for superior tracking | Chine rails for stability | Oval hatch for below-deck storage | Multiple footrest positions | Adjustable seat back $269.99 overtons.com More info lifetime.com

PHOTO: 6OKEAN/GETTY IMAGES

SI T O N O R S I T IN ? Your choice will depend on how you plan to use your kayak. Traditional kayaks have a cockpit opening with a seat. The paddler sits in the cockpit with his or her legs and feet under the kayak’s deck. This position provides a lower center of gravity and greater stability; it also gives additional lower body support for stronger strokes while paddling. Most sit-in kayaks range from 10–12 feet in length and can be equipped with a spray skirt to keep the

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KAYAK SHOPPING TIPS

Origami kayaks like the Oru are easy to transport, and setup becomes simple after only a few tries.

paddler dry in rough water. One example of a durable entry-level sit-in kayak is the Lifetime Cruze 100. Its deep hull channels provide superior tracking for longer trips, and its chine rails offer stability in wavy conditions. It includes an adjustable seat back and multiple footrest positions for comfort. Best of all, it is rated for a load up to 275 pounds, so it is an affordable option for paddlers of all sizes. But a sit-in kayak isn’t the right choice for everyone. Many of the newer kayaks on the market have an open deck with ANGLER SIT-ON

PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

PHOTO: 6OKEAN/GETTY IMAGES

3 Waters Big Fish 105

Length: 10.5’ Weight: 89 lbs Max Load: 380 lbs Pluses: Tri-hull for stability and tracking | Two flush-mounted rod holders | Multiple storage areas | Reinforced standing platform | Removable sonar pod for fishfinder $799 ganderoutdoors.com More info: 3waterskayaks.com

ORIGAMI the paddler’s seat on Oru Bay ST top. They tend to be Length: 12’ shorter than traditional Weight: 28 lbs kayaks with a larger Load: 300 lbs beam for stability, and Pluses: Closed cockpit for protection they have self-bailing | Lightweight and holes so they can be highly maneuverable used in surf. Surf models | Folds to 33-by-12are lightweight, making by-29 inches transport easier, and the $1,499 orukayak.com wider, heavier models are popular with divers and anglers because they require less effort to get on and off and can transport plenty of equipment. The downside? They tend to be slower and don’t track as well as traditional kayaks. Sit-on kayaks are also open to the environment, so the paddler is more likely to get wet in all but the calmest conditions. If you’re a dedicated angler, check out the Big Fish 105 by 3 Waters Kayaks. A sit-on tri-hull, it is extremely stable—so much so that it even sports a reinforced standing platform. With two flush-mounted

Whether you’re buying online or in person, check the specs. Know the length, weight, and maximum load of your kayak before you buy. Don’t skimp on size—if you pack a toddler or a loaded picnic basket when you paddle, make sure your new kayak can handle the weight. Measure twice. Compare the measurements for deflated/folded portables to your available storage areas to see what fits—and what doesn’t. Look for package deals. Paddles, seats, air pumps, and carry bags can add $$ to the price. Many parks offer kayak rentals. Try a few styles and sizes to narrow down what feels best to you. Different activities call for different kayaks. They all ﬂoat, but it’s best to know how you’ll be primarily using your kayak before making a purchase.

A fishing kayak often allows the user to sit on a higher perch than a traditional model, and offers more stability.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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KAYAKS

rod holders and multiple storage areas, there’s plenty of room for tackle. There’s even space for a motor mount and a removable sonar pod for easy installation of your fish finder. Best of all, this kayak has a load rating of 380 pounds, so you can bring the cooler along. R IGID, INF L ATABLE , OR O R IGAM I? As an RVer, the construction of your kayak will depend on your method of transport. The most popular recreational kayaks on the market, like the Lifetime Cruze 100 or the Big Fish 105 previously mentioned, are made of rigid blowmolded high-density polyethylene. These kayaks are extremely durable and will provide years of enjoyment—but chances are they won’t fit in the basement of your RV. If you have a toy hauler or a tow or dinghy vehicle fitted with a roof rack, these kayaks are your best buy. If not, you’ll need a more portable option. Inflatables are the most common portable kayaks on the market. Constructed of rugged PVC-coated polyester, hypalon, or nitrylon, they are also durable, FAMILY-SIZED FOLDABLE

Mycanoe MyDinghy 1.0

XANTREX, CIRCLE 130 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Length: 9’ Weight: 56 lbs Load: 286 lbs / 396 lbs w/ optional stabilizers Pluses: Large capacity for paddlers and gear | Stabilizers make it almost impossible to capsize | Folds to approximately 37-by-24 inches $1,399 campingworld.com More info: oricanoe.com

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

PHOTO: MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Rules regarding who must wear a PFD while kayaking vary from state to state, but every state requires at least one PFD on board— and most require one for each paddler.

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name in folding kayaks is Oru. The company’s Bay ST is a lightweight sit-in kayak, blending the performance and protection of a closed cockpit with the convenience of origami construction. Its added length gives the Bay ST good tracking, making it perfect for long flat-water trips. Plus, this Oru folds down to 33-by-12-by-29 inches and fits in a carry case with shoulder strap. If you’re looking for a kayak for two,

known for handling rough water, and Length: 9’ 10” easy to store. On Weight: 30 lbs the downside, Load: 395 lbs Pluses: 16 self-bailing you’ll need an air compressor (they drain valves for all conditions | Removcan be a workout to able slide skeg for inflate manually), improved tracking | Stores in 24-by-16-by they need to be completely dry 6-inch space $799 seaeagle.com before storing, and they are pricier than comparable hard-shells. One of the best-known inflatable manufacturers on the market is Sea Eagle. The Sea Eagle 300x is a lightweight single-seat kayak suitable for beginner-to-intermediate paddlers. At just 30 pounds, it’s easy to carry to the beach, and it will fit almost anywhere. The 300x stores in a 24-by-16-by-6-inch space. It has 16 self-bailing drain valves for all conditions, a removable slide skeg for improved tracking, and can handle a load of up to 395 pounds. Another option is an origami kayak. Constructed of molded high-density polyethylene or double-layered custom-extruded polypropylene, they are folded flat for storage. Origami kayaks are up to 30% lighter than comparable inflatables, so they’re easier to get to the water, and they can be set up in about 10 minutes. However, most origamis are recommended for flat water only, and they tend to have lower load capacities than similar-sized inflatable or rigid kayaks. The best-known

(or you want to bring your Labrador retriever along) try the Mycanoe MyDinghy 1.0. More a canoe than a kayak, this origami watercraft can be fitted with an optional inflatable stabilizer, making it almost impossible to capsize—and increasing its capacity to nearly 400 pounds. Regardless of the kayak you select, we know you’ll enjoy slicing through the water on your next adventure.

INFLATABLE

WANT A “NO FUSS, NO MUSS” DINGHY BRAKING SYSTEM THAT JUST WORKS?

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PHOTO: MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Sea Eagle 300x

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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GUIDE TO TOWING

Match Making

H O W T O S E L E C T T H E R I G H T T O W V E H I C L E A N D T R A I L E R F O R S A F E A N D E N J O Y A B L E T O W I N G.

Whether you’re just now entering the RV lifestyle or are already a seasoned veteran, selecting a trailer and tow vehicle and making a proper match between them can be a challenge. After all, there are many choices in travel trailers and fifth-wheels, and also in tow vehicles that run the gamut from small SUVs to diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks. What’s the best way to pair the right truck and trailer? OWN A TOW VEHICLE?

If you already own a vehicle that’s suitable for towing, the first thing to do is to determine the vehicle’s tow rating based on equipment and options. If you bought the vehicle new, you probably know how it is equipped; if you bought the vehicle used, you may be able to enter the VIN number in an online search and find out how it is equipped. Once you’ve established the tow rating, you can begin shopping for a trailer. Whether you’re looking at travel trailers or fifth-wheels, the most important consideration is how much it weighs. All trailers should have labels that display the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the cargo carrying capacity (CCC). Since it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to weigh the trailer before purchase, your best bet is to use the labels—especially the yellow CCC label—as your guide. If the trailer’s GVWR is within the vehicle’s maximum tow rating, you can be confident that you’ll be in compliance as long as you don’t overload the trailer. Remember that fuel weight is included in the CCC calculation, but water (in the freshwater tank and the water heater) is considered cargo. The label should tell you the weight of the water the unit can carry, but if not, simply add the capacity of the freshwater tank and water heater and multiply the sum by 8.33 (pounds per gallon). The other consideration is the tow vehicle’s payload rating (GVWR minus vehicle curb weight), which is the maximum allowable weight for both cargo and passengers. The payload capacity of the vehicle can be found on the Tire and Loading Information decal inside the doorjamb or edge

DO I NEED A DUALLY 28

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

A dually used to be the obvious choice if you planned to tow a large ﬁfth-wheel. But now that single-rearwheel (SRW) three-quarter and one-ton trucks can tow well over 20,000 pounds, do you really need one? As long as the SRW truck in question has adequate capacity to tow the trailer, then technically, no.

of the driver’s door. Consider that a travel trailer places around 10 percent of its weight on the vehicle’s hitch, while a fifthwheel will put around 20 percent of its weight in the bed of the truck (known as pin weight). Calculate that figure for the tow rig (based on potential loading, water-tank size/ placement, propane and battery weights), including passengers and typical cargo, and make sure the payload rating isn’t exceeded. The gross axle weight rating (GAWR), the maximum weight the axle is designed to carry, must also be considered when matching a tow vehicle to the trailer. Keeping tabs on the rear-axle weight and payload is important because adding a lot of heavy cargo in the back of the tow vehicle can

However, there’s more to consider than just the tow rating. A dually’s extra set of rear wheels gives the truck substantially higher payload and axle capacity, keeps the truck more stable in sidewinds or when being passed by semitrucks, and provides a better safety margin in the event of a rear-tire blowout.

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create rear-axle overloading. With a fifth-wheel, GAWR and payload ratings are a greater concern, especially with larger fifthwheels, simply because more weight is shouldered by the truck. When towing a travel trailer, hitch weight can be effectively reduced with the use of a weight-distributing hitch, although you still need to keep an eye on the hitch receiver’s load rating. If the trailer you’re considering won’t violate the tow rating, payload, GAWR or GVWR of the tow vehicle, you’re good to go.

FOUND YOUR DREAM TRAILER?

Purchasing the trailer first gives you the freedom to get everything you want without worrying about how much it weighs — for the most part. Before you sign on the dotted line, however, it’s important to take into consideration what tow vehicle will be required to pull that new trailer. Think

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about the kind of tow vehicle you can afford and would be happy driving before making your final decision. Naturally, the tow rating of the vehicle you’re considering should be the primary selection factor. If the new trailer has a GVWR of 20,000 pounds, you’ll want a vehicle that can tow at least that much. Once that’s settled, check out the tow ratings beginning on page 38 for 2021 vehicles that can handle the trailer of your dreams. When you find a capable tow vehicle, and it has an optional towing package—get it. It’s usually not a lot more money, and it includes equipment that will make the tow vehicle more capable of handling the weight. Towing packages vary, so be sure to ask what it includes. Many of today’s tow rigs come factory equipped with towing hardware so it may already be in place. Newer tow vehicles, especially with

“ W H E T H E R Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N G AT T R AV E L T R A I L E R S O R F I F T H - W H E E L S, T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T C O N S I DE R AT I O N I S H O W M U C H T H E T R A I L E R W E I G H S. ”

TERMS TO KNOW

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum a vehicle can weigh without being overloaded.

heavy-duty designations, often have useful options that make towing easier, including camera packages, hitch-guidance systems, integrated trailer brake controls and other features. If you’re shopping for a truck that can tow a fifth-wheel, you might consider one that is fifth-wheel prepped with a puck mounting system in the bed, which allows you to easily install and remove the hitch in minutes. The puck system is an industry standard that allows you to choose between a wide variety of hitch models.

NO TOW VEHICLE? NO TRAILER? NO PROBLEM!

Unlike the previous scenarios, the first consideration here should be your budget and how you want to allocate it. From a practical standpoint, you will probably spend a lot more time in the tow vehicle than the trailer, and it will be doing all the work, so it makes sense to get what you really want and need. Matching an RV to a tow vehicle can be easy. All it takes is a little homework before hitting the showroom.

GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum weight that can be carried on a vehicle’s axle, including the weight of the axle.

GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW) The trailer weight determined by measurement at a certified public scale. Must never exceed the trailer’s GVWR. RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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GUIDE TO TOWING

When shopping for a new tow vehicle, trailer weight should be number one. Always opt for the towing package, if one is available.

CLASS I

WC; rated up to 2,000 pounds GTW

CLASS II

WC; rated up to 3,500 pounds GTW

CLASS III

WC/WD; WC rated up to 6,000 pounds GTW/ WD rated up to 10,000 pounds GTW.

CLASS IV

WC/WD; WC rated up to 10,000 pounds GTW/ WD rated up to 14,000 pounds GTW

CLASS V

WC/WD; WC rated up to 12,000 pounds GTW/ WD rated up to 17,000 pounds GTW

TRAVEL TRAILER BASICS

WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH SYSTEMS

Smaller, lighter hitches are weight-carrying, meaning all of the trailer’s tongue weight is carried by the hitch itself. These hitches usually attach to the bumper or vehicle frame. Larger hitches are weight-distributing (WD) and use hitch bars (also called spring bars) to distribute some of the hitch weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle and the trailer axle(s). Smaller WD hitches are also available for today’s crop of ultralight trailers. Hitch systems are rated for the GTW as well as the hitch weight, so it’s important to know these figures ahead of time.

Blue Ox TrackPro WD hitch distributes tongue weight evenly to the vehicle. It includes sway prevention technology, and the tapered steel bars provide the weight-distributing aspect of the hitch. blueox.com

your vehicle has, if any. Some vehicles offer one only when a tow package is available. If this is the case, the appropriate hitch receiver can often be added at a qualified RV center, but make sure it’s the same rating as the one offered at the factory level. Once you’ve made the purchase, you need to learn the safe and proper way to hitch the fifthwheel or trailer to the tow vehicle. Like any new activity, it gets easier with practice. Fear not, you’ll be towing like a pro in no time.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Curt TruTrack WD hitch prevents trailer sway and levels and smooths out the towing combination on the road. curtmfg.com

A C T

U N DE RSTA N D I NG TOW I NG E QU I P M E N T A N D F E AT U R E S O F T R AV E L T R A I L E R S AND FIFTH-WHEELS LEADS TO STRESSF R E E T R AV E L S .

If you have shopped for an RV, the odds are that you’ve considered fifthwheels versus travel trailers and wondered what the differences are. Fifth-wheels typically represent a larger investment both in the trailer and the tow vehicle, so it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can before making a purchase. For a travel trailer, you may get bombarded with many different hitch designs and features. The first thing you need to know before towing anything is the type of hitch receiver

C L A S S

Tow Like a Pro

Hitch receivers come in five classes based on weight ratings. The ball mount and the hitch ball both need to be rated for the hitch class to safely handle the load. WC: Weight carrying WD: Weight distributing

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SWAY CONTROL

Trailer sway is quite possibly the most feared situation in towing and can be caused by a number of factors. The trailer begins to oscillate from side to side, exerting its forces on the tow vehicle, which can result in a loss of control. Longer trailers have more surface area for the wind or a pressure wave from a passing truck to push against. Trailers built with lightweight materials for easier towing are even more easily influenced by these forces. Correct weight distribution is important, as well as proper loading of the trailer. The hitch should carry at least 10 percent of the trailer’s weight, and insufficient weight on the hitch increases the likelihood of sway. Even when all the correct conditions have been met, you may still experience trailer sway. If you’re new to RVing, you might consider a hitch system that incorporates sway control, as some WD hitches do. If you already own a

SAFETY TIP

Blue Ox SwayPro is a WD hitch with integrated sway control. The userfriendly design doesn’t require pins or clips like most models. blueox.com

hitch, add-on systems are available. These are sometimes friction-type sway-control systems that make it more difficult for sway to begin, but they aren’t designed to stop it once it starts. To practically eliminate sway (there will always be some, but imperceptible sway is as good as none), consider a complete hitch system designed for this purpose or an add-on electronic sway-control system. They’re not cheap, but both have been proven to be extremely effective.

If you encounter signiﬁcant trailer sway, release the throttle and manually apply the trailer-brake control — not the vehicle brakes. The trailer-brake control will apply the brakes in the trailer only, forcing it to pull straight again and slowing the tow vehicle and trailer at the same time.

TRAILER-BRAKE CONTROLLERS

MUST-HAVES A TPMS like RVi’s smart Tire Patrol provides realtime info on all the tires in your towing combination. rvibrake.com For a smoother ride while towing, consider suspension upgrades such as Air Lift’s LoadLifter 5000. airliftcompany.com

Many newer tow vehicles incorporate an integrated trailer-brake controller. If your tow vehicle does not have one, a number of aftermarket products are available that are easy to install and adjust. A trailer-brake controller is necessary because just about every trailer has an electric brake system that operates independently from the tow vehicle. They are also required by law once the trailer you’re towing exceeds a minimum weight (check with your state’s laws for specifics, though it’s generally between 1,500–2,000 pounds). 1) Hopkins Agility is easy to install and uses proportional braking technology for smooth stops. hopkinstowingsolutions.com 2) REDARC Tow-Pro Elite 3 allows users to select proportional braking for highway conditions or usercontrolled braking for all terrains. redarcelectronics.com

“ L I K E A N Y AC T I V I T Y , I T G E T S E A S I E R W I T H P R AC T I C E . YO U ’ L L B E TOW I NG L I K E A P RO I N NO T I M E . ” RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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GUIDE TO TOWING

PRO TIPS When hitching a travel trailer, don’t assume that the hitch ball is in the coupler. Pull the coupler handle all the way back and lower the coupler onto the ball. You should be able to feel the coupler slide into place with a satisfying clunk. Have someone help you with a trailerlight safety-check to verify that the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals work in unison with the tow vehicle once the power cable is plugged in. Then pull ahead safely and activate the brake controller manually to make sure the trailer brakes are working.

PLEASURE WAY, CIRCLE 121 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Cross the chains: Form an X underneath the coupler by connecting the right chain from the trailer to the left loop of the receiver, and vice versa. This will form a cradle that will keep the coupler off the road should it come off the ball, provided there’s not too much slack in the chains. Uncoupled, the chains should support the trailer tongue and prevent it from dragging on the ground.

COMMITTED TO QUALITY SINCE 1986.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Get in the habit of constantly checking the side-view mirrors, even if you have cameras. They’ll help you stay in your lane, determine if the trailer is swaying, and keep tabs on vehicles that may be alongside. Confused on which way to turn the wheel when trying to back a trailer using your mirrors? Here’s a tip from commercial trucking schools: Turn the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. It works. (You’re welcome.)

While hitching up, slow down and focus to avoid missing any critical safety measures. Also, try to avoid chatting with anybody; distractions could lead to forgetting an important step in the process.

www.pleasureway.com

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FIFTH-WHEEL TOWING AND HITCHING BASICS

GUIDE TO TOWING

PREPPING THE TRUCK

Unlike a travel trailer hitch, which simply mounts to a receiver already on the tow vehicle, a fifth-wheel hitch is mounted inside the truck bed and is attached to the truck’s frame to mount the hitch system. Fifth-wheel “hitch-ready” packages are available from the Big Three, whereby the frame is already prepped to handle the weight and forces generated by a fifth-wheel. Manufacturers also offer so-called puck mounting systems, with the holes already drilled in the bed and sockets incorporated into the frame rails designed to accept unique fasteners. With these systems, it’s simply a matter of installing the hitch in the sockets, locking the fasteners in place, and heading down the road.

Some tow vehicles have an option for a puck-mounted system, simplifying adding a saddle like B&W’s Companion OEM.

If you anticipate purchasing a new truck to haul your fifth-wheel, it will be worth your while to opt for a fifth-wheel-ready model. If you’re prepping a truck without a factory-installed system, be sure to conduct research into qualified RV centers and check their track record through online reviews. Your hitch manufacturer may also be able to recommend a reputable installation center.

HITCHES

Fifth-wheel hitches are designated by the maximum weight of the trailer (GTW) they are designed to tow. A 16,000-pound (or 16K) hitch is rated for up to 16,000 pounds GTW, for example, and a 20K hitch is designed for a GTW of up to 20,000 pounds. Because you won’t necessarily know the weight of your trailer when it’s full of freshwater, propane, and supplies, it’s a good idea to base any hitch purchase on the trailer’s GVWR and “buy up.” For example, if your trailer has a GVWR of 18,000 pounds, search for a 20K hitch.

Roadmaster’s Comfort Ride hitch utilizes a cellular suspension for a smoother towing experience. comfortridehitch.com

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YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION U.S.A., CIRCLE 131 ON READER SERVICE CARD

QUIET OPERATION

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RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. NOT YOUR BUDGET. The affordable Winnebago Minnie makes the most of its compact footprint. With floorplans for couples or solo travelers up to a family of 8, the easy-to-pull Minnie now features larger 15" wheels, higher ceilings, 30-amp-friendly energy management system, and many more upgrades. SEE ALL OUR NEW MODELS AT WINNEBAGO.COM OR VISIT YOUR NEARBY WINNEBAGO DEALER.

WINNEBAGO OF INDIANA, CIRCLE 128 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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GUIDE TO TOWING

HITCH TYPES

It’s a good idea to browse a variety of hitch systems. If you’re on a budget, you may want to get the most inexpensive hitch that will safely do the job and not “over buy.” If you plan to tow frequently, will Aftermarket pin boxes like the Flex Air absorb potentially damaging be towing a heavier road shock and vibrations using air bags. lci1.com trailer designed for wheel-hitch saddle via the extension infull-time use, or you like your machinery to operate smoothly, a hitch with airbags, corporating a rotating turret that moves the pivot point approximately 22 inches shocks, or some other suspension rearward. system will cost significantly more but Like hitches, these pin-box will make for smoother operation and a extensions are also available in different more comfortable ride. Also, some hitch weight ratings, even with a suspension assemblies are lighter than others, and system of some kind to absorb road some are designed to be assembled and shock. Just make sure that the hitch you disassembled in sections, making inown or are considering for purchase is stallation and removal easier (or at least compatible with a pin-box extension, because not all of them are.

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RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

The popular B&W Companion hitch is designed for clean and easy installation and removal. Its unique mounting system incorporates a receiver in the truck bed for the single post to slide into, resulting in a smooth bed upon removal. bwtrailerhitches.com

possible) for one person. You might want to consider a sliding hitch when using a shortbed truck. The hitch provides more cab-to-trailer clearance in turns. Manually operated “slider” hitches allow the driver to slide the hitch rearward for extra clearance before negotiating a sharp turn, which will do the job—as long as you don’t forget to do it. Ever. A better bet is an automatic sliding hitch, which slides rearward when the truck and trailer begin a turn. It’s more expensive but far more convenient, and much cheaper than repairing your truck and trailer after the front cap and cab crash into one another. Another option is an extension that bolts to the existing pin box, wherein, the pin is prevented from turning in the fifth-

WEIGHT CONSIDERATIONS

Weight is an important consideration with a fifth-wheel. A fifth-wheel typically places twice the hitch weight (percentage wise) on the rear of the tow vehicle as a travel trailer does, or roughly 20 percent. So, in addition to making sure the tow vehicle has an adequate tow rating for the trailer, it must also have an adequate payload rating (the weight of all cargo and passengers) and GAWR to manage that weight.

SAFE HANDLING

Fifth-wheel trailers are prized for their stable towing characteristics. Because the pivot point is in the bed of the truck, not at the bumper, the trailer can’t exert the same degree of leverage on the tow

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HITCHING UP

The V-shaped opening in the hitch saddle is designed to help guide the pin into place. First, lower the tailgate on the truck, hang the power cord where it won’t be in the way, then slowly back up, guiding the hitch saddle opening toward the trailer pin. When close to the saddle, raise or lower the landing gear so that the height of the leading edge of the pin box is level with, or slightly lower than, the

Saddles like the Curt PowerRide 30K have a V-shaped opening to guide the pin. curtmfg.com

hitch saddle (when it’s level), depending on the hitch brand. Continue backing up until the pin finds its home. You may find it necessary to raise the tailgate partway through this process to avoid contacting the front of the trailer. If you did it right the first time, the jaws will close. This will allow the locking arm to automatically find its travel position or be physically moved and secured, depending on the hitch. Always confirm that the latching jaws are locked in place, with the arm in its proper position, before moving the truck. If the hitch handle has a provision for a padlock or hitch pin to secure it in the locked position, use it to prevent would-be troublemakers.

M4 RESALE, CIRCLE 117 ON READER SERVICE CARD

vehicle, so the combination is much less susceptible to spooky handling due to wind and passing trucks. Trailer sway, which is a common problem in travel trailers, is also virtually nonexistent with a fifth-wheel. However, the forward pivot point of a fifth-wheel also means the trailer reacts more slowly to inputs from the tow vehicle, which is an important consideration when rounding corners or backing into campsites and parking spaces.

NORTHWOOD MFG., CIRCLE 119 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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2021 TOW RATINGS M A N U FA C T U R E R - A P P R O V E D M A X I M U M W E I G H T S F O R T R A I L E R T O W I N G . ACURA MDX MDX SH-AWD

BUICK

3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6

3,500 5,000

Enclave FWD/AWD

Electric 2.0L I-4 TC 3.0L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TC 4.0 V-8 TC 3.0L V-6 TC

Escalade 2WD Escalade AWD Escalade ESV 2WD Escalade ESV AWD XT5 FWD/AWD XT6 FWD/AWD

4,000 (t) 4,400 (t) 4,400 (t) 4,400 (t) 7,700 (t) 7,700 (t)

6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 3.6L V-6 3.6 V-6

2.0L I-4 TC 2.0L I-4 TC All All 3.0L V-6 TC 4.4L V-8 TC 3.0L V-6 TC 4.4L V-8 TC 3.0L V-6 TC 4.4L V-8 TC

3,968 3,500 4,400 4,400 6,603 7,200* 7,500 6,000 5,400 5,950

Chevrolet Blazer Blazer AWD

3.6L V-6

4,500 (t)

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon Colorado/Canyon Ext Cab 2WD/4WD Colorado/Canyon Ext Cab 4WD Colorado/Canyon Ext Cab 2WD/4WD Colorado/Canyon CC SB 2WD Colorado/Canyon CC SB 2WD Colorado/Canyon CC SB 2WD Colorado/Canyon CC SB 4WD

2.5L I-4 2.8L TD 3.6L V-6 2.5L I-4 2.8L TD 3.6L V-6 2.8L TD

3,500 7,700 7,000 3,500 7,700 7,000 7,600

*With dealer-installed Class III hitch

CONFIGURATIONS AWD FWD RWD CC DC Ext QC SB

All-Wheel Drive Front-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive Crew Cab Double Cab Extended Cab Quad Cab Shortbed (less than 6 feet)

a a6 a8 a10 m

Automatic Transmission Automatic Transmission, 6 Speeds Automatic Transmission, 8 Speeds Automatic Transmission, 10 speeds Manual Transmission

LEGEND 38

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

RWB SWB LWB LR MR HR

Std Bed Standard Bed (approximately 6 feet) LB Longbed (8 feet) DRW Dual Rear Wheels SRW Single Rear Wheels CV Cargo Van CrV Crew Van PV Passenger Van

TRANSMISSIONS

8,300 8,100 8,100 7,900 3,500 (t) 4,000

CHEVROLET/GMC

BMW X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X5 X6 X6 X7 X7

5,000 (t)

CADILLAC

AUDI e-tron Q5 SQ5 Q7 SQ7 Q8

3.6L V-6

FINAL DRIVE RATIOS c d f h i j k l

3.15:1 3.21:1 3.31:1 3.55:1 3.73:1 3.92:1 4.10:1 4.30:1

ENGINES I-4 I-6 H-4 HEV HO TD TC SC

Regular Wheelbase Short Wheelbase Long Wheelbase Low Roof Medium Roof High Roof

Inline Four Cylinder Inline Six Cylinder Horizontal Four Cylinder Hybrid Electric Vehicle High Output Turbo Diesel Turbocharged Supercharged

PACKAGES p t

OTHER

Payload or Other Package Required Towing Package Required

NA Not Applicable or Not Available Forward Slash (/) Either/Or Comma (,) More than 1 Footnote Applies

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Colorado/Canyon CC SB 4WD Colorado/Canyon CC Std Bed 2WD Colorado/Canyon CC Std Bed 4WD Colorado/Canyon CC Std Bed 4WD Colorado/Canyon CC Std Bed 4WD ZR2

3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 2.8L TD 3.6L V-6 All

Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain Equinox/Terrain FWD/AWD 2.0L I-4 TC Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana Express/Savana 2500 SWB CV 4.3L V-6 Express/Savana 2500 SWB CV 6.6L V-8 2.8L I-4 TD Express/Savana 2500 SWB CV 4.3L V-6 Express/Savana 2500 LWB CV Express/Savana 2500 LWB CV 6.6L V-8 Express/Savana 2500 LWB CV 2.8L I-4 TD 4.3-L V-6 Express/Savana 2500 SWB PV Express/Savana 2500 SWB PV 6.6L V-8 2.8L I-4 TD Express/Savana 2500 SWB PV Express/Savana 3500 SWB CV 4.3L V-6 Express/Savana 3500 SWB CV 6.6L V-8 Express/Savana 3500 SWB CV 2.8L I-4 TD Express/Savana 3500 LWB CV 4.3L V-6 Express/Savana 3500 LWB CV 6.6L V-8 2.8L I-4 TD Express/Savana 3500 LWB CV Express/Savana 3500 LWB PV 4.3L V-6 Express/Savana 3500 LWB PV 6.6L V-8 Express/Savana 3500 LWB PV 2.8L I-4 TD Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia Chevy Traverse 3.6L V-6 GMC Acadia 3.6L V-6 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab† 1500 Reg Cab LB 2WD 4.3L V-6 1500 Reg Cab LB 2WD 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 Reg Cab LB 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 Reg Cab LB 4WD 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 Reg Cab LB 4WD 5.3L V-8 †

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7,000 7,000 7,550 7,000 5,000

5.3L V-8 5.3L V-8 5.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 3.0L I-6 TD

10,000 (a8,t) 9,300 (a8)* 11,100 (a8,t) 9,300 13,300 (t,p) 9,100

*Silverado Trail Boss model. †Silverado ratings shown. Sierra tow ratings may vary by 100

3,500 (t)

7,400 10,000 7,000 7,100 10,000 6,100 6,700 9,600 6,300 7,400 10,000 6,200 7,200 10,000 6,000 6,300 9,200 5,300

lbs. or more.

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Shortbed† 1500 CC SB 2WD 4.3L V-6 1500 CC SB 2WD 2.7L I-4 TC 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 5.3L V-8 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 2WD 3.0L I-6 TD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 4.3L V-6 1500 CC SB 4WD 4.3L V-6 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 5.3L V-8 5.3L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC SB 4WD 3.0L I-6 TD

7,600 9,300 9,700 (a6) 9,700 (a8) 11,500 (a8,t) 9,500 7,400 7,300* 9,100 9,500 (a6) 10,900 (a6,t) 9,400 (a8) 11,100 (a8,t) 9,300* 9,200 11,900 (t) 9,000

*Silverado Trail Boss model. †Silverado ratings shown. Comparable Sierra/Sierra Denali tow ratings may vary by 100 lbs. pounds or more.

5,000 (t) 4,000 (t)

7,900 9,600 10,000 9,400 9,700

Silverado ratings shown. Sierra ratings may vary by 100 lbs. or more.

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab† 1500 DC 2WD 4.3L V-6 1500 DC 2WD 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 DC 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 DC 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 DC 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 DC 2WD 3.0L I-6 TD 1500 DC 4WD 4.3L V-6 1500 DC 4WD 4.3L V-6 1500 DC 4WD 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 DC 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 DC 4WD 5.3L V-8

1500 DC 4WD 1500 DC 4WD 1500 DC 4WD 1500 DC 4WD 1500 DC 4WD 1500 DC 4WD

7,600 9,300 9,700 (a6) 9,800 (a8) 11,500 (a8,t) 9,500 lbs 7,400 7,300* 9,100 9,500 (a6) 9,400 (a6)*

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Crew Cab, Standard Bed† 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 4.3L V-6 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 4.3L V-6 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 4.3L V-6 2.7L I-4 TC 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 5.3L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 3.0L V-6 TD

7,600 9,200 9,600 (a6) 9,700 (a8) 11,400 (a8,t) 7,400 7,200* 9,000 9,500 (a6) 9,400 (a6)* 9,300 (a8) 11,300 (a8, t) 9,100 9,200* 9,200** 11,900 (t) 9,000

*Silverado Trail Boss model. **Sierra AT4 model. †Silverado ratings shown. Tow ratings for Sierra Denali models may vary by 100 lbs. or more.

Silverado/Sierra 2500 Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing 2500 Reg Cab LB 2WD 6.6L V-8

14,500/17,370

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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2021 TOW RATINGS 2500 Reg Cab LB 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,510 2500 Reg Cab LB 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/17,060 2500 Reg Cab LB 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,190 Silverado/Sierra 2500 Double Cab Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing 2500 DC Std Bed 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/17,050 2500 DC Std Bed 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,200 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,740 2500 DC Std Bed 4WD 2500 DC Std Bed 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/17,890 2500 DC LB 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,930 2500 DC LB 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,040 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,740 2500 DC LB 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/17,750 2500 DC LB 4WD Silverado/Sierra 2500 Crew Cab Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing† 2500 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,940 2500 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,500 2500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,650 2500 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,500 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,840 2500 CC LB 2WD 2500 CC LB 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,500 2500 CC LB 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,650 2500 CC LB 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/18,500 Tow ratings for Sierra Denali HD models may vary slightly. See your dealer for details.

†

Silverado/Sierra 3500 Regular Cab Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/17,200 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/21,500 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,950 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/21,500 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 16,800 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/36,000 (t) *** 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 16,800/16,710 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/31,760 ***When equipped with gooseneck hitch. Rating is 32,000 lbs. with fifth-wheel hitch.

Silverado/Sierra 3500 Double Cab Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing 3500 DC LB SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,700 3500 DC LB SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/21,490 3500 DC LB SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,500 3500 DC LB SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 14,500/21,210 3500 DC LB DRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 16,400 3500 DC LB DRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 16,300/31,500 6.6L V-8 16,390/16,270 3500 DC LB DRW 4WD 3500 DC LB DRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/31,340 Silverado/Sierra 3500 Crew Cab Conventional/ Fifth-Wheel Towing* 3500 CC Std Bed SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,700 3500 CC Std Bed SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/21,500 3500 CC Std Bed SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,530 3500 CC Std Bed SRW 4WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/21,300 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 14,500/16,700 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD 6.6L V-8 TD 20,000/21,300

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

3500 CC LB SRW 4WD 3500 CC LB SRW 4WD 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD

6.6L V-8 6.6L V-8 TD 6.6L V-8 6.6L V-8 TD 6.6L V-8 6.6L V-8 TD

14,500/16,410 20,000/21,040 16,300/16,200 20,000/31,400 16,300/16,180 20,000/31,180

*Tow ratings for Sierra Denali HD models may vary slightly. See your dealer for details.

Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon,Yukon XL, Yukon and Yukon XL Denali* Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 5.3L V-8 7,900 Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 5.3L V-8 8,400 (t) Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 3.0 I-6 TD TBD Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 7,700 5.3L V-8 8,200 (t) Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 3.0 I-6 TD TBD Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 6.2L V-8 7,800 Tahoe/Yukon 2WD Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 6.2L V-8 8,300 (t) Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 6.2L V-8 7,600 Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 6.2L V-8 8,100 (t) Suburban/Yukon XL 2WD 5.3L V-8 7,900 Suburban/Yukon XL 2WD 5.3L V-8 8,300 (t) Suburban/Yukon XL 2WD 3.0 I-6 TD TBD 5.3L V-8 7,700 Suburban/Yukon XL 4WD Suburban/Yukon XL 4WD 5.3L V-8 8,100 (t) Suburban/Yukon XL 4WD 3.0 I-6 TD TBD Suburbon/Yukon XL 2WD 6.2L V-8 7,800 6.2L V-8 8,200 (t) Suburbon/Yukon XL 2WD Suburbon/Yukon XL 4WD 6.2L V-8 7,500 Suburbon/Yukon XL 4WD 6.2L V-8 7,900 (t) *Ratings for Yukon and Yukon Denali models may vary slightly. See your dealer for details.

DODGE Dodge Durango RWD Dodge Durango RWD Dodge Durango AWD Dodge Durango AWD Dodge Durango AWD

3.6 V-6 5.7 V-8 3.6 V-6 5.7 V-8 6.4L V-8

6,200 (t) 7,400 (t) 6,200 (t) 7,200 (t) 8,700 (t)

FIAT CHRYSLER Chrysler Pacifica Voyager

3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6

3,600 3,600

FORD ECOSPORT, EDGE, ESCAPE, EXPLORER, EXPEDITION, FUSION 2.0L I-4 EcoSport 4WD Edge AWD 2.0L I-4 TC Edge ST 2.7L V-6 TC Escape FWD/AWD (except Hybrid) All Escape FWD/AWD 2.0L I-4 TC Explorer RWD 2.3L I-4 TC Explorer RWD 2.3L I-4 TC Explorer 4WD 3.0L V-6 TC

2,000 3,500 (t) 3,500 2,000 3,500 (t) 3,000 5,300 (t) 5,600

41 CUMMINS.indd 4/22/21 4:34 PM - 41 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

Green Onan generators mean confidence with every mile. Peace of mind. That’s the goal when you’re out on the road, and our full line of Green Onan generators is engineered for years of reliable use. Features like remote start controls make Cummins generators easy to use, and 1,500+ service locations across the U.S. mean that you’ll never have to go far to find us.

Learn more at cummins.tech/thepowerofgreen CUMMINS, INC., CIRCLE 101 ON READER SERVICE CARD

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 42 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

2021 TOW RATINGS

Explorer 4WD Explorer 4WD Explorer Hybrid RWD/4WD Explorer Hybrid RWD/4WD Expedition 2WD Expedition 2WD Expedition 4WD Expedition 4WD Expedition Max 2WD Expedition Max 2WD Expedition Max 4WD Expedition Max 4WD Fusion FWD/AWD

3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 3.3L HEV V-6 3.3L HEV V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TC

3,000 5,600 (t) 3,000 5,000 (t) 6,000 (c/f) 9,300 (i,t) 6,000 (f/i) 9,000 (i,t) 6,300 9,000 (t) 6,000 (f/i) 9,000 (i,t) 2,000

F-150* F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 2WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 Reg Cab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD

3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8

5000 (h) 8,200 (i) 7,600 (c/h) 8,600 (i) 8,300 (c/f) 9,100 (i) 5,100 (h) 8,200 (i) 7,700 (h) 8,500 (i) 8,200 (f) 9,600 (i) 5,000 8,200 (i) 7,600 (f,h) 8,600 (i) 10,000 (i,p) 9,900 (c/f) 10,400 (i) 13,000 (i,p) 11,200 (f/h) 13,000 (h/i,p) 8,200 (i) 7,700 (h) 8,400 (i) 10,000 (i,p) 9,700 (f) 10,500 (i) 13,000 (i,p) 11,200 (f/h) 13,100 (i,p) 5,000 (h) 8,200 (i) 7,700 (c/f) 8,400 (i) 10,000 (i,p) 9,800 (c/f) 10,500 (i)

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 2WD F-150 SuperCab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCab LB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab SB 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD

5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.3L V-6 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.3L V-6 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 2.7L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8) 5.0L V-8) 5.0L V-8)

12,800 (i,p) 11,000 (f/h) 12,300 (h,p) 8,100 (i) 7,600 (h) 8,100 (i) 10,100 (i,p) 9,500 (f) 10,500 (i) 12,300 (i,p) 10,500 (f/h) 12,100 (h,p) 11,100 (f/h) 12,300 (h/p) 7,600 (f/h) 8,300 (i) 10,000 (i,p) 9,600 (c/f) 10,400 (i) 13,000 (i,p) 11,200 (f/h) 14,000 (h/i,p) 9,400 (f) 10,400 (i) 13,000 (i,p) 11,200 (f,h) 13,800 (h,i) 5,100 (h) 8,200 (i) 7,700 (c,h) 8,300 (i) 10,000 (i,p) 9,700 (c/f) 10,500 (i) 12,900 (i,p) 11,200 (f/h) 14,000 (h,p) 8,200 (i) 7,700 (h) 8,100 (i) 10,100 (i,p) 9,400 (f) 10,400 (i) 13,000 (i,p) 10,400 (f,h) 12,100 (h,p) 11,300 (f,h) 13,900 (h,p) 7,800 (f/h) 8,300 (i) 10,000 (i) 9,600 (f/h) 10,400 (i) 13,000 (i,p)

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 43 -

F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 2WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD F-150 SuperCrew Cab Std Bed 4WD

3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 5.0L V-8 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

11,300 (h) 14,000 (i,p) 9,300 (f) 10,300 (i) 13,000 (i,p} 10,400 (f/h) 12,100 (h,p) 11,200 (f/h) 13,800 (i,p)

*Conventional tow ratings shown. Fifth-wheel ratings may vary. See your dealer for details. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (1): F-150 towing capability will be reduced based on trim series, option content and payload. See dealer for details. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (2): Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (fifth-wheel trailer) and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each). Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight.

F-250 Super Duty Conventional Towing, Weight-Carrying/Weight-Distributing F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/13,300 (i) F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/14,000 (l) F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f) 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,200 (f/h,t) F-250 Reg Cab 2WD F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 13,000/14,000 (h/l,t) F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,900 (i) F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l) 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f/h,t) F-250 Reg Cab 4WD F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 14,000/15,000 (h/l,t) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000 (i) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/14,000 (l) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,200 (f/h,t) 7.3L V-8 13,000/14,000 (h/l,t) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,600 (i) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f/h,t) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 14,000/14,800 (h) F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l,t) F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,900 (i) F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l) F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 15,000 (f) F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 15,200 (f/h,t) F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 7.3L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (h/l,t) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,500 (i) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.2L V-8 15,000 (l) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 15,000 (h) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 20,000 (f/h,t) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 7.3L V-8 14,700 (h) F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 7.3L V-8 15,000 (l) F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,900 (i) F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l) F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 15,000 (f) F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 15,200 (f,t)/15,200 (h,t)

F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD Tremor F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD

7.3L V-8 14,000 (h)/15,000 (h/l,t) 6.2L V-8 12,500 (i) 6.2L V-8 15,000 (l) 6.7L V-8 TD 15,000 (f) 6.7L V-8 TD 20,000 (f/h,t) 6.7L V-8 TD 15,000 (f/h,t) 7.3L V-8 14,700 (h) 7.3L V-8 15,000 (l,t) 6.2L V-8 12,700 (i) 6.2L V-8 15,000 (l) 6.7L V-8 TD 15,900 (f,p) 6.7L V-8 TD 18,200 (f/h,t) 7.3L V-8 14,900 (h) 7.3L V-8 15,000 (l,t) 6.2L V-8 12,300 (i) 6.2L V-8 14,800 (l) 6.7L V-8 TD 15,400 (f,p) 6.7L V-8 TD 20,000 (f/h,t) 7.3L V-8 14,500 (h) 7.3L V-8 15,000 (l,t)

F-250 Super Duty Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 Reg Cab 2WD F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 Reg Cab 4WD F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD 6.2L V-8

13,000 (i) 15,800 (l) 16,400 (f) 22,800 (f,t)* 15,400 (h) 19,600 (l,p,t)* 12,800 (i) 15,300 (l) 16,000 (f) 21,800 (f,t)* 15,000 (h) 19,200 (l,p,t)* 13,000 (i) 15,000 (l) 16,200 (f) 22,000 (f,t)* 15,200 (h) 19,400 (l,p,t)* 12,500 (i) 15,100 (l) 15,500 (f) 20,100 (f/h,t)* 14,700 (h) 18,900 (l,p,t)* 12,900 (i) 15,400 (l) 16,000 (f) 21,900 (f/h,t)* 15,100 (h) 19,300 (l,p,t)* 12,500 (i) 15,000 (l)

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 44 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

2021 TOW RATINGS F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD F-250 SuperCab LB 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 2WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed Tremor 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed Tremor 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC Std Bed 4WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 2WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD F-250 CC LB 4WD

6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8

14,700 (f) 19,100 (f/h,t)* 14,700 (h) 18,700 (l,p,t)* 12,900 (i) 15,400 (l) 16,100 (f) 21,700 (f/h,t)* 15,100 (h) 19,300 (l,p,t)* 12,500 (i) 15,000 (l) 14,700 (f) 19,100 (f/h,t)* 12,100 (f) 18,100 (h)* 14,700 (h) 17,500 (l) 18,700 (l,p,t)* 12,700 (i) 15,200 (l) 15,800 (f) 20,400 (f/h,t)* 14,800 (h) 19,000 (l,p,t)* 12,200 (i) 14,700 (l) 12,900 (f) 17,300 (f/h,t) 14,400 (h) 17,000 (l,p,t)

*Gooseneck tow rating shown. Fifth-wheel tow rating limited to fifth-wheel hitch rating of 18,800 lbs. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (1): F-250 towing capability will be reduced based on trim series, option content and payload. See dealer for details. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (2): Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (fifth-wheel trailer) and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each). Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight.

F-350 Super Duty Conventional Towing, Weight-Carrying/Weight-Distributing F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/13,200 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/14,000 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f/h) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 13,000/14,000 (i/l) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,700 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 14,000/15,000 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f/h) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 14,000/15,000 (i/l) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,800 (i) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,000/14,000 (l) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 14,000/15,000 (f/h) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 7.3L V-8 13,000/14,000 (i/l)

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD

6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8

12,400 (i) 14,000/15,000 (l) 14,000/15,000 f/h) 14,000/15,000 (i/l) 12,700 (i) 15,000 (l) 15,000 (f/h) 15,000 (i/l) 12,300 (i,p) 15,000 (l) 20,000 (f/h) 15,000 (i/l) 12,700 (i) 15,000 (l) 15,000 (f/h) 15,000 (i/l) 12,400 (i) 14,000/15,000 (l) 14,000/15,000 (f/h) 14,000/15,000 (i/l) 12,500 (i) 15,000 (l) 18,200 (f/h) 15,000 (i/l) 12,000 (i) 15,000 (l) 20,000 (f/h) 15,000 (i/l)

F-350 SRW Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,100/13,000 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 16,600/16,500 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 22,800/19,200 (f/h,p)* F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 17,000 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 21,000 (l)* F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,500 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 16,100 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 22,400 (f/h,p)* F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 16,600 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 20,600 (l,p)* F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,800/12,700 (i) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.2L V-8 16,300/16,200 (l) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 22,600/22,100 (f/h)* F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 7.3L V-8 16,800/16,700 (i) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 2WD 7.3L V-8 20,800/20,700 (l)* F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,400/12,300 (i) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.2L V-8 15,900/15,800 (l) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 22,200/22,100 (f/h)* F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 16,300 (i) F-350 SuperCab Std Bed 4WD 7.3L V-8 20,300/19,200 (l) F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,700/12,600 (i) F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.2L V-8 16,200/16,100 (l) F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 22,500/22,400 (f/h)* F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD 7.3L V-8 16,700/16,600 (i)

45 CAMPING WORLD.indd 4/22/21 4:35 PM - 45 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

YOUR DESTINATION FOR

EVERYTHING RV AND OUTDOORS

UP TO

40% OFF GRILL WORLD grilling accessories

RVs starting at

LESS THAN $5 PER DAY

* (STK # 1823206) Exclusive of tax, title, license, finance and other fees required or allowed by applicable law; freight and prep, which vary by state, may also be added (except in AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, LA, MS, OH, OK, OR, TX, TN, WA, or UT). Monthly payment of $98/mo based on 15% down, 6.74% APR & 180 Months. Daily value is calculated by monthly payment $98 multiplied by 12 months divided by 365 days to equal $3.22 / day with approved credit. Subject to lender terms. Advertised inventory available at time of printing. New unit photography for illustrations purpose only. ^(SKU 290252) Sale price $8.99, Regular $14.99. Offers may not be combined with any other offer and not applicable to prior sales. See dealer for details. © 2021 FreedomRoads, LLC. The CAMPING WORLD, Good Sam and Gander RV & Outdoors logos are a registered trademark of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. Offers expire 05/31/2021.

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 46 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

2021 TOW RATINGS F-350 SuperCab LB 2WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 SuperCab LB 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 2WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD Tremor F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC Std Bed 4WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 2WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD F-350 CC LB 4WD

7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8

20,700/20,600 (l) 12,300/12,200 (i) 15,800/15,700 (l) 23,300/22,100 (f/h)* 16,200 (i) 20,200/18,500 (l,p)* 12,500 (i) 16,100 (l) 22,400/21,500 (f/h)* 16,600 (i) 20,600 (l)* 12,200 (i) 15,700 (l) 22,000 (f/h)* 21,900 (f/h)* 16,200/16,100 (i) 20,200/20,100 (l)* 12,400 (i) 15,900 (l) 22,200/22,100 (f/h)* 16,400/16,300 (i) 20,400/20,300 (l)* 12,000/11,900 (i) 15,500/15,400 (l) 21,700/21,300 (f/h)* 16,000/15,900 (i) 20,000/19,900

*Gooseneck tow rating shown. Fifth-wheel tow rating limited to fifth-wheel hitch rating of 18,800 lbs. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (1): F-350 towing capability will be reduced based on trim series, option content and payload. See dealer for details. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (2): Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (fifth-wheel trailer) and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each). Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight.

F-350/F-450 DRW Conventional Towing, Weight-Carrying/Weight-Distributing F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 13,300 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 16,700 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 18,000/21,000 (h/k) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 17,000/17,200 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 17,000/21,000 (l) F-450 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 21,200 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 12,800 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 16,300 (l) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 18,000/20,000 (h/k) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 16,800 (i) F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 18,000/20,000 (l) F-450 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 21,200 (l) F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.2L V-8 12,700 (i) F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.2L V-8 16,200 (l) F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 18,000/21,200 (h/k) F-350 SuperCab 2WD 7.3L V-8 16,700 (i)

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

F-350 SuperCab 2WD F-350 SuperCab 4WD F-350 SuperCab 4WD F-350 SuperCab 4WD F-350 SuperCab 4WD F-350 SuperCab 4WD F-350 CC 2WD F-350 CC 2WD F-350 CC 2WD F-350 CC 2WD F-350 CC 2WD F-450 CC 2WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-450 CC 4WD

7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.2L V-8 6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD

18,000 (l) 12,300 (i) 15,800 (l) 19,000/21,000 (h/k) 16,300 (i) 18,000/20,000 (l) 12,500 (i) 16,000 (l) 19,000/21,200 (h/k) 16,500 (i) 19,000/20,500 (l) 24,200 (l) 12,100 (i) 15,600 (l) 21,200 (h/k) 16,100 (i) 19,000/20,100 (l) 24,200 (l)

F-350/F-450 DRW Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 2WD F-350 Reg Cab 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-450 Reg Cab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 Reg Cab 4WD F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 Reg Cab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-450 Reg Cab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 SuperCab 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 SuperCab 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 4WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 SuperCab 4WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 SuperCab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 SuperCab 4WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 CC 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 CC 2WD 6.2L V-8 F-350 CC 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 CC 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 CC 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-350 CC 2WD 7.3L V-8 F-450 CC 2WD 6.7L V-8 TD F-350 CC 4WD 6.2L V-8

13,200 (i) 16,700 (l) 32,400 (h) 35,750 (k)* 17,200 (i) 21,200 (l) 37,000 (l)* 12,700 (i) 16,200 (l) 32,000 (h) 35,400 (k)* 16,700 (i) 20,700 (l) 36,400 (l)* 12,700 (i) 16,200 (l) 32,000 (h) 35,400 (k)* 16,700 (i) 20,700 (l) 12,300 (i) 15,800 (l) 31,600 (h) 35,000 (k)* 16,300 (i) 20,300 (l) 12,500 (i) 16,000 (l) 31,800 (h) 35,200 (k)* 16,500 (i) 20,500 (l) 34,600 (l)* 12,000 (i)

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 47 -

F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-350 CC 4WD F-450 CC 4WD

6.2L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD 6.7L V-8 TD 7.3L V-8 7.3L V-8 6.7L V-8 TD

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

15,500 (l) 31,300 (h) 34,700 (k)* 16,000 (i) 20,000 (l) 32,600 (l)*

*Gooseneck tow rating shown. Fifth-wheel tow rating limited to fifth-wheel hitch rating of 32,500 lbs. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (1): F-350/F-450 towing capability will be reduced based on trim series, option content and payload. See dealer for details. MANUFACTURER’S NOTE (2): Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (fifth-wheel trailer) and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each). Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight.

Ranger All All

2.3L I-4 TC 2.3L I-4 TC

3,500 7,500 (t)

Transit Cargo Van, 150/250/350 Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR RWD

3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD

5,300 (i) 6,400 (k) 5,600 (f) 6,900 (i) 4,800 (f)* 7,500 (i)* 5,000 (i) 6,100 (k) 5,300 (f) 6,600 (i) 5,100 (i) 6,200 (k) 5,400 (f) 6,700 (i) 4,900 (i) 6,000 (k) 5,200 (f) 6,500 (i) 5,100 (i) 6,200 (k) 5,500 (f) 6,800 (i) 4,700 (f) 7,500 (i) 4,900 (i)* 6,000 (k)* 5,200 (f)* 6,500 (i) 5,000 (i) 6,100 (k) 5,300 (f) 6,600 (i) 4,600 (f)

Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR RWD Transit LWB HR AWD Transit LWB HR AWD Transit LWB HR AWD Transit LWB HR AWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext RWD Transit LWB HR Ext AWD Transit LWB HR Ext AWD Transit LWB HR Ext AWD Transit LWB HR Ext AWD

2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC

7,400 (i) 4,800 (i) 5,900 (k) 5,100 (f) 6,400 (i) 4,900 (i) 6,000 (k) 5,200 (f) 6,500 (i) 4,400 (f)* 7,200 (i)* 4,700 (i) 5,800 (k) 5,000 (f)* 6,300 (i) 4,700 (i) 5,800 (k) 5,000 (f) 6,300 (i) 6,500 (i)* 4,200 (f) 7,000 (i) 4,700 (i) 5,800 (k) 4,800 (f) 6,100 (i)

3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6

4,900 (i) 6,000 (k) 5,200 (f) 6,500 (i) 4,700 (i) 5,800 (k) 5,000 (f) 6,300 (i) 4,800 (i) 5,900 (k) 5,100 (f) 6,400 (i) 4,600 (i) 5,700 (k) 4,900 (f) 6,200 (i) 4,800 (i) 5,900 (k) 6,400 (i) 7,100 (i)* 4,500 (i) 5,700 (k) 6,200 (i) 4,700 (i) 5,800 (k)

*250 models only.

Transit Crew Van, 150/250/350 Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR RWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB LR AWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR RWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit RWB MR AWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR RWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB LR AWD Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR RWD

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 48 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

2021 TOW RATINGS Transit LWB MR RWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit LWB MR AWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR RWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR RWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR RWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR RWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR AWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR AWD Transit 150/250 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HR Ext AWD Transit 350 HR Ext AWD

2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC

7,000 (i)* 4,400 (i) 5,500 (k) 6,100 (i) 4,600 (i) 5,700 (k) 6,200 (i) 6,900 (i)* 4,300 (i) 5,400 (k) 6,000 (i) 4,600 (i) 5,700 (k) 4,300 (i) 5,400 (k) 5,300 (k) 6,200 (i) 5,000 (k) 5,900 (i)

Transit 350 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 LWB HR AWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HR Ext RWD Transit 350 HIR Ext AWD Transit Connect Van/Wagon

3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4

4,000 (k) 4,000 (f) 3,900 (i) 3,400 (i) 3,700 (k) 3,600 (i) 3,400 (i) 3,300 (i) 2,000 (t)

HONDA Odyssey Passport 2WD/AWD Passport 2WD/AWD Pilot 2WD/AWD Pilot 2WD/AWD Ridgeline 2WD/AWD Ridgeline 2WD/AWD

3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6

3,500 (t) 3,500 (t) 5,000 (t) 3,500 (t) 5,000 (t) 3,500 (t) 5,000 (t)

*Not available on 150 models.

Transit Passenger Van, 150/350 Transit 150 RWB LR RWD Transit 150 RWB LR AWD Transit 150 RWD MR RWD Transit 150 RWD MR AWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR RWD Transit 350 LWB LR AWD Transit 350 LWB LR AWD Transit 350 LWB LR AWD Transit 350 LWB LR AWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR RWD Transit 350 LWB MR AWD Transit 350 LWB MR AWD Transit 350 LWB MR AWD Transit 350 LWB MR AWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR RWD Transit 350 LWB HR AWD

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

HYUNDAI 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 TC 3.5L V-6 TC 2.0L I-4 TD 2.0L I-4 TD 3.5L V-6

4,600 (i) 4,400 (i) 4,400 (i) 4,200 (i) 4,200 (i) 4,500 (k) 4,500 (f) 4,400 (i) 3,700 (f) 4,200 (i) 4,000 (i) 4,300 (k) 4,300 (f) 4,200 (i) 4,100 (i) 4,400 (k) 4,400 (f) 4,300 (i) 3,600 (f) 4,100 (i) 3,800 (i) 4,100 (k) 4,200 (f) 4,100 (i) 3,900 (i) 4,200 (k) 4,300 (f) 4,200 (i) 3,400 (f) 3,900 (i) 3,700 (i)

Palisade Santa Fe Santa Fe Sport Santa Fe XL Tucson

3.8L V-6 2.4L I-4 2.0L I-4 TC 3.3L V-6 2.4L I-4

5,000 2,000 3,500 5,000 2,000

INFINITI QX50 AWD QX60 QX80

2.0L I-4 TC 3.5 V-6 5.6L V-8

3,000 (t) 5,000 8,500

JEEP Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Compass 4WD Gladiator Sport Gladiator Sport Gladiator Sport Gladiator Sport Gladiator Overland Gladiator Overland Gladiator Overland Gladiator Mojave Gladiator Mojave Gladiator Rubicon Gladiator Rubicon Gladiator Rubicon

2.0L I-4 TC 2.0L I-4 TC 2.4L I-4 3.2L V-6 3.2L V-6 2.4L I-4 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD

2,000 4,000 (t) 2000 (t) 2,000 4,500 (t) 2,000 4,000 (m6, i) 4,500 (a8, i) 7,650 (a8, k, t) 6,500 (a8) 4,000 (m6, i) 6,000 (a8, i) 6,500 (a8) 4,500 (m6, k) 6,000 (a8, k) 4,500 (m6, k) 7,000 (a8,k) 6,000 (a8)

49 LEGEND BRAND_UNDUZ IT.indd 4/22/21 4:58 PM - 49 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

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RVM2106 - Towing Guide Ratings.indd 4/22/21 1:04 PM - 50 -

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

2021 TOW RATINGS Grand Cherokee 2WD/4WD Grand Cherokee 4WD Grand Cherokee 4WD Grand Cherokee 4WD Renegade 4WD Wrangler (4-door)

3.6L V-6 5.7L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.2L V-8 SC 2.4L I-4 All

6,200 7,200 7,200 7,200 2,000 3,500

KIA Sedona Sorento Sportage FWD/AWD Telluride FWD/AWD

3.3L V-6 2.5L TC all 3.8L V-6

3,500 3,500 (t) 2,000 5,000

LAND ROVER Land Rover Defender Land Rover Discovery (all) Land Rover Discovery (all) Land Rover Discovery Sport Range Rover Range Rover PHEV Range Rover Evoque (all) Range Rover Sport Range Rover Sport Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic Range Rover Sport SVR Range Rover Sport PHEV Range Rover Velar

All 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 2.0L I-4 TC All 2.0L I-4 TC 2.0L I-4 TC 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 5.0L V-8 SC 5.0L V-8 SC 2.0L I-4 TC All

8,201 7,716 8,201 4,409 7,716 5,511 3,306 7,716 7,716 7,716 6,613 5,511 5,291

LEXUS NX 300 RX 350 RX 450h AWD Hybrid GX 460 LX 570

2.0L TC 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 4.6L V-8 5.7L V-8

2,000 3,500 3,500 6,500 7,000

LINCOLN Aviator RWD/AWD Aviator AWD Aviator Grand Touring Hybrid Corsair Navigator 2WD Navigator 2WD Navigator 4WD Navigator 4WD Navigator L 2WD Navigator L 2WD Navigator L 4WD Navigator L 4WD

3.5L V-6 TC 5,600 3.5L V-6 TC 6,700 (t) 3.5L V-6 TC 5,600 All 3,000 3.5L V-6 TC 6,200 3.5L V-6 TC 8,700 (t) 3.5L V-6 TC 6,200 3.5L V-6 TC 8,300 (t) 3.5L V-6 TC 6,600 3.5L V-6 TC 8,400 (t) 3.5L V-6 TC 6,600 3.5L V-6 TC 8,100 (t)

MAZDA CX5

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

2.5L I-4

2,000

CX5 CX9 (all)

2.5L I-4 TC 2.5L I-4 TC

2,000 3,500

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC Coupe GLC SUV GLE Coupe GLE SUV AMG GLE 350 SUV RWD GLE 350 4Matic SUV AWD GLS SUV G-Class SUV Sprinter SRW (all) Sprinter DRW (all)

All All All All 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 All All All All

3,500 3,500 7,200 7,200 6,600 7,200 7,500 7,000 5,000* 7,500*

*Maximum tow ratings shown. See dealer to determine the tow rating of a specific model/ configuration.

MITSUBISHI Outlander 2WD/4WD

3.0L V-6

3,500

NISSAN Armada Frontier S CC 2WD Frontier SV CC 2WD Frontier SV CC 6-foot Bed 2WD Frontier S CC 4WD Frontier SV CC 4WD Frontier SV CC 6-foot Bed 4WD Frontier SV King Cab 2WD Frontier SV King Cab 6-foot Bed 2WD Frontier SV King Cab 4WD Frontier S King Cab 6-foot Bed 2WD Frontier S King Cab 4WD Frontier Pro-4X King Cab 4WD NV Cargo Van NV Cargo Van NV Passenger Van NV Passenger Van Pathfinder

5.6L V-8 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 3.8L V-6 4.0L V-6 5.6L V-8 4.0L V-6 4.0L V-6 3.5L V-6

8,500 6,620 6,640 6,500 6,370 6,380 6,250 6,720 6,370 6,510 6,620 6,720 6,290 6,900 (t) 9,400 (t) 6,200 (t) 8,700 (t) 6,000

TITAN Titan King Cab 2WD Titan King Cab 4WD Titan CC 2WD Titan CC 4WD

5.6L V-8 5.6L V-8 5.6L V-8 5.6L V-8

9,310 9,260 9,310 9,210

NOTE: Maximum ratings shown. Ratings may vary depending on the specific model and equipment selected. See dealer for details.

PORSCHE Cayenne Macan

All 7,700 All 4,409

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RAM ProMaster (all) ProMaster City Cargo

3.6L V-6 2.4L I-4

6,800 (t) 2,000

3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8

6,720 (d)* 7,710 (h) 8,370 (d) 10,070 (j) 12,560 (j,t) 8,520 (d) 11,620 (j) 12,750 (j,t) 6,460 (d) 7,460 (h) 8,160 (d) 9,860 (j) 8,310 (d) 11,410 (j,t)

RAM 1500 Crew Cab Shortbed 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 2WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD 1500 CC SB 4WD

3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0L V-6 TD 3.0L V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD 3.0 V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8

6,620 (d) 7,620 (h) 8,210 (d) 9,910 (j) 8,440 (d) 11,540 (j,t) 6,410 (d) 7,410 (h) 8,010 (d) 9,710 (j) 8,190 (d) 11,290 (j,t)

RAM 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 2WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD 1500 CC Std Bed 4WD

3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD 3.0 V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 3.6L V-6 3.6L V-6 3.0 V-6 TD 3.0 V-6 TD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8

6,580 (d) 7,580 (h) 8,250 (d) 9,950 (j) 8,390 (d) 11,490 (j,t) 6,390 (d) 7,390 (h) 7,850 (d) 9,550 (j) 8,200 (d) 11,300 (j)

RAM 1500 Quad Cab Standard Bed 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 2WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD 1500 Quad Cab Std Bed 4WD *High Fuel Efficiency (HFE) model.

Note: Ratings shown are maximum weights for Tradesman model. Higher trim grades may have a reduced tow rating. See your dealer for details and to determine the tow rating of your selected model.

RAM 2500 Regular Cab RAM 2500 Reg Cab 2WD RAM 2500 Reg Cab 2WD RAM 2500 Reg Cab 2WD RAM 2500 Reg Cab 4WD RAM 2500 Reg Cab 4WD RAM 2500 Reg Cab 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD

15,080 (a8,i) 17,580 (a8,k) 19,780 (a6,i) 14,710 (a8,i) 17,210 (a8,k) 19,350 (a6,i)

RAM 2500 Crew Cab Shortbed RAM 2500 CC SB 2WD RAM 2500 CC SB 2WD RAM 2500 CC SB 2WD RAM 2500 CC SB 4WD RAM 2500 CC SB 4WD RAM 2500 CC SB 4WD RAM 2500 CC SB 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD

14,680 (a8,i) 17,180 (a8,k) 19,370 (a6,i 14,410 (a8,i) 16,910 (a8,k) 10,620 (a8,k)* 19,040 (a6,i)

RAM 2500 Crew Cab Longbed RAM 2500 CC LB 2WD RAM 2500 CC LB 2WD RAM 2500 CC LB 2WD RAM 2500 CC LB 4WD RAM 2500 CC LB 4WD RAM 2500 CC LB 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD

14,580 (a8,i) 17,080 (a8,k) 19,200 (a6,i) 14,220 (a8,i) 16,720 (a8,k) 17,390 (a6,i)

RAM 2500 Mega Cab RAM 2500 Mega Cab 4WD RAM 2500 Mega Cab 4WD RAM 2500 Mega Cab 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD

14,000 (a8,i) 16,500 (a8,k) 16,520 (a6,i)

RAM 3500 Regular Cab SRW RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab SRW 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO

14,990 (a8,i) 18,210 (a8,k) 21,030 (a6,i) 26,990 (a6,i) 14,630 (a8,i) 17,130 (a8,k) 20,220 (a6,i) 22,220 (a6,k) 26,440 (a6,i)

RAM 3500 Regular Cab DRW RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 2WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD

14,710 (a8,i) 18,210 (a8,k) 20,740 (a6,i) 22,740 (a6,k) 33,700 (a6,i) 35,100 a6,k) 14,310 (a8,i) 17,810 (a8,k) 20,220 (a6,i) 22,220 (a6,k)

*RAM Power Wagon model.

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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2021 TOW RATINGS RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Reg Cab DRW 4WD

6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.7L I-6 TD HO

33,290 (a6,i) 34,690 (a6,k)

RAM 3500 Crew Cab Shortbed RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC SB SRW 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO

14,630 (a8,i) 17,130 (a8,k) 20,590 (a6,i) 24,320 (a6,i) 14,300 (a8,i) 16,800 (a8,k) 20,370 (a6,i) 24,490 (a6,i)

RAM 3500 Crew Cab Longbed SRW RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB SRW 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO

14,460 (a8,i) 16,690 (a8,k) 20,450 (a6,i) 25,650 (a6,i) 13,710 (a8,i) 17,210 (a8,k) 20,110 (a6,i) 25,150 (a6,i)

RAM 3500 Crew Cab Longbed DRW RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 2WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD RAM 3500 CC LB DRW 4WD

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.7L I-6 TD HO

14,080 (a8,i) 17,580 (a8,i) 20,000 (a6,i) 22,000 (a6,k) 33,080 (a6,i) 34,480 (a6,k) 13,710 (a8,i) 17,210 (a8,k) 19,670 (a6,i) 21,670 (a6,k) 32,370 (a6,i) 34,130 (a6,k)

RAM 3500 Mega Cab RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW 4WD

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

2.5L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl TC

2,700 3,500

TOYOTA 4RUNNER, HIGHLANDER, LAND CRUISER, SIENNA, SEQUOIA, TRD PRO 4Runner (all) 4.0L V-6 Highlander 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 Highlander Hybrid Land Cruiser 5.7L V-8 Sienna 3.5L V-6 5.7L V-8 Sequoia SR5 2WD Sequoia SR5 4WD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 Sequoia TRD Sport 2WD 5.7L V-8 Sequoia TRD Sport 4WD Sequoia Limited 2WD 5.7L V-8 Sequoia Limited 4WD 5.7L V-8 Sequoia Platinum 2WD 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 Sequoia Platinum 4WD TRD Pro (4WD only) 5.7L V-8

5,000 5,000 3,500 8,100 3,500 7,400 7,100 7,400 7,100 7,400 7,100 7,200 7,000 7,100

TACOMA Tacoma Access Cab 2WD Tacoma Access Cab 2WD Tacoma Access Cab 4WD Tacoma Access Cab 4WD Tacoma Double Cab 2WD Tacoma Double Cab SB 2WD Tacoma Double Cab LB 2WD Tacoma Double Cab 4WD

2.7L I-4 3.5L V-6 2.7L I-4 3.5L V-6 2.7L I-4 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6

3,500 6,800 (t) 3,500 6,500 (t) 3,500 6,700 (t) 6,600 (t) 6,400 (t)

TUNDRA Tundra Double Cab 2WD Tundra Double Cab 4WD Tundra CrewMax 2WD Tundra CrewMax 4WD

5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8 5.7L V-8

10,200 10,000 10,100 9,800

NOTE: Maximum ratings shown. Ratings may vary depending on the specific model and equipment selected. See dealer for details.

6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.4L V-8 6.4L V-8 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD 6.7L I-6 TD HO 6.7L I-6 TD HO

14,050 (a8,i) 16,550 (a8,k) 19,860 (a6,i) 24,060 (a6,i) 13,660 (a8,i) 17,160 (a8,k) 19,500 (a6,i) 21,500 (a6,k) 32,550 (a6,i) 33,020 (a6,k)

SUBARU Ascent Ascent

Outback Outback

2.4L 4-cyl TC 2.4L 4-cyl TC

2,000 5,000 (t)

VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Atlas

2.0L I-4 TC 3.6L V-6

2,000 5,000 (t)

VOLVO S60 S90 V60 V90 T5 FWD V90 T6 AWD XC60 XC90 FWD XC90 AWD

All 2,000 All 2,000 All 2,000 All 2,000 All 3,500 All 3,500 All 4,000 All 5,000

53 THE HAMILTON.indd 4/22/21 4:35 PM - 53 -

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Together We’re Happy Campers A FIRST-EVER Keepsake Licensed by Precious Moments®

Shown smaller than actual size of 6½" wide

Fastest way to order: HamiltonCollection.com/HappyCampers

Exclusive NEW Bisque Porcelain Figurine Campers know that life is better together when you camp more and worry less! Now take the road less traveled with “Together We Are Happy Campers,” a fine bisque porcelain figurine that celebrates the adventures you and your sweetheart share when you relax in the great outdoors. Licensed by Precious Moments®, this keepsake is carefully handcrafted — from this cute couple as they sit beside their camper to their adorable pup who’s eager to join in on the fun. Meticulous hand-painting, metallic finishes and a tender sentiment complete this first-ever limited edition.

Send no money now to reserve this porcelain keepsake in your name. “Together We Are Happy Campers” is payable in three payments of $33.33*; with only the first payment due prior to shipment. Our 365-Day Guarantee assures your satisfaction or your money back. Let this endearing porcelain treasure remind you that every day is an adventure when you spend it with the one you love. Send no money now; simply submit your coupon today!

Collectors will adore every detail — including her cute coffee mug that proclaims her love!

PRECIOUS MOMENTSTM ©2021 Precious Moments, Inc. PRECIOUS MOMENTS, TEARDROP-SHAPED EYE DESIGN, and all related marks, logos, and characters are trademarks of Precious Moments, Inc. used with permission by authorized licensee The Hamilton Collection. All rights reserved worldwide.

09-09390-001-BI1

MAIL TO:

Name______________________________________________________________________ (Please print clearly.)

Address____________________________________________________________________

SEND NO MONEY NOW! ❑YES!

Please reserve “Together We Are Happy Campers” for me as described in this announcement. *Add a total of $15.99 for shipping & service, and sales tax; see HamiltonCollection.com. Edition limited to a total of 120 firing days. Allow 6 to 8 weeks after initial payment for shipment.

Removable hardtop offers an up-close view

City_______________________________________State____________Zip______________ of the well-appointed interior. Email (Optional)______________________________________________________________ Signature___________________________________________________________________

09-09390-001-E51081 THE HAMILTON COLLECTION, CIRCLE 126 ON READER SERVICE CARD

RVM2106 - Parks Project.indd 4/22/21 12:09 PM - 54 -

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IN THE KNOW

s k r a PProject FIND YOUR GROOVE It doesn’t matter your mode of travel, just get out there and explore to kick off the summer season. BY ABBEY ROBERTSON

Last year when the COVID-19 quarantine

began and the full scope of what the next year would be like began to fully sink in, like so many other people, I found myself taking to the outdoors more than ever. I was already spending a lot of time on public lands: As a southern California transplant, I don’t have to try very hard to get outside when the coastal range of the Santa Monica Mountains—with 50 miles of rock-studded hillsides, oak trees, chaparral, and springtime flowers that slope down to the Pacific—is practically my backyard, and a drive to Joshua Tree National Park—with its unusual twisted trees native to the Mojave Desert—is shorter than a feature-length movie. Between March and May 2020, I spent 20 days in my tent in national parks, national forests, and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. July sent me on a grand tour of some of the nationalpark titans of the west, crossing Glacier, Arches, Capitol Reef, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons off my list. But as the fall set in, I wanted to explore some less-frequented gems around the US. After spending three months with my dad and uncle converting a 2012 Ford Transit Connect into a cabin on wheels, I followed the East Coast from Virginia to Florida, and then the Gulf of Mexico to Texas, staying in state parks and on BLM land in places I’d never heard of before. From there, I cut through New Mexico to White

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Sands National Park and negotiated even more desert to Petrified Forest National Park, spending a couple of cool nights in Flagstaff before I posted up on the banks of the Colorado River on the Arizona side, watching the sunset over the water that divided me from California. If there’s any bright side to the past year, it’s that the idea of exploration has taken on an even more significant meaning than perhaps ever before. During my travels, I met people from all walks of life and nearly every state in rigs of every size doing the same thing I was—looking for solace and safety on the road in a time of great uncertainty. I met parents and grandparents, college students, and children who took delight in the change of pace and breath of fresh air that comes from new scenery and the forest, a meal cooked over a campfire and a morning hike in the warmth of the sun. My perspective has changed, too; whereas before I was traveling simply to tick national parks off my list and take pictures to share with friends, I now find value in the journey itself and the people who are walking paths similar to mine but uniquely their own. As the summer season begins, I’m reminded that it’s more than just what’s around the next bend in the road—it’s also about the beauty and value people bring to America’s best idea: the national parks.

 SHOWSTOPPERS With picture-perfect landscapes like this one in California’s Joshua Tree, it’s no wonder that the national parks are known as “America’s best idea.” nps.gov

55 BLUE OX.indd 4/22/21 4:36 PM - 55 -

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Motorhome Mount Tow Bars BX7470 All steel construction. 15,000 lb towing capacity. Our premium powder coat accents any coach or tow vehicle.

BX4370 Lightweight aluminum. 7,500 lb towing capacity. Capacities from 6,500 to 15,000 lbs. 2.5" receivers available.

BX7420 All steel construction. 10,000 lb towing capacity. Patented non-binding latches quickly disconnect, even in the most rugged terrain.

TrackPro™ Hitch Weight Distribution + Sway Management

Distributes trailer tongue weight evenly.

The New Blue Ox App Scan the QR Code & Download Today!

blueox.com • 800-228-9289 BLUE OX, CIRCLE 105 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Prevents sway from bad roads, wind or weather.

Caster with additional points of friction.

RVM2106 - Rigs Gear Intro - Jayco Swift.indd 4/22/21 5:58 PM - 56 -

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Rigs + Gear 3

One Swift Motorhome

JAYCO SWIFT BASE MSRP $113,550 DIMENSIONS Exterior Length: 20’ 11” Exterior Width: 6’ 11” Exterior Height: 9’ 3” CAPACITIES Freshwater: 27 gal Black-Water: 13 gal Gray-Water: 14.5 gal Propane: 6 gal WEIGHT GCWR: 11,500 lbs GVWR: 9,350 lbs GAWR, F/R: 4,629/5,291 CIRCLE 150 ON READER SERVICE CARD

by K R I S T O P H E R B U N K E R

It’s no secret that Class B motorhomes continue to be one of the hottest products in the motorized sector. They’re easy to drive, easy to park, and require a very small learning curve to operate; after all, they’re built on familiar van chassis. But with this popularity comes a responsibility to the manufacturer to make their particular model stand out from the crowd. The 2021 Jayco Swift does just that by seamlessly blending the comfort and simplicity of driving a van with thoughtful amenities that get the job done … and then some. Built on the popular RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis and equipped with an upgraded rough-road-taming handling system, the journey to the campground (or off the grid) is indeed a smooth one. Once there, the Swift shines with exterior

plusses like an armless patio awning with LED light strip, a 190-watt solar panel, a 2.8-kW genset, and bike and roof racks. Inside, two floorplans are available: the 20A with a rear kitchen and convertible sofa bed, and the 20T (pictured) with rear twin beds that can combine to a king sleeper. Both include a wet bath with water-management system, fully equipped kitchen, high-gloss Euro cabinetry, and residential vinyl flooring. System control is simple with the JAYCOMMAND powered by Firefly, and Winegard ConnecT 2.0 boosts cellular service and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Swift (particularly the 20T floorplan) includes an impressive amount of storage by taking advantage of every nook and cranny the ProMaster chassis affords. All Jayco RVs are backed by a 2-year limited/ 3-year structural warranty. jayco.com

Drive Well The Customer Value Package comes with JRIDE handling enhancements, plus ultraleather swivel driver and passenger seats with six-way lumbar adjustment. Sleep Well The Swift 20T is equipped with a Froli sleep system and ﬁller cushion to complete the king-size sleeper. This arrangement also allows for underbed storage.

(1) Twin beds combine to form a comfy king-size sleeping arrangement. (2) Kitchen includes AC/DC fridge, two-burner cooktop with glass cover, convection microwave, and stainless-steel sink. (3) Rear door opens up to allow for storage/access of large items in the wet-bath area. 56

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

PHOTOS: COURTESY JAYCO

PREVIEW

57 AIR LIFT.indd 4/22/21 4:37 PM - 57 -

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Squat Happens

You don’t need a bigger truck...

You need Air Lift®

You may not know it, but that bounce, sway and squat you experience when towing or hauling is an easy fix. Adding an air suspension from Air Lift will bring your truck back to level, providing a safer and more comfortable ride. You don’t need a bigger truck, you need Air Lift.

Check out our fun new commercial and get acquainted with the Lumberman. Go to: airliftcompany.com/squathappens

RVM2106 - Tech Tips Batteries.indd 4/22/21 2:50 PM - 58 -

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RIGS + GEAR

BATTERY TECH

CHARGING AHEAD by J A M E S A D I N A R O

Your RV’s battery bank is the heart of your RV’s electrical system. It powers things when you’re not plugged in to shorepower, and it stores up energy when you are plugged in. If your RV has solar, those panels are meant to charge your battery. And if your RV has an inverter, it will draw on the battery to generate 120volt AC “household” electric current. Your battery is a resource that makes off-the-grid RVing possible, and just like your freshwater supply, it’s a good idea to know exactly how much of it you have on hand. But measuring battery state of charge is more difficult than measuring something like water. After

CAMPING IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE! Now you know how to check how much battery state of charge is left, but how much do you NEED if you want to do some dry camping? The easiest, most accurate, and most fun way to ﬁgure out your electrical needs is to simply go camping … in the name of science! Here’s how to run your camping experiment:

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

“Your RV’s battery is a resource that makes off-grid adventures possible.” all, you can’t exactly see energy, it has no mass, and it won’t fill up a tank like water does. We have to be a little more clever when we want to measure it. Fortunately, there are some basic ways to get a handle on how much of this resource you have left.

Measuring Voltage

A simple method of estimating battery state of charge is available to everyone, and it likely won’t require you to modify your rig or get any special equipment. Most RV manufacturers build basic battery voltage monitoring right into their rigs. You’ll typically find a way to monitor battery voltage right on your RV’s control panel (although these panel indicators are rough estimates at best). If your rig doesn’t have a battery monitoring capability on its control panel, don’t worry! If you can find a 12-volt DC outlet that’s

Battery Field Test

Start your experiment at nightfall, with full batteries. Disconnect all charging sources: Unplug from shorepower. Don’t run the generator. If your RV has solar panels, unplug them. If you have a motorhome, keep the engine off. The idea here is that you only want to discharge the batteries, not charge them. Camp normally. Don’t try to use extra electricity, and don’t conserve either. If your typical RV evening involves you getting away from the rig for a while, do that. Keep tabs on the batteries every few hours. You want to know how long it takes to run the batteries down to empty (or 50%, if your RV has lead-acid batteries).

If you can’t make it through the night without depleting the batteries, your RV’s got a battery capacity shortage. But let’s say you make it through the night and look at a hypothetical camping scenario: Suppose your RV has 210 amp hours (Ah) of battery capacity. After the night, you check the battery voltage and it’s down to 12.4 volts. That’s 80% full according to a state of charge

chart, so you keep going. As the sun sets again, the voltage is down to 12.2 volts. That’s 60% full, but since the overnight might take you below the recommended 50% discharge for lead-acid batteries, you call off the test. So, in one day of your style of camping, you use 40% of your RV’s battery capacity, or 84 Ah. Now you know!

PHOTOS: JAMES ADINARO

How much battery power does my RV have left?

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MINUTE TECH

BATTERY INTEGRATED MONITORING

1) Even entry-level RVs usually include some form of battery monitoring at the control panel. This travel trailer is interpreting voltage to show a battery 2⁄3 full. 2) Plug-in voltage testers that work on a cigarette lighter are inexpensive and easy to use. The high reading on this one is because the battery is being charged.

Discharge Curves LEAD ACID VS. LITHIUM 14

BATTERY VOLTAGE (V)

PHOTOS: JAMES ADINARO

working somewhere in your RV (it will look like a cigarette lighter plug), there are simple devices you can plug in, and they’ll show you the voltage. If you have a multimeter available, you can check the battery’s voltage right at the terminals. It may surprise you to learn that the 12-volt battery doesn’t necessarily put out 12 volts. This is true for traditional lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries, and even newer lithium batteries. The voltage of the battery starts off higher and decreases as the battery becomes discharged. We can use this decrease in voltage to get a handle on how much charge is left in the battery. It’s not measuring the charge directly—it’s measuring an indicator of the charge. But here’s the catch: Voltage does decrease with discharging for all batteries. But the way it does

13 . 5 13 12 . 5 12 11. 5 11 10. 5 10

1 00

DEPTH OF DISCHARGE (%)

The voltage of a lead-acid battery (blue line) drops reliably as it is discharged. That makes it easy to determine state of charge by simply reading the voltage. A lithium battery (red line) maintains a fairly constant voltage as it’s discharged, so the curve is ﬂatter. This makes determining the state of charge from voltage more difﬁcult on lithium batteries.

There’s another level still where you can take battery monitoring, but it will require you to upgrade to a lithium battery to get there. Some lithium battery manufacturers are building advanced monitoring directly into their Battery Management Systems (BMS). When you add a monitor panel—or, in some cases, an app on a Bluetoothequipped smartphone—you essentially get to “talk” to the battery. Using an app or monitor like this gives you access to instantaneous battery performance, detailed battery health data, internal temperatures, and even error codes from individual battery cells. The information varies depending on the battery manufacturer. I’ll be completely honest —that kind of detailed battery information is a LOT more than you need to enjoy a typical camping trip. But it is nice to know it’s there if you need it. Not all lithium battery manufacturers build this kind of data interface into their batteries, though many of the better ones do. Typically, they do this through additional connection ports on the battery. So, if you’re looking at a lithium battery, and you see more than just the positive and negative terminals to connect to, it’s reasonable to assume that there will be some kind of advanced monitoring option available with that battery.

depends on what type of battery (or battery bank) you have. We’re going to cover lead-acid (this includes flooded cell and AGM) batteries and lithium batteries (lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4) here, since those are the most common. If you don’t know what kind of battery your RV has, you can assume it has a lead-acid battery, since you would remember paying for a lithium upgrade. Let’s start off with lead-acid batteries. In a happy coincidence of electricity and chemistry, the voltage of a lead-acid battery decreases consistently and predictably as it discharges. That makes it relatively easy to read the voltage and get an approximation of capacity from a state-of-charge chart. I know many people who carry little copies of these charts in their RV. As

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RIGS + GEAR | battery power 3) All-in-one touchscreen monitor panels will usually display the battery capacity either as a percentage, or show the voltage directly, though you may have to look through a few layers of menus to ﬁnd it. 4) This straightforward monitor panel shows the voltage directly. In this case, it’s displaying the voltage from a lithium iron phosphate battery that has a higher resting voltage. 3

capability. These pieces of equipment are called “Shunt-Based battery monitors,” and they’re not usually included in a factory RV. I’ve actually installed one of these in every RV we’ve had. I didn’t do it because the voltage method to estimate state 4 of charge wasn’t working (it was). I did it because I just wanted to know more about how my RV’s batteries were holding up. Shunt-based battery monitors are available from various sources like Trimetric, Victron, and Balmar, and they all work similarly. You install a shunt on the negative lead into your battery bank. The shunt acts as a kind of “flow meter” and measures current flowing from the battery. The shunt is connected to a monitor panel of some kind, where you read the state of charge. This State of Charge (SOC) is the “gas gauge” type of output you probably thought was missing. Shunts are a fairly common piece of technology. So it’s in the monitor panels where each manufacturer builds in their proprietary “smarts” to convert the data from the shunt into useful information for you, the end The Next Level: The Shunt user. I’ve used several of them, and they typically require you to input It’s possible to get more accurate readings for some features about your RV’s battery so that they can figure out how battery state of charge, but this requires more much charge is remaining. The programming isn’t difficult, but you will than just checking voltage. It requires some have to follow the instructions closely. additional equipment to do this, so you’re The payoff for the extra equipment and programming is a much more probably looking at an upgrade to get this accurate readout of battery state of charge. Depending on the model you have installed, you might also get information on how long the batteries By using a shunt (a special low-ohm resistor) it’s possible to measure the current would last under current conditions, flowing into and out of your RV’s battery bank. A shunt-based battery monitor uses or even some indication of how that current flow information, along with voltage and the battery specifications, to “healthy” the batteries are. calculate how much battery state of charge remains. Shunt-based monitors also work better than standard readings for lithium batteries. By measuring the electric flow through the battery, they’re able to overcome the limitations presented by the relatively constant voltages. This is as close an example, if you check the RV’s battery voltage and it checks in at 12.1 volts, your chart will tell you the batteries are about half full. I say this is an “approximate” state of charge because we’re not measuring charge directly —we’re measuring voltage. It’s kind of like measuring your vehicle’s speed by counting “1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi” while you roll by mile markers. It’s not exact. But since we’re camping and not in a laboratory, it’s good enough. This method doesn’t work quite as well with lithium batteries. This is because the voltage of a lithium battery doesn’t change as much as you discharge it. The voltage stays relatively constant until the very end. The difference between 70% full and 40% full can be as small as 0.1 volts, which could approach the accuracy limitations of your voltage meter. Nevertheless, charts for lithium battery voltage do exist. And if that’s all you’ve got, it’s better than nothing, and should still suffice to keep you happily camping.

Greater Accuracy

as your batteries can get to having their own “fuel gauge.”

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

There’s a LOT more you can learn about batteries. For example, we haven’t even touched on how a battery’s capacity decreases over time. That can be a big deal, and it’s one of the ways you might determine when it’s time to replace the batteries. And we haven’t gotten into more advanced topics like “voltage sag” either. But the good news is that most of the time, those things don’t matter too much and all you really need to know is how much battery your RV has left in the proverbial tank. And answering that question is something you can do with the tools already built in to your RV.

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COMPACT CLEAN ON THE GO FLOW MAX™ 40V PORTABLE POWER CLEANER The Flow Max™ 40V portable power cleaner by Lippert is the versatile, compact cleaning machine you need to tackle your outdoor projects at home or on the go. Powered by a 40V lithium ion battery, this pressure washer doesn’t even require a garden hose or spigot connection. All you have to do is drop the included hose line in a bucket, pool, lake, or other water source, and you’re ready to go.

• 520 PSI maximum • Lightweight and easy to transport • Complete with two 40V lithium ion batteries • Up to 28 minutes of battery life

WHENEVER, WHEREVER, WE MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BETTER | lippert.com LIPPERT COMPONENTS, CIRCLE 116 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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NEW RVS | TOP MOTORHOMES

Motorhomes A R E RV S , TO O!

ALL THIS TRAILER TALK GOT YOU DOWN? CHECK OUT THESE EXCITING NEW MOTORIZED RVS. BY KRISTOPHER BUNKER

You may have noticed this month represents the official “Towing Guide” issue of RV Magazine (tough to miss based on the towing section and the cover). You may also have noticed that means it’s seemingly all trailers (and truck campers), all the time. But it doesn’t have to be. You see, although trailers are generally the hottest market segment when it comes to new RV sales, motorhomes are often the ultimate goal of RVers who started out in a tent, then moved up to a trailer, but have finally decided they’d rather drive their home on wheels than drag it behind them.

We’re here for you.

In short, motorhomes come in three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C, and we’d like to share with you some of our favorites available at RV lots right now. And, we’ll even add in a subsection of the Class A market: the highly coveted diesel pusher. So, we encourage you to park the pickup, step away from the trailer, and take a look at how the other (motorized) half lives. 62

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Thor A.C.E.

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Crossover SUVs are all the rage, so why should the family trucksters have all the fun? The A.C.E is so named by Thor because it is an acronym for (Class) A and (Class) C Evolution. In simple terms, the A.C.E. contains the superior ride and interior of a compact Class A along with the features and maneuverability of a Class C. Available in five floorplans including those with king beds, an exterior kitchen and theater seating, the A.C.E. offers something for everyone: A 10-inch touchscreen radio with Bluetooth and satellite radio for techno geeks, a power drop-down hideaway overhead bunk for the kiddos, a Motorhome Mudroom compartment for the neatniks, and even a Pet-Link tether system

Base MSRP: $144,300

thormotorcoach.com

Holiday Rambler Invicta

PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

Traditional Class A motorhomes aren’t necessarily revered for their on-road manners, often resulting in new owners searching for solutions. Holiday Rambler has solved this on the Invicta, with an optional Bilstein Steering stabilizer System to dampen vibration and bumps on the road, plus the available SumoSprings Chassis Stabilizer System, which

Base MSRP: $177,287

and pull-out Kibble station for the dogs. A roomy 7-foot ceiling height, LED lighting, solid-surface counters and double-door refrigerator make for a truly residential experience. The large Bird’s Eye windows, Winegard ConnecT booster, and roomy bathroom keeps that residential feeling alive even while on extended trips.

stabilizes sway and improves driver control. So, the ride is better; what about the inside? How about residential stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen, a top-mounted stainless-steel sink in the bathroom, two interior TVs, and a standard exterior 50-inch LED TV? Need more? Standards include a 100-watt solar panel, 5.5-kW generator, multiplex control system,

king-size beds and CPAP machine prep in the bedroom. Plumbing conveniences include a water-purification system, black-tank flush system and washer/ dryer prep. The deep storage and closet spaces mean you darn near can take it all with you … but we don’t recommend that. You’re trying to get away, remember?

holidayrambler.com

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BAUER PRODUCTS

PASSAGE PLATEAU FL

Pleasure-Way 2021.5 Plateau FL

Versatility in a Class B is a must due to size. The Plateau FL optimizes interior space by combining the benefits of a front lounge area with the practicality of a rear power sofa. The front lounge utilizes the two captain’s chairs that swivel to form a second dining and work area, complete with a workstation, 24-inch smart LED TV, storage cabinets, and a second Lagun table location. This arrangement creates distinct living- and bedroom areas, allowing owners to leave the bed deployed at all times, something that is rare in a Class B. Additional convenience factors include two 100 Ah lithium coach batteries, a 2,000-watt pure-sine wave converter, available 300-watt solar package and dual 10-inch touchscreen systems control panels. All that with a Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus water heater, induction stove, ultraleather fabrics, and memory foam sofa cushions. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, with its driving and safety enhancements, isn’t too bad, either.

Ah, the van life. Remember when that meant throwing a couple sleeping bags in the back, loading up the tattered cooler and heading for the mountains? You could still do that in a Midwest Passage, but with high-end appointments like these, the nostalgic days of yesteryear are downright laughable. The Passage is Midwest’s bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. From the Mercedes-Benz chassis, to the leather upholstery to the polished wood veneers throughout the interior, this van oozes luxury. Available in either a rear-lounge or rear twin-bed configuration, it delights with appointments like a stainless-steel 12-volt fridge, induction cooktop, soft-touch walls, multiplex coach controls, ECO Chassis Battery Charging system, side and rear screen doors, and top-shelf entertainment gadgetry. Available options include 100 Ah lithium batteries, a power drop-down bed, a 4WD chassis upgrade and a complete roof rack with ladder. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of storage space if you still want to lug around the old cooler from your youth.

Base MSRP: $159,185 pleasureway.com

Base MSRP: $172,495 midwestautomotivedesigns.com

BAUER PRODUCTS, CIRCLE 104 ON READER SERVICE CARD

American Coach American Tradition 866-682-2837

bauerproducts.com/bluetooth

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Midwest Automotive Designs Passage

American Coach is bringing back the popular American Tradition diesel pusher. Built on the company’s Liberty Bridge chassis and powered by a 450-hp Cummins L9 diesel, the new

Base MSRP: $518,449

37S floorplan logs in at less than 38 feet, meaning you can take all that luxury to more campgrounds and resorts than many high-end pushers without sacrificing comfort. Inside, that comfort is provided by heated porcelain tile flooring throughout, Whirlpool black stainless appliances, a farmhouse sink and induction cooktop in the kitchen, an articulating king bed, and an available technology package that includes a JBL audio system, WiFi Ranger, cellular booster, 265-watt solar panel and a Mobileye Collision Avoidance System.

americancoach.com

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Jayco Melbourne

Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and measuring a shade over 25 feet in length, Jayco’s Melbourne Class C is a joy to drive. The V-6 turbodiesel is capable of 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, making it rather nimble off the line and on mountain passes. The one-piece seamless fiberglass front cap makes things look good while driving. But, it’s what’s on the inside, right? The Melbourne 24L delivers in a compact

Base MSRP: $117,140

and highly livable package that’s just right for small families. To that end, the available overhead sleeping area that’s the hallmark of Class C’s has a whopping 750-pound capacity, providing peace of mind when your little ones turn in for the night. Plus, two-point seat belts are included in designated seating positions to keep them safe while on the road. There’s plenty for mom and dad, too, including backup and sideview cameras, LED-lit solid-surface countertops, and hardwood cabinets and drawers. The Truma Aqua-Go Comfort Plus tankless water heater, comfy queen bed and wardrobe/pantry all make living easy. The open living area adds to entertainment capabilities.

jayco.com

Winnebago Porto

The Winnebago Porto cuts its teeth on a versatile interior courtesy of its flexible lounge. A driver’s side slideout, swivel cockpit seats, and available theater seating all combine with the 32-inch

Base MSRP: $136,072

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HDTV to form the ultimate entertainer’s coach. The 7.3-cubic-foot refrigerator, three-burner range, convection oven, and pantry ensure there’s plenty of perishables to feed the whole crew, and for quite a while: The Porto has been designed with extended trips in mind, with 200-watt solar panels (expandable up to 475 watts), a 1,000-watt inverter and a 3.6 kW generator, all of which add to comfort off the grid. And, the Porto offers what Winnebago calls a best-in-category 1,810 pounds of cargo carrying capacity, meaning you can bring along all you need for the perfect RV vacation.

winnebago.com

The Aspire’s list of features is an impressive one. Spartan K2 raisedrail chassis. Aqua-Hot hydronic water heater. Heated floors. Textured porcelain tile shower. Premium Villa furniture. And that’s only the beginning. Available in eight floorplans, the Aspire lineup covers it all: exterior entertainment centers, bath-and-a-half floorplans, stainless- steel appliances, theater seating, Infotainment systems,

Base MSRP: $460,230

PARK IT 360, CIRCLE 120 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Entegra Coach Aspire

and solid-surface countertops with dimmable LED accent lighting. Each designated seating position has its own seat belt, and the first-class cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard with integrated GPS and an Xite 360-degree camera system. •

entegracoach.com

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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Renting the Comforts of Home

In a win-win for RV enthusiasts, Good Sam’s new peer-to-peer RV rental platform guarantees that the owner makes the most money and the renter pays the least of any other RV rental service.

LOWEST FEES, GUARANTEED

Make More. Save More. With Us

By Donya Carlson

What is the best part about traveling in our RVs? There are so many benefits, but let’s see—we’ve got a private home on wheels with our own cozy bed piled with our own fluffy pillows, a private loo, kitchens loaded with the gadgets and food we’ve selected, and a living space outfitted for relaxing and pondering the wonderful day we’ve had. We can set up camp in an RV park alongside a hundred of our closest friends or camp in solitude on national forest land surrounded by trees and a billion stars with a stream lulling us to sleep. RV travel allows us to be flexible and snug, find hidden gems, connect with family, and make friends with fellow campers. And, it’s generally cheaper than vacationing by hotel. What’s not to love? Well, there’s the monthly RV payment, if you have one, and then the maintenance and upkeep costs to consider. If you’re not using your RV as a full-time residence, there could be storage fees to factor in. To offset costs and even make extra money, you can rent out your RV through Good Sam RV Rentals when you aren’t using it for your own travels. Connecting RV Owners and Renters Good Sam’s new RV rental marketplace connects owners and renters to maximize the owner’s return on investment while allowing the renter to pay less money. RVs are more popular than ever and the demand to rent them is higher than ever, so the intention behind this platform is that it makes you money and saves you money, plus key services like Roadside Assistance and Travel Assist are available through the suite of Good Sam products. By keeping more money in enthusiasts’ pockets, more people will be drawn into the RV industry.

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Maximize Your Investment CEO and Chairman Marcus Lemonis gives his take on Good Sam’s new peer-to-peer RV rental platform.

So Many RVs, So Little Time! The RV industry is booming! According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), there are more than 11 million RV-owning households, and 9.6 million households intend to buy an RV within the next five years. Younger buyers are leaping into the RV lifestyle, and more innovative products are getting them immersed in adventure activities, but these RVs are not in constant use. The RVIA reports that families spend an average of four weeks a year using their RVs. While it’s awesome that so many folks own RVs and enjoy vacationing with them, that’s a lot of RVs in hibernation and “sitting” for 11 months out of the year. Why wouldn’t you want to make money on your investment? First off, an RV is an even better investment than a static piece of property since this home on wheels can get you from one side of the country to the other and in-between if that’s your wish. Even if you rent your RV out for only a month out of the year that would cover costs for some loan payments and storage fees. Sort of like a mobile Airbnb, an owner can “host” their home on wheels, with the Good Sam RV Rentals philosophy that the RV owner keeps more of their money and the RV renter is spending less for their rental. Both the owner and renter benefit from the most bang for their buck, and as an RV owner, you are sharing the fun lifestyle with others. Try Before Buying If you’re in the market to purchase an RV, renting various ones to “live in” is a smart idea, especially if you’re new to RVing. The beauty of RVs is that the choices are wide-ranging—from the tiniest to the largest—that you can find just the right one to fit your needs. However, since there are so many types and floorplans, it can be confusing; you may fall in love with a certain RV and then a short time later, fall in love all over again. Renting is a wonderful opportunity to try out various RVs before plunking down 20 or 40 grand (or more) on an RV purchase that you later find out doesn’t cut it for your lifestyle. Now and Then Maybe you’re one of those who likes to bust out on the highway and head for greener pastures, five-star RV resorts, or quiet little campgrounds on occasion and cannot justify the expense of owning an RV. By renting one, you can meet the owner at a designated area to pick up the RV, or the RV is delivered to a campground of your choice. An advantage to renting an RV as compared to a hotel room is that if you don’t like your surroundings, you can roll up the welcome mat and move on. So, what are you waiting for?! There are countless roads and places to explore and experiences to be had in RVs all across the country. And you can do it solo or pack up the whole gang—four-legged furry ones included—for adventures of a lifetime. •

RVRentals.com

What makes the Good Sam RV Rentals platform different from other RV rental companies? We know RVs. We know how the product works and how it needs to be maintained. We know what you need to make it work. We know how to book your reservation, have a call center, and we have all these service options available to you. We know how to make the user experience better. We also know we don’t need to make our living helping owners and renters connect. Other tech companies charge a high level of fees if you’re the renter, and a high level of fees if you’re the owner. They have made money on your unit … not our model. We think it’s important the RV owner makes the maximum amount of money on their investment. What is the goal of the Good Sam RV Rentals marketplace? I’ve been in this business for over two decades and what matters to me is that people who buy these units get a return on their investment. I realized that the biggest asset out there is the underutilized RV that a customer may have one weekend a month. By opening up this platform, it opens up the idea of making RVing more accessible for everybody. At Good Sam we advocate for the consumer and do that in different ways … we’re tasked with creating a better environment for RVers. What are additional advantages of utilizing Good Sam RV Rentals? You can also use our network of RV dealerships to keep your unit maintained and cleaned and maintain the value of it. When you go to sell it, we can be a buyer for you, either on consignment or cut you a check. If you love renting, we’ll give you a credit for up to $1,000 for anything you paid into renting toward the purchase of your unit. RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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Life Road

Family Travel 70

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| Biz RV 74

| Health + Fitness 78

| Pets 80

| Snapshots 82

on the

FAMILY TRAVEL

PHOTOS: KERRI COX

Traveling with Tweens and Teens The adolescent years may be tumultuous, but you can still find common ground and have the time of your lives in the RV.

Look for parks with pavement. Adolescents like exploring on foot or on wheels.

BY KERRI COX @TRAVELSWITHBIRDY RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | family travel

Many families start their RVing

adventures toting along their small children. Often these little ones are eager to spend time at the campground with their parents. But then, something happens—the tots turn to tweens and teens. And tweens and teens are a whole different story when it comes to family travel. Sometimes, they are just not excited to spend time “trapped” in an RV with their parents. Plus, they seriously do not want to disconnect from social happenings at home. Despite their mercurial nature, however, adolescents can be convinced—or conned—to be good RV travel companions. How do I know this? My family has gone through this experience with our two sons.

Engaging roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, let adolescents get creative. Plus, after some time in the car, everyone needs a break.

Traveling with Our Teens

My only regret about our RV travels is that my family didn’t start earlier. My husband and I bought our first RV when our boys were 10 and 13. Our first travel trailer was 19 feet long and didn’t have a slideout, nor a real couch, nor a dinette—nor did it have any privacy. And yet, we trapped our sons in it for a 25-day journey through the American Southwest to California. We learned to live together in a whole new way—a way that was fraught with uncertainty and incon-

venience. But those feelings existed alongside wonder and togetherness—two things I was craving, especially as my sons grew from excitable little boys into independent young men. Those 25 days ended up being 25 of the best days I have ever lived. In the years since, we’ve chased that thrill in adventures near and far. Along the way, there were times our boys were somewhat enthusiastic about the journey; other times, they expressed reluctance. As parents, we’ve tried to honor

“My only regret about our RV travels is that my family didn’t start earlier.

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their wishes when planning our excursions. By doing so, I like to think this led them to be more open-minded about RVing, even when it would intrude on their own wishes, goals, and social lives. Our sons changed from tweens into teens, and now one is away at college. Even if they are not fully on board with all of our trips (or skip out on them altogether), I am looking at the long game. If we are lucky, they’ll be traveling with us well into their adult years.

Why Teens and Tweens are Reluctant to Travel

Teens and tweens have reasons for staying home, other than being contrarian. In describing his “Stages of Psychosocial Development,” psychologist Erik Erikson described the ages of 12–18 as a time when humans explore their identity. As part of this, they form relationships with peers and become integrated into social groups. During this time, adolescents increasingly have lives of their own, outside of the family unit. Whether it be jobs, school events, sports, or social happenings, your

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older children are very busy (likely, you’ve noticed this). Dragging them away on an RV trip forces them to separate from their whole existence at a time when this socialization is central to their identity. In this day and age, leaving home can also cause teens and tweens to come down with some major FOMO (fear of missing out). Social media only enhances this, especially if kids are away, watching events unfold without them. Instead of having friends out of sight and out of mind, adolescents now stay immersed through shared digital photos, comments, and conversations. This makes it hard for tweens and teens to disconnect from their friends—even for a short time. Finally, developing autonomy is a natural part of the adolescent state of life. It is normal for teenagers to rebel or to have some conflict with their parents during this time. This tug-of-war for control forces parents to step back and allow their children to turn into young adults. It’s one thing dealing with such conflicts in your own home—it’s an entirely different thing to deal with them

Spending time together while on devices still counts as spending time together. Build in some downtime in your schedule for your adolescents to do things they enjoy. Allow your teens and tweens to explore the campground independently. Golf carts are a plus, so long as they are allowed to drive them without an adult present.

THINGS TO PUT ON THE TEEN ITINERARY

Seek Thrills at Theme Parks

The adolescent brain is built for risk taking. Indulge this in a good way with thrill rides.

Bright Lights, Big Cities

Teens and tweens from less-urban areas will no doubt be impressed with big-city action.

TEENAPPROVED GOOD SAM PARKS Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, Foxboro, Massachusetts This large, serene park is packed with family-friendly activities like bocce ball, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and multiple pools. Plus, you can take a day trip into Boston just 30 miles away. normandyfarms.com Camp Gulf RV Park, Miramar Beach, Florida Waterfront sites on the sugar-sand beaches of Florida’s Panhandle … need we say more? If you don’t want to walk to the beach, take a ride on the park’s Super Water Slide or rent a paddleboard or floating island at the resort. campgulf.com Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, Buellton, California Teens are sophisticated enough to appreciate this posh Southern California resort, with over-the-top amenities like onsite cafés, multiple pools, and swanky cabanas just minutes from Solvang, which is known for its Danish-style architecture and delectable bakeries. For parents, there are also more than 100 family-owned wineries in the area and tasting rooms. highwaywestvacations.com

Make a Splash

It’s amazing how a dip in a pool, a lazy float on a river, or body-surfing in the waves can change anybody’s attitude.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | family travel in a small RV, where privacy and space are lacking. Despite the challenges, you can make the best of the adolescent years by keeping the following dos and don’ts in mind.

FLOAT ON!

Watersports are ideal for engaging teens and tweens. Rafting, paddling and swimming are great ways to exercise in the outdoors.

DOs

Cherish the time together

In a few short years, your teenagers may leave the roost, and life will be changing. Any time you can get the kids into the RV should be cherished. Now that our older son is away at college, I am so thankful for memories of late nights when our family’s laughter was so loud we thought we would wake the neighbors in the RV next to us.

Plan ahead

Once your teenager has a job or extracurricular activities to plan around, it can be harder to get away together. While you can plan trips around some events, inevitably things will pop up. Then, you have to decide whether to cancel, adapt your plans, force your child to go anyway, or allow them to stay home.

Expand their horizons

Part of the joy of traveling with tweens and teens is that they can fully appreciate the overall experience, even more than when they were younger. This is a great age to expose them to new landscapes and cultures. Looking back on our travels makes me so happy my boys have seen so much more than the tiny sliver of the world they can see in our hometown, population 12,000.

“Part of the joy of traveling with tweens and teens is that they can fully appreciate the overall experience.

Involve them in the planning

Let your adolescents select locations and attractions. Our younger son told us that hiking in nature was boring. I had been planning all kinds of trips to national parks and realized that I needed to include some cities and other attractions in our travels. Consider their passions and interests when developing your itinerary.

Allow screen time, especially if your teen is a reluctant traveler

If they are giving up a few days or weeks to travel, don’t take away all of their connectivity. Make time during the day where they can use devices, without interrupting your family time.

DON’Ts

Don’t let your feelings get hurt if your teen expresses dismay about your travels It is natural for teenagers to push back on some of the things their parents enjoy. Don’t take it personally. Ignore what you can and look for compromises.

Don’t overlook the tourist attractions I tend to pack our trips

with free and inexpensive activities, like hiking and kayaking. However, I’ve learned to throw a few big-ticket experiences on the agenda to entertain our boys. For instance, at Niagara Falls, my younger son wanted to do a zip line that goes over the Niagara River, with the falls in the background. This was pricey; however, since he was excited about it, we made sure he got to do it, and now it’s his favorite memory from that trip.

PICKING A GOOD CAMPGROUND FOR TEENS AND TWEENS Check online reviews to make sure there is cell reception and/or Wi-Fi. Resort beats rustic any day. Pools are always good. Look for things they can explore independently. Amenities like tetherball, ﬁshing ponds, and shuffleboard are low-key fun. Hot tubs are always “hot.”

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Don’t overpack the itinerary

Allow for downtime while traveling. My teens like to sleep in, so I plan our days around that. Since I’m often working from the road, I can do that in the morning while they sleep. Then, we spend a few hours exploring before returning to the campground. They might prefer to play video games or chat with friends online instead of joining their dad and me—and that’s totally okay.

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Don’t assume this is the end of traveling together

Even though it may be more difficult to plan vacations with your kids once they become young adults, it’s not the end of your family travels. Grown kids can still join their parents for vacations, perhaps even bringing their own kids along someday. My husband and I bought our own RV after many wonderful trips with my in-laws in theirs.

Our family travels are currently in a time of transition as our older son becomes a more independent young adult. I do miss the days when it was easier for us all to get away in the RV—even if the boys grumbled at times along the way. Despite their occasional attitudes, I have no doubts my sons will cherish these memories as much as their dad and I, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Don’t fret about leaving the kids behind

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We have sometimes left our sons with their friends and grandparents, and as they got older, we started leaving them home alone. Even though this makes me question whether or not I am a bad parent, I have realized I am not. It is completely okay to let the kids stay home (if possible), while you go travel and enjoy your RVing. This may support their need for socialization and autonomy, while giving you time to practice empty nesting.

FUN + GAMES

Totally Towing

You don’t need to pull your travel trailer or fifth-wheel to the library (remember those?) to complete this month’s brain buster—but it wouldn’t hurt.

1 2

4 5 6

DOWN

10 11

ACROSS

2. Use it to slice the waters. 3. Travel companions, often with four legs. 6. Luxury diesel motorhome. 8. The act of pulling a trailer. 1 1. Not quite a teen, but not a kid anymore. 1 3. Motorhome with a cabover. 1 5. The best way to eat.

12 13

1. Don’t get caught up a creek without one. 4. One way to tow a trailer. 5. The national anthem up North. 7. The amount of weight that can be towed. 9. Truck and trailer connection. 1 0. It can help keep the lights on … and your vehicle running. 1 2. A website to conduct business from your RV. 1 4. Another way to tow a trailer.

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Across 2: Kayak, 3: Pets, 6: Pusher, 8: Towing, 11: Tween, 13: Class C, 15: Healthy Down 1: Paddle, 4: Truck, 5: O Canada, 7: Rating, 9: Hitch, 10: Battery, 12: Etsy, 14: SUV

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We are the Marleys, and we are always on the search for the best bowl of queso, our next trail to hike, and an incredible sunset to soak in. Our two oversized couch potatoes, Hank and Harlow—a Great Dane and a Labrador retriever—love to accompany us on every journey.

BIZ RV

Pride and Joy

Etsy Sales From an RV

Making money creatively sustains a couple’s full-time lifestyle and supports their mission to find joy and adventure each day. BY PAIGE MARLEY

n 2019, my husband, Connor, and I sold 90% of our belongings and left our life of routine for a life of adventure. We packed up our necessities—which included our dogs—and transitioned into a life of living in 300 square feet. We bought a 2017 Keystone Passport Elite travel trailer and began renovating it into a cozy 35-foot home on wheels. We love rolling down the road with our home right behind us; it’s a bit more quaint than most, but it is full of everything we need.

UNIQUELY YOURS We think Paige’s one-of-a-kind creations are a great gift idea. With an average review of 5 out of 5 stars on Etsy, it’s pretty clear others do, too.

PHOTOS: PAIGE MARLEY

EARRINGS AND PRINTS ARE ALL HANDMADE!

Our lives became full of spontaneity, and our journey continues around every new turn. To prepare for our new lifestyle, for weeks, we worked on getting rid of items that weren’t necessary and found joy in every piece we brought through our Elite’s entry door. We are now surrounded by items that have purpose and significance to us along our journey. We are always visiting new places, meeting new people, and trying new foods, all the

while balancing work. During the week, our 300-square-foot home doubles as an office as well as a studio. As we organized the items to take with us, one of our largest priorities was bringing what we needed to work on the road. Creativity flows through my veins, and as we packed up our entire life to hit the road full time, I knew my creative outlets would have to accompany me. While we are on the road, I balance many different jobs. From content writing and design for many different businesses to running an Etsy shop, as well as a travel blog at unravelled thyme.com, I keep busy with the things that I genuinely adore. Refocusing your time to uncover what brings you joy and learning to focus on those moments is so important. I created

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FREE INFORMATION

ROAD STORE Running her Etsy business out of her RV allows Paige the freedom to not only sell online, but to also set up shop in markets and businesses across the country.

Mail the attached postage-paid card to find out more about these products and services. READER SERVICE

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX RS # ADVERTISER

PAGE #

102 Air Lift Company ................................ 57 103 B&W Trailer Hitches .......................... 84 104 Bauer Products .................................. 64 105 Blue Ox .............................................. 55 BrakeBuddy ....................................... 68 106 Brazel’s RV Performance .................... 76

“To run an Etsy shop while on the road, the number one priority is being organized.”

107 Camco, Inc. ........................................ 21 Camping World .................................. 45 109 Cove Harbor Coach Resort ................... 6 101 Cummins, Inc. .................................... 41

MEET THE MARLEYS

PHOTOS: PAIGE MARLEY

We are Paige and Connor Marley, outdoor fanatics who are always searching for hidden gems in every town and looking for exciting adventures around every turn. We travel with our two dogs and have everything we need within 300 square feet. We wiggled our way into jobs that we adore while on the road and love the ﬂexibility and freedom that this lifestyle brings. Follow us on unravelledthyme.com and see handmade items at etsy.com/shop/ unravelledthyme.

Unravelled Thyme based on the purpose of finding joy in every single moment. To open an Etsy shop while on the road and refocus your time on the happiness that creativity brings you, there are a few steps you can take to ensure success and efficiency.

Get Organized

To run an Etsy shop while on the road, the number one priority is being organized. Space in an RV is already limited, and when you craft, that space becomes extremely limited! But just because you live tiny doesn’t mean you can’t bring along your creative jobs; you just have to be more intentional about how you use your space. To be successful, you must create specific areas throughout your home on wheels that are dedicated to your supplies. A couple of items that make the

transition of moving an Etsy shop from a sticks-and-bricks home into a tiny home is having spaces for every step of your process. For example, create a shipping station with drawers that have bubble mailers, packaging labels, and thank-you notes. Creating an outdoor space where you can do more of your craft’s messy aspects allows you to use your RV’s exterior storage for some of the process. Another crucial area that you need is a specific space for finished products waiting to be sold. To organize your finished products, get a plastic organizer with drawers where you can store finished products and your products that are on sale. Having a dedicated space for different parts of your business allows you to smoothly move through the creating and selling process.

110 Curt Manufacturing ............................ 17 DISH Network .................................... 23 127 Freedom Hauler .................................. 73 Good Sam Rewards Credit Card ......... 76 112 Hensley Manufacturing Inc. ................. 6 113 Jayco ................................................... 2 114 Keystone RV Company ......................... 5 116 Lippert Components ........................... 61 117 M4 Resale .......................................... 37 118 Magne Shade ..................................... 16 119 Northwood Mfg. ................................. 37 120 Park It 360 ......................................... 65 121 Pleasure-Way .................................... 32 122 Progressive Insurance Company ........ 11 123 Redarc Corporation ............................ 22 124 Roadmaster, Inc. ................................ 27 111 RViBrake by Danko Manufacturing ..... 77 125 Sea Eagle ........................................... 16 126 The Hamilton Collection ..................... 53 Thetford Corporation .......................... 33 115 Un-Duz-It ............................................ 49 vueSMART by Hopkins ...................... 68 128 Winnebago of Indiana ........................ 35 129 Winnebago Industries ........................ 83 130 Xantrex .............................................. 26 131 Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. ..... 34

EDITORIAL PRODUCT INDEX RS # ADVERTISER

PAGE #

150 Jayco Swift ........................................ 56 While every effort is made to maintain accuracy and completeness, last-minute changes may occasionally result in omissions or errors.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | biz rv Keep the Show on the Road

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One exciting aspect of having a creative job while on the road is the flexibility you have to sell in different areas. While you travel from town to town, there are plenty of craft markets, farmers markets, and businesses where you can set up your products and sell them quickly. Having multiple places to sell will expand your reach and get your name out there quicker. The beauty of selling at markets while on the road is all that you need is a table, a canopy, and a way to accept payment. You have the ability to sell at markets where you are, sell online, or sell to friends and family. Running a mobile shop while traveling full time requires you to be intentional with every moment. Creating handmade items and selling them does not mean you simply make your items, and then you are good to go. Marketing your business, taking pictures, and creating content for social media, as well as promoting your shop, requires a dedicated amount of time to be successfull. I once heard that 20% of your time will be spent creating your product, and the other 80% will be getting your product out there for others to see. After running an online business for the past few years, I can tell you that marketing plays a huge role in whether or not you are successful with your small business. You also need to remember not to undervalue yourself and to always account for the hours of creating, photographing, promoting, and marketing into your final sale price. If you are thinking about living on the road and are creative, having an Etsy shop is a fantastic adventure in which to partake. Transitioning into living tiny allows you to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities, how you invest your time, and how you can do what you love for work while on the road. No matter where your adventure takes you, I hope you “unravel” the life that you live one adventure at a “thyme” and truly uncover what brings you immense joy.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD

HEALTH + FITNESS

An RV Life Your Body Will Love

Simple tips to allow you to “Health Up” your summer adventures. BY STEFANY ADINARO

Fill your days with physical activities you enjoy This one starts with your trip planning. Feel like hiking in the

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

Make healthy foods part of the adventure

Adventures come in all forms on RV trips, and with a little creativity, that can include food adventures, too. An RV trip is a great opportunity to explore new recipes and get out of your cooking comfort zone. You can even seek out local farmers markets and stock up on fresh in-season foods that are guaranteed to

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER With a little creativity and planning, you can have incredible warm-weather RVing adventures and you’ll come back even fitter than when you left!

Sunshine, shorts, and sand between your toes: Make it your best (and healthiest) summer ever!

mountains? Pick the mountains you want to explore, and then set up camp in the vicinity. Want to try your hand at kayaking? Find a lake that rents kayaks (or bring your own) and offers guided tours and point your RV there. Let your activities dictate where you go instead of the other way around, and you’ll be guaranteed to get loads of physical activity into your days. Plus, your trip will be much more fun.

PHOTOS: STEFANY ADINARO

sk any RVer, and they’ll tell you one of the best things about RVing is the freedom that comes with it. All the control rests on us: where to go, when to go, what to do when we get there … it’s all up to us! RVing opens up endless possibilities for new experiences that are good for the soul and, when we do it right, good for our bodies, too. Now that summer has arrived and the sun is shining, let’s take advantage of the abundance of activities and fresh foods the season has to offer. Here are a few suggestions to “health up” your summer’s RV adventures and make it your best summer ever.

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taste better simply because you’ll know you only have them since you’re right there at that moment. With a little planning and outside-thebox thinking, eating healthy and delicious foods can easily turn out to be the best part of the trip.

PHOTOS: STEFANY ADINARO

Ditch the tow vehicle and ride a bike instead Part of our culture is to drive everywhere, but we miss out on so much when we do. Not only is biking healthier, it also allows us to move at a slower pace, giving us the opportunity to experience our surroundings and get to know an area in ways we can’t in a car. And don’t write off bicycling just because it’s been a while since you’ve been in the saddle. E-bikes are a great way to ease back into bicycling, giving you the confidence you need to go the distance.

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FEEL ALIVE AND WELL Connect with others at an RV rally. Travel-friendly fitness gear turns your campsite into the best gym ever. Grilled peaches topped with yogurt, honey, and nuts make a mouthwatering treat.

Bring along a little fitness gear

Taking the time to pack fitness gear does something psychologically to our motivation levels. It’s along the same lines as that advice you’ve all heard: If you dress in the morning for physical activity, you’re more likely to DO some physical activity. Knowing you’ve got a set of resistance bands or a yoga mat stashed in your RV keeps the idea of getting some exercise in the forefront of your mind. If you’re thinking about it, you’re more likely to do it. And since you’re somewhere new and wonderful in your RV, it quite possibly could be your most scenic workout ever.

Did you know? RVing not only boosts overall wellness, it can add years to your life. RVing:

 GETS US MOVING Our RVs turn us into explorers, and that goes hand in hand with getting out and being active. Physical activity decreases the risk of major health complications, so we not only live longer, we live a vital life longer.  MAKES IT EASY TO STAY CONNECTED Loved ones who live in other states are suddenly easy to visit, and nationwide social events become doable. Research suggests that people with meaningful social relationships tend to live longer with less health concerns.  BRINGS US JOY Reducing stress is one way to lower the risk of many diseases. New experiences and spending time in nature can work wonders on our psyche.

HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS!

Get social: Hit an RV rally

Research shows that being social will not only boost your health, but it can actually add years to your life. RV rallies are a great way to take advantage of that. It’s hard to describe a rally if you’ve never attended one. Rallies are a little like summer camp all over again, only without the camp counselors “thwarting” your fun. Lots of things happen at rallies, like good food, music, fun seminars and activities. Beyond all the organized events, the best part of any rally is the chance to mingle and connect with other fellow RV lovers. You’ll be doing something good for you AND you’ll have a great time, too. Win-win!

Soothe your soul: Chase some sunsets

How many different places are there where you can view sunsets? For RVers, it’s limitless. Sunset viewing has a powerful calming effect, leaving us feeling inspired, peaceful, and more grounded. Besides its mood-boosting effects, sunset viewing contributes to our physical well-being, too; lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and regulating our stress hormones. It’s yet another hobby made possible by your RV lifestyle that your body (and mind) will love.

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DOGGONE FUN Different breeds of dogs have different needs. If traveling with a large dog, perhaps a pop-up trailer won’t fit your needs—go for the largest RV type your budget allows, whether it’s a travel trailer or a motorhome like this one.

Motorized Class A Motorhome

PETS AND RVS

Mobile Menagerie How to pick the right RV type for your four-legged friends. BY R A C H A E L J O H N S O N @2 T R AV E L I N G D O G S

The decision to travel in an RV is an exciting one. The decision to include your dog in the fun is even better! But the adventure in choosing the right RV for you and your dog starts before you drive that first mile. What is the best RV for you and your dog? Every person and every dog is different. But there is an RV that is perfect for you and your pup. Five years ago, we started full-time RV travel with our two dogs, Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake. Both Brickle and Digby are large dogs, so we took it for granted that they needed a large RV. We bought a used motorhome that we named the Big Blue Treat Wagon. We loaded it up, bought new dog beds, and packed in all of their favorite toys and goodies. But picking the right RV was crucial. Nothing we brought would matter if the RV was not a right fit. When you explore the RV options for you and your dog, really picture your daily life and how the RV fits into that. Where will you place their water bowl and dog bed? Where will your dog sleep? Can your dog get up and down stairs? Does your dog prefer carpet or tile flooring? All of these factors can play a big part in how much your dog enjoys travel. So, what kind of RV is right for your dog? 80

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Class A’s are the largest motorized RVs and are built on a commercial bus or truck chassis with a gas or a diesel engine. Class A’s allow you all to travel together in one space. Motorhomes allow you the flexibility to get up and stretch, have bathroom breaks, and even grab a sandwich out of the fridge when you pull over. Traveling in a motorhome definitely made it feel like a total experience for us. There was no separation of travel and home, which in some ways made for more of an easy adjustment for the dogs. However, we found it harder to keep the larger motorhome clean, and perhaps the most difficult part, in the case of our Class A, was the need to enter and exit by the front seat. If you like room to roam during your travel day with ease of having your own facilities even while on the road, a motorhome may be just for you. But you will likely find it harder to reach some boondocking spots with a rig this large.

Class B Motorhome

Commonly known as camper vans because they’re typically built using a full-size van as a base, Class B motorhomes are compact, and new models can be somewhat expensive. Even though most Class B’s don’t offer slideouts, they still have amenities like kitchens and beds, and most even have restrooms. The act of getting in and out of campsites and finding spaces to boondock is easier with a Class B. Since a Class B is more like a vehicle your dog may be used to riding in, this may be a great introduction to RV travel for you both. For short trips with the pups, a Class B can provide comfort while making travel easy.

“Every person and every dog is different. But there is an RV that is perfect for you and your pup.”

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Towable

Toy Hauler

Fifth-Wheel

Safe + Sound Whether traveling in a motorhome or a tow vehicle, always keep your pup secured while the vehicle is in motion. Untethered animals are a danger to the driver, and don’t have any protection in the event of an incident on the road. Seat belt tethers are inexpensive and effective.

PHOTO: RACHAEL JOHNSON

Class C Motorhome

A Class C is a motorhome built on a cab-and-chassis or what was once popularly called a cutaway chassis. The chassis provides a front structure that looks like a van or it could be based on a pickup-type chassis (a pickup minus the bed) or even a commercial truck class of cab and chassis. This would include seats, a dashboard, and opening doors. Many dogs (and humans) like Class C’s because they have more room than Class B’s, plus Class C’s typically have larger restrooms and many have slideouts for extra space. Since they’re smaller than Class A’s, you will have more opportunities for last-minute campsite reservations (depending on the size).

A fifth-wheel trailer usually has a raised front area with a nearly vertical hitch pin box that couples to a hitch assembly centered in the truck bed. It takes a bit of getting used to driving and parking but superb towing manners are a hallmark of a fifth-wheel. When our dog, Brickle, became anxious in our motorhome, we had to figure out why. We didn’t like the stress he displayed with the motorhome’s loud engine, and when the slideouts were retracted he became extremely nervous. For Brickle, there was no separation of home and car. Also, with his eyesight getting weaker, the big windshield of the motorhome was too glaring for him. So, we decided that a fifth-wheel would provide both the separation of home and car and be easier on his eyes. He started to enjoy RV travel so much more. It has made all the difference for Brickle and we have been able to enjoy longer travel days in the truck while towing. The fifth-wheel has also given our family a bit of a separation between dog areas and people areas when we need it. The pull-out bed in the back of the RV is one of Brickle and Digby’s favorite spots. More windows in the fifth-wheel make the space inside seem even bigger. The larger kitchen, larger refrigerator, and spacious pantry areas allow us more room to store food for us and our dogs.

You’ll know when you’ve selected the right RV. Our pups are so at home they routinely raid the fridge!

A toy hauler is a type of RV featuring a garage area in the rear with a large ramp door for access to motorized and other toys. For people who love projects or families with children, toy haulers are handy. Some ramp doors can be converted into patio decks, a good place for your dog to watch the action.

Travel Trailer

Simplicity can best describe a travel trailer. A travel trailer can offer ample room, often with two bedrooms. You and your dog can start exploring as soon as you arrive at a campsite since it may not take as long as a motorhome or fifth-wheel to set up. Less stress on you means less stress for your dog. The variety of floorplans, lengths, options, and price points is immense. Many models are light enough to be towed by an SUV.

Folding Camping Trailer

Also known as a pop-up tent trailer, these are much more luxurious than their tent cousins. When set up, this type of trailer provides a larger amount of interior space when compared to its collapsed profile. If you have a smaller dog and want to try out RVing before making a big commitment, this may be for you. As there are usually only basic amenities inside, be prepared to enjoy more of the great outdoors while camping.

Truck Camper

A truck camper is an RV that rests inside the bed of a truck. If you already have a truck, this may be a great way for your dog to get used to camping and traveling. This extra space for your truck can serve as a little home that often contains a bathroom, bed, and small kitchen. Maneuverability is simple and set up is quick and easy. No matter the type of RV that you choose, be prepared to make adjustments for your dog. As our dogs have aged, their abilities and needs have changed. As we made adjustments, we realized that travel is not a race; it is meant to be enjoyable for us all. Changing what kind of RV we traveled in meant learning for us, too. Part of travel is finding out who you are as a person. You will find you are more capable than you thought.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | snapshots

PHOTO: SEAN PIERCE

Bridge the Gap

Northern California’s Shasta County is sometimes referred to as the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” Shasta Lake is massive, with a surface area of 30,000 acres, making it the largest manmade reservoir in the state. It’s a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and, you guessed it, houseboats. Charlie Creek Bridge is one of the many scenic bridges in the area; we prefer driving our “houses” over the water to floating them on top. Share your photo with us: info-rvmagazine@rv.com

RV MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021

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NIMBLE AWD VAN ROOMY OFF-GRID MOTORHOME FULLY INSULATED ROAD WARRIOR ALL OF THE ABOVE The new all-wheel-drive Winnebago EKKO™ combines the maneuverability of a van with the space of a Class C motorhome. Add a solar and lithium energy system, a heated gear garage, extended season insulation and many more innovations and it’s clear the EKKO really is in a class by itself. SEE ALL OUR NEW MODELS AT WINNEBAGO.COM OR VISIT YOUR NEARBY WINNEBAGO DEALER.

WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, CIRCLE 129 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Adventure IS CALLING

#TOWINGADVENTURE B&W TRAILER HITCHES, CIRCLE 103 ON READER SERVICE CARD