RV Camping Magazine | Sep. 2021 Issue by RVCampingMagazine

10 RV DESTINATIONS JUNE 2021

TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST

S H I F T, C O N T R O L & E S CA P E TO RV L I F E

Meet Nate & Marissa

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from Yellowston

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MAGAZINE

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FROM LESS JUNK MORE JOURNEY

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features

CONTENTS

MEET NATE & MARISSA

BEST RV WORKSPACES

RV SAFETY REMINDER

From Less Junk More

by Brian Newman

From RV Education 101

Journey

by Mark Polk

by Brian Newman

departments

VOL.1, ISSUE 4

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2021

112

EDITOR'S

NUTS AND

RV GEAR

RV KITCHEN

ARE WE

RENOVATE

NOTEWORTHY

LETTER

BOLTS

New RV Gear

Easy,

THERE YET?

YOUR RV

NEWS

Letters from

Tips &

& Gadgets

Delicious

Interesting

Updates To

The latest

the Editor

Reviews

Recipes

Locations

Transform

updates are

Your RV

found here.

RVBLOGGER.COM

EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome TO RV

RV CAMPING

i everybody! I am Mike from RVBlogger and the creator of RV Camping Magazine! We have a great lineup of exciting and helpful articles this month!

In this issue, we meet Marissa and Nathan Moss from Less Junk More Journey. Nathan and Marissa have been full-time RVers for over 6 years. They have a great YouTube channel with lots of RV lifestyle videos covering all sorts of topics like full time RVing with kids, home schooling and much more. We had the chance to meet and interview them in this month’s issue. They have a ton to share about their adventures with their kids on the road. We also feature an article from full time RVer Brian Newman about RVs with office space. For so many digital nomads, and road schoolers, having an office in an RV has become more important than ever! Brian found some amazing RV floor plans that offer everything you need for a remote office or school room! In this month’s RV Renovation section, we catch up with Christina and Brad from Live A Wilder Life. They share all about how they remodeled their 1979 Dodge Sportsman American Clipper motorhome for just $650! You won’t believe how much they accomplished on such a small budget. Their remodel is truly amazing!

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In our Are We There Yet? department, Rae and Jason Miller (The Getaway Couple) list 10 great destinations to add to your RV bucket list! Rae and Jason are full time RVers who have traveled all across the US and provide some fantastic locations for you to visit in our travels too! The National RV Training Academy teaches us some valuable info in our Nuts and Bolts section. Ever heard of a poop pyramid? Well if you never have then trust us, you don’t want to! The NRVTA provides a great article and a video all about how to avoid this crappy predicament. These guys are real pros, and they are committed to training people how to use their RVs safely! Mark Polk from RV Education 101 contributed a great article all about RV safety. In fact, it inspired me to learn how our emergency exit window works. We learned so much about it we even made a YouTube video to compliment his article. And finally, we will feature Grainne and Frank Foley from The Roving Foleys who provide us with some easy to make cast iron camping recipes! We invite you to dive into the Magazine, take it all in, and share it with your friends! Mike at RVBlogger

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S H I F T, C O N T R O L & ES CA P E TO RV L I F E

MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL.1, ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

SR. ART DIRECTOR

Susan McDonald Mike Scarpignato

DESIGN

Kelly Y. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Newman, Rae and Jason Miller- The Getaway Couple, Christina Grance + Bradford Benoit, Mark Polk, NRVTA, Grainne and Frank Foley ADVERTISING

Mike Scarpignato 443-699-6556, mike@rvblogger.com EDITORIAL mike@rvblogger.com

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NUTS AND BOLTS

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HOW TO ELIMINATE A ‘POOP PYRAMID’ & PREVENT ONE FROM FORMING SEPTEMBER 2021

t’s a very common problem in the RV lifestyle, especially with new RV owners. People hook up a septic hose to their RV and attach the other end to an outlet at their campsite. Then, they open valves to both the black and gray water tanks to flush all the yuckiness down the drain and keep their tanks from filling up. But, if they don’t close the valve to the black tank, when they flush the toilet, all the water drains out, but the stinky stuff remains. They soon create a dreaded “poop pyramid” of solids expelled from our bodies and fats coming from the sink. The solids dry up and accumulate into a rock-hard pyramid that eventually clogs the tank so nothing can get out. It also creates a rather stinky situation inside the RV. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes to correct the problem, said Todd Henson, the lead technical instructor at the National RV Training Academy.

UNDERSTAND TANK MANAGEMENT It’s fine to connect the sewer to a campground outlet as soon as you arrive to a site, but do not open either of the valves until the black water tank is three-quarters full or you’re about the leave the campground. If you have a lot of people taking showers in the RV, it is okay to leave the valve to the gray water tank open. But, ideally, you still need some water inside the gray tank. So, keep that valve closed and let water accumulate. “When using the toilet, many times we just flush the contents until we can’t see it any more without adding sufficient water to help break down the solids,” said Todd. There are two ways to ensure there is enough water in the black tank. First, let the toilet flush for an extra five seconds each time it is used. That will ensure

NUTS AND BOLTS

there is enough water in the tank to turn solids into sludge. Second, hook up a garden hose – NOT YOUR DRINKING WATER HOSE – to the black tank flush connector and add some water to the black tank. But, don’t flush the tank until it is three-quarters full. When it is time to dump the tanks, empty the black tank first and let all the contents flow out. Then open the value to the gray water tank so the contents can rush through the stinky slinky and flush out any solids trapped in the coils.

Todd recommends Unique RV Digest-It.

“It’s a good idea to attach a clear elbow to both ends of the septic hose. This allows you to see the color of water coming out of each tank and out of the hose,” Todd explained. “You know the tanks have been properly flushed when water is clear at both ends.” If the water is still dark or murky, then close both valves and fill the tanks again by adding water to the black tank through the flush connector, and by running the shower and sinks for a few minutes to add water to the gray tank.

down black tank waste. Many products use scented chemicals to do the job. That’s not good for campgrounds because the chemicals kill bacteria needed to break down solids in a septic system. Todd recommends Unique RV Digest-It. It comes in a white bottle with green lettering. The product is a combination of bacteria and enzymes that naturally break down solids in the holding tanks and, when flushed into the campground’s septic system, continue doing their job to break down solids.

ADD BACTERIA NOT RV TOILET CHEMICALS The RV industry has a number of products that advertise an ability to control odors and break RVBLOGGER.COM

RV CAMPING

To test the product, Todd put a cup of dry dog food into each of two sealable baggies. He added a capful of Digest-It to one baggy and a heaping scoop of what he called “blue product” to the other. Then he poured in enough water to cover the dog food and let it sit. Within two hours, the Unique Digest-It had transformed the dog food into slimy sludge, but the blue product still had big chunks of dog food mixed with water. So, if you accidentally create a poop pyramid, you can eliminate it in less than two hours with a capful of Unique Digest-It, adding water to the tank and letting it sit. The tank’s contents should flush out a few hours later. If you want to learn how to fix the majority of problems you’ll encounter on your rig, check out the programs offered by the National RV Training Academy. You can even find information about becoming a certified RV technician or inspector by visiting www.nrvta.com.

The National RV Training Academy

The National RV Training Academy is the premier licensed career school for RV Technicians and RV Inspectors and provide training for RV Owners. For more information about the National RV Training Academy, Call (903) 386-0444 or visit www.nrvta.com.

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RV GEAR

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THE ACUVA UV WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM BY RVBLOGGER

eeping your freshwater supply clean in your RV is something that you can’t underestimate. Acuva Technologies has an ultraviolet (UV) water purification system that sterilizes your incoming water giving you the purest and safest water possible. Combined with their inline water filter or your favorite water treatment system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your water is over 99.9999% clean from harmful bacteria and viruses.

WHAT WATER FILTER SYSTEMS DO? As Mike demonstrates in his video, How to Setup Your RV Campsite for Beginners, after the 12-minute mark, he fills a glass with water from the campground’s spigot. When you pull into your campsite, it’s a good practice to let the water run open for a few minutes to clear out the sediment that’s been sitting idle in the line. That way, all of those initial contaminants don’t get into your carbon water filter or RV plumbing. Once hooked up, your inline water filter or multistage filter will clean out things like: • Sand • Rust • Dirt • Chlorine • Heavy Metals • Chemicals Whether you use the blue, green, or white filters, they block sediment and chemicals from getting into your RV water lines and ultimately into you. The level of filtering and longevity depends on the product you choose, how often you use it, and other factors.

WHAT IS THE ACUVA UV WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM? Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses can pass through water filters even with the smallest micron openings for the water to pass through. Of course, our bodies can fight off these intruders when they SEPTEMBER 2021

011 RV GEAR

are in low numbers. But what if your water ran through a chamber that gave these little bacteria bugs the worst sunburn possible? The Acuva UV Water Purification System uses the safest UV radiation to humans to break down microorganisms at the genetic level. In fact, many homes on well water use a UV light to ensure the drinking water is safe. And Acuva takes that same technology and makes it possible to use right in your RV or camper. Once you install one of their devices in your RV’s water system, every drop of water from the city hookup and freshwater tank flows through the device for sterilization as the water flows. To learn more, check out our full blog article about

“As Mike demonstrates in his video, How to Setup Your RV Campsite for Beginners, after the 12-minute mark, he fills a glass with water from the campground’s spigot.”

RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING UV Water Purification Systems for RVs or you can visit Acuva’s website.

HOW DO YOU USE A UV LED WATER STERILIZER IN AN RV? Acuva has three different ArrowMAX devices you can install in your RV. the 1.0 liter per minute version delivers up to 60,000 liters in its lifetime. When you install it near your RV’s water pump, you connect the outputs to your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and outdoor shower if you want. The electronic device draws 0.1-watts and instantly activates when it detects water flow.

“Acuva has three different ArrowMAX devices you can install in your RV. the

The 2.0 liter per minute allows for more outputs. The 5.0 liter is the most expensive but may be better suited for full-timers with 40-foot RVs with 2 bathrooms, a washing machine, dishwasher, and many water sources.

1.0 liter per minute version delivers up

SMART-FAUCET

to 60,000 liters in its lifetime.”

With your existing components, you can use Acuva’s UVC-LED water purifier, but their Smart-faucet goes that extra mile. When you add it as your secondary kitchen sink faucet, it interacts with your ArrowMax device.

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When you activate it, the blue ring lights up, telling you the water purification device is running correctly. When you turn off the Smart-faucet, it keeps the ArrowMax on for an additional 5 seconds to sterilize the water in the pipes so nothing gets missed. The Smart-faucet also performs a self-cleaning function every 12 hours by activating the ArrowMax device to clean the dormant water.

THE BENEFITS OF USING THE ACUVA UV WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM IN YOUR RV There are many benefits to using the Acuva UV water purification device. On a personal level, it eliminates 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses from your RV drinking water and reduces health risks for you and your family. Environmentally, think of all those plastic water bottles you won’t have to buy. Using your favorite insulated bottle for your hike, bike, or other outdoor activity, knowing your drinking water is pure helps clean up the world. Over a million bottles of water are purchased worldwide every minute, and very few end up getting disposed of properly. Using your reusable bottle with the water out of your tap treated with Acuva’s UV sterilization device keeps within their principles of “making a positive social impact with their technology.”

We have done all the homework for you >>>

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KITCHEN

5 Simple CAST IRON DISHES FOR THE LAZY CAMPER

As full-time travelers for over 5 years, we have learned a few things about ourselves in the camp kitchen. One is that we love food. Moving from place to place so often gives you the unique opportunity to try a ton of different foods from Tex-Mex in New Mexico to bar-b-que in the south, to sea food in Maine. We love it all and love trying so many different tastes and incorporating many of those foods into our own routines. A second thing we have realized is that we love cooking in cast iron. While most items RVers carry are judged partly by their weight, cast iron gets a pass. We just gotta have it. Whether dutch oven, frying pan, or skillet we stick our fingers in our ears and sing “La la la la…” when the weight is mentioned and quickly pack it in the kitchen. Cast iron always comes along. The third and most important thing we have realized is that we are Lazy Campers! We love to eat, but we hate spending a ton of time cooking. Funny, huh? We prefer to be out on the trails, or at the beach and not tied to a stove. Since we cannot afford to eat out all the time, we have had to adapt. We find simple recipes that we can prepare quickly and still enjoy. Putting those things together, we have listed 5 of our favorite (and simple) cast iron recipes for you to try. We have included links to our original recipe sources, as well as some notes on how we have made these our own (and so can you!)

“Sometimes mom would ma dishes, which mea everyone. I loved putt oven and watching the p

BY FRANK AND GRAINNE FOLEY

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1. Cast Iron Shepherd’s Pie Shepherd’s Pie was a staple for me growing up in Ireland. Even now, making it for my own family it brings back warm childhood memories. This recipe is pretty traditional and does take a bit more time, but it is super tasty and really suits when fall or winter weather closes in. As usual, I mess around and come up with simpler alternatives. You can do the same. May absolute simplest is to use ground sausage (Jimmy Dean or similar) and add Cream of Mushroom soup. Then serve over rice or mashed potatoes. It’s not too authentic, but man do the kids love it. PLEASE do not tell my mom! Click here to see our full recipe!

ake it in individualized ant a bigger helping for ting the light on in the potatoes lightly brown.” -Grainne Foley RVBLOGGER.COM

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2. Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet with Bacon Sweet potatoes are one of our family favorites. We eat sweet potato fries all of the time. One of the reasons we love this recipe so much is that it is so adaptable. You can make a simple version just putting a fried egg on top of sweet potato fries or add any ingredients your heart desires. Bacon, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, ham, cheese- whatever is in the fridge! One fun family idea is to use smaller individual cast iron skillets. They are like cast iron ramekins. (we call them “castekins”) Put out different ingredients and let everyone create their own. Also, while this recipe starts by cooking the sweet potato cubes, we usually cook way too many at one meal, and then just reheat the leftovers in the skillet for breakfast. (lazy!) Click here to see the full recipe!

3. S’mores Dip

“Smore Dip is a very simple way to enjoy the yumminess of smores at a party, or gathering without the need for a fire, or the mess of eating normal smores.” -The Roving Foleys Just because the weather has gotten crappy, and a campfire is not possible, there is no reason that we cannot enjoy s’mores. This cast iron recipe is just the ticket to satisfy the s’more craving without the fuss or mess. Simply put a good, thick layer of chocolate chips on the bottom of your pan, and cover with a layer of marshmallows. Then bake at about 350 degrees until the chips have melted and the marshmallows are nicely browned on top. Then dip graham crackers into the gooey mix and enjoy. Just think of the variations you can try on this one… Check out our recipe here!

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4. Skillet Huevos Rancheros This one is for the vegetarians, but one of the reasons we love it is that, like the recipe above, it is super versatile. We love the crispy tortillas although I have to admit, we do often make this in a larger pan, scramble in the eggs and then serve it on soft tortillas, burrito style. To add kick (and meat) try some spicy chorizo sausage- YUMMY! While this recipe does require oven baking, our de-constructed version can be done on the grill, or over an open fire. Check out the full recipe here!

“This is my favorite “breakfast for dinner” meal — and it’s pretty darn good for breakfast too! It can be made in less than 30 minutes, and it’s perfect for company or lazy weekend brunches.” -Feasting at Home

5. Cast Iron Corn Bread Corn Bread is simply one of our favorite things to have just about any time. It goes with so many dishes, especially bar-b-que and chili, but it also makes a great breakfast food on its own. We often make it to slice up and bring on the road trips. The kids love the early morning treat and corn bread is really filling so it helps hold off the munchies until lunch time. There are lots of cornbread recipes out there, fairly similar, but this one seems to be a favorite. Click here for the full recipe!

“This is my all-time favorite cornbread recipe, probably because it’s the recipe I grew up eating.” The Pioneer Woman

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About the Author Frank and Grainne Foley spent over 5 years RVing the USA full-time with their 2 kids. Their blog The Roving Foleys is dedicated to helping new campers find their way with RV living advice, as well as recipes, tips and tricks for the camp kitchen. They have also created a line of printables which help RVers keep track of everything they need to plan, pack and eat while on the road. Visit Camprintables.com and enjoy a special 30% discount available ONLY to RV Camping Magazine readers. Just use the code: RVBLOG30 and get the tools you need to stay on track.

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our Popular RVer

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MEET NATE AND MARISSA

Meet

Nate & Marissa FROM LESS JUNK MORE JOURNEY BY BRIAN NEWMAN

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n American Society, it’s easy to fall into the “Love Things, Like People” mentality. Marissa and Nathan Moss found themselves working hard just to maintain their four-bedroom house and materialistic lifestyle. In 2014, they noticed they only used the living room, kitchen, a bedroom for their baby Daughter Hensley, and their master bedroom. The young couple realized that their true goal in life was to be family-oriented and experience life to the fullest.

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As they researched downsizing techniques, Marissa and Nathan kept running into articles related to moving from a house to an RV. As they kept reading, Marissa and Nathan realized the full-time RV lifestyle had everything they wanted. After plenty of research, planning, and decision-making, a year or so later, they set out to discover how freeing the minimalist full-timer lifestyle works for them. Marissa and Nathan started their YouTube Channel, “Less Junk, More Journey,” in 2015 to show others their adventures and inspire them to leap into the RV lifestyle. We had the opportunity to talk to Marissa about their journey over the past 6 years. She talks about what they’ve learned, tips for those just starting, how they homeschool their children, their RV social network app, the many different RVs they’ve traveled in, and other topics. Join us to learn how Nathan, Marissa, Hensley, and J.J. live the Less Junk, More Journey RV lifestyle.

Tips for New RV Owners WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU BEGAN RVING? We wish we’d known RVing was a possibility earlier in our lives so that we could have started SEPTEMBER 2021

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MEET NATE AND MARISSA

“As they kept reading, Marissa and Nathan realized the full-time RV lifestyle had everything they wanted.”

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sooner. Don’t get me wrong; We knew camping existed, but we didn’t know living in an RV and traveling full time was an option. Putting your home on wheels was a new concept for us, and this idea changed our lives. Living small and making memories as a family has been an adventure of a lifetime. We always see ourselves being a camping family from now on, even if that means becoming weekend warriors or only going on small family getaways in the future. Camping has bonded our family in so many ways, and the saying is true, “Families that camp together, stay together.”

HOW DID YOU START LESS JUNK MORE JOURNEY (LJMJ), AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING YOUTUBERS? After the birth of our daughter, we craved more family time. We initially researched downsizing our lives in general, but the videos about preparing for the RV lifestyle became more appealing as we continued to watch them. To pay it forward, we decided to film our journey to inspire other families to join the RV lifestyle, similar to how we began. Our favorite part of sharing our story is hearing all the positive feedback we get from those who watch and tell us about how SEPTEMBER 2021

we’ve inspired their RV journey. Nothing is more encouraging than being that small influence that changes lives for the better by creating more family memories through travel and the freedom downsizing can bring. We hope and pray our videos continue to change people’s lives through inspiration and encouragement.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RV CAMPING LOCATION, AND WHY? After completing and celebrating our 50th State goal in Hawaii, choosing our favorite location is difficult. The U.S. is so diverse regarding landscapes and the different regions since they have

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MEET NATE AND MARISSA

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so much to offer. The Grand Finale of Hawaii has been the cherry on top of our adventures. We rented a campervan and explored Hawaii. From snorkeling on the ocean floor to the top of a volcano, it was magical.

any magnet or T-shirt, he makes the Alaska experience forever special to us.

However, Alaska will always hold a special place in our hearts. So we hitched up the RV, headed north, and explored The Last Frontier, full of incredible wildlife, towering mountains, and descending glaciers. What makes Alaska so special to us is after 4 years of tears and prayers, we came home with the most amazing Alaskan Souvenir in my belly, our son Judah. Better than

We set out on this adventure, wanting more family time and time to explore the world. We had no idea how much more this lifestyle would bless our family. It has shown us the importance of community.

HOW HAS FULL-TIME RVING CHANGED YOU AND YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD?

We’ve created the most amazing friendships on the road with people we never would’ve crossed paths with if it weren’t SEPTEMBER 2021

Our absolute favorite place was Glacier National Park! The enormous beauty of that place gave us chills riding through it on our motorcycle. We have recently added Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park to our “favorites” list.

for RVing. People with different life perspectives have opened our eyes to new ways of seeing the world, changing us as individuals. This lifestyle requires you to work as a team nonstop regarding marriage, parenting, and setting up an RV together. Nothing requires more teamwork than parking an RV. Having less makes you appreciate life and the little things.

DO YOU LIVE BY ANY PIECE OF ADVICE OR MOTTO? No regrets! That’s the motto that made us take the leap and give full-time RV life a try. We went

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MEET MEETNATE CHAD AND AND MARISSA TARA

back and forth on the idea. We questioned if we were crazy for even entertaining the idea of selling our home and living in an RV as a family. In the end, we decided the worst decision was living a life of regrets or “what ifs.” We’re so glad we decided to take this leap of faith and began our fulltime RV journey as a family. We constantly live by the No Regrets motto, and it has changed our lives for the better.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR NEWBIE RVERS? Our best advice for newbie RVers is to find a community! When we began RV life, we hit the road for family time and adventures. But, we didn’t know the community on the road was a missing piece to that puzzle.

After 6+ years of travel, we’ve met some of our closest friends and a tribe that shares the same sense of adventure and wanderlust. Community is an important aspect of RV life; seeking out the community at the beginning of your journey will set your adventure for success. Traveling and sharing experiences with friends new and old is the “awesome sauce” to RV life. Join a group, club, attend a rally, or just seek out a campfire, and you will thank me later. To aid in this process, we created an app called Nomad Near Me (Download it from the Apple App Store. It is coming soon for Android). We caught ourselves saying, “I hope our paths cross someday,” to so many new friends, so we created an app

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to help people connect and stay connected if they desire.

YOU HAVE HAD SEVERAL RIGS OVER THE YEARS. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE RV AND WHY? Buying an RV can be overwhelming, and we had 6 rigs in our 6 years on the road. We’ve made changes as our family needs have changed. If you find good deals along the way, making these changes can be a simple process. Each RV was the best choice for our traveling needs at that particular time. The Class A was convenient for long travel days, while the Airstream was perfect for quick and simple travel. We’re currently in a Grand Design Solitude 5th wheel after the birth of our second child and

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RV CAMPING love the space! It’s the perfect fit for this season of our lives, and we couldn’t be happier with our brand new home on wheels.

Homeschooling on the Road HOW DID YOU DECIDE THAT YOU WERE GOING TO HOMESCHOOL YOUR KIDS? Homeschooling was not initially on our radar. We didn’t have plans on taking the homeschool path when we decided to travel full time. At the time, our daughter was a year old, so we knew we had time to decide. Over the next 4 years, we watched her develop before our eyes. The RV life provided many learning opportunities and hands-on learning experiences that made it the perfect path

for our children’s education. We reevaluated every year and continue to assess our homeschool journey to ensure it continues to be the best experience for our children. It’s a rewarding path and a family experience we’re grateful to be a part of as a family.

HOW MANY HOURS A DAY ARE REQUIRED FOR ROADSCHOOLING? Homeschooling criteria vary from state to state and are important when choosing which state to call home or domicile. We’re originally from Tennessee and decided to keep our residency in our home state. Some states are more flexible than others on the requirements for children. It can be overwhelming getting started on the homeschool path,

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but I just remind myself my children are learning everyday from our travel experiences. They get the best hands-on experiences full of history, culture, and nature. We use a book curriculum to keep us focused but take advantage of our surroundings for teaching our children. Our required 4 hours per day goes extremely fast when you make learning fun and interactive.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROS AND CONS OF ROADSCHOOLING? Roadschooling (a.k.a. homeschooling) has lots of Pros and Cons, and the experience can vary from family to family. One of the biggest Pros of roadschooling is the ability to provide interactive learning lessons. Travel opens up an incredible opportunity to not

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MEET NATE AND MARISSA

“The RV life provided many learning opportunities and hands-on learning experiences that made it the perfect path for our children’s education.”

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RV CAMPING just learn about something in a book but to actually experience it. We don’t just learn about history; we experience it. We can read about Pearl Harbor and then actually visit this historical site and still see the oil rising from the ocean floor.

learned to be exceptional social butterflies and make friends anywhere we go. It just takes some intentional effort.

The phrase “Remember the Alamo” takes on a dual meaning because now that we have visited this historical landmark, it’s a visual experience that aids in learning. Roadschooling has the unique advantage of learning because it’s flexible, and children can have a hands-on experience based on the geography around them.

Our favorite roadschooling resources are the many annual passes you can get. The U.S. National Parks Annual Pass is an incredible resource for the whole family. The Annual Pass gives you free entry for you and your family to amazing historic sites, preserves, monuments, and more. If you have a 4th grader in your family, the pass is FREE for the whole family.

The biggest challenge of homeschooling on the road is the hurdle of finding social interaction for your children. That’s where finding your tribe comes in handy. • Caravan with friends • Attend full-time family rally events • Visit a zoo • Go to an aquarium • Take a trip to a children’s museum • Spend some time at a local park You’ll realize children are everywhere. Our children

WHAT ARE THE BEST ROADSCHOOLING RESOURCES THAT HAVE HELPED YOU THE MOST?

We also love the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal programs. These nationwide membership programs have benefits to over 150 zoos and aquariums. It also gives you discounts on 300 science and technology centers worldwide. The passes are an affordable way for the whole family to stretch their legs during travel days while offering fun learning opportunities. Make sure to call ahead to verify the organization’s

“The phrase “Remember the Alamo” takes on a dual meaning because now that we have visited this historical landmark, it’s a visual experience that aids in learning. ” SEPTEMBER 2021

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“We want to see and explore all this beautiful world has to offer.” partnership. You’ll also want to check for the availability of RV parking if visiting with your rig. We give this to our kids as a Christmas gift each year, and they love the benefits.

Future Plans and How to Connect With Marissa and Nathan WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? We haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on the list. We want to see and explore all this beautiful world has to offer. That’s the best thing about living on less. It opens up the freedom and opportunity to see and explore without the overhead holding us back. We just visited our 50th U.S. State, but it’s just the beginning for us. In 6 years of travel, we’ve just scratched the surface, and the possibilities are endless when you have the flexibility and “Less Junk” keeping you from “More Journey” in your life.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR OUR VIEWERS TO CONNECT WITH AND LEARN FROM YOU? We would love to have you join our journey and let us help RVBLOGGER.COM

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“For the Moss Family, the RV lifestyle means experiencing life to the fullest with your family.” you get started on your own adventure! You can connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or our website.

What Does RVing Mean to You? For the Moss Family, the RV lifestyle means experiencing life to the fullest with your family. In their video, RV Living-The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly of Our RV Life, Nathan says, “It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.” You can glampit-up in a 45-foot Class A diesel pusher motorhome, find a used travel trailer in good condition, or anything in between. The point is, RVing is about the experiences you share.

Marissa and Nathan continue to connect to the many communities that mean the most to them. As active Christians, they always find time to attend church on Sunday. Whether they find one nearby or participate online, they always make time for what’s important to them and share their values with their children.

NOMAD NEAR ME Maintaining their RV Community friendships at first was difficult. So Marissa and Nathan created the Nomad Near Me social network app to reconnect with their RV friends when they were close. The app has some great features:

1. It shares your location and the locations of others but randomizes the list enough so people won’t come knocking. 2. An automatic check-in feature updates your location, so you don’t need to update it yourself or receive inaccurate data.

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MEET NATE AND MARISSA

3. You can personalize your privacy controls to choose how and who can see you (public, friends only, or go incognito). 4. The messaging feature allows you to communicate through the app without using your personal contact information.

5. Look up specific friends to meet up with on a future date. Currently, the app is downloadable through the Apple Store. Unfortunately, you won’t find it in the Google Play Store now, but it will soon be available for Android users.

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Their latest journey took them to Hawaii for 10 weeks. You can watch the incredible sights and adventures they had in their rented 2016 Winnebago Travato 59G. The family flew 28 hours home from Hawaii to Tennessee at the end of July. They’re back in their Grand Design Solitude fifth wheel, ready to head out with Less Junk More Journey.

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BEST RV

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Workspaces

Works

BY BRIAN NE

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BEST RV WORKSPACES

est

©Heath & Alyssa

spaces

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or those who live the full-time RV lifestyle, a significant portion need to continue to generate income to keep the adventure going. Family fulltimers that homeschool need space to conduct schoolwork, and some part-timers may have jobs where maintaining the work-RV life balance means spending a few hours in front of their computer. RVs with workspaces are becoming one of the most popular features for motorhome and travel trailer consumers. Join us as we show you the best RVs with office space and how to choose the right coach based on your workspace needs. We’ll feature motorhomes and travel trailers from many categories and explore a diversity of workspace needs. We believe everyone can Shift Ctrl & Esc into the RV lifestyle. With these workspace RVs that are affordable with many budgets, family sizes and adaptable to the equipment you need for your career, the door of possibility is open.

Adapt the RV, or Adapt the Workspace? That is the Question We spend a third of our life sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a good quality mattress

for your RV. If you plan on working from the road, you’re going to spend a significant amount of time in your RV office space to continue your full-time RV lifestyle. If you’re shopping for a new RV (or new for you), the workspace should be at the top of your priority list.

workspace you need. Without a clear list of your needs, you could end up making an emotional decision and choose a coach that doesn’t meet your office space needs. An RV show and dealership can feel like a Las Vegas casino floor: All that glitz and glamour can overwhelm you.

Making due won’t do, especially if your career requires an orchestra of equipment. Before you start researching RVs, talking to a dealership, or spending the day at the RV show, you need to determine the type of

Tips to Plan Your RV Office

SEPTEMBER 2021

Here are some questions that will help you determine what type of workspace you’ll need in your RV. The only correct answer is the one that fits your specific needs.

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2. How can I make my office travel-ready? Many road workers forget this part. The image in their mind of their complete setup may look like something out of a techy movie, but when it comes time to pack up for a travel day, they end up unplugging and unscrewing everything. Monitors, microphones, and other equipment can hang from overhead cabinetry or walls from lockable TV mounts. Secure your computer tower or microcomputer with brackets or other hardware that will keep it in place. Of course, laptops fit

OPPOSITE: This DIY Expandable Table can make your space more efficient.

3. Do we need 2 office spaces? Some RVs have two desk areas. Class A motorhomes have floorplans with a dashboard desk ideal for laptops in the co-pilot seat and a pedestal table behind the center console. The second is a multipurpose single bunk that becomes a desk when you remove the cushions. As we mentioned before, you can use the dinette with a laptop stand. If you have the space in the living room, adding a lift-top coffee table is a fantastic RV hack to add another office space. The top of the coffee table lifts and adjusts to the height you need. They come in either rectangle or square shapes and give you the surface space to spread your work materials out. 4. How will you stay focused when there’s background noise? Many workspaces exist in the living room section of the RV. Your partner or the kids could be watching TV, cooking in the

kitchen, or generally making normal daily life noise while you’re working. Some people prefer background noise, while others turn into a fire-breathing dragon at the smallest of noises. 5. How will I get a secure internet connection? Cellular and satellite telecommunication companies have seen the numbers and have jumped on board. The big-name carriers have full-time-friendly data plans that work well for RVers. Data boosters from WeBoost, Winegard, and others can strengthen the weakest signals no matter where you are. You could be in the “ear” of Michigan’s Upper Pennisula, the Arizona Desert, or searching for the Fountain of Youth in the Florida Everglades (watch out for snakes and alligators). You may want to brainstorm some other questions that are specific to your specific needs. Once you know what you need in an office space and the different sections of the RV, you’ll have a clear vision that’ll keep you focused when finding the perfect motorhome or travel trailer.

Bus Dinette Computer Workstation

1. What equipment do I need to complete the tasks of my job? You may only need a laptop. Other types of jobs require more powerful computers and peripheral components. You may need: • Multiple monitors •Microphones and recording devices •Graphic design or drafting tablets •Micro, desktop, or tower computers •Surface space for writing or laying out hardcopy materials •File drawer or designated storage cabinetry •Separate office furniture like a rolling chair

almost anywhere. The goal should be to secure everything and minimize a complete teardown of your system.

“You can use the dinette with a laptop stand.”

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Flagstaff Tent HW29SC Pop-Up Camper

RV CAMPING

• CLOSED LENGTH: 21.6 FEET • OPEN LENGTH: 27.9 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 3,721 LBS. • GVWR: 5,000 LBS. • SLEEP: 6-7

Best RVs With Office Space We’ve searched out the 11 best RVs in all of the categories that have a workspace. Everybody’s definition of the RV lifestyle is different, so we wanted to show a diverse list so everyone can find a way to balance the work-RV life responsibilities. We define an office space as either a space separate from the dinette or a multipurpose surface close to USB/110v. 1. Flagstaff Tent HW29SC Pop-Up Camper Weekend RVers that want a glamping RV experience, but need something that fits in their garage and wallet, will enjoy the HW29SC Pop-up from Flagstaff. The residential-sized beds with heated mattresses make camping after Labor Day comfortable. You’ll also appreciate the plumbed wet bath with a privacy curtain, so you don’t have to trek out to the campground’s bathhouse on cold

mornings. Large families will like the U-shaped dinette, both for time together and additional sleeping space. If you’re under a tight deadline at work, the sofa in front of the forward pull-out bed comes with a dual pedestal table that makes an excellent RV workstation. While the kids enjoy a fun day at the campground, you can spend a few hours knocking out that project on your laptop. The built-in wifi extender with LTE capability SEPTEMBER 2021

that comes standard with this camper allows you to spend all of your time on your work, not troubleshooting your internet connection. As you work, it amazes you how much easier this pop-up is to set up. Growing up, you had to crank it up the hard way. This luxury Flagstaff Tent has a power roof lift that operates with a button. These kids don’t know how good they have it.

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“RVs with workspaces are becoming one of the most popular features for motorhome and travel trailer consumers.”

As a workspace, the swivel chairs allow you to comfortably sit while you work on the latest blog article, finalize your presentation, or update the critical spreadsheet. Using a TV mount arm, you can position the LED TV in front of you on the opposite wall and connect it wirelessly as your computer monitor. If you’re using a microcomputer or small tower, you can also use a wireless

keyboard and mouse, making the workspace feel more open. With the right data plan and booster, you could be parked on top of a mountain, near the beach, or anywhere around the country. You may want to keep one or two outfits in the wardrobe closet next to the refrigerator. There may be times where you have to look respectable and head into the office. RVBLOGGER.COM

Lance 960 Truck Camper

2. Lance 960 Truck Camper The 960 truck camper was a brand new truck camper Lance released for the 2021 model year. It’s the first new truck camper they’ve released in 5 years. The non-slide long bed unit pairs well with 250/2500 series pickup trucks. The most significant feature is the two swivel chairs that replace the dinette. If you prefer, you can switch out the chairs for two theatre seats. No matter which seating furniture you choose, they come with tables that fold up from the sides that are multifunctional. • LENGTH: 19 FEET • CENTER OF GRAVITY FRONT: 79 INCHES • DRY WEIGHT: 2,970 LBS. • WET WEIGHT: TBD • SLEEP: 3

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RV CAMPING 3. Forest River R-Pod RP-189 Small Travel Trailer Forest River’s R-Pod is one of their best-selling travel trailers on the market. The lightweight coach gives couples and families full-size RV-style features in a travel trailer under 4,000 pounds. The RP-189 is a couples coach with a short queen up front and a rear sofa. A multipurpose dual pedestal table sets up in the middle of the couch. Next to the back entry door is the entertainment center with room for an LED TV, a built-in media center, storage shelves, USB, and 110v outlets.

The scent of pancakes cooking on the two-burner gas stove wakes you up. As you come back to reality, it dawns on you that you fell asleep on the sofa. Your partner smiles at you in that “I’m glad you’re awake, but you forgot to do something” look.

You look down to see all of the dried mud on the floor that you were supposed to clean up. After a good stretch, you grab the broom and get to work. Instead of bending down using a dustpan, sweep the dirt to the central vacuum port.

“Forest River’s R-Pod is one of their bestselling travel trailers on the market.” SEPTEMBER 2021

Forest River R-Pod RP-189 Small Travel Trailer

After a wild day of riding the trails with your off-road bicycles, you might have too much adrenaline coursing through you to relax. To cool down, you decide to upload your helmet cam footage to your laptop. The sofa allows you to relax as you review the raw footage. The laptop stand on the table still gives you plenty of room to make notes on your legal pad on making edits and possible ideas to shoot extra footage.

• LENGTH: 20.4 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 3,075 LBS. • GVWR: 3,854 LBS. • SLEEP: 3-4

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4. Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office MidLength Travel Trailer When an RV does something extraordinary, you hear about it through the RV Industry’s media sources or blogs. When Airstream does something monumental, major media sources run stories on it. That’s why it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office ended up on our list. When you look at the details of the space, it really is an executive’s corner office (with an executive starting price of $107,500). The real desk comes with an office chair specifically designed for it. At the back of the desk are pop-up electric outlet tower ports with USB and 110v plugs. The desk drawers have plenty of storage space, including one that holds hanging file folders. There are multiple windows of various sizes and shapes, so you can choose how you want natural light to come in. If you need additional sleeping space, the chair pushes into the leg well, allowing the cushioned sofa chair to fold out to a twin-sized bunk.

If you’re wondering why Airstream chose the Flying Cloud Series to add the Office floorplan, you have to look at the series itself. Unlike most other models with 4 layouts, the Flying Cloud now has 15 different floorplans. It’s the most versatile line-up Airstream offers. You’ll find versions that measure from 23-30 feet. The Flying Cloud Series has four layouts in the 30foot length. Airstream is the type of RV company that innovates based on actual trends that will last, not fads that come and go. Depending on how well the 30RB Office sells, we might see the layout in some of the other travel trailer series in the near future.

The master bedroom up front has a north/south residential queen bed with full-length wardrobes on each side. Both the galley sofa and U-shaped dinette convert for extra sleeping. The kitchen galley features a large single basin sink, a three-burner stove, and an under-counter convection microwave. Like all of the Flying Cloud Series, the 30 RB Office has a spacious all-in-one dry bathroom. RVBLOGGER.COM

Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office Mid-Length Travel Trailer

BEST RV WORKSPACES

• LENGTH: 30.10 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 6,757 LBS. • GVWR: 8,800 LBS. • SLEEP: 6

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RV CAMPING 5. KZ Connect C292RDK Couples Travel Trailer KZ RVs are known for their backwoods cabin interior designs. In recent years, they’ve offered many different towables, including ultra-lite toy haulers, lightweight family-friendly bunkhouses, and full-length travel trailers with luxury fifth wheel floorplans. The Connect C292RDK is an aluminum-framed travel trailer with a kitchen island and a real rear desk that’ll make the most mundane task of your job worth doing.

If you’re on the hunt for the best recipes across the country, this may be the best travel trailer for you. After you’ve found fascinating recipes from families or master chefs, you have to try it out before writing about the dish. The long countertops, walk-in pantry, 8 cubic foot refrigerator, and other near residential kitchen appliances will give you everything you need to create your culinary masterpieces. Remember, have fun with the recipes, but your editor still has you on a deadline.

KZ Connect C292RDK Couples Travel Trailer

The rear desk takes up over half of the travel trailer’s rear width. It comes with a chair, but you may want to substitute an office chair for the best ergonomic support. The surface of the desk is the same as the kitchen countertops. The wall has an electrical outlet to plug in your equipment. There are also three desk drawers and two overhead cabinets to store your office supplies.

• LENGTH: 32.3 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 7,250 LBS. • GVWR: 9,175 LBS. • SLEEP: 6

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Jayco Jay Flight 33RBTS Bunkhouse Travel Trailer

6. Jayco Jay Flight 33RBTS Bunkhouse Travel Trailer Workspace isn’t limited to adult careers. Full-timer families need space for homeschooling too. The second room rear bunkhouse concept started in the NeoClassic Era (1990-2007) as four twin-size beds but evolved in the Modern Era. The Jay Flight 33RBTS replaces the lower bunk on the off-door side with a convertible two-seater dinette. The rear wall entertainment

• LENGTH: 37.10 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 10,950 LBS. • GVWR: 10,950 LBS. • SLEEP: 8-14

center is positioned perpendicular to the dinette, making the LED TV an excellent video presentation device. If you have children with a significant age gap, you can switch the kids between the main dinette and the bunkhouse when conducting lessons. You can get special paints that turn your RV RVBLOGGER.COM

walls into dry erase boards if you need a chalkboard-type space. Don’t forget to mix it up. Every National Park has a collection of lesson plans that are ageappropriate and recognized by state accreditation authorities. While you’re at the parks, make sure your kids and pre-teens earn those Junior Ranger Badges!

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7. Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29MBS MidProfile Fifth Wheel Keystone’s Cougar Half-ton 29MBS is like a yellow Labrador in a pack of black Labs. The majority of mid-profile fifth wheels can’t find the space to add a mid-bunk room and have enough space for the essential furniture to fit comfortably. The Cougar designing team says “shenanigans” to that (yes, we’re sure they said something else, but we’re a family-oriented magazine). The mid-bunk room features a convertible sofa and flip-down bunk for guests or children. The double-door shirt closet and three lower drawers have plenty of storage space. The 2-foot wide by 10-inches deep desk is large enough for your laptop and some

writing space. The double door cabinet below can store your other electronic peripherals and reference materials. The best part is the door. You can close the room’s door and have a private office space all to yourself. It’s not soundproof, but the walls will keep most of the noise and distraction away. Don’t forget about the vacation side of your RV experience. Your Cougar Half-Ton has a full-width rear kitchen fit for a gourmet chef. The sofa, TV, and LED fireplace are the perfect rainy day section of the fifth wheel to enjoy that favorite movie while the two of you reconnect. As comfortable as the convertible sofa is in the midbunk room, the master queen bed is much better when shared with your loved one.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29MBS Mid-Profile Fifth Wheel

RV CAMPING

• LENGTH: 32.10 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 8,898 LBS. • GVWR: 11,000 POUNDS • SLEEP: 9

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It’s a full-profile fifth wheel, full of features, designed for full-timers, full-length closet, full-size pantry, fully decked out residential kitchen, and a full-size rear desk.

You’ll find four drawers under the office space and three overhead cabinets for your storage needs. A spring loaded power tower pop-up with USB and 110v connections. There are three windows so you can control the natural light while you work. You might have to discipline yourself since you’ll be sitting next to the colossal pantry and residential-sized refrigerator. Those snack attacks do add up quickly. Then again, you’re an RVer seeking adventure. A nice walk around the campground, a hike through the trails, or walking through that craft show will burn off that snack attack(s).

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Grand Design Solitude 345GK Full Profile Fifth Wheel

8. Grand Design Solitude 345GK Full Profile Fifth Wheel Since 2012, Grand Design has made its reputation as one of the best customer-focused RV manufacturers in the Industry. Their extra-large shower comes directly from customer feedback as well as many of their other features. After the October 3, 2016 buyout from Winnebago, Grand Design became stronger. “Full” is the keyword for the Solitude 345GK.

• LENGTH: 37.2 FEET • DRY WEIGHT: 13,320 LBS. • GVWR: 16,800 LBS. • SLEEP: 2-4

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The Travato 59G has a movable multipurpose table big enough for a laptop and legal pad. You can sit

in the second-row seats or rotate the pilot seat for an instant office in its primary position. Behind the co-pilot’s chair is a pedestal with a pop-up outlet station. If you prefer your workspace on the door side, the table connects easily to the pedestal, and you have the same outlets you’d find in the second-row seating area. Winnebago offers a proactive feature that you won’t find anywhere else. If you choose, Winnie can add a pre-drilled hole with a waterproof seal. The popular feature makes installation easy for your wireless data system without filling your roof with multiple holes. Add your data booster, satellite, or other rooftop devices while leaving your drill bits in your toolbox.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Winnebago Travato 59 G Class B Campervan

9. Winnebago Travato 59 G Class B Campervan When John Hanson and the Forest City, Iowa Chamber of Commerce reached an agreement to open an RV manufacturing plant in 1968, no one outside that room had any idea how this would affect the RV World. 54 years later, Winnebago’s leadership in the Class B Campervan category is reminiscent of their groundbreaking “eyebrowed” Brave Class A motorhome. The unique innovations and creative multipurpose components have proved that today’s Winnebago isn’t your dad’s run-of-the-mill travel trailer.

• LENGTH: 21 FEET • CHASSIS: DODGE RAM PROMASTER 3500 139WB EXT HIGH ROOF • ENGINE: 3.6L PENTASTAR V6 GAS- 280 HP @ 258 LB./ FT. • FUEL EFFICIENCY: 18 CITY/ 22 HIGHWAY • SLEEP: 2

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The co-pilot seat has a forward lifting desk with power outlets in the dashboard space it stores in. The tray has enough space to hold a laptop, but the tradeoffs may be well worth the lack of surface space. You have a cup holder for your work “go-juice,” the panoramic windshield to

enjoy your surroundings and the recliner-like comfort that comes with the co-pilot seat. The multipurpose single bunk/ wardrobe/office space between the living room and master suite gives you a wide desk to work. Your office chair sits in the center aisle, and your legs have plenty of space under the bunk platform that also serves as the desk surface. Simply place the bunk cushions in one of the bays and plug your electronic equipment into the various plugs within the space. Those who use many peripheral components like microphones, additional monitors, graphic design tablets, or other attachments will find this desk space ideal for their job. If you decide not to purchase a washer and dryer for travel days, the closet behind you is the best place to store your office equipment and chair. We recommend adding some DIY shelving and locking mechanisms, so your sensitive equipment stays in place.

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“ The Coachmen Encore 375RV that have two work locations far enough away from each other, so each person doesn’t bother the other.”

Coachmen Encore 375RV Class A Gas

10. Coachmen Encore 375RV Class A Gas If you and your traveling companion both work on the road, claiming workspace can be problematic. Most RVs with office space have one desk, and the other person has to make do with what’s available. Then there are RVs like the Coachmen Encore 375RV that have two work locations far enough away from each other, so each person doesn’t bother the other (headphones, you’ll still need headphones. What’s more important, your relationship, or headphone hair?).

• LENGTH: 38.2 FEET • CHASSIS: FORD F-53 • ENGINE: FORD 7.3L GODZILLA V8- 430 HP @ 475 LB./FT. • STD SOLAR: 100-WATTS • SLEEP: 9

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11. Tiffin Allegro Breeze 33BR Class A Diesel Pusher If you head down to Red Bay, Alabama, you’ll find a familyoperated RV manufacturer that’s offered RV workspaces long before they were “cool.” Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. has four different dinette options their customers can choose when ordering a new motorcoach. One of them is a dinette with a computer workstation. The office dinette design is a popular feature among many customers for the past 25 years. The short table seats two people. When standing at the edge of the table, there is a slim drawer that pulls out to your left. The cabinet underneath has a slideout drawer that can hold tall objects. The center cabinets under the

table are deep and cavernous. On the right side of the table are two evenly sized drawers and a bottom one that’s big enough to hold file folders. The sidewall shelf holds the televator, but there’s plenty of room for a computer monitor or other equipment. The computer dinette has a lot of versatility. You could run a tower computer with multiple peripherals or stay portable with tablets and laptops. Even though you’re near each other, two people could share the space and still have their independent side.

20 Hours of Work, 400 Miles Driven, All in 6 Days; It’s Possible But Not Probable SEPTEMBER 2021

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Others may move around every month or two based on work or personal choices, but it all depends on how much time their job can let them take off. If a company employs them, travel

days are non-productive or less productive days. Freelancing can be the most challenging way to earn income while full-timing. If you ask Mike and Susan of RVBlogger or many of the other RV influencers you’ll learn about in RV Camping Magazine, they’ll tell you the same thing. It takes an average of two years to get your business to generate enough revenue to replace your regular 9-5 job. While you’re working on the road, don’t forget to take a break and go outside. What’s the point of purchasing one of these incredible RVs with office spaces if you’re not using the RV for its primary purpose; a mobile shelter that

lets you enjoy the great outdoors. Meet some of your neighbors by stopping by a campfire. Take a hike to enjoy the scenery. Paddle out in a canoe or kayak. Have a picnic on a hill or under a tree. All of these reasons are why you’re working. We’ll see you down the road.

“ While you’re working on the road, don’t forget to take a break and go outside.” Tiffin Allegro Breeze 33BR Class A Diesel Pusher

A full-time RVer’s life isn’t a constant cycle of work, explore, and drive. As much as we’d love to do that, the financial, mental, and physical strain is beyond even the healthiest of us. The average full-timer finds a good place to set up for a few weeks or months. Usually, the location has a purpose. Traveling nurses or other medical specialists will find campgrounds near the assigned medical facility while their spouse or companion continues their remote work in the RV.

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• LENGTH: 33.2 FEET • CHASSIS: TIFFIN POWERGLIDE REAR ENGINE DIESEL CHASSIS • ENGINE: 6.7L CUMMINS B INLINE 6- 340 HP @ 700 LB./ FT. • SOLAR AND SOLAR PREP: OPTIONAL • SLEEP: 4

HOT, STICKY & SWEATY IN YOUR RV? YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE. You have boondocked, guest-docked, or lot-docked on hot, humid nights. And before now, to stay cool, you needed a big, noisy gas generator (that kept you awake all night) to reliably activate your RV’s A/C units. Those days (and nights) are over! Now, you can start up your RV air conditioning easily, consistently and quietly with a SoftStartRV™ soft starter! Typically, a 2200-2500 series gas generator puts out 2.2-2.5 kilowatts of power and runs small and medium-sized appliances like dorm-style refrigerators, coffee makers, and small microwaves. With the SoftStartRV A/C power management system, you can use small gas generators like the Honda 2200i to power an RV’s A/C unit when you directly plug in your travel trailer.

Will SoftStartRV run my RV A/C on low power? Yes. A SoftStartRV high-performance soft starter powers up all RV A/Cs with smaller gensets – meaning less cost and less weight for your RV travels.

Key SoftStartRV advantages: • Start two A/Cs* on one 30-amp hook-up • Start one A/C with a small generator • Start your A/C on a 20-amp house circuit • Start your A/C with an onboard inverter * Requires one SoftStartRV unit per air conditioner.

The SoftStartRV is a smart, effective, lightweight, low-cost solution that keeps you cool and reduces the “clunking” compressor start-up noise. Its energy management technology reduces air conditioner start-up power demands by an amazing 70%. Since your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is always an issue, the SoftStartRV measures 6”x3”x3” and only weighs 2 pounds.

The best SoftStartRV features based on customer reviews • Starts RV A/Cs with a small generator (2200 series generators) • “Best In Industry” warranty included in the price • Small and light, barely affecting your CCC • FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the USA & Canada • Complete installation kit with all needed parts to fully integrate the product • Free online installation videos, guides and directions • LIVE tech support, real-time installation, and tech install ticket support • LED status lights: start, run, and fault • Built-In start capacitor • Waterproof case

Can I use SoftStartRV on my Motorhome or Travel Trailer?

huge energy spike required to activate the compressor.

may see a reduction in your A/C power shedding too.

The SoftStartRV works on any rooftop RV air conditioner. You could have a teardrop camper with a single 11,000 BTU air conditioner, a luxury Class A diesel motorhome with three 15,000 BTU A/C units, or anything in-between. The SoftStartRV power management system makes cooling your coach easy, allowing you to run more appliances.

Typical 13.5 or 15K BTU RV air conditioners can jump to 52 amps at activation. The massive amount of power is like flooring your gas pedal on your motorhome. Doing this to the A/C snaps the compressor awake, kick starts the fan and other A/C components. That’s why you hear “thumps” and feel the trailer “shake” when the unit starts.

The SoftStartRV comes with a RiskFree 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee of Satisfaction. It also comes with a 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Why RV Air Conditioners Need So Much Power Mike Sokol of RVelectricity.com, a long-time electric specialist in the RV world, compared a typical RV air conditioner start-up to an A/C unit with the SoftStartRV. He proved that the product drastically reduces the

By registering your SoftStartRV product online, the warranty can be extended for an additional year. The second year of warranty protection gives you the same manufacturer’s warranty protection during the first year.

With SoftStartRV, the power management technology gradually increases power, peaking around 24 amps. Then the compressor wakes up gently, the fan activates at its mid-cycle amperage, ultimately reducing power usage up to 65-70%. You

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SAFETY

Reminder

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RV Safety Reminder FROM RV EDUCATION 101 BY MARK POLK

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amping season is in full swing, but did you check all the RV safety stuff on your RV to make sure it is in proper operating condition? It’s important that you do, and it only takes a few minutes. Every RV owner should know what safety devices are available and understand how to use them. Most RVs, regardless of the type or size, come equipped with several safety devices. RVs have the following safety items installed:

THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS INTENDED FOR USE ON SMALL FIRES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH A LARGE FIRE. GET EVERYBODY OUTSIDE AND DIAL 911 FOR HELP.

01.

• Fire Extinguisher • LP Gas Leak Detector • Smoke Alarm • Carbon Monoxide Detector • Emergency Escape Window 1. Fire Extinguisher Let’s start with the fire extinguisher. Every RV owner needs to be familiar with the fire extinguisher in the RV and make sure it is ready to use at any time. I recommend inspecting the fire extinguisher before each RV trip. Look to see if the arrow is pointing in the green area in the sight gauge. If it reads empty replace it immediately. Inspect all components of the extinguisher to make sure it is in proper operating condition.

02. 01.Fire extinguisher sight gauge 02. LP gas leak detector

Inspect the safety pin, handle or trigger, sight gauge indicator, hose or nozzle, and the labeling. Every month it’s a good idea to turn dry-powder extinguishers upside down, tap on the bottom and shake it so any powder that settled on the bottom is released. If the powder is packed in the bottom of the extinguisher, it may not discharge properly, or at all, when you need it.

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Teach every adult that will be in the RV the acronym PASS. This is an easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher, especially during an emergency. PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep back and forth until the fire is out. 2. LP Gas Leak Detector Your RV comes equipped with an LP gas leak detector. Note: Some

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by a qualified technician before using it again. • False LP gas alarms can be caused by hair spray, perfume, cleaning solvents and low battery voltage. NOTE: When you have the LP gas container refilled or when stopping to refuel the RV or tow vehicle make sure all LP gas appliances, and the main gas supply valve are turned off.

03.

3. Smoke Alarm A properly working, battery operated smoke detector is critical. Depending on the size of your RV, you might want more than one. Test the alarm mechanism prior to each trip you take to make sure it is working properly. I change the batteries in our RV safety devices every spring when I make my spring RV preventive maintenance checks. Better safe than sorry.

04. detectors are for both LP gas and Carbon Monoxide.

have a leak somewhere in the system.

03. Smoke alarm testing.

The LP leak detector will set off an audible alarm to alert you if there is a potential gas leak. The detector is usually located close to floor level because LP gas is heavier than air and will settle towards floor level. If you ever smell LP gas when you’re camping, or if the LP leak detector alarm sounds you could

If this happens you should: • Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights and do not smoke, or touch electrical switches. • Evacuate the RV and turn off the main gas supply valve. • Leave the door open and do not return to the area until the odor clears. • Have the system checked out

04. CO detector with exp date

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NOTE: If you remove batteries from any safety device while the RV is in storage remove the device from the wall or ceiling and place it where it can easily be seen as a reminder to install the batteries the next time you use the RV. 4. Carbon Monoxide Detector All new RVs come equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. If

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05.

RV Education 101 Tip:

“Make sure you, and any other adult in the RV understands what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are.” SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW IS SAFETY DETECTORS LIKE THESE HAVE EXPIRATION DATES. I LOCATE THE EXPIRATION DATE AND WRITE THE DATE ON THE FRONT COVER OF THE DEVICE AS A REMINDER OF WHEN TO REPLACE IT.

05. Emergency exit window

you have an older RV without a CO detector, I strongly recommend you purchase a battery-operated CO detector designed for use in RVs. You never know when you might be parked next to an RV running a generator or another vehicle’s exhaust.

• Dizziness • Vomiting • Nausea • Muscular twitching • Intense headache • Throbbing in the temples • Weakness and sleepiness • Inability to think coherently

Carbon monoxide detectors should be located on a wall close to the ceiling since carbon monoxide is lighter than oxygen. Test the detector before each trip to make sure it is operating properly. Read the owner’s manual so you thoroughly understand how the CO detector works.

If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention.

Make sure you, and any other adult in the RV understands what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are. They are like flu symptoms: SEPTEMBER 2021

5. Emergency Exit Window Next on my list is an emergency escape plan. RVs come equipped with an emergency escape window. Make sure everybody knows where the escape window is located and how to use it. It’s a good idea to practice using it

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“Make sure everybody knows where the escape window is located and how to use it.”

About the Author so you are familiar with how to get everybody out of the RV in case of an emergency. Brief children and adults on the plan, and include escape routes for both the front and the rear of the RV. RVs are intended for fun and relaxation, and there is no better way to start an RV trip than having piece of mind all the RV safety devices are working properly, and all the adults in the RV understand how to use them. Have a great camping season.

RV expert Mark Polk coowns and operates RV Education 101, an RV video and information company that produces and sells RV online video and e-book training courses. Since 1999, RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners on how to safely and properly use and maintain their RVs.

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any of us have an index of must-see RV bucket list destinations, right? We certainly do! Chances are there’s a pile of places that you’ve always dreamed of visiting but never imagined would become a reality.

10 RV Destinations TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST

Throughout this article, we’ll enlighten your senses and give you a glimpse of some of the most remarkable, breathtaking areas of this country and beyond. You’ll become familiar with some truly magnificent places including national parks and tropical getaways, along with various places in between.

Why wait any longer? Let’s jump in and start exploring.

NATIONAL PARK RV BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS When you think about what types of areas might be on your chart of RV bucket list destinations, your list may include a national park. In the United States, we boast a whopping 417 national parks totaling over 84 million acres across the country. That’s an impressive number of sites to see throughout the 50 states.

BY JASON & RAE MILLER | THE GETAWAY COUPLE

Understandably tricky to narrow down, let’s take a closer look at four national parks that leave us in awe every time we visit. SEPTEMBER 2021

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1. Badlands National Park Rich in history and geologic formations, this national park attracts visitors worldwide looking to experience its richness in culture. Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park possesses 244,000 acres of prairie land home to various wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs. With rattlesnakes and reptiles galore, you won’t have a shortage of sights during your visit. You have an ample amount of activities to explore. Activities available year-round include the junior ranger program, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. Additional opportunities include horseback riding, bicycling, and the astronomy festival open during the summer months. Regarding your accommodations, you can find four dining options, two on-site campgrounds, and a designated area for back-country camping. In addition, the Cedar Pass Lodge offers cabin rentals as the only in-park lodging. SEPTEMBER 2021

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2. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks With over 2,000 natural stone arches located in southeast Utah, the Arches National Park holds a plethora of history. The people from this land have various backgrounds, including many from the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Within Arches National Park, you will find various rock formations and color schemes that will dazzle and delight your senses. Although fees apply, this park operates year-round. However, March to October seems to have the most visitors, and it’s highly recommended to visit before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. When planning your visit to Canyonlands National Park, Utah’s largest national park, be aware of the park’s four sections. They divide by the canyons of the Green and Colorado rivers. Due to the size of the park, many visitors find difficulty touring more than one or two sections during one visit. We would also advise you to come prepared for any type of weather conditions at this park. Circumstances can change quickly, and no one appreciates getting stranded in a heavy downpour. Admission fees vary depending upon your mode of transportation. You can expect to spend between $15 to visit on foot and $30 in a private, non-commercial vehicle. You can get an annual southeast Utah park pass for $55. RVBLOGGER.COM

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3. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Nestled near the edge of the Utah and Colorado state line, Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park. As you journey along the winding paths and trails, know that many early pioneers once ventured these same routes. This park offers an assortment of plants, animals, and an abundance of history. Whether you wish to experience this park leisurely or actively, rest assured you will find many scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Be aware that you can only access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by a shuttle bus. However, you can use a detailed map of the park to ensure you’re able to find which sites you’d like to visit in a timely, accurate manner. Bryce Canyon National Park, also located in southern Utah, and SEPTEMBER 2021

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“Nestled near the edge of the Utah and Colorado state line, Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park. .”

contains some of the world’s most significant rocks, known as Hoodoos (irregular rock columns). Unlike many in the national park family, you can visit all of Bryce Canyon while only having to park your car once. An 18-mile road runs the entire length of the park. You can purchase your tickets either online or in person. A portion of the proceeds aid in completing various projects and tasks throughout the park. Separate from the annual and lifetime passes, tickets are valid for seven consecutive days and can range from $20 to $35. As a result of the high elevation, touring Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring, fall, and winter can be hit-or-miss. The summer months of July and August typically deliver temperatures in the 70s and 80s accompanied by frequent thunderstorms. Like many national parks in the United States, pets are welcome here; however, some restrictions apply.

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4. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Yellowstone National Park spreads across most of Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho and is one of our absolute favorite RV bucket list destinations. It became the country’s first national park in 1872 and offers a broad range of species, sights, and sounds. From raptors to waterfowl, be sure to bring your sharp eyes and Vulcan hearing. Chances are you’ll experience a spectacle regardless of the time of year. Offering nine lodges and 12 campgrounds, you’re sure to find a comfortable place to stay. Unfortunately, only two lodges remain open during the winter months: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. With Yellowstone offering 12 campgrounds hosting over 2,000 sites, try to make any necessary reservations early. Located on the far western side of Wyoming, close to the Idaho state line, you’ll find Grand Teton National Park filled with mountainous views and pure waters. You can expect to see various wildlife at this park,

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including moose, black and grizzly bears, coyotes, and bison. Have your camera ready because, more than likely, you’ll leave in amazement. Due to the sheer size of this park, you could spend a lifetime trying to see and experience it all. Available activities include fishing, boating, and hiking. Throughout the park, you can easily find visitor centers and concessioners. Other Incredible RV Bucket List Destinations Now that we’ve covered several of our favorite national park RV bucket list destinations, let’s dive into some areas that are outside the spectrum. Much of the remaining list includes places within the United States, except for one. Ranging from the northeast to the west and beyond, you can’t beat the captivating atmosphere of these destinations.

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5. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Needles Highway Home to some of the most iconic figures in American history, Mount Rushmore sits in the southwest part of South Dakota. A national memorial you can’t miss, this unique RV bucket list destination can please any member of your traveling crew. Mount Rushmore celebrates some of the biggest names in the history of US Presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Witness them come to life through the stone. You can access this park every day of the year except Christmas. The hours may vary depending on the day, as holidays, for example, often have abbreviated times. The weather at this national park can vary depending on the time of year. The summer months can range anywhere between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while March and April can receive the most snow. Whether swimming, camping, or fishing, you’re likely to find an activity to entertain you

while visiting Custer State Park. Hunting, an unexpected activity available, helps reduce the wildlife population throughout the park. Also located in South Dakota, Custer State Park includes restaurants, cabins, and 71,000 acres of wildlife, just to name a few. In addition, this park offers nine campgrounds and plenty of sites to choose from. You can also enjoy a drive on Needles Highway, except during the winter months. Over 14 miles long, this roadway ranks No. 5 of 562 things to do in South Dakota based on reviews on Tripadvisor. If you enjoy driving through tunnels and witnessing impressive rock formations, then this is the adventure for you. The Needles Highway enforces a $20 admission fee giving you a seven-day pass to drive and explore, but it is inaccessible by RV. However, you can experience this particular RV bucket list destination by open-air jeeps used for the Buffalo Safari Tours.

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6. The Florida Keys If crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches feed your soul, then you must visit the Florida Keys, and here’s why. First, you need to locate a place to stay. It’s encouraging to have ample options to select from, like guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. For example, the Fiesta Key RV Resort, located in Long Key, Florida, has an on-site restaurant and beach bar. This campground offers nightly, weekly, monthly and long-term rentals for your camping convenience. One of the perks of exploring this area includes making the experience as relaxed or active as you like. You can have numerous activity opportunities such as swimming with dolphins or sailing. The Florida Keys provides a family-friendly atmosphere catered to people of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, the weather in Florida stays remarkably pleasant year-round, except for the hurricane season. There’s no doubt the Florida Keys will not leave you disappointed. The area welcomes visitors and has enough variety to keep you busy for a long time. RVBLOGGER.COM

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7. The Sedona, Arizona Area Sometimes referred to as “red rock country,” Sedona, Arizona, is a favorite RV bucket list destination. This upscale desert town has an assortment of arts, culture, history, and activities. With over 400 miles of biking and hiking trails, you can easily immerse yourself in the outdoors. If a relaxing fishing excursion interests you, check out Oak Creek Canyon. Or if you enjoy working with your hands, try pottery classes at the Sedona Arts Center. With many hotels, motels, cabins, and RV parks, and everything in between, you’re bound to find a pleasant place to stay. Whether you prefer an all-inclusive experience or becoming one with nature, you can find extensive lodging options here. Founded in 1876, Jerome, Arizona, was the third-largest town in the state during its peak. Jerome was named the Wickedest City in the West in 1903. You could certainly spend a week or more in this town that exudes an artistic and culturally affluent atmosphere. However, if you plan a quick two-day trip, here are just a few of the many highlights to check out while you’re in town.

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First, check out the Tavern Hotel in Cottonwood when you arrive. Previously operating as a grocery store in the 1920s, it now serves as an opulent boutique. Next, along with countless restaurants and local eateries to explore, we highly recommend the Jail Trail River Walk. A 1.5mile walk alongside nature, much of which under shaded trees, provides a memorable experience at Blowout Creek. And finally, on day two, consider visiting the Jerome State Historic Park. If you revel in history, you’ll enjoy the artifacts and photographs of history on display at the Douglas Mansion. When embarking on a trip to Flagstaff, Arizona, know that you’ll find all four seasons here. They average 108 inches of snow in the winter and summer temperatures hover in the low 80s. We can understand why this location has become a popular place to live and visit. Due to the higher elevation, we recommend that you include water and sunscreen in your daily activities. With over 200 options to choose from for dining, nightlife, accommodations, and things to do, Flagstaff has areas of interest for all walks of life. You’ll discover a broad mix of national and local names for your eatery and lodging options, such as Arby’s and Comfort Inn.

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8. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Every October for nine days, you can venture over to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to witness a hot air balloon extravaganza like no other. You can enjoy balloons that glow, delight, and amaze in all shapes and sizes. Attracting massive crowds, frequently around 100,000, we suggest arriving earlier rather than later. You can purchase tickets online, in person, or by phone. You can also get general admission tickets on the day of the fiesta as well. As for lodging, you can find designated areas for RV parking, and you must make reservations online only before the event.

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9. Cape Cod and Surrounding Area Cape Cod and the surrounding area stretch a mere 70 miles along the New England coast. Countless miles of beaches and freshwater ponds encompass this highly sought-after area of the United States. The busiest times of the year typically range from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, with dwindling numbers of visitors after that. The area averages five million tourists per year. No matter whether you prefer lavish and luxurious or cozy and quaint, there’s a place for you to stay while you’re visiting. You should make reservations well in advance. As the summer months remain the most popular, it’s best to guarantee yourself somewhere to stay unless you’re planning a day trip. You can also find special events scheduled across several months throughout the year. For example, arrive in April for the Daffodil Festival to embrace the glorious sights of endless amounts of yellow flowers. Or ring in fall with the Trash Fish Banquet in Provincetown, where people cook uncommon species as a way to benefit the local Center for Coastal Studies.

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10. Baja, Mexico Though it has a deceiving name, Baja California, resides in Mexico as its 12th-largest state. It offers various views, including mountains and cities, and sits 17 miles away from San Diego, California. The thriving climate and soil provide an incomparable wine and cuisine selection for the area. With an assortment of activities for residents and visitors, you can spend time outdoors with hiking, sports, and camping, to name a few. You can also enjoy the outdoors by experiencing the wine trail. The Valle de Guadalupe, a 90-mile drive, offers a memorable and affordable wine-tasting adventure. Accommodation choices include resorts of splendor and oceanfront RV parks located within a short distance to town.

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TIME TO EXPERIENCE IT ALL We hope you find our RV bucket list destinations valuable in helping you decide where you’d like to visit. There’s no question that this country has some unbelievably breathtaking areas to experience. In addition to this list, you can bet there are plenty of other surprises and features to be discovered while you’re there. Above all else, we hope you never stop exploring. To see where the Getaway Couple is heading next and follow them on their adventures you can visit them on their website, YouTube channel, Newsletter, Facebook and Instagram.

“We hope you find our RV bucket list destinations valuable in helping you decide where you’d like to visit. There’s no question that this country has some unbelievably breathtaking areas to experience. ”

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RENOVATE YOUR RV

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HOW I PULLED OFF

a$650 Camper RENO

ave you been thinking about doing a camper renovation and wondering if it’s something you can pull off? A quick breeze through Instagram or Pinterest, and you can be sure to find a farmhouse camper remodel that might convince you to take up a new fixer-upper project on the weekend. That’s what happened to us. In the summer of 2020, We bought a 1979 Dodge Sportsman American Clipper motorhome camper for $3500. With not much experience (by not much, I mean absolutely none), we spent several months, off and on, tackling a vintage camper remodel. We had big plans of living full time in it on a 3-month cross-country road trip, so we needed our camper reno to be stylish, functional, and most importantly….affordable. And we did it! To say we’re proud of our camper remodel is an understatement. It was a labor of love and it was 100% worth it. If you’re thinking about a vintage camper renovation and wondering if you can do it…you can!!

BY CHRISTINA & BRAD WILDER

CAMPER RENOVATION BEFORE AND AFTER Here’s a peek at what our camper looked like when we bought her and what we were able to accomplish on a modest budget.

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before

“Here’s a peek at what our camper looked like when we bought her and what we were able to accomplish on a modest budget.”

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RV CAMPING leaks and test all utilities. This part is crucial because water WILL find its way into your camper. It always does. Be thorough and look everywhere you think that water might get in.

“We did an RV renovation on a budget because we knew we would have to put money into fixing up the mechanical issues.” HOW TO REMODEL A CAMPER (START TO FINISH) We did an RV renovation on a budget because we knew we would have to put money into fixing up the mechanical issues, which are bound to arise with a vintage camper.

1. PLAN YOUR CAMPER RENOVATION AESTHETIC For a smooth camper renovation, it’s best to know what kind of look you’re going for. The sky’s the limit with this one. Midcentury modern camper? Bohemian camper? Tiki hut camper? Our camper is on the smaller end, so we knew we would go simple with our design to not overwhelm the space. We chose to go almost all white

in the interior to help our small space feel bigger. For us, we wanted to achieve the look of a subtle modern farmhouse renovation which would mean black and white interiors with thoughtful decoration to help warm up the space. If you’re just beginning, read and scan through Pinterest and Instagram to get some great camper makeover ideas.

For this, I used Flex Seal. That’s right, the “as seen on tv” rubber seal product. It is surprisingly effective, by which I mean it works. We used the gallon size for the roof and the squeeze tube for the windows and appliances. Granted, we are in a vintage camper, and we still get some (a lot of) leaks around our rooftop AC Unit and our front windows, but none of this was preventable with the Flex Seal product we used because the issues were in the hardware.

3. DEMO Removing these staples was almost the end of me!

2. WEATHER PROOFING

We took everything off the camper walls like these outdated items to open up the space. Okay, now it’s time to start your demo and remove all old wallpaper, wood, light fixtures, unnecessary storage features, stained carpet, flooring, furnishings, or appliances. I removed all window coverings (from 1979), textured wallpaper, and light fixtures, as well as the original burnt orange shagan arduous task.

This isn’t part of the RV interior renovation, but we think it’s important to include for anyone who’s doing a motorhome renovation on an older rig. Make sure to weather seal the roof and all windows. Check for

The carpet was stapled to the plywood subfloor with thousands (I kid you not) THOUSANDS of staples. For this task, I used needle-nosed pliers and a screwdriver to act as a leverage

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anchor point while I grabbed the staples with the pliers and rolled them back overtop the screwdriver to release the staples. This project alone took me 2 full days, and by the end, my hands were sore and tired. We replaced old power thirsty lights. We ripped out the chairs, carpet, and drawers. I also took down all the old and yellowed light fixtures that used

power-thirsty light bulbs. But, before you do this, be sure to either turn off the breakers or unplug the battery. I unplugged the battery since it needed replacing any way but turning off the breaker would have the same effect. And although I do love the brown wire magazine holders on the walls, I decided to get rid of those as well. Remember, if you want to reuse any of the old material from your camper, you’ll need to store it or hang on to it somewhere while RVBLOGGER.COM

Demo. if you want to reuse any of the old material from your camper, you’ll need to store it or hang on to it somewhere while you finish the interior demo work.

you finish the interior demo work. I used a lot of the old wood from the original design in other places on the camper. For example, the wooden inserts in the old retractable window coverings were transformed into new drawer trims for the kitchen drawers. Repurposing materials from the camper can save you a lot of money. If you want to redesign your camper’s flow or floorplan, now is the time. We stayed with the original floorplan in our 1979

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American Clipper but removed 2 old (also burnt orange) circular backed chairs in exchange for a more spacious and comfortable loveseat. It was one of the best/ most transformational things we did in the renovation. Our goal for this camper renovation was to spend as little money as possible remodeling and to use or repurpose as much from the original design materials as we could. We purchased painter’s cloth to reupholster the dinette cushions. Since we purchased a new gel

memory foam mattress to replace the old one, we used the old mattress foam to make cushions for the new loveseat/couch. I reused the wooden retractable roller window supports as well as the drawers from the old cafe set. It was also during this phase that I replaced some water-damaged panels in the ceiling.

4. PAINT Once everything is cleared out and you have an idea of where you want to go with your design, start painting. Now, you may have heard this before, but painting is all about preparation. This means SEPTEMBER 2021

Paint. Prepping the space so that you won’t ruin anything you don’t want to get paint on, or making sure that your tape is firmly applied so that your lines come out sharp upon removal.

prepping the space so that you won’t ruin anything you don’t want to get paint on, or making sure that your tape is firmly applied so that your lines come out sharp upon removal. Also, this means prepping the surfaces that need painting. Is your surface covered in a material that won’t hold your paint? Maybe you need to sand your surfaces in preparation for your paint? Maybe you need to use a primer on your surface? All of these things need to be taken into account. Then, and only then, you can start painting.

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I used this Glidden Premium Semi-Gloss Interior Paint plus Primer in Pure White. I’ve used this paint for years, for various projects around the house and have always loved the results. I used the combo paint plus primer because I just found it easier. It removed one extra step for me, but you may find that you need to prime your surface. I did four full coats and some areas could have even used more. It all depends on the surfaces you’ll be painting. I can’t stress this enough. And remember, if you are going to cover over certain areas with things like shiplap, or other design elements, you will still need to paint the area but perhaps not as thoroughly. The

reason for this is you won’t want to see the the old paint or wallpaper color in between the shiplap boards or other design elements. Believe me, you will see it. At this point, it’s a good idea to do any spray paint work. You could opt to do spray paint work before you paint, but we found it easier to touch up the white paint with a paintbrush for any overspray. We decided to paint the rusted oven hood with Rust-Oleum high heat black with a satin finish and used the same spray paint on the retractable stove cover backsplash. It’s a nice-looking product and is often used for engine parts or metals that are in direct contact with heat. We loved the matte black look!

Instead of spending $1700, I got great-looking cushions and couch pads for $40 total!

5. REPAIR AND REMODEL We installed trim boards to the love seat and other places for a more textured look. We installed faux shiplap to get the feel of a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Now you can start the remodeling and repair process. During this step, you’ll be doing all of the measurements, cutting, repurposing, and building that you’ll need to do to accomplish the new look, flow, and feel of the camper that you want. At this point, I started cutting and installing trim board and faux shiplap. But, hold off on installing your baseboard trims until after you’ve installed your new flooring.

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before

Tip: If you have a fridge, sink, or tub that has turned yellow from age, you might want to take the time to spray paint it with Appliance Epoxy. The stuff works wonders and can make your appliances look bright white (or black) again. We bought the stuff intending to use it but ultimately didn’t have the time to tackle this project before our roadtrip. It’s a great choice for anyone who will be using their camper a lot or living in it full time. If you’re going to use this product, do it BEFORE you paint the camper. It’s an undertaking, and you don’t want to mess up your beautiful new painted camper.

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Your baseboards will sit atop the new luxury vinyl planks against the wall, so it will be much easier to install the flooring if you wait on the baseboard trims. I made the faux shiplap from 1/4 inch plywood boards. I premeasured all of the places I wanted to shiplap (cabinets, main bed ceiling, kitchen peninsula, etc.) and decided that 4-inch planks would be best. I then cut each sheet of the 1/4” plywood (which I bought in 2ft by 4ft sheets, but also come in 4ft by 8ft) into 4-inch wide plank boards, then cut each board into their specific lengths for each application.

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When applying the boards to the wall or ceilings, I used two nickels to help with even spacing. I used a brad nailer and finishing gun to complete this task. I use this one from KIMO because it’s cordless, rechargeable, powerful, and affordable. It’s also the same tool I used to install the trims. For the trim pieces, I purchased actual trim boards from Home Depot that already come in white color. Again, this eliminated one step for me, so that’s why I did it, but you can buy trim in natural wood color and paint it afterward if you prefer. If you buy white trim, don’t forget to fill and paint your nail holes when you finish. I put trim pieces on nearly every wall to add some texture and cover some imperfections under windows or over old nail or screw holes. I even put a wainscoting trim piece on most of the walls to add detail. Some of the trim and all of the

before RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING shiplap still needed to be painted over, but I wanted to have a base layer of paint underneath my detail work and then also paint over the nail or screw holes. Once I installed all of the faux shiplap and trims, I to either match or I white-washed it. BEFORE: Putting in faux shiplap in the over cab and installation of new LED lights. I personally love the look of a whitewashed wood surface. It still feels very natural but can also blend in with your other white-painted surfaces. So, I whitewashed the ceiling and the kitchen peninsula walls. It’s very easy to accomplish this look, in fact much easier than painting for full coverage. All you do is lightly dab your brush (you must use a brush for this look) in paint and work the brush back and forth continuously on your surface until the white paint becomes almost translucent. Keep doing this in different areas of your surface until it looks even and until you have achieved the level of color on your surface that you like. Just like that, one coat, and you’re done.

6. NEW FLOORS Next up for our camper renovation-installing new floors. For the main living area (kitchen, living, dining, bedrooms) I used these Traffic Master Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring in Edwards Oak. We ultimately chose this because we thought it looked the best

between the other two colors that we bought to test out. We bought 3 total and looked at them with everything else in the camper and returned the ones we didn’t like. I ended up using only 2 boxes of flooring and got a great deal at Home Depot. At $38 per box, we had brand new floors for only $76. Between the floors and the paint, it looked like a completely different camper, and it only cost a little over $100.

before

When you install new flooring, you have the option to use an underlayment to help insulate better, keep moisture out, and soften your step when you walk. It is not absolutely necessary, but I would recommend it. Between the underlayment and the seam tape, it cost a total of $37. Installing these floors is incredibly easy and just takes a bit of labor and time. They are usually built to click-lock into each other so that they will stay together. You may want to pick up a flooring installation kit (if you don’t already have one) to make your life easier, but you can get by without it. You’ll need a mallet and block to help lock the planks into place. For any angled edges, you’ll need a retractable utility blade to score the vinyl plank before bending it off to break it. It’s much more simple than it sounds. In the bathroom, where there was also burnt orange shag carpet, I used Peel & Stick Floor Tile Decals. They are adhesive and work fine for what we needed. SEPTEMBER 2021

I used these Traffic Master Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring in Edwards Oak.

Like the luxury vinyl flooring, we bought two other tile decals to test them out and returned what we didn’t like. The tiles didn’t stick to our wood floor very well, so I used a brad nailer gun to nail them in place, in addition to the adhesive. We haven’t had any problems with them, and the difference is amazing. Once you’ve finished your floors, take a moment to appreciate your work. At this point, I could really

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RV CAMPING see the progress being made and got more inspired to finish the renovation.

7. NEW LIGHTING Next up in our camper renovation was replacing the old light fixtures with some efficient and highly effective LED camper lights. I replaced every fixture with a new LED fixture or wall sconce. On the central overhead light in the middle of the dining/living area, I used a shallow basket that I picked up from Walmart for less than $10 and I whitewashed it. Then I installed the light on top of it, creating a cool and cheap DIY farmhouse lampshade. We love how it turned out.Follow the instructions well for this step, and be sure to have the breaker turned off or disconnect from the

8. REUPHOLSTERING After the lighting, it was time to tackle the 70’s era dinette cushions and the new loveseat cushions. I’m going to be honest; I looked into having someone else do this for me since it seemed like it would be very time-consuming, and I’ve never reupholstered anything before. But, guess how much I was quoted? $1700!!!! I had no choice but to do it myself. And I’ll tell you what, I’m glad I did. It came out amazing! It looks so good, and it has lasted fantastically for us living in the camper full-time for 3 months. I wasn’t sure how to start, so I just began removing all of the old brown and orange

striped upholstery from 1979. Underneath, the cushions looked surprisingly good for being 41 years old! I decided to use Poly-backed Painters Canvas Dropcloth, which I picked up for relatively cheap at Home Depot. I chose the poly-backed drop cloth because I wanted to have a waterproofing element to the cushions in case we spilled some juice or liquid on the cushions. And, knowing that we would be living in the camper full-time, it seemed like the smartest choice. I’m happy we did it this way since our son definitely had his fair share of cereal spills on the dining cushions. I ended up getting a 9ft by 12ft sheet and a 5ft by 5ft sheet for a total of $40 and had some small cuts leftover. This was enough to cover all the cushions in the dinette set, the new love seat, two small armrest pillows, the over cab bed headboard, and the entry door overhead padding protector. For the dining table seat cushions and the headboard, I wrapped the pad and pulled it tight, stapling the canvas drop cloth to the wooden support boards that the cushion is attached to. Other than some strategic pulling and folding, these were no doubt the easiest. For all of the other cushions and pads, I had to lay out the drop cloth inside out on a large flat surface and place the cushion on top of it. I then folded the cloth around the cushion and cut each piece to size for the various cushion sizes, making sure to SEPTEMBER 2021

leave enough room for connecting the edges and corners to make a sleeve for the cushions. Be sure to work from the inside out on this step because once you attach the edges and corners, you will flip the upholstery sleeve inside out again, revealing the useable canvas side of the drop cloth and stuff your foam pads into the sleeve and close the ends. For me, I didn’t want to use a needle and thread or do any sewing, so I came up with an effective and timely way to accomplish the same task. Staples and a hot glue gun. I stapled all of my edges closed on three sides of each canvas sleeve, then used a hot glue gun to glue the material together at the seams. Once the glue was dry, which takes about 5 minutes, I flipped the sleeve inside out and stuffed it with the appropriate cushion pad. Then, once the pad was tightly inside the sleeve, I would fold the canvas, so it looked okay and then hot glue the 4th side closed. If the sleeve is too loose on the cushion, you can always take the cushion out before closing the last side, flip it inside out again, and tighten

“I chose the poly-backed drop cloth because I wanted to have a waterproofing element to the cushions in case we spilled some juice or liquid on the cushions."

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one of the other sides. I will admit, it was a timeconsuming process. All of the cushions probably took me about 2 days to complete, off and on. But, in the end, the result was so worth the time and the money it saved. Instead of spending $1700, I got great-looking cushions and couch pads for $40 total!

I mentioned, we replaced the bed with a very comfortable gel top memory foam mattress by Lucid (which we LOVE), so I used the old bed foam for the couch project. Because it was so large, we some leftover craft foam that we can use for another

For the couch love seat, I had to pre-measure the cushions and cut the foam pieces from the old upper cab bed foam. As

Next up, it’s time to address the countertops and table surfaces. We used this high density marble contact paper for the dining table, the kitchen, and the bathroom counters.

9. COUNTERS AND SURFACES

before

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Instead of spending $1700, I got great-looking cushions and couch pads for $40 total!

We love how this stuff looks, and it could be a great solution for someone in an area that is not highly trafficked or used. But, for us, it just didn’t cut the mustard. First, let me say this, we live in a climate that gets very cold in the winter, and when I did the counters, it was in snowy winter conditions. So why does this matter? Well, when you go from cold temperatures to hot temperatures, things expand and contract. With contact paper adhesives being pliable and temperature-sensitive, we found that upon application, they

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before

looked fine. As it got warmer, they expanded, which caused imperfections in the surface, bubbles in places, and rolled corners and edges. Furthermore, when you live in your camper full-time, you tend to eat 3 meals a day inside the camper, and some of those meals are hot food, like soup. Whenever we set something hot on the table or countertops, it would almost melt the surface and create more imperfections. And, lastly, with a 3-year-old, things can get a little wild. We noticed that the contact paper would dent and tear when our son was playing rough. Honestly, I wish it worked for us because I love how it looks. It is such a clean-looking surface and such an improvement from what it previously was (yup, more burnt orange). Either way, next time, I would replace the counters with a natural wood surface like butcher’s block. But, for now, it looks better than it did, it was cheap, and we’re happy enough with it. For the kitchen walls, we used adhesive subway tiles. You can get the same look as real tile at a fraction of the cost. Plus, they’re super easy to clean, and they look great. We put it only around the stove area and then used Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore to create an accent wall around the tiles. A simple but effective design element.

10. ODDS AND ENDS At this point, you can do the odd jobs that haven’t been finished yet. For me, this meant finishing SEPTEMBER 2021

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“In some places, like the the window covering falls down, several inches away wall because of the angle camper walls." the window coverings, installing the new white floor register covers, putting up some adhesive wallpaper, and other small tasks. Our DIY leather handles for drawers. We put in new white floor registers. The window coverings were another DIY project because I couldn’t find retractable room darkening roller shades that were big enough to fit our old custom-sized windows in the camper. So, I took off the fabric from the old retractable shades and found cheap white room darkening retractable shades at Walmart that I customized to fit onto the old retractable fixtures. Using a retractable utility blade, I cut the new shades to fit our windows and actually turned them sideways to fit on the older long window shade fixtures. Luckily, the width of the new product was just enough to fully cover our windows once they were pulled down. I stapled and taped the new material to the old retractable roller, which is completely covered when the shades are up and in use. It was another time-consuming project,

bathroom, straight from the of the

but in the end, so worth it. You can’t even tell that they were handmade. We added sheer white curtains that came with a small valance for a layered decorative look. We used the valance as a cover for one of the windows in the upper cabin. I purchased simple curtain rod frames that attach to the wall above the window and tied up the curtains with jute twine. In some places, like the bathroom, the window covering falls straight down, several inches away from the wall because of the angle of the camper walls. To remedy this issue, I added white tension rods in several places to help tuck the curtains and window coverings against the walls. We stapled down dollar store car rugs to the steps to cover the orange carpet. We added wallpaper to the interior of the camper door. We installed decorative trim on drawers. Corner guards on cabinets helped to give a polished finish to the edges of the rough wood.

DIY leather handles for drawers

11. DECORATE We’re in the final stretch of our camper renovation! In my opinion, decorating is what makes a motorhome renovation go from nice to one of a kind. We got simple blue and white throw pillows from Target and love how they look and feel. We received several things in the camper as gifts, so they were free to us. That included the Pendleton Sherpa Fleece throw on our bed, the camouflage sherpa fleece blanket, and the adventurethemed dish towels. Several items were Dollar Store

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“I know when you’re planning a camper renovation sometimes you just want to look at photos for inspiration."

before

scores like our rugs. They were between $3 and $5 and, honestly, are all we could have asked for the camper. Sure, a sheep shear rug would have felt amazing on our feet, but instead, we wear cozy slippers and enjoy our $8 rugs. We also bought placemats for the dining table—all for $1 a piece. The last bits of decor were the plants. We used a mixture of real and fake plants that we found at Michael’s craft stores. Another winning purchase was our 7 piece bedding set from Bare. It’s a great price and gives you everything you need. They are incredibly soft and comfortable, which just adds to the comfort level of our bed.

About the Author We're Christina and Brad, full

MORE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

time travelers, photographers,

I know when you’re planning a camper renovation sometimes you just want to look at photos for inspiration. Here’s a gallery of our before and after photos. After this section, I go through everything we spent.

ornery cat. We left it all to travel the US to find

To see the entire budget including materials and tools we used check out our complete blog article to get all the details!

writers, and proud parents to one wild child and an our home and follow the call of our wild hearts. Our blog and Instagram are here to inspire and help you in your travels and adventures. Led by our own journey, join us in learning about new destinations, helpful travel tips, amazing hikes, family travel hacks, and of course living a wilder life.

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Yellowstone SEES FIRST-EVER 1M VISITOR MONTH IN JULY BY

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ellowstone National Park logged its first million-visitor month in July, a milestone symbolic of the heavy tourist traffic across the country’s national parks, as visitors travel to wide-open spaces in response to — and in spite of — the surging delta variant of COVID-19, according to KPVI. The National Park Service has yet to release final numbers, but Superintendent Cam Sholly told reporters last week that the park hosted approximately 1,080,000 recreational visitors in July, Yellowstone’s busiest month ever. Neighboring Grand Teton National Park also saw a record month in July, hosting an estimated 828,777 recreational visitors. “Increases to Yellowstone’s visitation have accelerated rapidly over the past 12 months and we continue to be on pace to set record numbers for 2021,” said Sholly in a press release Thursday (Aug. 19). “We are actively developing defensible short and long-term solutions, with our partners, which focus on the protection of park resources, improving the visitor experience, and considering impacts on park staffing, infrastructure and our gateway communities and regional economies.” Record numbers of tourists are seeking to escape to the outdoors, as COVID outbreaks are surging in hotspots around the country. Warning of the potential

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RV CAMPING for transmission of the virus in crowded visitor centers, the Park Service on Wednesday implemented a nationwide mask mandate for all parks. Overall, local business owners are reporting a solid tourist season with reasonable margins. But the summer hasn’t been without significant difficulties for many operators.

“Increases to Yellowstone’s visitation have accelerated rapidly over the past 12 months and we continue to be on pace to set record numbers for 2021."

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