RV Camping Mag. | May 2022

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14 RV CAMPSITES WITHIN 20 MILES OF A NATIONAL PARK JUNE 2021

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

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from Near

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E

MAGAZINE

Meet Joel Holland

P ___ 1

FROM HARVESTHOSTS

STATE LAWS PAVE THE WAY FOR EVS

A SUCCESS STORY

FROM UKRAINE TO THE MISSOURI OZARKS

SIMPLE CAMPING RECIPES FROM LET’S CAMP S’MORE

EVERY DAY, PLANET EARTH TRAVELS 1.6 MILLION MILES.

ENJOY THE RIDE.

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03

features

CONTENTS

36 MEET JOEL HOLLAND FROM HARVEST HOSTS

By Brian Newman

departments

VOL.2, ISSUE 5

CONTENTS MAY 2022

06

08

16

22

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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

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& Gadgets

Delicious

Interesting

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Reviews

Recipes

Locations

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Your RV

found here.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome TO RV

06

RV CAMPING

CAMPING MAGAZINE!

I

n this issue of RV Camping Magazine, we meet Joel and Mary Ashley Holland of Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome! Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome are two of the most popular camping memberships and we thought it would be great to get to know them and learn more about the merger and future plans of these two amazing camping memberships.

In this month’s RV Renovation section, we feature an article about Everest Conversions which features an exciting entrepreneur from Ukraine and how he started his business here in the USA! In our Are We There Yet? department, you can learn about some amazing HipCamp RV camping locations near some of our national parks! These locations are gorgeous and will blow your mind!

CONNECT WITH US AT RV CAMPING MAGA DISCOVER EVERYTHING RV ON THE RVBLOGGER EMAIL RVBLOGGER

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

This month in the RV Kitchen department we meet Diana Hansen from Let’s Camp S’more! Diana has provided an entire menu for a day including a snack and a delicious dessert!

Need to replace your shower walls in your RV to give your bathroom a fresh look? In our RV Gear department, we feature shower wall products for your bathroom remodel from Duo Form!

This month the NRVTA shares some great info about RV leveling systems!

The folks at the NRVTA are real pros, and they are committed to training people how to service and use their RVs safely!

MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 VOL.2, ISSUE 5

EDITORIAL EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Susan McDonald Mike Scarpignato

DESIGN SR. ART DIRECTOR

Kelly Y. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Newman, Joel and Mary Ashley Holland, Shayna Frankenfield, Diana Hansen, Kendra Keopke, NRVTA, Black Series, and RVnGo ADVERTISING

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

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RV Camping Magazine is a freemonthly publication and is a divisionof RVBlogger.

We hope you enjoy the magazine!

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NUTS AND BOLTS

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L RV LEVELING SYSTEMS

et’s talk about the importance of leveling your RV properly. A lot of times RVers are out there boondocking or at an unpaved site and it’s not fully level. There are a couple of things you really need to understand when it comes to the necessity of leveling your motorhome or travel trailer.

A LEVEL RV INCREASES YOUR REFRIGERATOR’S LIFESPAN

BY THE NRVTA

The first thing is if you have an RV absorption fridge. These refrigerators have to be level in order to work properly. For many, it may be that they’re offset a little bit and think the refrigerator is working fine.

Well, you can equate that to running a marathon while smoking; it’s not going to kill you instantly, just like allowing your rig to be offset won’t kill your refrigerator instantly. But it sure will shorten the lifespan. So, you definitely want your rig level

M AY 2 0 2 2

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when using your RV absorption refrigerator.

STORING YOUR RV UNLEVELED CAN LOCK YOU INSIDE

The second reason is if you are unlevel, you may not be able to open the entry doors.

There are times where some RVs have been sitting for a long time.

The rig will start to sag, preventing the doors from opening. I personally witnessed this exact situation recently, where the

person was locked inside their RV because the rig had been left sitting unlevel.

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FINDING THE POINT OF LEVEL

If you have an automatic leveling system, that’s great! You just simply hit

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a button and the system takes care of it for you.

For those of you who don’t have an automatic leveling system, once all of your jacks are engaged, you’ll have to find the level point.

You’ll need to have a leveling tool like a carpenter’s level or RV bubble level stickers on the corners and the center of your exterior walls. Make sure you get the bubble between the lines and you’re done.

THE BEST METHOD TO LEVEL YOUR RV

Now the question is, what’s the proper method to get everything level? If you’re towing a 5th wheel or travel trailer, you always want to engage your front jacks (or tongue jack on travel trailers) first to lift it from the vehicle.

Don’t worry about the rear jacks until the front stabilizer jacks are in place and your vehicle is out of the way. Once your vehicle’s disconnected and safely away, you’ll engage the rear jacks and begin to level it all out.

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SETUP: FRONT-TO-BACK; TEARDOWN: BACK-TOFRONT

But how do you tear down? You’re going to do the opposite. You’ll want to raise the rear jacks first, because you’re about to raise the front up in order to get your vehicle underneath the hitch.

If you raise the front up with the rear stabilizing jacks down, you could damage the jacks by bending them, so always bring the rear jacks up first.

A FINAL INSPECTION BEFORE LEAVING

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One of the last things I want to go over with you, is to do a walk around to ensure all your jacks are all the way up. You should do this in all cases whenever you’re finishing your tear down. Make sure nothing was missed, everything is stowed, locked, and ready to go before you leave.

If your jacks are only partially raised, it’s really going to be a problem if you find out down the road your jacks aren’t safely in place when it catches a hole at 50 mph. That’s why a walk around to ensure everything is up and out of the way is so important.

A QUICK TIP FOR LIPPERT LEVELING SYSTEMS

Finally, if you have a Lippert Leveling System, you have a ground control so you can’t actually hit the auto level around the D level. Let me show you a quick tip in order to get past it.

the panel is off. Go ahead and put it in the OFF position, making sure nothing else is on.

Then start the override mode procedure. This will take you to the automatic zero where you can manually lift the gear.

If you would like to be able to fix the majority To get into override of the problems on mode, all you have to your RV or become a do is hit the UP button certified technician or anywhere from 5-10 inspector head over to times, then the DOWN our website at www. button 5-10 times. nrvta.com, select the programs tab and get Now, before you do this, started today! you’ll want to ensure

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T LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWER WALLS BY DUO FORM

he RV industry has experienced a boom incomparable to any other time since 1910. Record high sales of both new and used RVs and the increased popularity of RV rental services have changed how RV camping looks and feels.

These super-in-demand RVs have even become full-time residences for many people.

They’ve sold their “sticks-andbricks” residential homes in a hot housing market, turning their profits into rolling homes on wheels.

With the extremely tight RV market, many people are choosing to renovate their existing RV campers, or buy used rigs, that they can overhaul into their ultimate dream wanderlust machines.

BY JESSICA PAPKE

RENOVATING YOUR RV IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Fortunately, RVs are completely customizable. Sure, it’s easy to swap out furniture, add an ottoman, toss in decorative pillows, and install window treatments. But for the real DIYer, RVs present a lot more opportunities.

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017 RV GEAR

One consideration is replacing some of the materials in your bathroom—like a sink or tile to achieve the highly soughtafter residential spa bathroom decor and features. Porcelain and ceramic features can create significant weight problems.

THE DUO UNIVERSAL SHOWER SYSTEM LIGHTWEIGHT SOLUTION Luckily, there’s an affordable and lightweight update for your RV DIY bathroom remodel that’s quick, easy, and sledgehammerfree.

By adding simple things like a fresh coat of paint, shelving, a new mirror, and easy-to-install new DUO shower walls, you can transform your bathroom from a typical RV bathroom to a one-ofa-kind relaxing space.

The first of its kind, the DUO Universal Shower System is the perfect shower wall

“At under $400 – a new shower will completely elevate the RV camper bath experience”

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replacement kit for almost any RV. The modular nature of this shower surround kit allows it to fit into a wide variety of shower spaces and makes installation into tight spaces incredibly easy.

available from DUO.

DUO FORM: A TRUSTED RV NAME FOR OVER 50 YEARS

We’ve been manufacturing trusted RV showers and skylights at DUO Form for over 50 years. Of the over 10 million RVs on the road, over 85% of all RVs have at least one DUO component inside of them.

At under $400 – a new shower will completely elevate the RV camper bath experience. Your ultimate bath upgrade would include a new RV shower pan or tub to complete the look- and those are also

Our materials are 30% lighter than fiberglass or metal, which M AY 2 0 2 2

019 RV GEAR

“Our materials are 30% lighter than fiberglass or metal, which is less weight for you to tow,

and are environmentally

safe. You might not think about plastic as being eco-friendly, but at DUO, we’re proud of the DUO Difference- which means we take sustainability seriously.”

smart choice for your RV Shower upgrade a simple decision.

CHOOSE ONE OF THREE LUXURY DESIGNS THAT FIT UNIVERSALLY Make your RV renovation dreams a reality with the DUO Universal Shower Kit, elevating your camp bath experience today. It’s available in three luxury designs: •GRAY MARBLE •TAN MARBLE •WHITE TILE The DUO Universal Shower System is the perfect shower wall replacement kit for almost any RV or camper since it can be cut to various sizes to fit almost any wet area. It will upgrade the look and feel of any RV shower.

is less weight for you to tow, and are environmentally safe. You might not think about plastic as being eco-friendly, but at DUO, we’re proud of the DUO Difference- which means we take sustainability seriously.

The DUO Universal Replacement Shower Wall can fit a variety of shower stall sizes, and it comes in three easy-to-assemble pieces with two interchangeable corner locking segments. A “Score and Snap” design makes it extremely

Our showers are manufactured with 90% recycled material, are VOC (volatile organic compounds) free and are recyclable. This makes our Universal Shower System the RVBLOGGER.COM

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straightforward. The walls are simple to trim and fit to your unit.

These DUO exclusive style lines, which blend seamlessly into the shower wall design, work as route guides on the reverse side of the walls to simplify cutting.

“The walls are simple to trim and

The Universal Shower Wall is 66” Tall but can be cut to 62” or 59” in height. The width is 44” wide, but can fit showers up to 48” wide at the maximum, utilizing the custom corner locking segments, which measure 3” x 3”.

This gives customers even more customization options.

the walls to simplify cutting.”

fit to your unit. These DUO exclusive style lines, which blend seamlessly into the shower wall design, work as route guides on the reverse side of

separately. Please make sure to include it in your order for an easy installation. The kit includes Rivets, Tape, and a Drill Bit. You’ll find our easy-to-follow DUO HOW TO Video instructions for installation available for free on our Website and YouTube channel.

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KITCHEN

W

hat can we make besides hamburgers and hot dogs? That is the most common camping question that we hear. We too like a little variety, so we have created a bunch of recipes that require minimal effort at the campground.

At Let’s Camp S’more we make camping easy with simple recipes and clever hacks.

Simple

CAMPING RECIPES

We know you want to go camping to get away from daily life.

Who wants to spend the whole weekend cooking and cleaning?

Not us! We have five ridiculously simple recipes to share with you.

Spend less time on chores and more time enjoying nature!

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1. Breakfast: Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Do you love cinnamon rolls? Have you ever had cinnamon rolls with bacon in them? They are fun and tasty!

This simple recipe requires two ingredients: bacon and a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. You will also need a pie iron and some parchment paper.

coals from a campfire. Cook 8-12 minutes per side, depending on the heat of the fire.

1. You start this recipe out by opening the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Separate each roll and place the icing off to the side.

7. Carefully open the pie iron to see if the cinnamon roll is baked. Bake longer if necessary.

2. Take an individual cinnamon roll and unroll it. Place a single piece of bacon on top of the unrolled cinnamon roll. Amazingly, a piece of bacon is the same length as the unrolled cinnamon roll.

8. We placed the very first cinnamon roll batch we made down in the coals of the fire. We used our usual sniff test to see if they were done. All of a sudden, we smelled burned cinnamon. We opened up the pie iron and discovered a completely black and burned spiral. I guess the fire was too hot!

3. Carefully roll the cinnamon roll back up with the bacon inside.

4. Cut out two pieces of parchment paper to fit inside your pie iron.

The parchment paper can be reused a few times.

9. When the cinnamon rolls and bacon are fully cooked, carefully remove from your pie iron and place on a paper plate. Snip the corner of the icing packet to drizzle icing over all of the baked cinnamon rolls. Eat and enjoy!

5. Place the bacon cinnamon roll between the two pieces of parchment paper inside your pie iron.

Check out our most popular morning recipe: Breakfast in a Bag

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2. Lunch: Frozen Pizza Over

the Campfire

Yes, you can bake a frozen pizza over the campfire! It is OK if the pizza thaws in the cooler. It makes it easier and quicker to cook.

For this campfire hack, you need a frozen pizza, any toppings you want to add, pie irons, and parchment paper.

1. Create a campfire and let it burn down until you have hot coals with minimal flame.

2. Cut two pieces of parchment paper to fit inside your (cast iron) pie iron.

3. Slice up the pizza into pieces that will fit inside your pie iron.

Small edge pieces can be placed together in one pie iron.

4. Add any desired extra toppings to slices of pizza. We like to add onions and peppers.

7. Carefully open the pie iron to check to see if the pizza is done.

5. Sandwich a piece of pizza in between the pieces of parchment paper and place inside the pie iron.

8. Bake longer if you want the cheese to melt more or the crust to get crispier.

6. Cook the pizza over the campfire until desired crispiness. We start with 4-5 minutes per side.

Check out our most popular lunch recipe: Campfire Pizza Sandwiches

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3. Snack: Charcuterie Cups

Charcuterie boards are all the rage!

Enjoy the handheld version with a Charcuterie Cup. These cups can easily be personalized with each person’s favorite ingredients.

charcuterie shopping list at Let’s Camp S’more.

Chop or cube the meat and cheese.

Make fresh fruit and vegetable kabobs. Layer ingredients in each cup, having the fresh skewers sticking out of the cups.

For this fun snack, you need clear plastic cups, wooden skewers, lunchmeat, cheese, crackers and/ or bread sticks, dip, veggies, fresh or dried fruit, and nuts.

Check out our most popular snack recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

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4. Dinner: Dutch Oven Chicken & Veggies This hearty recipe is made by layering ingredients in your Dutch oven. Vary the cut of chicken, vegetables, and the seasonings each time you make this recipe and each will feel like a different meal.

INGREDIENTS sweet potato, baby carrots, mushrooms, onion flakes, garlic powder, salt & pepper, seasoning salt, and boneless & skinless chicken thighs.

1. Prepare charcoal briquettes for the Dutch oven.

2. Peel and chop the vegetable into chunks. powder, pepper, and seasoning salt.

3. Layer your vegetables in the Dutch oven. We placed the carrots and then the sweet potatoes.

9. Place the lid on the Dutch oven.

4. Sprinkle the onion flake, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top of the veggies.

10.Place at least 6-8 hot coals under the pot and 10-12 coals on the lid of the Dutch oven.

5. Layer the mushrooms on top.

11.Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check chicken for doneness before serving.

6. Add 1/4 cup of water.

7. Layer the chicken thighs on top.

Check out our most popular dinner recipe: Grilled Nachos

8. Sprinkle generously with garlic M AY 2 0 2 2

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5. Dessert: Campfire Cookies Everyone loves fresh baked cookies right out of the oven. Duplicate that taste out at the campground with campfire cookies.

For this recipe hack, you need cookie dough, a pie iron, and parchment paper. Make the cookie dough and home and freeze it into scoops or buy premade dough.

Prep your campfire to have cooking coals. Flames will burn the cookies!

7. Place over the hot coals.

If frozen, defrost your cookie dough for 30 minutes.

8. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the heat of the fire.

1. Cut 2 small pieces of parchment to fit inside your pie iron.

9. Carefully open the pie iron to see if the cookie is done. Bake longer if necessary.

2. Open the pie iron and place a piece of parchment on one side.

10.When the cookie is done to your liking, carefully remove the cookie and parchment paper from the pie iron.

3. Place a scoop of cookie dough on the paper.

4. Place the other piece of parchment paper on top of the scoop of dough.

Check out our most popular dessert recipe: S’more Nachos

5. Press down to flatten the cookie dough a little bit.

6. Close the pie iron and snap the clip in place.

“Everyone loves fresh baked cookies right out of the oven. Duplicate that taste out at the campground with campfire cookies.”

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RV KITCHEN

About the Author

Diana Hansen runs Let’s Camp S’more, a blog that helps camping enthusiasts simplify the outdoor process so they can relax and enjoy their next camping trip. Diana created the Easy Weekend Camping Cookbook, which includes 60 simple camping recipes organized into 6 weekend menus. She is offering $2 off for RV Camping Magazine readers using coupon code RVcamping. Get the cookbook here. You can also follow Diana and Eric on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Diana and her husband, Eric, live in Illinois. They have camped together in 29 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

You can find them driving their small motorhome around the Midwest, seeking out hiking and mountain biking trails. They love to camp along the Great Lakes.

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037

MEET JOEL HOLLAND

Meet

FROM HARVEST HOSTS

Joel Holland RVBLOGGER.COM

BY JOEL HOLLAND & BRIAN NEWMAN

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RV CAMPING

H

arvest Hosts is a membership program that provides access to over 3,000 farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, and other unique attractions. The program invites self-contained RVers to visit and stay overnight.

Harvest Hosts members are invited to stay at thousands of interesting locations around North America and experience

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039

MEET JOEL HOLLAND

RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING

M AY 2 0 2 2

041

MEET JOEL HOLLAND

“I also love running a passion-driven business that harmonizes with my lifestyle because it doesn’t feel like work.”

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RV CAMPING

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043

MEET JOEL HOLLAND

new opportunities to explore and enjoy the RVing lifestyle for a yearly membership fee.

The company’s goal is to provide meaningful experiences for RVers and Hosts alike.

We spoke with Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, about his RV adventures, how he’s built Harvest Hosts into the number 1 RV hosting company, and his goals for the future.

RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING

1. WHEN YOU STEPPED DOWN FROM THE CEO POSITION AT STORYBLOCKS IN 2016, YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAD THE WHOLE WORLD IN FRONT OF YOU. WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE RV LIFESTYLE?

My wife, Mary Ashley, and I were burned out on city living. We bought a truck and a fifth wheel sort of on a whim. We quickly fell in love with the RV lifestyle and the freedom that comes from living on the road.

We had a blast seeing the lower 48 and had M AY 2 0 2 2

so much fun because we stayed at these incredible Harvest Hosts locations. That’s how we discovered Harvest Hosts and ended up purchasing the company.

I genuinely love RVing, as does Mary Ashley, and we now have a young daughter who

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MEET JOEL HOLLAND

also travels with us - the whole lifestyle is just us! I also love running a passiondriven business that harmonizes with my lifestyle because it doesn’t feel like work.

2. HOW DID YOU FIND HARVEST HOSTS AT THE TIME, AND WHAT

DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS THAT KEPT YOU AND YOUR WIFE USING IT? After hundreds of nights spent RVing through all 48 lower states, our biggest gripe was the lack of unique RV overnight RVBLOGGER.COM

experiences. Then we joined Harvest Hosts, originally founded by Don and Kim Greene in 2010 after they experienced a similar program in France.

After staying at fascinating locations, from wineries to alpaca farms, it changed our RV travel experience

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“We love being able to continue [traveling] and also take care of this business simultaneously.” forever. These unique locations were incredibly fun and inviting. They enhanced our time on the road.

The first location we ever stayed at was a farm run by nuns in Kansas. They offered homemade soaps, handmade alpaca scarves, and even massages. Truly a great experience that led us to try more. In 2018 we decided to purchase Harvest Hosts. Don and Kim built an amazing company and community that we loved utilizing during our travels. We wanted to help take it to more RVers.

3. DURING YOUR TWO YEARS EXPLORING THE CONTIGUOUS U.S. WITH YOUR RV, YOU M AY 2 0 2 2

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AND MARY ASHLEY HAD INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES AS MEMBERS OF HARVEST HOSTS. NOW THAT YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT, DO THE TWO OF YOU STILL FIND TIME TO HITCH UP AND TRAVEL? Traveling is still at our core. In fact, I’m currently completing this interview from a

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lovely Harvest Hosts farm in Virginia! The whole gang is here–my wife, daughter, and our gaggle of three cats all crammed lovingly into our fifth wheel.

We love being able to continue that passion and also take care of this business simultaneously. We aim to travel as often as possible and try to frequent as many Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome locations possible. We are hard to miss these days with our Harvest Hosts-branded fifth wheel - 2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK. We also have a truck camper for some shorter trips we take.

4. DO YOU LIVE

BY ANY PIECE OF ADVICE OR MOTTO THAT FUELS YOUR MOTIVATION?

“We feel that RVing provides a sense of ultimate freedom, which most people seek but not enough find.”

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Our mission with When one of our Harvest Hosts is members passes simple: We feel that through, they typically: RVing provides a sense of ultimate freedom, • Stop and buy fuel which most people seek • Buy food at grocery but not enough find. stores • Purchase tickets to As cheesy as it sounds, museums and special we think we can help attractions many people live • Eat at local happier lives if we restaurants can get them off of • Shop in stores if the couch and onto they have a need the open road. We want to connect them Sometimes, they like with incredible places the town enough to that also support check into the local small businesses and RV park and stay a few communities. extra days. They always

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support the economy of the towns they visit.

That’s what we’re all about here at Harvest Hosts.

5. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF REGARDING ANY PERSONAL/ PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE LAST YEAR? I am most proud of how our team has grown.

We started 2021 with fewer than 10 full-time employees, and we’re now at 44. I’m also

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very proud of our work adding Boondockers Welcome to the Harvest Hosts family. We now have over 6,000 unique host locations across the two networks, so there is always a wonderful Host nearby.

6. WHAT’S ON YOUR RV BUCKET LIST? I’d honestly say one line item is to go to as many events as possible to spread the word about our company and mission. It’s always great to connect with people new to Harvest Hosts while also hearing from longtime members of the program.

Some of the best ideas and things to try have been brought to us by our members or those interested in becoming members. I love being able to hear that firsthand.

As for our travel bucket list, it’s easy: We want to RV through Alaska.

We’ve been hoping to do it for years, but something always seems to come up.

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Joel Combines His Passions Buying Harvest Hosts 7. YOUR EARLY GOALS FOR HARVEST HOSTS WHEN YOU PURCHASED IT IN 2018 WERE TO TRIPLE THE MEMBERSHIP, DOUBLE HOST LOCATIONS, AND SHARE THE BUSINESS SPACE WITH THE RV RENTAL COMPANIES. HOW BUMPY WAS THE ROAD TO ACHIEVING THESE FIRST STEPS? We had no idea how quickly this program would grow. When I first took over Harvest Hosts, the program had around 6,000 Members and close to 600 Host locations. We are now at over 220k Members and over 6,000 locations across Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome (roughly near RVBLOGGER.COM

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3,000 on each network alone). So, we definitely achieved those goals.

There have been some bumps along the way, and we’re constantly striving to improve the program for both our Members and our Hosts. Overall, we think we’ve done a pretty good job by listening to both Members and Hosts and immersing

ourselves in RVing.

That’s the best way to stay connected and make sure we make good decisions for the business.

8. AFTER PURCHASING HARVEST HOSTS, YOU ACQUIRED RV GOLF CLUB A FEW MONTHS AFTER. CURRENTLY, IT'S A $40 UPGRADE WITH M AY 2 0 2 2

THE STANDARD MEMBERSHIP. CAN GOLFERS HOPE TO SEE IT INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD PACKAGE, OR WILL IT ALWAYS BE AN EXTRA YEARLY “GREENS FEE?” Not every RVer has the same interests and lifestyles, so we tried to structure our plans to account for those

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differences. We have our classic plan, which includes 2900+ cool locations.

Then you have our golf upgrade for those who wish to add 400+ golf resorts and clubs to their membership.

Next, we have Boondockers Welcome, which grants you access to almost 3000

locations on privately owned land typically owned by other RV enthusiasts and can be used as a stand-alone membership or an add-on to your Harvest Hosts membership.

Or you can have all three for a total of 6000+ locations. So, we will most likely keep it separate for now, but you never know!

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9. ON THE HARVEST HOSTS WEBSITE, THE AMAZING PLACES RVERS CAN STAY INCLUDE: • Breweries & Distilleries • Farms • Golf Courses & Country Clubs • Museums & other attractions • Wineries

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE OTHER ATTRACTIONS, AND CAN YOU GIVE US A PREVIEW OF SOME NEW LOCATION TYPES THAT ARE SIGNING UP? Our most exciting new category is churches, and we now have over 100 in the program! We have also seen a major uptick in the number of animal sanctuaries and unique animal experiences on the platform.

There’s a place in Florida where you can RVBLOGGER.COM

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overnight and swim with manatees. And, of course, we love alpacas -- we have close to 100 host locations that have alpacas. The beauty of the Harvest Hosts program is that there is truly something for everyone and every family dynamic on the road.

10. ON JUNE 9, 2021, MEMBERS RECEIVED A COMBINED MESSAGE FROM YOU AND THE CREATORS OF BOONDOCKERS

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“We feel that RVing provides a sense of ultimate freedom, which most people seek but not enough.”

WELCOME ANNOUNCING THE MERGER. WE’RE ALMOST AT THE ONE-YEAR MARK; HOW’S THE TRANSITION GOING, AND HOW HAVE MEMBERS REACTED? We think it’s going well overall. As with any big merger or change, there will be growing pains, and we’ve had our fair share. The Harvest Hosts team really does value the sense of community on Boondockers Welcome, and we’re dedicated to continuing to improve the Boondockers Welcome experience.

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communication throughout the whole process of the merger and integration. Our members (and their experience) are so important to us. We wanted to make sure that they knew that.

We’ve added many features based on member feedback and will continue to do so.

11. SPEAKING OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE BW AND HH MERGER, ARE THERE ANY COMBINED MEMBERSHIP PLANS, NEW FEATURES, ANNIVERSARY SALES EVENTS, OR OTHER SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IN JUNE?

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One of the most exciting things to note here is the launch of our brand new app!

We’ve combined both platforms in an easyto-use app that should be available for all of our members within the month.

12. WITH THE HELP OF STRIPES SOFTWARE AND CONSUMER INVESTMENT FIRM, YOU’VE HAD AN AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION

STRATEGY THIS PAST YEAR. WE SAW THE BW MERGER, A BIG JUMP IN HOST LOCATIONS, AND A MEMBERSHIP POWER BOOST TO INCREDIBLE HEIGHTS. WHAT’S THE GOAL, AND WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN THE FUTURE? Our mission is to help millions of people live happier lives through road travel while M AY 2 0 2 2

supporting wonderful small businesses and communities along the way. That is our North Star!

Our goal is to keep growing so we can offer our members more and make Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome a must-have membership in the RV community. We also want to continue to honor small businesses and communities (our members will spend over $40M this year

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with the locations they visit–and we don’t take any cut of that).

All of our future projects focus on making the experience for our Members and Hosts even better by having continual product updates and continuing to add new and exciting locations.

We hope to add over 2,000 new Hosts in 2022 alone! Hope to see you on the road!

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STAY LOCAL OR VENTURE FAR

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With gas prices on the rise, there’s no better time to expand your RV camping options with a Harvest Hosts Membership! When you sign up, you’ll gain access to 2500+ farms, wineries, breweries, attractions, and museums that offer the chance to stay close to home or venture out on the road trip of a lifetime. Your Membership also includes exclusive member benefits and partnership deals meant to give you the best RVing experience possible.

As a RV Blogger reader, we’re offering you 15% off on your Harvest Hosts Membership. Just use the code RVBLOGGER on page 2 of checkout at harvesthosts.com or scan the QR code below. Sign up today and start a year of adventure!

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ARE WE THERE YET?

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hether you’re an RV veteran or just getting started, trip planning always comes with its share of challenges. And if you’re anything like me, you have a bucket list of destinations you’re more than ready to make a reality—just as soon as you can make the logistics work.

14 RV CAMPSITES WITHIN 20 MILES OF A NATIONAL PARK

BY SHAYNA FRANKENFIELD

This is especially true for popular spots on my list like national parks, where campsites can book up months in advance. And even when you’re lucky enough to nab a site, you’re often packed in tightly with dozens of other RVs. We’re always looking for alternatives to this experience, and that’s how we stumbled upon Hipcamp, a website and app (Apple // Android) that has helped me find and book some pretty amazing RV spots.

We were blown away by the variety of campsites all over the nation, even in wild, remote areas on our long road trip routes. We’re outof-the-box adventurers, and with Hipcamp, we’ve parked our RV at places like private animal rescues, treehouses,

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vineyards, and horse ranches. I now plan every RV trip around the unique Hipcamps that have flooded that travel bucket list of mine, some of which we even book with spontaneity on the same day we find them.

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That’s why we’re sharing some of our very favorite Hipcamp stays, all just a few miles outside some of the best national parks in the US. We hope it gives you some inspiration for your next adventure!

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1. NEAR WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA: OPULENT ACRES

Hosts Heath and Shannon offer wooded campsites with the opportunity to experience farm life in South Dakota, where overnight visitors can help out collecting eggs and milking goats, or even take a guided UTV tour in the Black Hills National Forest, a truly memorable experience.

The property’s community camper lounge features a well-stocked kitchen, bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a washer and dryer.

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2. NEAR BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UTAH: RANCHITO FELIZ

Surrounded by stunning red cliffs and overlooking the Paria River, this RV campsite is the perfect spot for classic Utah views of the Pink Cliffs, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Straight Cliffs.

Not only are camping pups welcome, but so are camping horses for traveling equestrians!

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3. NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA: BLUE QUARTZ WINERY & BREWERY I firmly believe that good food and quality craft drinks contribute to the best camping trips, and this place has both! Park your rig just a short walk from the taproom, where you can sample and buy local beer, wine, and snacks. Hit the fire pit, enjoy the vineyard views, and if you time your visit right, you can catch live music or hit up one of the rotating food trucks.

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4. NEAR OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON: OLYMPIC PENINSULA ALPACA RESCUE

This isn’t just an alpaca farm—it’s the largest nonprofit alpaca rescue on the west coast. Sign up for a private property tour to meet and hand-feed some of the 95 alpacas that call this place home, and help out with other farm animals such as llamas, sheep, guinea hens, and resident pups Heidi and Xena. Generators and rigs up to 35 feet are welcome, even if you’d prefer to steer clear of the alpacas!

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5. NEAR ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE: THE POINT

Just outside Acadia, this wilderness retreat fosters an appreciation for nature. Tuck your camper into the secluded woods and walk to the private ocean beach for sunset or spend your time exploring the petfriendly hiking trails.

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6. NEAR PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA: SONG OF THE ANCIENTS Tucked into the mountains with incredible dark skies, this quiet property is a stargazer’s dream.

Hipcamp Host Veronica dedicates her nonprofit to the conservation and restoration of this habitat and does important work to connect people with nature. A multitude of classes and programs are offered, covering topics such as native plant propagation and Indigenous land management techniques.

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7. NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH: ZION WRIGHT RANCH ECO-CAMP

With some of the best views in the area, this sprawling ranch is just minutes from Zion trailheads and is considered one of the best-kept secrets of Utah. Here you’ll also be in close proximity to both the park and the Kolob Reservoir, ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing. But you might just want to stay on the property because Hipcamp Host Bill W. offers private horseback riding sessions.

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8. NEAR HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS: SPA CITY HIPCAMP NOW

of Hot Springs. It’s hard to find camping spots here, but this fiveacre Hipcamp is a hidden gem offering peace and quiet with plenty of nature to explore, plus a crystalclear stream that runs through the property.

Hot Springs National Park is drastically different from other national parks, namely thanks to its proximity to the historic town

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9. NEAR LASSEN NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA: MILL CREEK RESORT

The charming Mill Creek Resort features eight wellspaced RV spots, creating a special serenity that only comes with camping somewhere with so few people. Here you’ll find everything you need, including full hookups, a camp store, a shower house, toilets, a laundry room, and even an onsite restaurant. To top it all off, short trails circle the property along Mill Creek.

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10. NEAR SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA: EL PAIS MOTEL AND CAMPGROUNDS

If you’re looking for style, El Pais has got it. Set up camp alongside a collection of vintage cars and retro art for a blast from the past, complete with a common area offering an outdoor kitchen, a pool, and even a movie screen. The Hosts are experienced RVers with tons of local knowledge—just ask where to pick up tacos on your way into Saguaro.

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11. NEAR MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO: SECOND CHANCE RANCH

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Set near Mesa Verde and the famous Four Corners, Second Chance Ranch is all about wide open spaces.

With 12 private camping sites, RVers can park for the night to find water hookups, an outhouse, a solar-heated shower, and views for miles.

Hit the property’s trails to spot wildlife or head out with your Hosts for a trip to the area’s best fishing holes.

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12. NEAR MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK: DRAGONFLY RANCH CAMPING WITH HORSES It’s absolutely surreal to wake up to the sun streaming into your RV windows, look outside—and see dozens of horses. At this oneof-a-kind campsite, you can park your RV right in the pasture with these four-legged friends, guaranteeing you one of the coolest RV experiences you’ve ever had.

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13. NEAR REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA: NEXT TO THE RIVER

Many RV travelers use this clean, calm RV park on the Klamath River as a home base when exploring Redwoods National Park and the rest of California’s far north.

It’s just a short walk to the river from camp, and during summer, the property is bursting with wild blackberry bushes. Expect electrical, water, and sewage hookups, plus Wi-Fi.

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14. NEAR JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS Spend your days wandering the desert landscape and its mountain backdrop at The Edge of the Wilderness, a sole private campsite completely away from the typical crowds inside Joshua Tree National Park.

Campers with vans, trailers, and RVs up to 23 feet can take advantage of electrical hookups, the private shaded deck (sunrise yoga, anyone?), zerogravity stargazing chairs, and a solarpowered charging station.

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MY INSIDER TIPS FOR FINDING AN RV SITE WITH HIPCAMP

based on budget, amenities, and pet-friendliness—the Hipcamp app is perfect for this.

1. USE FILTERS

2. REACH OUT TO THE HOSTS

Hipcamp has a ton of options for all types of adventurers, and filters help narrow things down.

Hipcamp Hosts are so happy to share the land they love with Hipcampers, so you should feel free to shoot them a message! I’ve found that most provide amazing local tips for food and hidden gems in the area. Every Host I’ve ever messaged has been super quick to reply and so enthusiastic about having visitors, whether we were their first or 500th guest!

Since I travel in an RV and have limited mobility, I always plug in the hookups I need and use the accessibility feature a LOT. If you’re in need of a last-minute spot, you can search for “Instant Book” sites to book a stay on the spot with no need to wait for approval. You can also filter for sites MAY 2022

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3. BE OPEN TO ADVENTURE!

With Hipcamp, I’ve met fellow RVers and found incredible, secluded campsites. I’ve also run into my fair share of the unexpected. Instead of planning every aspect of your travels, keep yourself open to all the awesome adventures you might find along the way! You might end up on an edible herb garden tour, loving on newborn alpacas, fishing in a private stream, or my personal favorite— on a private horseback ride with

Hipcamp Hosts who love sharing their little corner of the world. I’ve found that the best way to RV (and live life) is to stay flexible, enjoy the scenic moments, and avoid focusing too much on the road bumps.

“Instead of planning every aspect of your travels, keep yourself open to all the awesome adventures you might find along the way!”

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About the Author Shayna Frankenfield of Moments in Wanderland started back in 2017 as Shayna, Penny, and their travel husky Kaylee crossed the country to photograph everything they could in their 21foot Class C RV named Alice. They became hooked on Hipcamp during their travels and have had over 180 Hipcamp stays all over the US. The people they’ve met during their travels have had a long-lasting impact on their lives. Follow along on Instagram.

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I

n 1999, Everest Conversions Inc. Founder & CEO Pavel “Paul” Bosovik and his family came to the US as refugees after fleeing religious persecution in Ukraine. None of them spoke English when the family moved from Ukraine to the United States, but that did not stop their drive to succeed in the U.S.

A Success STORY FROM UKRAINE TO THE MISSOURI OZARKS

Paul's father took a job as an over-the-road truck driver, which did not require fluency in the English language, to provide for his family. Meanwhile Paul’s mother helped her family adjust to their new life in America. 23 years later, the Bosovik family, consisting of mom, dad, and 11 brothers and sisters, still strive for success, providing charity & a strong sense of community.

BY KENDRA KEOPKE

Having seen his parents give up everything they knew in Ukraine to provide their children with opportunities they never had, Paul was determined to make their dreams for him come true.

At the tender age of 10, Paul began displaying his knack M AY 2 0 2 2

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“After honing his skills in the construction industry, Paul knew he was destined for a change.” for business ventures.

His entrepreneurial endeavors began when he sold bookmarks to his classmates for a quarter. It was clear, even back then, that Paul's ambition, tenacity & drive would set him up for success.

Leaving his bookmark salesman days behind him, he graduated from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and married his wife, Nina.

He dove headfirst into the residential construction industry, working as a superintendent for one of the Midwest's most RVBLOGGER.COM

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“In early 2017, the Bosovik family sold their first recreational vehicle AN RV PRIVATE SALE LEADS to a young family outside Rogersville, TO A COMMUNITY SAVING Missouri. During this transaction, it BUSINESS became clear that the local community After honing his skills lacked any RV repair options.” in the construction prominent residential real estate developers.

industry, Paul knew he was destined for a change. He witnessed first-hand how the lack of work options devastated

his community and immediately knew he had to take action.

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In early 2017, the Bosovik family sold their first recreational vehicle to

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a young family outside Rogersville, Missouri.

During this transaction, it became clear that the local community lacked any RV repair options. In July of 2018, recognizing that need, the Bosoviks opened The RV Firm, which specializes in RV parts sales & service.

Despite the pandemic, the company quickly rose to the top of the industry in under 2 years and has provided some of the fastest lead times in the industry. From that first RV sale to today, the company has RVBLOGGER.COM

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worked hard to provide “the highest quality, first-class service” to everyone who purchases one of their RVs.

CLIMBING THE NEXT MOUNTAIN WITH CUSTOM CAMPER VANS

With The RV Firm operations wellestablished and the van life culture quickly growing in popularity,

Paul opened Everest Conversions in November of 2021 with this vision in mind: “Our vision at Everest is to connect as many people as possible to adventure and the great outdoors. We aim to transform their lives by designing and building affordable, practical, top-tier vans."

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“We continue to acknowledge and recognize the need for sturdy, well-built, environmentallyfriendly, low-impact alternative housing options. In addition, we're here to assist and cater to the everexpanding digital nomad and modernday vagabond that exists in all of us.”

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The custom camper van company has quadrupled manufacturing space and the number of employees in under 6 months to accommodate its thriving van conversion and e-commerce sales. Their customers can expect highquality products and personalized customer service as they continue to achieve their goals.

EVEREST CONVERSIONS CONTINUES TO EXPAND OPERATIONS

Everest Conversions looks to expand further into off-roading trucks, houseboats, and commercial vehicles. Currently, Everest is building a one-of-a-kind Adventure Truck for outlander enthusiasts, expeditionists, and adventureseekers alike for their latest venture.

With production well underway, the reveal is planned for September 17, 2022, in Springfield, MO. The company plans RVBLOGGER.COM

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to unveil the truck in style with a huge product launch party and expects guests from large companies such as Grand Prix Motorsports and Bass Pro Shops and local Springfield businesses and residents.

PAUL AND NINA’S GOALS OF GIVING BACK TO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

About the Author Our mission at Everest is to be the go-to vehicle conversion business in America and beyond. Whether you're a retired Snowbird, a parttime union worker in Montana, or a trendy young couple who adores the outdoor lifestyle, we promise to deliver a quality build tailored to exceed your expectations.

Learn more at www.everestconversions.com or www.thervfirm.com

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As the company grows, Paul and Nina have dreams of building orphanages in impoverished thirdworld countries.

They are proud foster parents who are passionate about supporting and giving back to their communities. Through their community’s support of growing businesses, they can contribute to charities that benefit at-risk youth locally and nationally.

If a young man from Ukraine can come to the U.S. and create a business empire out of a single RV transaction, it really gives hope to those still seeking their American dream.

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S

o, you've just bought an RV. You're probably eager to go on your first RV adventure with your new motorhome or travel trailer.

While hitting the open road is in your near future, it's smart to take a few initial steps. These pointers will help you stay safe and enjoy your RV trip. Here are some RV owner tips that you need to know before putting the key in the ignition.

TopFORTiTHEps

NEWBIE RV OWNER

STEP 1: TALK TO OTHER RVERS

Experience is the best teacher, and the RV World is a community that helps each other. It’s easy to start a conversation and make new friends during your travels.

Lean on these folks for advice.

Before your first trip, check out online blogs, social media groups, and RV forums. Online RV communities have great tips and tricks from RVers with all levels of knowledge and experience. Use their insights to have the best adventures.

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STEP 2: GET TO KNOW YOUR RV

Check out all of your systems.

You don't want to find yourself miles away from an RV service center and realize you don't M AY 2 0 2 2

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know how the RV's various functions work.

Your RV dealer probably gave you a final walkthrough, but how much do you remember?

Take some time before your trip to become comfortable with the control panel, utility bay, and other features in your RV. Read blogs and watch YouTubes videos on How to Setup Your RV Campsite for Beginners.

STEP 3: KNOW HOW TO PREPARE FOR TRAVEL

The RV is designed to transition from RV living to travel mode.

You'll save a lot of time and headaches if you know how to set it up and tear it down correctly. Write a checklist of what you need to do before you start driving. Here are some examples: • Pull up the steps M AY 2 0 2 2

“Take some time before your trip to become comfortable with the control panel, utility bay, and other features in your RV."

• Turn off the water heater and pump • Close roof vents • Secure all your stored items • Pull up the jacks • Lock the exterior bays This is not an exhaustive list. Take a walk around your RV, making sure there's nothing that could break on the road. Everything needs to be secured before leaving for your next destination.

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STEP 4: PACK THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

RVing is different from #TentLife. You need the right accessories to make things work. That includes connecting your water, electricity, TV inputs, internet, and sanitation systems.

Here’s a partial list of what you need to have on-hand for your RV: • Water pressure

regulator • Freshwater hose • Water filter • Chemical treatment for sanitation holding tank • Sewer hose and connectors • Surge protector • Extension cords • Leveling blocks Also, don't forget to have several handy items you'll use along RVBLOGGER.COM

the way. That includes emergency kits for your tow vehicle, RV, first aid, survival, and tools. Of course, that's in addition to your food, personal items, and what you need to stay comfortable during your trip.

STEP 5: PLAN A SHORT TRIP

Your first RV trip should be close to home. Don't go too far away until you get used to the RV experience. When

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you’re close to home, it allows you to run back for anything you may have forgotten.

Starting slow gives you the chance to get your logistics straight.

RVers usually call this the “shakedown” trip as they learn how to camp in their new coach.

These short vacations keep your risk low and allow you to make lists of things you want to have on hand for your next camping

adventure. It also gives you a chance to adjust and prepare for longer excursions. Your new camping friends may help you with other tips and suggest online apps.

STEP 6: LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RV

Your RV gives you a chance to get away and relax. As an RV owner, renting your RV through RVnGO.com keeps your RV moving M AY 2 0 2 2

“Also, don't forget to have several handy items you'll use along the way."

instead of sitting in storage. Instead of paying owner’s costs, renting it out when you’re not using it, your coach could be earning income paying for itself.

With enough rentals, it may help pay for your next RV trip.

Why not take a minute and see how much money you can make by renting out your RV when you aren’t using it! You might just be surprised!

Hey RVer! We realize that when it comes to travel, vacations and renting out your RV, that you have a lot of options Some of the options are better known and have been around longer than us.

THAT MEANS: We work harder to make a bigger impact.

We work harder to earn your trust and loyalty.

BECAUSE We can’t afford to take you for granted.

We can’t afford the ole’ bait & switch.

We can’t afford hidden or tacked on fees.

We can’t afford giving “cheap” insurance and hiding details of what’s covered.

We don’t just say We Bring People Closer Together...

At RVnGO. We live and breath it.

Find Out More Today At

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BLACK SERIES: BUILT FOR OFF ROAD ADVENTURES NEWS PROVIDED BY BLACK SERIES

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hen you look at the exterior of an RV, if you’ve looked at enough of them, you can have a pretty good idea of how it’s going to look inside. More than likely, a 40 ft. fifth wheel with fullbody paint will have a luxury interior.

Conversely, a 20 ft. travel trailer with decal graphics will be comfortable but more value friendly.

Then there are the Black Series travel trailers. At first glance, you’d think these towable tanks with expedition vehicle suspensions would have a practical interior.

After all, the knobby all-terrain tires, red side guards, full lowerhalf diamond-plate armor, and two spare tires tell you that these RVs are ready for extreme terrain battle.

Once you open the entry door of a Black Series pop-up, toy hauler, or travel trailer, it's like stepping through an extra-dimensional door. You’ll find soft luxury features meant for relaxation.

Black Series provides an exterior or portable shower to clean off before you go inside to answer your first question. Keep your boots handy because, like many Australian camper trailers, the smaller trailers and the pop-ups have RV outdoor kitchens to maximize the interior space.

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A POP-UP CAMPER MADE TO DOMINATE THE LANDSCAPE

ground. You may even notice more road noise coming from the tires when traveling on the pavement.

When you make that right turn off the roads of civilization, that’s At first glance, the when the Dominator Black Series Dominator wakes up. As you trek Pop-Up Camper looks through the back trails long and relatively filled with rocks, debris, flat compared to and mud holes, this the mainstream pop-up camper will competitors. There are climb through it all. a lot of external bays and hatches on both Once you’ve found your sides of the camper, perfect off-grid campsite and it rides high off the you drop the four heavyM AY 2 0 2 2

duty adjustable jacks.

The two crank winches do all the heavy lifting as you flip the camper’s lid 180° forward over the hitch. After that, just follow the pole diagram on the back of the diagonal exterior bay door, and you’ll have all the headroom you need.

Here are some other unique features the Black Series Dominator has: • Roof size cargo rack • A pull-out RV outdoor kitchen

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roof, you can enjoy a queen-size bed and convertible dinette inside. The inside The HQ12 can be your kitchen has everything mud buddy through your you need to cook bogging adventures. This something good. The pop-top travel trailer double spout faucet is very friendly for your connects to the 2 fresh garage, SUV, and fuel water tanks. One is for budget. Give the 16-inch utility and the other has wheels and independent a triple filter for drinking suspension a workout. water. The 64-gallon After sitting cooped tank holds water for up all week, both you your shower, cleaning and your HQ12 need a your dishes, and other weekend in the wild. needs.

HQ12 POP TOP MUD BUDDY

When it’s time to drop the jacks and lift the • Queen-size bed, U-shaped seating, and freestanding table • Front bay storage with 12v DC ports for electric coolers • 2x 100-Ah batteries, 1,000-watt inverter, a briefcase-style portable 120-watt solar panel • 35-gallon freshwater tank • Portable shower and portable commode • UVW: 2,740 lbs., GVWR: 4,400 lbs., Tongue Weight: 440 lbs.

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The 16-gallon tank comes standard with

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a triple filter system specifically for drinking.

Both the gray and black are 26 gallons each.

The sizes vary with each model, but this is one of Black Series’ unique differences in their camper trailers.

Here are some others

exclusive to the HQ12: • Premium leather on the dinette lounge chairs • Pop-top softshell uses polymer-coated canvas • 13,500 BTU air conditioner and 16,000 BTU furnace

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“The HQ17 rear bunk beds give you enough sleeping space to bring the whole family on a boondocking RV adventure over the “hills and through the woods."

• Porcelain commode and hot water system • 2x 100Ah house batteries, 2,000-watt inverter, 4x 150-watt solar panels mounted • 12-inch electric tow brakes and ADR approved off-road poly block hitch • UVW: 4,422 lbs., GVWR: 7,500 lbs., Tongue Weight: 750 lbs.

HQ17 A COOL FAMILY CAMPER The HQ17 rear bunk beds give you enough sleeping space to bring the whole family on a boondocking RV

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adventure over the “hills and through the woods.”

Here are some of the other great features of the HQ17: • Tri-lock Security entry door with locking fly screen • Spray foam R-16 insulation on roof and sidewalls • 6 cubic foot refrigerator • Large interior and outdoor stainless steel sinks • 4x 100Ah batteries, 2,000-watt inverter, 4x 150-watt solar panels • 2x Rear-facing

recovery shackle recovery hooks • UVW: 5,952 lbs., GVWR: 10,000 lbs., Tongue Weight: 1,000 lbs.

OPEN THE DOOR TO THE POSSIBILITIES OF BLACK SERIES Open the entry door to the possibilities of the Black Series pop-ups, toy haulers, or travel trailers. When you see for yourself what’s

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“If you need a full-time RV that needs to withstand the harsh environments of a gold mine, the HQ21 may interest you."

inside that tough exterior, then you’ll know which model is right for you.

If you need a full-time RV that needs to withstand the harsh environments of a gold mine, the HQ21 may interest you. Did you hear about that secret ATV trail that’s almost impossible to get to; load your 4-wheeler up in the TH19 or TH22 toy hauler.

Contact your local Black Series RV Dealership today, so they can help you begin your quest for the best off-road travel trailer.

RVblogger.com

NOTEWORTHY

NEWS

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STATE LAWS PAVE THE WAY FOR EVS NEWS PROVIDED BY COLTURA & RVIA

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ashington State Governor Jay Inslee recently signed into law a bill setting a date of 2030 for all new cars registered in the state to be electric. The measure, known as Clean Cars 2030, sets the most aggressive state target in the U.S. for the phaseout of gasoline cars – a full five years ahead of California’s 2035 deadline – and establishes an interagency council tasked with creating a plan for achieving the 2030 target.

The measure, passed as part of “Move Ahead Washington,” a nearly $17 billion transportation package, will spur public and private investment in EVs and EV charging infrastructure and help Washingtonians save money on vehicle fuel and maintenance while enjoying cleaner air and water.

“The war in Ukraine and the burden of high gas prices on families demonstrate the importance of ending our dependence on gasoline and preparing for an all-electric transportation future,” said Matthew Metz, founder and coexecutive director of Coltura.

“By targeting 2030 as an end

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date for the sales of gasoline cars in Washington, Clean Cars 2030 gives confidence to consumers, automakers, utilities, investors, and others that now is the time to go all-in on an all-EV future.”

"Clean Cars 2030 outlines a clear path forward for the future of the electric vehicle transition in our state," said Senator Marko Liias. "This

part of our Move Ahead Washington plan will create a timeline with the data, tools, and guidelines that every sector from governments to businesses can plan for with confidence.

This is a monumental step towards reducing our carbon emissions in Washington, and I'm proud that our state is once again a leader in addressing the climate crisis."

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“The signing of Clean Cars 2030 into law builds on our incredible track record here in Washington leading on big climate issues."

"The signing of Clean Cars 2030 into law builds on our incredible track record here in Washington leading on big climate issues," said Representative Nicole Macri, who first introduced the measure in 2020. "Clean Cars 2030 puts Washington

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on the road to powering its vehicles with cheap, clean, renewable electricity produced in-state and reduces the threat that oil and gasoline pose to our air, water, health, and economy."

Research commissioned

by Coltura and conducted by Yale University, George Mason University, and Climate Nexus found 55 percent of voters nationally support a full phaseout of gasoline cars starting in 2030. Bolstered by its

success in Washington, Coltura is leading coalitions working to pass similar Clean Cars 2030 measures in other states. Earlier this month a Clean Cars 2030 bill was introduced in the Rhode Island legislature.

CLEAN CAR 2030 ONLY INCLUDES LIGHT-DUTY VEHICLES

The Washington State Clean Cars 2030 measure focuses on light-duty vehicles like cars, crossovers, mid-size SUVs, and 150/1500 series trucks.

Passenger vehicles and

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RVs exempt from this legislation include: • Full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition • 250/2500 Series pickup trucks and larger • Large Class C Motorhomes on the Chevy Express or Ford E/F-Series Chassis • Super C Motorhomes on the Freightliner Chassis • Gas Class A Motorhomes on the Ford F-53 or F-59 Chassis • Diesel Class A Motorhomes on

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Freightliner or Spartan HB 443 allows Virginia’s Chassis State Park authorities to “locate, operate, VIRGINIA’S STATE PARK EV regulate the use of, and CHARGING STATIONS install signage relating In January, the Virginia to the electric vehicle State Congress passed (EV) charging stations House Bill 443. The on property under its bill addresses the jurisdiction.” It also concern of the lack of adds the parks to a EV charging stations in list of organizations the most rural areas of that can operate EV the state including their chargers “outside recreational parks. of the traditional M AY 2 0 2 2

definition of selling electricity.”

This new born infrastructure law is still in the planning stage, so it will take time to put everything into place. The RVIA finds Virginia HB443 an exciting step forward for the RV World since it sets a model for other states to follow.

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About Coltura Coltura improves climate, health, and equity by accelerating the transition from gasoline and diesel to cleaner alternatives. It focuses on changing gasoline supply, gasoline demand, and gasoline culture through innovative legal and policy pathways, media, and art. Coltura first proposed phasing out gas cars by 2030 in 2017. Learn more at www.coltura.org.

About RVIA

The RV industry is committed to promoting exploration, adventure, and responsible recreation, while advocating for innovation and conservation in our business practices.

As an association, we encourage and promote sustainability, diversity, safety, and the many community activities of our member companies. Find out how the RV industry and our partners in the outdoor segment are working together to create accessible, inclusive, and lasting positive experiences for millions of Americans looking to enjoy the benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle. Discover more at www.rvia.org.

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