How to Take a Digital Detox Vacation

When airlines first started offering Internet access on planes, there was an outcry from many folks who were connected almost around the clock and therefore cherished the precious time in the air when no one could call, email or text them. Many saw this quiet time as one of the most enjoyable elements of what were otherwise arduous business trips.

Similar debates raged over whether or not to allow cell phone use on planes. Do we really want to interrupt the relative quiet of an airplane with ringing phones and inane conversations?

Most of us know at least one person who has posted something to Facebook or Twitter along the lines of "Aircraft doors closing, stack of magazines and neck pillow at the ready," with some sort of anti-digital hashtag.

The fact that so many folks announce delight in time away from devices and social media via a device on social media seems as good an indicator as any that there may be something to the growing popularity of digital detox vacations.
Why Do a Digital Detox?
Should I Do This While Traveling -- and How?

In some respects, a vacation is a perfect time to eschew all types of digital stimulation; you are out and around, often in an entirely new environment, and have far less exposure to the moments of boredom or distraction that lead folks back to their screens again and again.

On the other hand, most of us know how helpful our devices are when traveling in an unfamiliar place. In fact, it could be argued that a smartphone shifts from a source of distraction to a superb tool when navigating new cities, finding things to do and dealing with travel snafus.

- Be ready for withdrawal symptoms
- Plan to enjoy (and not regret) missing out on what everyone else is doing
- Be prepared with things like paper maps and written phone numbers
- Set small goals (maybe a 24- or even 12-hour detox instead of a week the first time out)
- Plan something that will occupy and entertain you

This last item in particular suggests that travel might be the perfect time to try a digital detox; spending your afternoon snorkeling can make it really easy to skip fitful checks of your phone.

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How to Stabilize Your RV

 

After your RV is leveled, you'll want to stabilize it so it doesn't rock back and forth when you walk around inside. You should use stabilizing jacks to accomplish this.

Note: These should never be used to level a rig, as they weren't designed for that purpose.

Stabilizing jacks come in several configurations. The most common is the scissor jack, which is usually bolted or welded to the trailer's frame at the front and rear.

Pop-up tent trailers are frequently equipped with a drop-down style jack, which, as the name implies, drops down from the frame.

To use the stabilizing jacks after you've leveled the RV:

1. Lower the jacks following the manufacturer's instructions. To save time and give the foot of each jack a larger base, slide a couple of short 2x4- or 2x6-inch boards beneath each foot. This is especially helpful if the ground is loose or sandy.

2. Once the jack foot is in contact with the ground, give the crank a few extra turns to provide the trailer a secure footing. Check the bubble level to make sure your RV remains level. Do this for all four corners.

How to Level an RV

 

There are several reasons to make sure your RV is level, including proper refrigerator operation and safe slide out extension (if you have them). You'll also want to stabilize your rig so that it doesn't sway when you move about inside or in windy conditions.

Many luxury motorhomes and trailers come equipped with exotic self-leveling systems, with hydraulic or electric rams that extend at the touch of a button and level the coach automatically. For rigs without this nicety, leveling blocks or ramps and a small bubble level are required.

Leveling blocks or ramps don't have to be expensive. They can be as simple as a stack of 2x10-inch boards. Or, you can step up to interlocking RV leveling blocks. Made of high-strength plastic, these blocks are touted as being able to bear the weight of even the largest motorhomes and trailers.

How to Park an RV

You've finally made it to the campground. But before you can run off to the lake or go for a hike, the first order of the day is to park and level your RV so that your refrigerator will operate properly and you don't find yourself in bed at night with your feet higher than your head.

Never assume your site will be flat or level. That would make parking an RV too easy. Due to the nature of camping, chances are higher that your site will be rutted, gouged and somewhat uneven.

But don't fret. You can still get your RV into your spot, and leveled so it operates properly, with a few easy steps. Here's how:

How to Park an RV

With many campsites designed to accommodate smaller vehicles, easing your 30-foot long fifth-wheeler or even longer motorhome into some spots can be a challenge.

That's why it's important to:

6 Quick Tips for RV Beginners

Whether you're a family of weekend campers or a retired couple looking to travel full-time, every RV beginner has to know a few important things before making the maiden voyage. Here are six quick tips to consider before you pile in and head out.

Tip 1: Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

This isn't always an easy decision, with pros and cons for both. However, when you consider a few key factors, the answer becomes clearer.

• Buy: You plan to go RV camping often or full-time and you have storage for the times when you aren't traveling.
• Rent: You plan to go on a single trip, or want to test the waters before making a purchase.

Tip 2: Get to Know Your RV

With little road experience, it's especially important that RV beginners take time to learn how the motorhome works, even if it's just a rental. If something breaks, you should be able to assess the problem, and potentially fix it. This saves time and money spent at a mechanic.

How to Level an RV

There are several reasons to make sure your RV is level, including proper refrigerator operation and safe slide out extension (if you have them). You'll also want to stabilize your rig so that it doesn't sway when you move about inside or in windy conditions.

Many luxury motorhomes and trailers come equipped with exotic self-leveling systems, with hydraulic or electric rams that extend at the touch of a button and level the coach automatically. For rigs without this nicety, leveling blocks or ramps and a small bubble level are required.

Leveling blocks or ramps don't have to be expensive. They can be as simple as a stack of 2x10-inch boards. Or, you can step up to interlocking RV leveling blocks. Made of high-strength plastic, these blocks are touted as being able to bear the weight of even the largest motorhomes and trailers.

1) With your RV positioned in the site where you want it, place the bubble level on the floor to determine if the unit is level both front-to back and side-to-side. If you have slide outs, extend them now to see which way your trailer or motorhome leans. Then retract them for safety.

2) Next, mark some lines in the dirt in front or back of the tires on the side that needs to be leveled.

3) Now pull your rig forward (or back it up) so that the tires are clear of the lines. Place your boards or blocks in position. If you determine that you'll need several layers of boards or blocks to get your rig level, build them in a ramp configuration.

Don't try to force your RV to climb up more than 2 inches at a time.

4) Move your motorhome or trailer up onto the levelers, making sure to keep the tire footprint completely on the boards or blocks. Don't let your tires overhang any edge as this can cause damage.

5) Now check the bubble level again and adjust the height of the boards or blocks as needed so that your rig is level side-to-side. When all looks good, place wheel chocks in front or behind the tires (depending which way the site slopes) to keep the trailer from moving. You can then disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle and use the trailer's hitch jack (or a fifth-wheel's "landing gear") to fine-tune the front-to-rear level.

For motorhomes, put the transmission in "park" and set the parking brake.

How to Park an RV

You've finally made it to the campground. But before you can run off to the lake or go for a hike, the first order of the day is to park and level your RV so that your refrigerator will operate properly and you don't find yourself in bed at night with your feet higher than your head.

Never assume your site will be flat or level. That would make parking an RV too easy. Due to the nature of camping, chances are higher that your site will be rutted, gouged and somewhat uneven.

But don't fret. You can still get your RV into your spot, and leveled so it operates properly, with a few easy steps. Here's how:

How to Park an RV

With many campsites designed to accommodate smaller vehicles, easing your 30-foot long fifth-wheeler or even longer motorhome into some spots can be a challenge.

That's why it's important to:

• Verify that your RV can get to your campsite. While the roads in most campgrounds are easy to navigate, there are still some that could be difficult to access due to hairpin turns and tight squeezes among boulders and trees. Some camping websites post caution notices to warn owners of longer rigs that they might want to consider another campground. If such warnings don't appear on the website and you have concerns, contact the campground directly and ask.
• Make sure your rig will fit the campsite. Most campground reservation websites provide details for each site, including its length. Check that the spot you've selected will accommodate both your tow vehicle and your trailer, or your motorhome, without sticking out into the road. Some reservation sites will also indicate low hanging tree branches or other obstructions.
• Check the campsite before you pull in. If you can do so without blocking traffic, get out and look the spot over. Scope out any objects or terrain that might pose hazards, such as drainage ditches, roadside markers, low hanging branches, posts, and power and water hookups. These same obstacles can prevent you from extending slide outs, so make sure you have clearance. Also, check to see if there are any especially low spots in the site that you'll want to avoid.
• Have an assistant guide you in. No matter how skilled you think you are at backing into campsites, things will go a lot smoother with extra eyes watching. There's nothing worse than the embarrassing crunch of an RV bumper kissing a large rock or a picnic table. Your helper can also make sure you've got the rig in straight and that you're completely out of the road. For easier communication, get yourself a pair of two-way radios so you and your assistant won't have to yell.

Tools for Your RV Toolbox

No matter how well constructed your rig might be, eventually something will have to be tightened, loosened, pounded flat, pried or cut. Here are some basics that can help you deal with everyday problems and annoyances:

• Socket wrench set (standard and metric) for tightening and loosening bolts and machine nuts.
• Phillips head and flat bladed screwdrivers (large, medium, small) for tightening and loosening screws; also for prying items apart.
• Standard pliers for holding machine nuts while installing or removing, or squeezing items together.
• Channel-lock pliers (medium and large) for dealing with oversized machine nuts or turning pipes 10-inch Crescent wrench-for when sockets won't fit properly.
• Small drill bit set with sizes ranging from 1/16- to 1/4-inch. Get the type that works with both metal and wood.
• Cordless drill with spare battery for turning the drill bits that make the holes. Also good for lowering and raising trailer stabilizing jacks.
• Sturdy claw hammer enables you to straighten what got bent, bend what got straightened, drive nails and stakes, and pull 'em out again, and provide "persuasion" where needed.
• Pocket knife for cutting rope and twine, stripping wire insulation, or just whittling if you're so inclined.
• Hobby knife with blade protector and extra blades, extremely sharp, for making very precise cuts in canvas, vinyl, tape, paper, wood and some plastics.
• Wire cutters for cutting electrical wire, or turning metal coat hangers into marshmallow skewers.
• Small tape measure to determine how much electrical wire you're going to need, or how much ground clearance you'll have while trying to get over that boulder embedded in the road.
• Mini hacksaw with extra blades good for cutting away twisted bolts, damaged metal work, thicker plastics...anything where a knife won't work.
• Small two-way bubble level to make sure your rig is properly leveled so you're not sleeping with your feet higher than your head.
• Folding tree saw for cutting trees that have fallen across the only road out and you can't back up.Emergency use only; rangers and camp hosts frown when you start your own tree service on government and private land.

Camping Smart

When planning for your next camping trip, make sure you take safety and security into account. Here are some key safety measures to camp safely and wisely.

Camping with Kids

Do you like the idea of camping but find it too daunting after putting in long work days, school activities, and all of the necessities of life? Here are some tips for camping with kids that just may get you on your way.

Lake Of The Ozarks

There are many ways to enjoy the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation, but one of the most memorable is sleeping under the stars and enjoying the splendor of an Ozark moon while sitting around the warm glow of a campfire. Camping and RVing are fantastic ways to experience the natural beauty of Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks.

California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Road trip along Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur offers must-see sites from quirky to sublime.

2016 Forest River Forester 3051SF

Condition New
Stock Number 4517
Year 2016
Make FOREST RIVER
Brand FORESTER
Model 3051SF
VIN 1FDXE4FSXGDC01242
Slideouts1
Length31' 11"

Tips for Rving on the Beach

The only thing better than a day at the beach is spending several days at the beach. surrounded by surf, sand, and sunshine.

Royal Gorge

With granite walls towering 1000 feet above the river below, the Royal Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in Colorado.

Camping with Dogs

New to Camping? Here is a guide to camping with your dogs for beginners.

Stargazing Across America

Great destinations to enjoy a starry night sky across the U.S.

Leading Value in the RV Industry

2015 Shasta Oasis 25BH

The Oasis has all you need for an impressive home base. A full galley kitchen with a 3 burner cooktop, residential 60/40 sink, a 6 cubic foot refrigerator, and a 6 gallon gas DSI water heater. Outside there's pass-through storage, and front diamond plate rock guard to make your life easy. When it's finally time to sleep, enjoy the comfortable 60" x 74" queen bed, with reading lights and wardrobes. Oasis from Shasta is the value leader for all your travels!

The Oldest Known Airstream

The Airstream Torpedo, built in 1935