Basic Tire Maintenance for Every Driver

The tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road. When they are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle will be maximized. Conversely, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, all of the safety systems on the vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blow-out or hydroplaning situation. Air pressure in a tire is like oil in an engine; when it is low, the resulting internal damage is unseen until it is too late. Tires naturally lose 1-2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect will eventually result in a tire that cannot support the weight of the vehicle and the occupants. When this happens, the resulting blow-out can result in the loss of control and an accident.
It’s also important to rotate the tires on the vehicle every 5-7,000 miles. Today’s front-wheel-drive vehicles cause the steer tires to wear at a much faster rate than the tires on the rear axle. By periodically rotating the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front, motorists can achieve even treadwear on all four tires and increase the mileage and performance. Failing to rotate the tires often results in the front tires wearing out faster while the rear tires develop irregular treadwear patterns that cause vibrations. The same can be said for alignments. When the vehicle is not properly aligned, the tires will wear out faster which leads to increased operating costs.
Finally, drivers should perform a visual inspection of their tires on a regular basis, especially after hitting a pothole, curb or any type of road debris. Bulges, cuts and other visible damage weaken the internal components of the tire, which can lead to a blow-out. Regular visual inspections will often identify any potential problems before they result in an accident. It’s also a good idea to have the tires inspected by a professional before any long road trips to ensure there are no obvious out-of-service conditions that must be addressed.

Adventure is Out There!

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.

Safety Tips for Your Road Trip

Cellular Security: To stay in touch with work and home, as well as handle unexpected events on the road, a cell phone is essential. Before leaving on your trip, ask your service provider about roaming fees and countrywide coverage.

Overall Checkup: Whether you do it yourself or go to a garage, pre-trip auto maintenance is key to comfortable cruising. Check the wiper blades, all fluid levels (oil, water, etc.), belt and hose connections, tire pressure, turn signals, horn and headlights. If your car is still not instilling confidence, consider an all-out professional inspection.

Trunk 101: Exactly how prepared you want to be as far as your in-car tool kit is up to you, but a few items go without saying (OK, we'll say them anyway). The following should always be within easy reach when you open your trunk door: a tire iron, bottled water, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and reflectors/flares.

Spare Care: Just because you have a spare tire doesn't mean it's in working order. Give it a good look before hitting the road to ensure it's properly pumped and the treads are intact. If you've got the space, swap out doughnut tires for a full-size spare.

Packing Tips for a Road Trip

When you've got an entire motorhome for a suitcase, the impulse can be to bring along everything. Lighten your load (and increase your gas mileage) by keeping these tips in mind:

When it comes to clothes, less is more. You don't need every pair of designer jeans in your wardrobe, nor scores of socks. One perk of having your own wheels is that a fresh set of clothes is as close as the nearest coin laundry.

Stick to 1 bag per person. The 1-suitcase rule is ace for preventing over packing. Avoid bulky hard-case suitcases if possible; opt instead for soft duffel bags and backpacks, which can be more easily squeezed into limited trunk space.

Keep the essentials within reach. A sturdy canvas bag kept within easy reach of the front seat and stocked with items such as road maps, games for the kids kept in plastic baggies, a first-aid kit, sunglasses, handiwipes and a pocket knife will make dealing with surprises on the road easier.

Fuel Savings While Rving

When it comes to miles per gallon, size isn’t all that matters. Compact, aerodynamic and lighter-weight motorized models are more fuel-efficient than ever. Towable RVs account for more than two-thirds of RV sales, and innovative designs coupled with lightweight, durable building materials mean there are many that can be towed by family minivans and small to mid-sized SUVs.

Check out how savvy RVers save on fuel:

Camp closer to home. With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers can enjoy the outdoor experience whether they travel five miles or 500 miles.
  
Stay longer in one place. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right, offering pools, playgrounds, hiking trails, entertainment centers, organized activities, convenience stores and so much more.
  
Pack lighter by not topping off fresh water tanks until at the campground and by purchasing firewood and other camping materials on-site to keep the RV lightweight while traveling. Be sure holding tanks are dumped before heading out to further lighten the load.
  
Tune up the engine of your motorhome or tow vehicle, inflate tires properly and conduct regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.

Some other facts to keep in mind:
  
Fuel is typically only the fourth largest expense on a road trip, behind lodging, food, vehicle payment and maintenance.
  
Airfares and hotel rates also rise when fuel costs increase and fuel surcharges are added. You can avoid those costs in an RV.
  
Fuel prices would need to more than triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.

Stargazing Across America

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

Happy Fall Adventures

We hope you all are enjoying some nice and cool fall camping! Share your photos when you go- we would love to see your adventures!!!

For the Love of Camping!

What is one of your favorite things about getting out into the open?

Tsali Recreation Area

Tsali Recreation Area Bryson City, North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the most precious views in the country, and the Tsali Recreation Area remains a hidden gem in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina. Your family will never complain of boredom when you’re out hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and boating among tree-covered mountain peaks.

RV Campgrounds: Amenities and Activities

Many of today’s campgrounds are destinations in and of themselves, offering a wide range of getaway activities that go beyond the standard swimming pools and camp stores. Campgrounds located near popular tourist destinations frequently offer shuttle transportation to and from town. Here is a sampling of amenities that RV campgrounds offer, all designed to keep families entertained without needing to leave the campground property.

For kids:

Organized games and activities with park activity directors on staff
Arts and craft classes
Game rooms

For the whole family:

Miniature golf
Splash yards for the youngest members of the family to full-scale water parks complete with lazy rivers
Outdoor movie theaters
Live weekend entertainment

For the outdoor lovers:

Nature hikes
Lakes with canoes and kayaks
Fishing ponds
Bike paths

Enjoy the Ride!

Nothing more satisfying than getting out into the open! What exciting rving plans are in store for you this spring and summer?

Choose the perfect rv park for your rv style

Nothing can make of break your RV trip like choosing a park not suited to your needs. Love kids and looking for a family park or retired and looking to make new friends. These things matter when selecting an RV park to visit. Check out tips and research ideas that will help you choose the RV park that’s perfect for you.

Death Valley National Park

Put Death Valley National Park on your rving adventure list! Death Valley National Park is one of California's most amazing attractions, offering over 3 million acres of diverse landscapes. Located in the Mojave Desert, it features some of the lowest, driest, and hottest places in the world! To some this might not seem like the most ideal vacation spot - but because of its unique environment Death Valley National Park has unparalleled scenery.

Being such a huge park, Death Valley presents an abundance of trails, campgrounds, and activities to keep the whole family engaged. With so much to offer, it can be a bit overwhelming when planning a trip there. Here is a guideline to help make sure you don't miss anything!