Tips and Tricks – Campanda News

How To Find Your Next Great Hike

Tom Sperner — Mon, 14 May 2018 17:04:37 +0000

Hiking On RV Trips

Hiking is one of the best activities you can do with your family while on an RV trip. There’s something really special about getting out and being in nature. It brings the family together, cleanses the soul and provides a sense of well-being and accomplishment.

Here I am at 2,915 feet on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The internet has made it a lot easier to find information on great local hikes, but sometimes finding the information you want (or need — not always the same thing!) requires a bit of digging around. Fortunately, I’ve spent a lot of time doing exactly that kind of research and am happy to share these resources with you so you can find your own perfect hike. These resources are tried and true: My wife Camille and I are full-time RVers and hiking enthusiasts. We’ve visited 29 states in two years and have used the resources described in this article to find amazing hikes everywhere we’ve been. (Click here to read Camille’s article on Campanda Magazine about our five favorite hikes.)

Hiking: How It Used To Be

Remember paper trail maps? There was a time when you’d literally have been lost without one!

I’ve been camping and hiking with my family and friends ever since I can remember. Before Camille and I started our RV journey, we lived in California where I spent every summer backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The resources used to find great hiking trails have changed dramatically over the years. Before the internet, mobile phones and social media, I used to buy guidebooks and maps to find good hikes. Then I’d call U.S. Forest Service or National Park ranger stations to check on permit requirements and current conditions. Once I’d chosen a hike, I would go to a local outdoor store to find a topographical trail map of the area. The maps usually cost around $10 but were a great insurance policy against getting lost in the wilderness. And off we would go with our backpacks, tents and a roll of film in our cameras on a grand adventure!

A Brave New World

Ironically, there are now so many free online resources available that you can spend more time researching hikes than actually hiking! But if you know where to look, these resources can make the process a lot simpler than it used to be. For example, we were in Atlanta for the first time and didn’t know anything about hiking there — so I jumped on the laptop and mobile phone and got to work.

Internet Resources For Hikers

Google (or the search engine of your choice) is a great starting point for discovering nearby trails.

One of the things we like to do is hike to the highest point in each state we visit. When we were in Atlanta, I simply typed “highest point in Georgia” into an internet search engine and it returned literally millions of web links including a Wikipedia article on Brasstown Bald — Georgia’s highest point at 4,784 feet above sea level. That’s almost a mile high! Not bad for being east of the Rockies (remember, I’ve been spoiled by all the high peaks in California). A related link at the bottom of the search results page was “Brasstown Bald hiking.” It included a link to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website.

National park and forest websites are excellent resources — sort of like online visitor centers!

If the hike that you’re investigating is located on National Park Service or National Forest land, these websites are great places to find information about driving directions, trail conditions, alerts, closures and any fees. Through the National Forest website, I quickly learned that there were four ways to hike to the top of Brasstown Bald. Two of the trails were longer than I wanted (12 miles or more) and one was too short (1.2 miles). But the Jack’s Knob Trail — six miles round trip and 1,800 feet of elevation gain — was just right.

Some other great internet resources I regularly use are:

- www.summitpost.org | A user-driven website with information on many mountain hikes including descriptions, maps, directions, photos, trip reports and a climber’s log.

www.outdoorproject.com | A website of curated outdoor activities searchable by location. Reports include hike overviews, photos, current weather, driving directions and field guide printables.

Mobile Phone Apps For Hikers

At the summit of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

Once I knew where I wanted to go, I used the mapping app on my phone (Google Maps) to map my driving route to the trailhead — 101 miles in just over two hours. There were many fantastic hikes closer but I had summit fever! There are quite a few specially designed trail apps, but I end up using Google Maps a lot out of habit and because its maps also include many hiking trails and natural points of interest. I also use the Google Earth app to preview most of my hikes. Amazingly, you can often see the trails when you zoom in on the satellite views. In this case, I used it to check for parking availability at the Jack’s Knob trailhead. As I said, there are a number of excellent free hiking apps (for iPhone and Android) that you can use to find your next great hike. The information is often much more detailed than generic map apps like Google Maps, so I often use the two together for best results.

Here are some hiking apps I really like:

- AllTrails – a user-driven free app with over 50,000 trails curated by over 4 million users. Use your phone’s location to find hikes near you (there were 250 trails near me). Each hike includes topo maps, elevation profiles, photos, reviews and comments. A premium paid edition provides additional features.

AllTrails is an indispensable app for hikers.

- Hiking Project – a user-driven free app from outdoor retailer REI Co-Op. It includes over 37,000 trails. You can input your location to find hikes near you. Each hike includes topo maps, elevation profiles, step-by-step trail gradients, photos, reviews, comments and nearby trails.REI also has a companion app for hiking within national parks and monuments, REI National Parks, with over 5,000 hikes.

ViewRanger – a free app which uses maps from major outdoor brands, tourism agencies and users. It includes many of the same features as the above apps. What makes this app unique is that it has an augmented reality feature called Skyline that uses your camera phone to label geographic features while on your hike. Very cool!

Pinterest For Hikers

Pinterest isn’t just for cupcake recipes and crafts anymore!

Still looking for resources? Pinterest is good for more than just DIY party decorations. It can also be a valuable search tool for local hikes. A search on ‘hiking near Brasstown Bald’ on Pinterest returned hundreds of pins with related information. Two of my favorite pins led me to local hiking blogs where I found great reviews of fantastic hikes in the area. I even figured out my next hike (Stone Mountain) and it was only two miles away!

Twitter & Instagram For Hikers

You can also use social media applications to find information on hikes. A search using hashtags on Twitter will return tweets with links to useful information. And if you’re a visual person who needs an amazing photo to convince you that the hike you’re planning will be great, you can search Instagram using hashtags as well.

Youtube For Hikers

A video can really help you get a feel for a prospective hike.

If you’re more into videos, Youtube is a great place to find hiking-related content. I searched on ‘Brasstown Bald’ and found thousands of videos including some incredible drone footage. A word of caution: the content is so great on Youtube that if you watch too many videos, you may feel like you’ve already been there. Personally, the videos I’ve watched have never spoiled a hike for me as nothing compares to hiking it yourself and seeing it with your own eyes.

Facebook For Hikers

Facebook can be a great resource if you know how to use it.

Lastly, the social media giant Facebook can be a helpful resource. A search on a hike you’re interested in will likely return pages, links, videos, photos and even posts from your friends with valuable information. There is even a new and growing Facebook group — RVers Who Hike — that you can join to ask questions, share ideas and get first hand information.

As you can see, there is so much information out there to help you find and plan your hikes. The next time you’re traveling in an RV and looking for that next great hike, I hope you find these resources helpful in getting you out on a new trail. Happy hiking!

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5 Easy Ways To Organize Your RV

Tom Sperner — Thu, 10 May 2018 14:34:32 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Space is a precious commodity in an RV. And while your RV may never look as perfect as the ones on Pinterest (seriously, it’s impossible and I challenge any real-life RVer to prove me wrong!), that doesn’t mean you should give up on a cleverly organized rig! Here are some simple tricks to help you get organized:

1.Think Like A Square

Consider swapping out the plates and bowls in your RV for square ones like these

RVs are full of 90-degree angles. The cupboards, the refrigerator, the slides — everything is very square! Don’t fight it. Use square storage containers to maximize space in your RV. You can even go a step further and avoid round shapes in your rig altogether: Ditch canned goods and switch to boxed soups, beans, etc.; buy square pans (they exist!); and swap out your dishes for square plates, bowls and so on. It may seem extreme, but you’ll be amazed at how much more efficiently things fit in the cupboards.

2. Look Up

Use the wall space in your RV. We hung these shelves for storing fruit and vegetables in our kitchen, which saves valuable counter space.

Again, space is precious in a rig. That means you need to get creative about how and where you organize your things. A lot of RVs have dead space near the slide-outs and above cabinets and doors. If you’re looking for a place to store kitchen utensils, cutting boards and other lightweight stuff, consider putting them up high in these areas. Use command hooks to store drying racks, white boards and even your broom up high and out of the way.

3. Nest And Stack

A collapsable colander is a game changer in a small space like an RV.

I’m a natural-born minimalist and will always use what I have instead of buying new. I make an exception in my RV. It’s really important to carry things that nest, stack or collapse to keep your RV organized — so important, in fact, that you should replace anything that doesn’t fit well with your other supplies. We’ve replaced mismatched bowls, storage containers, and even pans with nesting ware. It has saved me so much sanity in organizing my RV kitchen!

I use crates like these to store my daughter’s clothes.

For the bedroom, we bought lightweight, stackable crates to store my daughter’s clothing in the cupboard. This has been amazing since we own a Class C motorhome with no extra closet for her. Being able to stack her clothes in a more organized way makes laundry day so much easier. It also helps keep things perfectly organized while traveling. When using bins, stack them based on usage. The most frequently accessed items should go in the top bin. If you really need to save space or just like the idea of having as much room as possible, check out collapsible products. They make bowls, pots, pans and even tea kettles that collapse within themselves to give you more space!

4. Ditch Unnecessary Packaging

We live in a world where boxes come within boxes. When you’re trying to organize your RV, this can be maddening.

Use stacking dry goods containers like these to keep your pantry organized.

When grocery shopping, look for products with minimal packaging. When you get back to your RV, you might consider taking things out of their packaging for a better fit. For example, if I buy graham crackers (s’mores anyone?), once I use one small package from the box, I’ll take the other out, store it in my pantry and get rid of the large box, which is no longer necessary. It’s also a good idea to reorganize pasta and rice. Instead of storing them in boxes that are only half full, empty dry goods into smaller airtight containers that better fit your pantry.

5.Get Things Off The Floor

I live in an RV full-time and I’ve made a lot of rookie RV mistakes along the way — storing things on the floor is one of them. It may sound silly, but leave a tub on the floor long enough and you’ll see what I mean.

Your RV shower can double as storage. We use ours as both a closet and a place to store things we need close at hand.

When we first moved into our motorhome, there was no place for my husband’s toolbox. I told him it was no big deal. We could keep it on the floor of my side of the bed. I thought it would be “out of sight, out of mind.” Boy was I wrong! Within a week, I was going crazy trying to find a new place for the box. It was completely in the way of my walking path and a huge eyesore. By the end of our first month in the rig, my husband had built a storage box just for the toolbox to save my sanity. If you’re having the same issue, try rearranging things in the storage bays outside to fit your belongings. If it’s something you need on hand and inside the RV, I suggest using your shower as a way of keeping it close but out of sight. We keep our toddler’s reading books, vacuum and broom in the shower for that reason.

For more RV organization tips and hacks to make life on the road easier, check out these 18 quick and easy RV hacks that you can do with easy-to-find materials. Still haven’t gotten started on your RV rental listing? Click the link below to learn more about renting your RV with Campanda:

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Are you an RV enthusiast without a motorhome to call your own? Stop daydreaming about organizing an RV you don’t have — rent an RV on Campanda and get out on the road!

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How To Use Pinterest To Plan Your RV Trip

Tom Sperner — Wed, 09 May 2018 17:04:25 +0000

By Camille Attell

RV trip planning can be fun and exciting. It can also be overwhelming. What should you pack, where should you go, what route should you take? Questions like these are just the beginning of what can feel like a daunting set of tasks. Luckily it’s Pinterest to the rescue!

Keep reading to find out how Pinterest could make your next RV rental even better.

What is Pinterest?

A good “pin” will have a well-crafted description explaining the image.

When Pinterest came onto the scene back in 2010, people used it to search for and save (“pin”) things like recipes and wedding dresses. If you loved scrapbooking then you were guaranteed to love Pinterest even more. It’s like a massive, online vision board with infinite possibilities of ideas.

If you haven’t logged in to Pinterest in a while (or ever) then you might be puzzled when I say that it’s also an amazing tool to plan road trips and vacations. It’s not just for cupcakes anymore!

When you click on a pin it will take you to the source of the content, like a website, where you can get more information.

Why Pinterest Is A Great Tool

Over the years Pinterest has evolved into a search engine. A search engine helps you locate information on the internet. Google is what everyone thinks of as the go-to search engine. But Pinterest is a powerful search engine too, which surprises people because they think it’s a social media platform like Facebook. It isn’t, and that distinction is important for a couple for reasons.

Although it’s a social platform, Pinterest functions like a search engine. That means you can use it to look up information and tips.

For consumers (aka RVers browsing the internet), it’s a place where you can search and find information. For example, let’s say you want to travel to Utah and see national parks. If you type “Utah National Parks,” you’ll to find a wealth of information.

For content creators (bloggers, companies, etc.) it’s a useful platform to share your content and drive traffic back to your site. Let’s say you’re a travel blogger who writes articles about national parks: If you write one about Utah and make a great visual pin, there’s a good chance that your pin (and therefore your article) could be found in a search.

How To Use Pinterest To Plan An RV Trip

So how exactly do you use Pinterest to plan a vacation? To get started, you’ll need set up a profile on Pinterest. This will enable you to set up “boards” where you can organize all the pins you collect. Think of boards like file folders or different pages in a scrapbook, each with its own category.

You can use Pinterest to search for travel inspiration and discover amazing destinations.

Here’s how a board works: Using the Utah national parks example, you would create a board called “Utah Travel Board.” Then, you’d search for terms that fit the type of trip you’re planning, such as:

Utah National Parks
Utah driving routes
Hiking in Utah
Utah RV Parks

After you’ve collected a bunch of images and resources about your destination, you can then search for other helpful information. For example, if you want ideas about what to pack, you could search for terms like “RV travel checklist,” “hiking gear” or “packing for RVing.”

You can find tons of RV resources on Pinterest, like helpful checklists and packing tips.

You can even look for awesome camping recipes by searching terms like “RV recipes,” “camping recipes,” “food for camping” and so on.

As you discover new pins, you can keep adding them to your board. Over time you’ll collect a wide range of pins that you can refer to as you plan — all in one place!

(As a side note, Utah has some truly awesome National Parks. Check out this article for my favorite hikes while RVing, including Bryce Canyon in Utah.)

Using Pinterest Long-Term

You can also create multiple boards for different categories. For example, if you plan to take multiple trips, you could categorize your boards. This could mean one for each destination, or you could set up boards like this:

North America Travel
Route Planning
RV Parks
RV Gear
RV Cooking & Recipes

This way, whenever you plan a new trip, you can consult your boards and look at the pins that relate to that trip. You can check out how I’ve organized my own RV Pinterest boards here.

Think of boards as folders. These can be organized however you want, and one pin can be put in multiple folders for cross-categorization.

Over time you’ll build a great resource for trip planning. Your account becomes like a resource library and you become a part of the Pinterest information-sharing community (you can also set your boards to “private” if you’re feeling secretive about your travel plans).

In short, Pinterest is a wonderful way to plan an RV trip. It’s easy to use and fun too! The next time you plan a trip, consider using Pinterest as a source of helpful information.

Already have a Pinterest full of road trip ideas? Hit the road in an RV rental from Campanda! Click the link below to search our selection of camper vans, motorhomes and trailers:

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A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

Tom Sperner — Wed, 09 May 2018 14:11:22 +0000

By Liz Wilcox You’ve rented an RV on Campanda. You’ve planned your route. Everyone is thrilled to hit the open road. But what about where you’re actually going to camp? How do you find RV parks and campgrounds that are perfect for you and your rig? Finding the perfect RV campsite can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As a full-time RVer, I’ve learned some tips and tricks — and I want to share them with you. And no, I’m not just going to tell you to Google “RV parks near ___.” Keep reading or skip ahead to:

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite
Understand Your RV Camping Options
Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite
Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite

The very first thing you need to do before you start searching for a great place to park your RV is to understand your options and requirements. Not all trips are created equal. It’s important to consider the following:

1. Budget

What does your budget look like? How much can you spend per night? Figure this number out and commit to it — having a clear budget will help you tremendously when you’re looking at parks.

Consider proximity to activities carefully. Aim to strike a balance between comfort and convenience.

2. Length Of Stay

You may stop at a few places on your RV trip. Some may be one-night stops, in which case you might want to consider if there are free or cheap places to park your rig and sleep for the night. If you’re planning to spend a few days in one spot, you may want to consider a place with more amenities.

3. Proximity To Planned Activities

You’re probably traveling for a reason, whether that’s a specific theme park or just some peace and quiet in the woods. Really consider the activities you have planned and how close they are to where you want to stay. You don’t want to pick an RV park that’s 45 minutes from Disney World if you bought a four-day pass.

4. Your Camping Style

If you don’t know your camping style, you can’t pick the perfect RV campsite. If you’re renting an RV for the first time, you should take some time to think about what your ideal camping trip looks like.

I don’t mind roughing it … but I do love a good RVer-friendly pool.

Do you like lots of amenities or prefer open space with room to run? Are you a social butterfly or a lone wolf? Check out campgrounds that fit your style. For example, I love RV parks with lots of people. I like to mingle and love when they have activities to attend. I recently attended an ice cream social and literally ran to the activity center so I wouldn’t miss it! On the other hand, a lot of my RV friends enjoy parking at slower, less accessible state parks to enjoy the solitude. Take your camping style — and that of your travel companions — into consideration when you search for the perfect RV spot!

Understand Your RV Camping Options

Many new RVers get confused by all the different RV camping options: Why is one place called a campground and the other an RV park? What is the difference between an RV park and an RV resort? How can one place be a campground, RV park and resort?! What does it all mean? Never fear, fellow camper! I’ve broken down all the different RV camping options for you:

Campgrounds

Campground accommodations are usually pleasant but basic.

If you’re into nature and are looking for a simple place to park, this is the option for you. National and state parks will usually have campgrounds with an electric hookup as well as water. Other times, a campground can simply mean a flat(ish) place to park with a fire pit. Dump sites, water fill stations and bathrooms are usually on the property, but may not be available at individual sites.

RV Parks

RV parks will usually have kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds.

RV parks typically have fewer trees and more parking sites than campgrounds. There may even be amenities like a clubhouse, cable TV hookups and a playground for kids. You’ll also have a sewer connection. RV parks can vary. When planning your trip, it’s important to review pictures and read reviews to get a good feel for what the park offers.

RV Resorts

Luxury RV resorts usually offer lush landscaping and premium amenities. Photo credit: Desert Shores Resort

RV resorts are great! They will be very well-maintained, have lots of amenities and be close to “civilization”. If you are renting an RV and want to ease into camping, this is definitely a fun option for you! Unfortunately, there is no industry standard for the term “resort.” That means that some resorts are much better than others. Price is usually a good indication of the quality of resort. You get what you pay for, basically. Another good rule of thumb is that a place that is billed as an “RV park and resort” is probably not as luxurious as a place that simply calls itself an RV resort. You can check out this article, which showcases some of the best luxury RV resorts around the country. They’re not cheap, but boy are they pretty!

Free Camping

If you plan ahead, boondocking can be a perfectly comfortable way to spend a night or two en route to your main destination.

Sometimes it’s late and you just want to park overnight, get some rest and head out in the morning. Many RVers opt out of paid camping on such occasions. Of course, this almost always means that you will have no hookups or water — in other words, you’ll be boondocking. But it really is a great option to keep your average nightly cost down while traveling to your main destination. The easiest places to park for free are casinos, businesses with large parking lots like Walmart and even Camping World. However, not all businesses allow boondocking so make sure you call ahead and ask for permission. My fellow Campanda Ambassador wrote an article about how to find free RV camping, which you can read here.

Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

Alright, now that you’ve given your camping style some thought and have brushed up on your RV camping options, you’re ready to start searching! There are plenty of resources for finding the perfect RV campsite. These are my favorite:

RV Websites

Google is amazing. It’s turned our entire way of learning upside down. But when it comes to finding a place to park your RV, it doesn’t reign supreme. Try these sites instead:

Campendium

Campendium is a free site with thousands of search results. Just type in your desired location and boom! You’ll have a list of camping spots with information on price, hookups and amenities — plus peer reviews. This is a favorite among every RVer I know. Bonus: Campendium even tells you whether or not a spot has good wifi.

Good Sam is the world’s largest organization of RV owners. You have to pay to be a member, but their online directory of campsites is free.

Good Sam

Good Sam is an RV organization that has a large database of RV parks, resorts and campgrounds around North America. While you must pay to be a member, anyone can look online to search for places to stay in their RV. The best part about searching through Good Sam? They have a rating system and each campsite they list is carefully reviewed and scored every single year! This makes it easy to judge the campgrounds because they are all rated on the same system, not just someone’s opinion online.

Casino Camper

While Casino Camper may not be on every RVer’s list, it’s definitely on mine! This is a great resource for finding free or inexpensive places to park. You can search by state and you’re likely to find a nicer overnight stay than a Walmart parking lot.

RV Apps

It seems like a new RV app pops up every week. Most aren’t very good, to be honest. So forget the gimmicky apps and keep it simple. Just about every RVer I know uses these two apps to find RV sites to park:

The Allstays app costs $10 to download but trust me, it’s well worth it!

Allstays

This is a great app if you have an iPhone. And while it costs $10 to download, it’s well worth the small investment. Not only will it show you the different RV campsites in a given area, it’s also an interactive map. This means you’ll be able to find gas stations, rest areas and stores!

This one might seem a little odd, but stay with me. In the last five years, Pinterest has evolved into an incredible visual search engine, and bloggers like me are using it to get their content out there. And this content is full of campground reviews! Use the Pinterest app to search instead of Google and you just may find the perfect place to stay on your next RV road trip. If you hate apps, don’t worry — there’s a website, too. For more RV apps worth the space on your phone, check out this list of 30 must-have apps.

RV Clubs

Even if you’re just renting an RV, joining an RV club may be the perfect solution to finding the best, most affordable campsite for you! Here are some inexpensive RV clubs you can join to find crazy discounts and great parks:

A Passport America membership really does pay for itself in just a couple nights.

Passport America

At just $44 for an entire year, this club is hard to say no to. With half-off discounts for over 2,000 parks, it really pays for itself in a couple of nights. We use our Passport America membership as much as possible. There is an app you can use, and it’s always the first thing we pull up when route planning. Honestly, we would not be able to travel full-time without this amazing club. And yes, I’m willing to admit that not all the parks are ah-mazing. But I’ve never been to a park that made me feel unwelcome! Anywhere we’ve stayed has been super friendly and accommodating. These discounted parks are perfect for overnight stays on your way to a specific destination.

Harvest Hosts

If your idea of a perfect RV campsite involves great views, an intimate setting and wine, Harvest Hosts is for you! Just like Campanda introduces RV owners to people looking to rent an RV, this unique membership club brings RVers and landowners together to allow RVers to park overnight at certain wineries, vineyards, breweries and the like — all for free. Buy this membership ($40 for a year) if you’re looking for a truly unique and remarkable experience on your RV road trip. Like Passport America, it pays for itself in just a few nights.

RVer Facebook Groups

This resource is still untapped by the majority of RVers. With Facebook groups, you are able to talk to real people in real time about your route and campgrounds along the way.

Facebook groups like “Camping Is Our Life” are fantastic, underused resources for RVers.

Where’d You Stay RV

Like the name states, this group is for sharing where you stayed on your RV trips! Members post pictures and personal reviews. Feel free to ask questions about a specific area or RV park or use the group search option to see if it’s already been discussed.

Camping Is Our Life

Even if camping isn’t your life, this group is a great resource. This Facebook group was made for showing pictures and videos of members’ camping trips, so it’s perfect for asking questions about any type of RVing — whether you’re looking for campgrounds, parks or resorts.

A good old-fashioned phone call is often the best way to ensure that you’re given the best possible site for your RV.

Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

Online resources are amazing. But to truly find the best RV campsite time after time, you’ve got to know some “tricks of the trade.”

1. Read reviews.

Whether you’re looking on Google or another site, read the reviews! Look at pictures. Use that Pinterest app to search a blog post about the campground you’re considering. All the research is well worth it when you arrive at a campground and fall in love immediately!

2. Call ahead.

Think you’ve found a park you’ll really enjoy? Call ahead and talk with the desk about your rig. Discuss your needs and wants. Make sure they can accommodate you. Taking the extra time to call and chat will ensure that they put you in the best spot available.

3. Make your reservation ASAP.

If you’re traveling to a popular destination during the busy season, your chances of driving up and simply finding a vacant spot are slim to none. Call as soon as possible to guarantee a spot close to where you’d like to be.

4. Ask about the refund policy.

Sometimes you arrive at a site and just don’t like it. Make sure to ask about a refund policy before they take your payment! Some parks — especially those in popular, high-demand areas — have a “no refund” policy. But don’t let that scare you off! If you’ve followed my advice and done your research, you’re sure to find the perfect park for you and your RV!

Now that you’ve got a good grasp on how to find the perfect campsite for you, it’s time to rent your RV! Click below to search for listings in your area on Campanda!

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If you own an RV but can’t use it all the time, consider renting it out on Campanda. You could earn a LOT of money by renting your rig out on your own terms. Click below to find out more:

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Driving A Class A Motorhome For The First Time

Tom Sperner — Wed, 02 May 2018 19:45:12 +0000

By Bryce Cripe

Driving a large motorhome for the first time can seem challenging — or even stressful. But there are a few things you can do to make your first RV driving experience a positive one as you head off on your well-earned vacation.

The First Drive

When my wife Camille and I started test driving Class A motorhomes, I had barely been in an RV, let alone driven one! We test drove several motorhomes over two months before buying our RV — a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA gas-powered motorcoach. (Read this article to find out how to choose the right RV for you.)

Our RV: A 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA gas-powered motorcoach.

Less than a month before hitting the road to travel full time, we took a 250-mile weekend test trip from our home in Orange County, California to an RV resort on the Colorado River near Parker, Arizona. We had a lot thrown at us on our first drive and were fortunate to learn many valuable lessons that have served us well ever since.

Freeway Driving In An RV

As we set off on that first drive, I felt the absence of my safety net — our RV salesperson calmly guiding and reassuring me during our test drives. We were on our own now! The first miles passed easily along wide, suburban boulevards with courteous drivers and a nearly deserted toll road. And then we merged onto one of Southern California’s notorious freeways.

The most difficult kind of traffic for an RV driver — especially a new one — is what I call fast-and-busy traffic. We were immediately dropped into it. Nearly everyone was driving at least 70 miles per hour, making sharp lane changes and following too closely. I was used to this kind of driving in my car, but not comfortable yet in a 34-foot RV.

I took a couple of deep breaths and tried to settle in. After thirty minutes of white-knuckle driving, I actually got more comfortable. I had already learned some valuable lessons:

Lesson 1: Stay Calm And Drive On

At first, I had felt like nobody saw me. Drivers cut me off or wouldn’t allow me to change lanes. I wanted to yell out, “Don’t you see me? I’m bigger than you!” Then it dawned on me: they did see me, perhaps even feared me and were moving quickly to get out of my way. I learned to accept that traffic would “buzz” all around me but wasn’t interested in bumping into me.

Driving a large RV through heavy traffic was scary at first, but I soon got the hang of it.

I also discovered that motorhomes require more reaction time and stopping distance than a normal passenger vehicle. I quickly learned to give myself at least twice as much following distance as I did in my car. I drove at a steady and predictable speed when possible. And I focused most of my attention on the road ahead scanning for traffic patterns, merging vehicles and brake lights instead of fiddling with the radio.

I had to unlearn some habits from years of driving a car. Learning to rely on my side mirrors and rear camera was a big adjustment. I caught myself looking over my shoulder to check my blindspot as I do in my car when making lane changes. Well, that doesn’t work in a Class A motorhome. The side mirrors and the rear and side view cameras were put there for a reason — and I was going to have to use them!

After a few lane changes, I learned to trust that I could actually see everything. The mirrors and cameras quickly became my friends.

After about an hour and a half on the road, traffic began to thin out as we left the Southern California metropolitan area and got out into the desert. While I welcomed the change, I was already feeling more comfortable in fast, heavy traffic. And on the drive back at the end of the weekend, I was not nearly as stressed.

Lesson 2: RV Miles Are Different Than Car Miles

Driving an RV requires a lot more energy and focus than driving a car. Plan for frequent stops to make your trip enjoyable.

We passed the Palm Springs area and after over 100 miles of driving, I began to feel fatigued. My arms and shoulders were starting to ache from the road vibrations and my tight, two-handed grip on the steering wheel. I also needed a mental break from the hours of intense focus.

Camille found a truck stop for us to take a lunch break. During our hour-long rest, we took stock of our trip: We were three and a half hours in and had traveled almost 150 miles. When I had mapped the trip before on my phone app, it calculated the trip would take just over four hours. The math wasn’t adding up.

I discovered that most map apps estimate trip durations for car travel — not RV travel. Car drivers tend to drive faster than RV drivers and take fewer and shorter breaks. My estimated driving time did not include any breaks.

What I Learned About Drive Day

Since that initial lunch break discovery, I’ve learned quite a bit about the “drive day” experience:

Your RV journey will take longer than you expect. We’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the drive.
RV travel is more demanding, so you’ll want to take more breaks. I try to take a break every 75 to 100 miles to get out for some fresh air and to stretch my legs.
Our preferred travel distance is around 250 miles — and never more than 300 miles.

Lesson 3: Get Centered

Like everything else about RV driving, narrow roads took some getting used to — but turned out fine in the end.

Feeling rested from our break, we headed back down the federal interstate freeway before turning onto a two-lane state highway across the desert. The pavement turned rough, the lanes looked narrow and there wasn’t much of a road shoulder. I had to adjust again to different driving conditions.

After a few miles, I learned that a narrow or non-existent shoulder can make your lane feel more narrow than it really is. And even though the lane was wide enough for our vehicle, I had less margin for error.

Thankfully, traffic was very light and I got a better feel for where I was within my lane. On our test drives, the salespeople said it would feel like you’re closer to the center line than you are. I looked in my side mirrors and realized I could get over further and be better centered in my lane.

You feel very wide in a motorhome, but you’re probably not more than one to two feet wider than you would be in a car. I like to drive about a foot off the center line and then yield a little more space to oncoming traffic, if needed (especially for big rigs).

Lesson 4: Don’t Fight The Steering Wheel

Just as I was getting two-lane highway driving down, I noticed the weather worsening. What started out as a sunny, summer day turned dark and threatening. August and September is monsoon season in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts and a thunderstorm was bearing down on us. What luck!

First, the winds picked up and started blowing our twelve-foot-high motorhome around. They were not only strong 40 mile per hour winds, but also unpredictably gusty. Once again, the drive had my full attention. My wife and I discussed pulling over and waiting out the storm. I got very close to doing that a couple of times, but I felt in control and we pressed on.

I quickly learned that it is important not to overreact when driving in heavy wind and rain.

As we were being pushed around, I learned not to fight the steering wheel. When the wind pushed me, I let it. I then made small steering corrections to get us back on course.

Making corrections for wind is similar to the steering adjustments needed when being passed by a big rig, or driving on ice or rough pavement. Don’t overreact. Instead, let the coach go where it wants to go, and then make the steering corrections.

A downpour of rain came after the winds. We got to “test out” our windshield wipers, which thankfully worked great and were able to push large volumes of water off our windshield — at no time was our visibility compromised despite the heavy rains. Our coach also felt solid on the wet roads and we had no trouble with our tire traction. After about 30 minutes, the storm passed and it was a calmer last hour to our destination.

Lesson 5: Watch Out For Donkeys

Coming across this family of burros on the roadside felt like an appropriate end to an eventful day.

We were just a few miles to our destination when one last test was thrown our way. On a curvy, two-lane stretch, we came around a corner and were “greeted” by a pack of wild burros along the roadside. At first I was startled, but after easily avoiding them, I broke out in laughter. We had seen it all on our first drive.

We pulled into our resort destination along the banks of the Colorado River. It was about six in the evening and we had been on the road for close to seven hours. Our eventful drive was filled with many lessons learned, and I felt much more confident and prepared for all the driving to come. And I even had fun!

Feeling accomplished and satisfied, it was time for a well-earned beer at the resort’s pool bar. Cheers to your own first drive!

Rent an RV on Campanda for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for a Class A or a smaller motorhome (which are easier to drive!), you’re sure to find the perfect RV for your vacation.

Click Here To Rent An RV

If you already own an RV but aren’t using it right now, consider renting it out on Campanda. You can name your price, pick your dates and even choose your renters.

Click Here To List Your RV

The post Driving A Class A Motorhome For The First Time appeared first on Campanda News.

How To Make Your RV Rental More Appealing To Couples

Tom Sperner — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:36:24 +0000

By Liz Wilcox

Woohoo! Your RV is officially listed on Campanda. Now it’s time to start thinking about your customers —who they are what their ideal RV rental looks like. Then you can make a few tweaks to ensure that your rig will stand out in a crowd.

Couples are one of the biggest and best groups of RV rental customers out there. Creating a listing that will appeal to couples will help make your RV rental business more profitable.

Check out the following tips to make your RV listing more appealing to couples:

1. Take LOTS of high-quality pictures.

This is my number one tip and absolutely essential to getting your RV rental business off the ground.

Having good pictures will automatically make your listing stand out against the rest.

What makes this a good photo? It’s well-lit, the RV is out in nature and the photographer has stepped back far enough that you can see the whole vehicle.

Good photographs require the right lighting, equipment and staging. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need a professional photographer or even a fancy camera. But you do need to use the best camera available to you. A fairly new cell phone can do the trick, but if you have a friend with a decent digital camera, that’s even better!

The first image on your listing should be an exterior shot of your RV. Nailing this photo is going to bring more people to your listing — and ultimately earn you more money.

Consider going the extra mile and setting your rig up in nature or at the local campground. This will help your potential renter really see themselves enjoying your RV rental like they would on their trip.

Here are some rookie photography tips for your RV:

Wider angles are more visually appealing. Step back from your RV until the whole vehicle fits in the frame.
Hold your camera horizontally rather than vertically (portrait mode).
Try taking a few pictures from low or high angles (not eye-level). This can make for a more unique picture and often helps a space seem larger.
Natural lighting from the sun looks best. When taking interior photos, avoid using your camera’s flash — it creates dark shadows and usually gives images a creepy vibe.
Clean your RV before taking photos! No one wants to see dirty socks or mops lying around.

Aim to take 20 photos using these tips. Then go through and pick the best 10 or so and you’re bound to have a more appealing listing.

2. Offer extra amenities.

Offering to include a bike rack (or even bikes if you have them) can be a big plus for active couples traveling too far to bring their own.

Sure, all RVs are exciting and interesting in their own special way. But if you want your unit to be irresistible to couples, consider sweetening the deal with a few inexpensive extras.

Many couples are renting an RV to get out in nature. They want to take an active vacation, which means they’ll be on the lookout for an RV that can accommodate their outdoor equipment.

Adding a bike rack to your RV is a great way to enhance your rig, but adding some beach cruisers or mountain bikes is even better! Boasting extra amenities is a great way to get more people booking your RV rental.

You could also consider kayaks, stand-up paddle boards or walking sticks depending on your location. The best part? You can offer these things as add-ons for an extra fee!

A cheap set of wine glasses is an easy way make your RV couple-friendly.

Even active couples are going to look forward to some lazy moments in your RV. You don’t need to go full-blown romantic, but make sure your rig is cozy: Add a nice area rug, a set of wine glasses and lots of pillows to make your listing appeal to couples.

You may also want to consider including a small outdoor grill in your listing and some outdoor games like Ladderball so that a couple can imagine themselves socializing with friends at the RV park.

3. Write a great description.

Once you’ve hooked a potential renter with a high-quality exterior photo, you’ve got to reel them in with a good description.

Highlight the features that are important to couples here. This is where you really answer the question: Why should a couple rent my RV?

Does your rig have a comfortable living room area? Picture all the ways a couple can use that feature: They can lounge around after a long hike. They could also invite friends over for dinner or for a comfy spot around the TV for the big game. Be sure to include this and other features in your description.

Highlight the best features of your RV. Is it super cozy? Can you watch the sunrise from bed? Point out special features in the description to attract more renters.

Above all else, your RV rental description should include a great opening sentence.

When couples are scrolling through the Campanda site, they will be able to see that first sentence without actually having to click on your listing. Make it a great one and people will be much more likely to click to learn more about your rig.

Just think of it this way: the job of the first sentence is to get someone to read the second sentence.

4. Consider allowing pets.

Lots of couples have furry companions. Consider allowing pets into your rig. It may seem scary at first, but it can greatly increase your visibility on the Campanda website and ultimately lead to higher profits!

Lots of people like RVing because it lets them travel with their pets instead of finding a sitter.

You can charge a small additional security deposit and cleaning fee for renters who want to bring their cat or dog along. And of course, feel free to ask your renters questions about the pet they plan to bring along to make sure they’re suitable for RV life.

Put “pet-friendly” in your description to make sure renters notice this amazing feature about your RV!

Couples are generally fantastic renters. And each year, more and more are discovering a love for RVing. Appealing to couples, young and old, is great way to make your RV rental business a successful one!

Now that you know how to make your RV more appealing to couples, why not spruce up your RV rental listing on Campanda?

Click the link below to start or continue your RV listing.

Click Here To Rent Your RV

Are you interested in renting an RV yourself? Find your perfect RV rental on Campanda:

Click Here To Find An RV Rental

The post How To Make Your RV Rental More Appealing To Couples appeared first on Campanda News.

12 Must-Have RV Cleaning, Storage & Maintenance Products

Tom Sperner — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:59:02 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Hot dogs, hikes and hammocks in the shade are some of my favorite things about RV camping. Cleaning, storage, and maintenance products … not so much. But those things are an essential part of staying safe and sane on an RV road trip. Here is a list of must-have products that I always keep in my rig.

RV Cleaning Products

1. Compact Vacuum

When we lived in our luxury 5th wheel, I hated having a large vacuum. There was never a “home” for it. Once we bought our smaller motorhome, I decided to trade in the traditional model for a handheld vacuum. I absolutely love it. It’s lightweight, easy to clean and, best of all, easy to put away. I just set it on my shower floor and voila! It’s out of sight, out of mind. When I need to charge it, I grab the charger from my hanging organizer and set it up on the bathroom counter. Again, it’s not in the way at all! If you really don’t want to go the handheld route, you can still get a full-size model. Just remember that you want it to be lightweight and skinny. If it is cordless, even better! This will make it easy to store and use in your RV.

2. Multi-Purpose Cleaner

No one likes to play Tetris with cleaning supplies. That’s why I recommend a multi-purpose cleaner onboard your RV. It will save you a ton of space and hassle. I make my own cleaner and keep it in a spray bottle. I put it under the kitchen sink so it’s easy to grab when cleaning the high-traffic areas in my rig. It’s important to remember that your RV is a small enclosed space and it can take hours for chemicals to leave the area. I found this out the hard way when I was scrubbing the outside of my toilet with regular bleach. I almost passed out before I realized I needed to go outside! Don’t be like me — look for cleaning products that are light on the chemicals and heavy on natural ingredients.

3. Air Fresheners

In an RV, things can get a little … stinky. Make sure to equip yourself with some type of air freshener, no matter how short your trip. Personally, I love to melt a wick-less candle throughout the day to give the camper a fresh smell as I go about my day. Whenever I finish cleaning, I spray an odor eliminator (think Febreze or OdoBan). It’s a great way to keep things fresh longer. And when the weather is nice, never underestimate the power of fresh air. Open the windows and doors of your camper and let it in.

4. Microfiber Cloths

Yesterday my husband came home with a new roll of microfiber cloths. He said a friend had given them to him. I yelled out “SCORE!” Yes, I was genuinely excited about a cleaning product. Here’s why: Little messes happen all the time in your camper, especially when you have a young child. Microfiber cloths are the perfect solution because they clean up spills quickly and efficiently. We keep a stack of them in the pantry where they are always easily accessible from any area of the RV. We have at least 20 in our rotation. I use them to clean up toddler messes, pet water spills and to wipe the stovetop clean. They are great because they absorb things very quickly and are usually the perfect size for small to medium messes. They’re also great for scrubbing away gooey messes that somehow always happen while camping. Lastly, they hold up really well wash after wash.

RV Storage Products

5. Plastic Containers

Plastic containers, large and small, are a smart way to make better use of the limited space in your RV. In our 32’ ft motorhome, I use small ones for my toddler’s closet and large ones in my RV shower to hold her books. My husband recently purchased a plastic container for his paperwork and has been very happy with the results. All his paperwork is now neatly organized and in one place. It’s been a great tax season for us!

6. Hanging Organizers

Buying one of these for our RV has been a game changer! I now have a nice and neat place to put all my towels where they don’t unfolded or messy after a day or two. The hanging organizer is also great for shoes. It gets them off the floor and makes them easily accessible. Our hanging organizer is kept on a rod in our RV shower, but there are plenty of other places that it could go. We previously had it on tension rods in our bathroom and I know a few friends put them in their wardrobes to create more closet space.

7. Command Hooks

If you own an RV, you really should invest in some command hooks. They can help you with just about any storage problem in the RV. Plus, they are simple to install and easy to get rid of when the job is done. For specific ideas on how to use these little RV miracles, check out this post on RV hacks.

RV Maintenance Products

8. Levelers

An off-kilter rig can cause more problems than you’d expect. Your refrigerator may malfunction and cause major damage, for example. Being unlevel can also cause your recreational vehicle to simply be unstable. While a little wiggling is normal in just about any RV, it can actually get bouncy if left uneven. Do yourself a favor and get some levelers. It will save your fridge and keep you from a crazy case of vertigo.

9. Disposable Gloves

You never know when things could go horribly wrong with your RV holding tanks. Even with proper care and maintenance, you’re going to want a nice pair of disposable gloves around. This is one “just in case” item I don’t mind having around, despite the small space.

10. WD-40

Nothing drives me crazier than squeaky cabinet doors. And the ones in my RV seem to get noisy often. I assume this is from the constant temperature changes I put my rig through. The wood swells and relaxes with each region I drive through. Keeping WD-40 on hand isn’t something on most other lists as a must-have, but it should be! Unless, of course you are a madwoman who likes the sound of squeaky doors.

11. Sealants

In the year and a half that we’ve been RVing, resealing our rig has saved us thousands of dollars. Some people use silicone. Some people use EternaBond. We used both when renovating our RV and repairing water damage. Use a sealant anywhere in your RV where you need a watertight coating, including your roof and windows. It’s important to check these places a few times a year to ensure proper sealing throughout your camper. Water damage can cost a lot of time and money — at its worst, it can cost you a whole new RV. No matter what brand you use, make sure a sealant is part of your regular maintenance.

12. Small Toolkit

Your RV is a recreational vehicle. And vehicles need regular maintenance. Always keep tools on board to ensure that things run smoothly. There are certain things you should do before you put your rig in drive. A checklist can help; here’s a shortlist of things to check before any journey:

Brakes
Tire pressure
Lug nuts
Battery

Having a small toolkit will come in handy more often than you’d think. My husband uses his at least once a day. He loves being able to fix things himself and having the small kit on deck saves us a lot of money in maintenance costs each year.

So there you have it! A must-have list of cleaning, storage and maintenance products for your RV. Having these things on board will make your RV camping trip stress-free so you can focus on the important things — like roasting hot dogs, hiking, and laying in your hammock!

Does your RV have all these things? Don’t forget to mention them when you list your RV for rent on Campanda!

Click Here To List Your RV

Just doing a bit of research before renting an RV for your next vacation? Once you find a vehicle you like on Campanda, message the RV owner to ask about what cleaning products are included in the rental price so you can keep their vehicle clean and tidy.

Click Here To Rent An RV

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RV Checklists: 6 Printable Packing Lists

Tom Sperner — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:05:17 +0000

If you’re the type of person who always thinks “I know I’m forgetting something” when you leave the house, then you need (yes, need) a good checklist to help you pack for your RV trip. Because trust us, there’s nothing like arriving at camp and realizing you forgot the s’mores materials — or worse, disposable gloves for the dumping station! — to put a damper on your RV vacation. Luckily for you, we made some handy printable checklists to help you prepare for your next RV rental or family vacation. Click on the links below to download and print them at home. Happy travels!

RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist
RV Camping Essentials Checklist
RV Kitchen Checklist
RV Grocery Checklist
RV Bed & Bath Checklist
Make Your Own RV Checklist
Download All RV Checklists

RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist

Download RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist

RV Camping Essentials Checklist

Download RV Camping Essentials Checklist

RV Kitchen Checklist

Download RV Kitchen Checklist

RV Grocery Checklist

Download RV Grocery Checklist

RV Bed & Bath Checklist

Download RV Bed & Bath Checklist

Make Your Own RV Checklist

Download Blank RV Checklist

All RV Checklists

Click the links below to download PDFs of all Campanda’s RV checklists!

RV owners: You could be earning money from the RV in your driveway. Name your price, choose your renters and set your own schedule with Campanda. (Pro tip: Many renters don’t travel their own kitchen utensils, RV toilet paper or comforters. You can offer these items as add-ons to your RV for extra money — it’s a win-win!)

Click Here To List Your RV

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How To Find Free & Inexpensive RV Camping

Tom Sperner — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:00:09 +0000

By Camille Attell Finding free and inexpensive camping is both an art and a science. There are so many resources to help you find great camping spots, but sometimes all the technology in the world can’t predict how you’ll “feel” about a place. Always do your research in advance to ensure that you choose the best camping option to suit your style. This article will provide you with both practical tips for finding free and inexpensive camping, as well as tips for feeling a place out.

Boondocking

Free camping usually means that you’ll be going off the grid, or at least without electrical, water and sewage hookups. This type of camping is called “boondocking”, “dry camping” or “dispersed camping” and involves camping outside of established campgrounds. My husband and I didn’t even know this type of RV camping existed until we started RVing and learning the tricks of the trade.

Here’s a spot we found at American Girl Mine in California, which you can easily locate on Google Maps.

Our first time dry camping wasn’t free, but it was inexpensive for the area we were in. We stayed at O’Neill Park in Orange County, California for $22 a night, which by comparison is much cheaper than anywhere else you’ll find in that area. It was a great experience! But we had to learn how to boondock within the first week of owning our rig. It wasn’t hard once we figured out what we were doing. Here are the basic steps you should take to prepare for this type of RV camping:

Fill up your tank with water, and bring extra drinking water.
Make sure you have a generator or solar panels to stay powered.
Empty your black and gray tanks in advance (trust me on this one).
If you’re going far off the grid, ensure you have plenty of food and first aid supplies.

These are the essential preparations (consider them must-dos) for any free camping experience. For some more creative ideas, you can check out Pinterest and type “boondocking” in the search. You’ll get all kinds of great tips!

How do you find free and inexpensive campsites?

The following websites and apps helped us locate some great cheap RV campsites.

1. Campendium

With Campendium you can search for various camping options, including land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), national forests and traditional campsites. You will find reviews and evaluations of important features like cell coverage. You may not find comprehensive information on every location, since reviews are left by fellow campers. In other words, the more popular the location, the more reviews there will be. Be sure to leave a review of your experience so that others can plan a trip based on information that you provide!

Here’s a great spot we found on Campendium called Upper Teton View in Wyoming. It’s a hilly road, but we managed to get our RV up there and saw larger fifth wheels too!

2. AllStays

Allstays is a paid app that offers information on free campsites including truck stops, casinos, Walmarts (all places you can camp for free) and even RV stores in case you need to pick a few items on your way. Once you buy the app, you basically own it forever (no monthly subscription), and it’s a comprehensive, one-stop resource that many RVers say is well worth the $10 price tag.

For inexpensive camping options, check out Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. Each offers a different type of experience for a low annual membership fee.

3. Boondockers Welcome

This site lists individuals who have offered up land on their property for boondockers. These are usually one- or two-night stays and you can even find some sites to camp for free in the city. Click here to read my article about camping near big cities.

4. Harvest Hosts

We had a lovely stay at the Jaxon Keys winery.

You can find some great camping sites on Harvest Hosts. These are typically wineries, ranches or even museums where you can stay overnight in exchange for buying your host’s products or services. (While you don’t have to buy their products, it’s nice to support local businesses and good hospitality when you can!) We stayed at the Jaxon Keys winery in Hopland, California using Harvest Hosts. We camped just behind their vineyards and had a lovely wine tasting too!

5. Google Maps

Finding your own camping locations is another option. Free and legal camping is available on BLM land and in many national forests. With Google Maps, you can look for places in advance and scope out a site. This is when the “feel” of a campsite comes into play: Search for the site on Google Maps in advance and then arrive early to scope out the terrain. It’s good to have a backup plan, since you might find that you need to navigate challenging roads or someone might beat you to the site. Pay attention to how you feel in a location. Generally speaking, free camping on open land is safe, but be aware of your surroundings and ensure you have a good exit strategy if something like a storm comes through.

Free RV Camping Is Easier Than You Think

This style of camping might not be for everyone, but I believe that what holds many people back is a lack of information. A little planning, a few online resources and feeling a place out can lead to some truly memorable experiences!

Ready for your own off-grid adventure? Rent an RV on Campanda to get started:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Do you already own an RV? Don’t let it sit idle! List it on Campanda to share the RV life (and earn some extra money)!

Click Here To List Your RV

The post How To Find Free & Inexpensive RV Camping appeared first on Campanda News.

A Beginner’s Guide To RV Holding Tanks

Tom Sperner — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 18:57:51 +0000

By Liz Wilcox

RVing can take you to some beautiful locations and help you create wonderful memories. But not every part of RVing is pretty. Maintaining and emptying your septic system on a regular basis is an unglamorous — but necessary — part of any RV adventure. And without proper maintenance and care of this system, things can get pretty ugly.

Whether you’re a new RV owner or you plan to rent an RV on Campanda, it’s important to know how to care for your RV tanks properly. This handy guide will help you get started:

What does an RV septic system look like?

Recreational vehicles typically come with three tanks, located on the underside of the RV, to keep things running smoothly.

1. Fresh Water Tank

There are usually three tanks on an RV: fresh water, grey and black.

As the name suggests, this tank is for fresh water. This is the water that comes out of your taps.

2. Grey Water Tank

The grey tank holds the dirty water from your RV shower and the kitchen sink. Some used campers and vintage RVs may not have this tank.

3. Black Water Tank

This is the one that tends to scare new RVers. The black tank holds waste water from the toilet. If your RV does not have a gray tank, all dirty water is dispensed into this tank.

When not maintained properly, any one of these tanks can cause problems.

How often should I empty my RV tanks?

There’s no hard and fast rule about when to empty your tanks — it all depends on how much you use them.

How often you need to empty your tanks is relative. If you are traveling with a large number of people, you may need to empty your tanks every other day. If it is just you and your spouse, once a week may be enough.

A general rule of thumb is to wait until your tanks are about two-thirds full before emptying them. It creates a much better “flow” when dumping, making the process much more efficient.

Some recreational vehicles come with systems to show you exactly how full your tanks are. This is a great way to gauge when to dump, but be warned! After a few years, these sensors don’t always work well. Even new ones may give an incorrect reading because of paper or other waste sticking to the sensor making it read “full” when it’s not. It’s important to stay cognizant of how much water waste you are really accumulating.

How do I empty my RV tanks?

The holding tanks should be clearly marked on your RV. If renting, be sure to request a walkthrough from the RV owner.

Before your first waste water dump, make sure you have a sewer hose and some gloves to protect your hands.

Next, be sure to identify the valves on the outside of your RV. These will be clearly marked “grey” and “black”.

Hook your sewer hose up to the valve on the RV. Take the other end and secure it to the sewer you are using. Ensure it is fastened on both ends before pulling the valves!

Start with the black tank. Remember, the toilet waste water dumps directly into this tank. Never dump this water anywhere except designated dump stations. Dump stations are always clearly marked.

To empty, pull the valve and let the tank drain. Close the valve when you can no longer hear any liquid coming through the hose. Ensure the valve is closed completely. This is very important. Leaving a black tank valve open is an absolute no-no. It will cause all the liquid to flow out, leaving the solids no way of draining.

Always make sure the valve on your black tank is closed completely after dumping.

When you’ve ensured the valve is shut, pull the grey tank valve. Again, close when done.

Some people leave the gray tank valve open outside of the RV and let it drain continuously. This is a mistake. Flushing the gray tank after the black tank helps flush any solids stuck in your sewer hose. If you keep this valve open, you will not have that extra water to flush out the sewer hose after the black tank.

For easy clean up, go slowly when detaching the sewer hose. Many RVers use a bucket or tub to contain the hose when not in use.

How do I maintain my RV septic system?

You can find starter kits like this one at Walmart or RV stores.

Once you get the hang of emptying the tanks on your recreational vehicle, the process can go quickly and smoothly. But there’s more to using your tanks properly than emptying them — maintenance is just as important and will help prevent trouble down the line.

In general, regularly flushing along with cleaning and sanitizing your tanks will keep the system up and running fairly free of problems.

Other things to know about your RV holding tanks:

Fresh Water Tank

The least scary of the three tanks, the fresh water tank still needs maintenance from time to time.

When hooked up to water or filling the tank, use only a potable water hose. These are easy to spot because of their white color.

With this tank, it’s important to pay attention to the weather. Insulate your hose during freezing weather and drain your fresh water in extreme heat to prevent water stagnation.

The fresh water tank holds the water that comes out of your taps. It’s the least scary of all the RV tanks.

If the tank begins to smell, it may be contaminated. Use household bleach to clean the tank.

Pour ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water in your tank.
Run the water until you smell bleach.
Continue to run until all the bleached water is out.
Let your tank sit for 24 hours.
Refill your tank and run the water until bleach smell is gone.
Use as normal.

Gray Water Tank

Again, this is where runoff water from your sink or RV shower is held. In large travel trailers and fifth wheels, there may be two gray tanks.

It’s important to note that the drain into this tank is small. Take every precaution to ensure food particles do not go down the drain. Even something as small as a pea may cause a clog.

Black Water Tank

You should only ever empty your tanks at a designated dumping station.

There are a few good rules of thumb for minimizing trouble with the dreaded black tank:

Use single-ply toilet paper. Two-ply can clog the tank.
Flush regularly, always adding water to the toilet bowl before flushing.
Sanitize your tank after dumping. You can find special chemicals for this in the RV section of any big box store.
Clean this tank often by putting a garden hose down the toilet. This should help flush your system and clear up any build ups.

Your #vanlife fantasies may not involve draining sewage, but this is a very real and essential part of RVing. When done properly, it should be a quick and painless process. Follow the guidelines above and after a few turns at the dump station, you’re going to be a pro at handling your RV septic system!

Emptying your tanks may not be a fun job, but it’s a necessary part of RV living.

Totally grossed out by the idea of emptying your own RV tanks? Many RV owners on Campanda offer to dump your tanks on return for an extra fee. Browse Campanda’s selection of trailers, motorhomes and campers by clicking the link below:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Looking to share the joys of RVing — black water tank included — with other RV enthusiasts? Rent your RV on Campanda and turn your rig into a second stream on income!

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