Our gift to you Concierge Service; Camping Guides, Links & Road Conditions for Arizona & USA. 

When backing up a trailer, place hand on bottom of your steering wheel & turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go.

A good rule of thumb so you don't overdo while driving your RV is to stop for a break every 200 miles or 4 hours drive-time. 

Before hitting the road, take one last walk through/around your RV to ensure you have put everything properly away.

An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children, plus it is one of the most affordable ways to vacation. Reconnect with your family. What are you waiting for? Get out there.

Road trips get boring unless kids have something to occupy them. Bring DVD players, games, interstate Bingo or play A-Z (items such as vehicle names or billboard words begin with letter A and so on).

Call to check for RV size restrictions/hookups before you get to campgrounds. Use a campground directory.

Membership programs offer 10 to 50% off at specified campgrounds and RV parks across USA and in Canada (AAA, AARP, FMCA, etc) 

When taking RV rest/gas breaks, look for coupon books & browse for discounts, money saved = more gas money = more traveling!

Test pets prior to long driving RV vacations. Ensuring your pet can take to the open road. Use appropriate carriers 4 safety.

Be sure your awning(s) are securely fastened before you travel and your slide-outs are in. 

Use a plug-in voltage meter to monitor amps. Despite rig's abilities,you can only use up to the amps available from source. 

Carry a tire gauge. As a habit, before pulling out, check your tires - vehicle and trailer or motorhome and tow vehicle

Have quarters available for unexpected events such as meter parking,coin operated showers, laundry, tolls, etc...

RVs, one of the most cost-effective & enjoyable ways to travel. Avoid long idles. Stopping for more than 1 minute? Shut it off. 

Use outside sediment water filter on any water source. Won't believe what you'll find when cleaning it out!

You arrive at Great Outdoors & find the outside inside your RV over time. Use an outdoor patio rug 

Be considerate of others. Use quiet generators as an alternative power source when necessary. 

Tools to Keep Handy Flashlight, Jumper Cables, Flat Repair Spray, Road Flares, Adj Wrench, Screwdrivers, Pliers & Duct Tape

Carry insurance info & toll-free claim #. If injured, seek medical aid first, 2nd contact insurance 

Read your Generator Operator's Manual carefully for safe operation. Most accidents occur from failing to follow safety rules. 

In severe weather park in sheltered area. In stormy weather, avoid trees or power lines that could fall on your vehicle. 

Have DIRECT TV at home? Don't miss a thing. Take it with you. Traveling has never been this much fun. 

Your windshield just caught a rock - now what? Easily repair chips like a pro. Repair kit for Auto & RV 

Make leveling your RV quick and easy with power up/down hydraulic landing gear.

If you have a motorhome, don't forget to set the parking brake when you have arrived at your campsite. Level and set chocks. 

Get cleaner, clearer water anywhere on the road by using a water treatment system.

For safety, use max power entering a high speed highway/freeway/interstate. Only time worth sacrificing mpg & putting extra strain on power train.  

Always use a supplemental braking system on the vehicle you are towing behind a motorhome. 

If you don't know the route to your destination, RVing can be stressful. Reduce stress using a GPS  

Winter camping? Use 24"x8" board under each tire & jack even when you don't need leveling. Avoid winching out due to changing ground temps. 

There is nothing like the voice of experience. Ask other RVers what they've learned while RVing. 

Taking your RV into Mexico? Mexican law requires that you purchase liability insurance before crossing the border. 

Campground Etiquette:

1. Follow the rules:     Individual parks usually hand you a copy of their rules when you register. Adhering to these rules is one of the basics of campground etiquette.
2. Eliminate pet peeves:     Literally. Pick up after your pets. Stop excessive or extended barking
3. Parking the rig:     General campground etiquette is to stay on your side of your hook-up, and not have awnings or slide-outs encroaching on the site next door. Common sense and campground etiquette go hand in hand.
4. Late arrivals:     If you are arriving at a park after normal quiet hours, attempt some degree of stealth behavior. Not that it is easy to be unobtrusive pulling in an RV. But keep the set-up and noise level to the minimum required for the night.
5. Sewer connections:     Do them right. Make them secure. No torn hoses. In most places, your sewer connection faces the side where you neighbor has their "patio" area.
6. Washing the RV:    Most campgrounds will not allow washing at your campsite to avoid wasting water, high water bills, muddy sites, etc. Read the rules. You usually have to get by with a small bucket and rag and/or waterless cleaner to just do minimal spot cleaning. If you are lucky enough to find a place where you can really wash the RV, use common sense. Don't have the water flowing when you aren't actually using it. Watch the spray - your neighbor may not be interested in having their rig or outdoor gear washed. In fact, it makes for friendly campground etiquette if you let you neighbor know ahead of time that you plan to wash your rig. That way, they can close any windows or put away articles that might inadvertently get wet.
7. No trespassing:     One of the unspoken rules of campground etiquette is that you stay off occupied sites. For the time a camper is on a site, it is their space and their privacy should be respected. If you are taking a stroll around the campground, the operative word is "around". Stay on roads and pathways - don't cut through your neighbors' turf.
8. Around the campfire:    Before you light it, make sure it is permitted, and follow any rules the campground may have. Do not use your firepit as a garbage can. There is sure to be a trash can available in your rig or on the park premises. No one likes to pull into a site with a firepit full of beer cans or the remains from someone else's dinner the night before.
9. Keeping up the neighborhood:    In general, be tidy. RVing is an outdoor pastime and RVers are generally an easy going lot. But there is a point where too much stuff laying around outside the RV starts to look sloppy. Trash or anything loose that can blow around is a definite no-no.
10. Do unto others:     Follow the golden rule when in doubt. If you aren't sure of the proper campground etiquette for something, think about how you would like to be treated. If you are concerned that something might bother your neighbor, your best bet is just to ask them. If you find yourself in a situation where your neighbors or park operators are doing something that you find intolerable, politely address the subject with them. If that doesn't work, consider moving to another site or another campground. You are in an RV after all. 
    

Towing Tips:

• Are the towbar legs locked?
• Are the towbar legs properly secured to the baseplate (i.e. are the locking clips properly inserted in the pins)?
• Is the towbar hooked up to the coach properly?
• Are the safety cables crossed underneath the towbar and hooked?
• Are the towing & towed vehicles lights working?
• Have the towed vehicle manufacturer's towing procedures been followed and/or any additional equipment been engaged (i.e. driveshaft disconnect or lube pump)?
• Is the towed vehicle's steering wheel unlocked?
• Are the baseplate attachment tabs level with, or no more than 4 inches lower than, the receiver hitch? The attachment tabs should never be higher than the receiver hitch.
• Is the parking brake off on both the towed and tow vehicle?
• Are the mirrors adjusted properly on the tow vehicle?
• Is the towbar coupler parallel with the ground? (If applicable).
• Do all tires of the towed and towing vehicle have the correct tire pressure?
• Is the front end of the towed vehicle aligned?
• Is the supplemental brake system for the towed vehicle properly set?
• It is the owner's responsibility to periodically check for cracked welds and loose bolts on the baseplate.
• Do not allow anyone to ride in a towed vehicle.
• Do not use the towed vehicle to carry cargo.
• Do not back up when towing.
  

Better Night Driving Vision:

• Use yellow lens glasses or clip-ons
• Have your headlights aligned properly
• Dim your dash lights
• Install H4 halogen bulbs "E-Code" 

RV Travel From United States into Canada:

Planning to bring your RV across Canada's border? There are certain entry requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of when visiting our friendly neighbor to the north:

• Traveling with a pet? Be sure to have a veterinarianu2019s health certificate showing the animalu2019s breed, description and proof of rabies vaccination.
• Bringing Alcohol? limited to 1.5 liters (two bottles) of wine, 8.5 liters (24 12-ounce cans or bottles) of beer or 1.14 liters (40 ounces) of liquor. If you have additional quantities of alcohol, you can store the extra in a storage unit for retrieval on your way out.
• You must declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, and plant or animal products you are bringing into the country. Be aware that some items are not allowed, as they may pose a threat to Canadian agriculture or livestock.
• For fellow NRA members all weapons must be declared. You may be permitted to bring certain types, such as hunting rifles. Some firearms, such as handguns, are restricted; other weapons, including switchblade knives and replica firearms, are prohibited. Any weapons that are not declared will be confiscated.
• Feel the need to speed? Be aware that radar detectors are prohibited in Canada.

Learn all the rules before you travel to the Canada US border crossing. Please remember, U.S. citizens entering Canada require a passport or equivalent travel document, as well. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website for travel to Canada (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html), the Canada Border Service Agency website (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html) and Canada's Be Aware and Declared website (http://www.beaware.gc.ca). 

RV Travel From Canada into United States:

Re-entering / Entering the United States (US) whether you're a Canadian or American citizen, you must have a passport or equivalent travel document from your country of citizenship. Don't wait to obtain the necessary document, as passport offices have a backlog. However, services like http://www.rushmypassport.com can expedite the process for an extra fee. Canadian snowbirds may stay a maximum of six months in the United States, but may apply to USCIS for an extension. Food brought from Canada for personal use - including fruits, vegetables and meat - may be subject to certain restrictions, while alcohol is limited to one liter. For other prohibited and restricted items, see http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/clearing-customs/prohibited-items. 

If you have any of the following, go to the emergency room right away:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Rash covers most of your body.
• You have many rashes or blisters.
• Swelling, especially if an eyelid swells shut.
• Rash develops anywhere on your face or genitals.
• Much of your skin itches or nothing seems to ease the itch.

• Hike in a group. Always have at least one other person with you if you are going on low-traffic trails or be accepting of the risk you take in having no one able to aid you. Some of the benefits of hiking in a group:
  • Learn from more experienced hikers or pass on your knowledge.
  • Aid for injuries
  • Distributing loads for common group gear
  • Meet new people or deepen relationships
• Drink often to stay hydrated. Carry enough water for the day and your pack will get lighter as the day wears on.
• Small snacks often will keep your energy level up rather than waiting for a big lunch meal after you've emptied your body's reserves.
• Keep a small amount of surplus food ready, just in case.
• Embrace Leave No Trace ethics - using the open spaces is not a right, its a privilege we need to keep available to others years from now.
• Leave your hike plan with someone back home and call them when you get off the trail.
• Bring and use sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy or cold days.
• Plan a hike that is suitable for everyone in your party and let the slower person set the pace.
• Keep your pack organized and put items back where you expect to find them.
• Repackage to reduce weight. No need to take an 8 ounce bottle of insect spray if you can pour some into a 1 ounce spray bottle you can pick up at Wal-Mart. Don't bring the whole plastic-wrapped box of 12 energy bars when you'll only eat 2 and need one more just in case.
• Leave all your cotton clothes at home.
• Keep a bandanna tied to your pack strap for a quick wipe of your brow as needed.
• Inspect your emergency and first aid kits before each hike. Replace consumed items. Especially be able to start a fire.
• Minimize your weight before starting a long hike, lose 5 pounds, get a haircut, cut your finger nails, and go to the bathroom. :-)
• Water is critical for staying alive, but it is also deadly when mixed with cold on the trail. Keep yourself and your gear dry. Put items in zip-loc baggies, sleeping bag in heavy duty plastic garbage bag, clothes in waterproof bags. Carry and use rain gear.
• If your hands swell while hiking, raise them. Hold onto your pack shoulder strap for awhile and see how that helps. Use trek poles to keep your hands elevated a bit and keep the muscles active.
• Take a photo ID, insurance card, and credit card on the trail. Before a long trek, taking digital photos of your documentation and emailing it to yourself can be helpful if they are lost or stolen. Easy access to a copy of the document may aid in getting replacements faster.
• You may see rock cairns, piles of rocks, along the trail. Don't destroy them, but don't add to them either. Don't create cairns, tree blazes, or any other sign to mark the trail - people should be able to navigate their own route and scarring the landscape doesn't help anyone. The agency with responsibility for managing the land will determine which markings are appropriate.
• Short hair is much easier to manage in the wild and it is less inviting for bugs and critters looking for a place to live. 

Check out our Glampingtastic Pinterest Board

Add festive lights outside your RV.  Bring on the glamping!

If your creative, use shower curtains as fabric to be sewn into outdoor cushions and pillows. Plus you could make a pennant flag banner to match! Automatically water resistant. Brilliant and glampingtastic!

Find Glamping books in our Huge RV Parts and Accessories Super Stores

Mainly, it's all about the food. Now take your passion for cooking on the road with RV Chef George Murphy, an RVer for over 25 years, will show you how to make great recipes within the confines of an RV galley. Check out rvchef.com .

S'mores martinis - yummmm! Ingredients: Crushed graham crackers, chocolate syrup, marshmallows, s'mores vodka Dip the rim of martini glass in chocolate syrup and coat with crushed graham crackers. Pour 3 parts S'mores vodika into martini shaker filled with ice. (some chocolate syrup too) Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a skewer of three toasted marshmallows!

RV Spice Storage - use tic tac containers if space is limited or space allowing mount an under cabinet storage rack.

Save RV Refrigerator Space - Pre-cook meat and store in freezer bags or containers in freezer in appropriate size proportions, makes prep time faster too when creating your meals.