Archive for December, 2009

Taking Your Fifth Wheel to Canada

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Our neighbors to the north enjoy their camping just as much as we do. Canada is a great place to visit, and it is relatively simple to go across the border. There are, however, some things you need to know before you take your fifth wheel or motor home into Canada.

Important things you need to know going into Canada

  1. If you are traveling alone with children under the age of 18, they must carry a letter from the absent parent giving permission for the child to travel with you.
  2. If you have a criminal record including drunk driving, you may be kept out of Canada.
  3. If you are traveling with a cat, or dog, you must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian and with a description of the animal.
  4. If you plan to hunt in Canada, know what their regulations are regarding firearms, and declare your weapon at the border.
  5. Everyone must have proof of citizenship.

What you can expect in the way of RV Campgrounds in Canada

There is a wide range of facilities in Canadian RV Parks. They have full service resorts with amenities, and delightful backwoods campgrounds. Some parks only offer 15 amps, and you’d be unable to run your air conditioner – but you probably wouldn’t need it in the cooler climate. There are municipal campgrounds in many places. Summer is a great time to camp in Canada, but the beauty of spring and fall draws many as well. Some go for the winter sports. Canada is truly a country for all seasons.

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Safety First Towing Your Fifth Wheel

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

If you are a new RVer with a fifth wheel, or even if you are experienced in towing a trailer, here are some angles on safety that you should know. If you miscalculate, or make a mistake it will cause far more damage than it would if you were driving a car. Some of these may sound elementary, but it never hurts to review the basics.

Basic safety precautions

  • Before you get into the tow vehicle, make sure that both truck and trailer are current on their maintenance.
  • Verify that all of the required lights are connected and working.
  • Check your brakes.
  • If you are a newbie, or have not driven for a while, find a large vacant lot in which to practice.
  • Do not ever allow anyone to ride in the trailer, or on it.
  • Make sure that your hitch mechanism is one that is acceptable for your vehicle.
  • Drive carefully, and at a sensible speed for the road, weather, and weight of your trailer.
  • Be prepared to stop gradually. Sudden stops can be the starting place for sliding, or worse.
  • Do not make any sudden moves with the steering wheel. It may cause your vehicle to sway.
  • Drive slowly over gravel, railroad crossings, and uneven ground.
  • In order to execute a safe turn, go wide to give the trailer room to get around the corner without going up over the curb.

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Travel Trailers and RV Clubs

Friday, December 4th, 2009

People with travel trailers join RV clubs to interact with like-minded RVers. There are different clubs based on RV brands, common purposes, and common taste in RV trips. Some may gather for an RV rally where they will organize a special tour for group members. Several clubs exist for the benefit of people who are disabled.

Brand-related RV Clubs

These are for people who have RVs of the same make. These folks often network with one another in order to get the most out of their own motor home. They may discuss the quirks of their brand, or ask where to find a mechanic who is familiar with their kind of trailer. You can discover your RV’s club by checking with your dealer, or by doing an Internet search.

What is the Escapees RV Club?

Escapees RV Club is a large, active organization featuring smaller clubs (Birds of a Feather) within the mother organization. Members may set up their own BOF specialty group. Escapees hold HOPs (Head Out Program) where group members may attend special events, visit interesting locations, and have other adventures together. They also have an online discussion forum where members can interact between meets. Additionally, they have publications, and offer assistance to one another in day-to-day living.

The largest RV club

Good Sam Club purports to be the largest RV club. They not only function as a travel club with insurance, roadside assistance, and financial services, but also as an online community whose help reaches literally around the world. Check them out on Facebook or online.

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A Brief History of Travel Trailers in North America

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Most historians agree that the first travel trailers appeared in the early 1920s. “Tin can tourists” was the epithet for people who used them – and indeed, it was an apt description. Over the passage of years, they have evolved into something larger and more complex.

What did the earlier travel trailers look like

The first ones did not look like much on the outside, and did not offer many amenities on the inside. They often had only two wheels, and a small door. It was evident that utility trumped beauty in those early prototypes.

Things began to change in the mid 20th century. The travel trailer industry went in two different directions. One way led to what has become the modern “mobile home” while the other branch eventually became known as recreational vehicles.

The varieties of modern travel trailers

Modern travel trailers are classified as recreational vehicles along with motor homes, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and toy haulers. They may be small with basic amenities, or large luxurious Class A diesel pushers. Many larger trailers are made with full time RV enthusiasts in mind.

If you get bit by the RV bug, you’ll want to take time to study the market, and find something that will suit your own needs. Find an RV rental place, and try out several models until you find the one that works for you. Talk to seasoned travelers, and learn from them. A dependable RV dealer can help you find great used vehicles as well.

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An Irish Staycation in Your Class C

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

The recession may be receding just a little bit, but many families are still looking at an extra small vacation budget. With a little bit of effort you and your children can have a fun weekend in your Class C motorhome right in your own backyard.

Choose a theme for your vacation at home

Try planning your “getaway” for a holiday weekend, or close to a special day. Include the children in making some themed decorations. Take St. Patrick’s Day for example. Make some shamrocks, leprechauns, and a rainbow with a pot of “gold” at the end. (You might hide some treats in the pot for a dessert or snack.)  Set a shillelagh in the corner for atmosphere.

Food to set the mood

Choose food to complement your decorations. Logically, corned beef and cabbage should accompany the wearing o’ the green. Or, you might be adventurous and make some green eggs and ham. Add some Irish soda bread, and burnt oranges for dessert. Don’t forget the Irish coffee at the end.

Bring in an Irish poet or musician

Look up some Irish poetry on the Internet, and bring it on your Class C to read. (Make sure you get the English translation for ease of pronunciation.)  Read the lilting lines aloud to the family, or take turns reading line by line.

Perhaps learning to do an Irish jig would be more to your family’s liking.

You may not ever see Ireland, but with imagination and enthusiasm, you can bring a little of Ireland to your motorhome.

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Williamsburg in Your Class C

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is hands down one of the great family trips you can make in your Class C motorhome. There is something for everyone to enjoy. RV campgrounds abound, and Williamsburg is an adventure that your children will never forget.

The best time to visit Colonial Williamsburg

Springtime cannot be beat for sheer beauty. Flowers are blooming, and the vernal sunshine lightens your eyes, and makes your heart skip for joy. Temperatures in April and May are pleasant without the summer heat and humidity.

December is spectacular with the Christmas decorations, lights, and entertainment. Time your visit with The Grand Illumination of Williamsburg, and you will witness a breath-taking ceremony of lights and fireworks.

Williamsburg is a history smorgasbord

Colonial Williamsburg is a leap back in time. There are people dressed in period clothing walking the streets. You may have tea with Martha Washington, or chat with Patrick Henry in the College of William and Mary.

Restaurants prepare delicious dishes of yore, and shops are replete with colonial wares for sale. After the fife and drum corps plays its way through the town at sunset, you can go on a ghost tour.

Historic Jamestown, the first English settlement in Virginia, is nearby. Yorktown, where the British general Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War, portrays the fife and drum corps playing “The World Turned Upside Down.”

There is so much to see and do, that you will be glad to climb into your Class C motorhome at the end of the day.

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