RV Travel Security
By Mark J. Polk

For one minute, try to think the way a criminal would think.

If you were at a rest stop looking for your next target or victim, what would you look for? Let’s pretend for a moment that you were going to target a vehicle. Which would be more appealing, a car whose owner stopped for a quick bathroom break or an expensive looking Class A motor home, whose owners are out walking their dogs?

I don’t have the mind of a criminal but this is an easy choice. That expensive looking RV probably has expensive contents inside like, jewelry, cameras, and a laptop computer.

Okay, we have come to the conclusion that we, the RVers, are the prime target for the criminal mind, so what can we do to protect ourselves? That’s what this RV security checklist is for. To give you some ideas on how to protect yourself and you’re personal belongings when you’re traveling in your RV.

Don’t stay overnight at a rest stop. Rest stops attract criminals. If you stop at a rest stop it should only be for a short break and then back on the road. Lock the RV and take turns using the facilities, always leaving someone in or close to the RV. Always be on the look out for anything or anyone that looks suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need it and don’t open the door for anybody, unless you know who it is.

Rest stops aren’t the only place you need to be concerned about. Every time you stop to refuel there are certain precautions you need to take. It’s easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or a truck stop.

I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on the console of our Class C motor home. The door isn’t locked and your spouse is taking advantage of the time to walk the dogs. This is how quickly it can happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors whenever you or someone else is not physically in the RV.

Most robberies occur at night and most travel related robberies occur at rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores and ATM machines.

Try to schedule most of your stops during daylight hours, and whenever you stop be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t look right leave.

Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop to get a few hours of sleep can present security problems too. You should always park in a well lit area and the entry door of the RV should be facing where most of the activity is. A thief prefers to work where it is dark and where it is least likely to draw any attention.

Close your curtains or blinds so it’s not possible for someone to look inside. Don’t open the door for anybody unless you know who it is. If it’s a security guard ask for identification before you open the door.

As much as we would like to believe that campgrounds are 100% safe and secure don’t let your guard down. You don’t need to be paranoid, just use some common sense. Don’t leave expensive equipment lying around unsecured. Vehicle tow bars, hitches, bicycles and other items need to be under lock and key. Keep any valuables inside the RV secured and out of sight.

It’s a good idea to purchase a small fire proof safe to store valuables and important paperwork in. The safe might protect your valuables from the hazards of a fire but it will still need to be stored in a secure, out of the way place, inside the RV.

Always lock the RV when you’re not physically at the campsite. Do not store valuable equipment in outside storage compartments. Believe it or not, a vast majority of RV’s use the same exact key as yours for outside storage compartments. If you store valuables, like golf clubs, fishing gear or tools in the outside compartments you may want to have the locks changed.

Before you leave on a trip make sure your Emergency Roadside Service Plan is current. In the unfortunate event that you breakdown on the road, try to pull off in as safe a place as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives.

It’s unfortunate that we live in a day and age where we need to take these added measures to protect ourselves. I don’t want you to feel like everybody you meet during your travels is a thief or has bad intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of what is going on around you. Plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!

Happy Camping,

Mark

For More on Camping Security, Check these out…

Click Here!  RV Safety 101  Everything you need for safe traveling with your RV

Basic RV Safety 101
By Mark J. Polk

I recently received an email from someone that was considering purchasing an RV. After explaining their interest in RVing there was one short question.

“Are RV’s dangerous to own and operate?”

After giving this some thought I realized that this one short question covered a very large spectrum. There was no quick or easy response to this question. I responded by saying that in most cases it’s not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual that is operating the RV that is dangerous. I gave some examples of unsafe acts that I have witnessed like carrying a full spare LP gas bottle inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the generator running and never weighing the RV or checking the inflation pressure in the tires.

I told them when they begin their search for their RV the first thing to verify is that the RV manufacturer is a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). If they are the RV will have an oval shaped RVIA seal displayed on the exterior, usually by the entrance door. This seal means that the RV manufacturer is in compliance with more than 500 safety requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire and life safety. These safety requirements are established under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any concerns you may have about the RV itself being safe when it is manufactured.

I explained that the next step is to educate yourself on the systems of an RV and what is required to operate the RV safely and properly. If you’re going to be towing a three or four ton travel trailer, or driving a six ton plus motor home you need to understand the importance of proper hitch work, weights and driving techniques.

I also explained that anytime you are dealing with petroleum products like LP gas and gasoline generators there is cause for concern, but if handled properly there is nothing to worry about. A good place to start is with our RV video and DVD library.

In no particular order, I offer the following advice concerning RV safety:

• Take care of your RV’s tires and they will take care of you. When you’re not using your RV keep the tires covered to protect them from the damaging affects of ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun. Invest in a quality inflation pressure gauge and check the tire pressure in all tires every time you use the RV. Check and adjust the pressure when the tires are cold, before you move it. Maintain the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual for proper tire inflation and never exceed the maximum pressure located on the tire sidewalls.
• Weigh your RV and tow vehicle. The only way to know if the weight is properly distributed and that you are within the allowable weight ratings for the RV and tow vehicle is to have them weighed. Look for certified platform scales in your yellow pages under moving companies or truck stops. When you weigh your RV and tow vehicle have them fully loaded for travel to include passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, and full fresh water and propane tanks. Verify that you do not exceed any manufacturer weight ratings such as, the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). NEVER exceed any manufacturer weight ratings. It is quite possible to be within the weight ratings, but still exceed a tire rating. This is why you must weigh each axle end separately to insure that the load is within the capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and to see if the load is properly distributed.
• Have the LP gas system inspected every spring before using the RV. Take your RV to a qualified service center and let them check the LP gas system for proper appliance operating pressure and to check the system for leaks. Familiarize yourself with the odorant added to LP gas to assist you in detecting a leak, and what to do if there is a gas leak. If you smell LP gas or the leak detector alarm goes off:
  1. Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
  2. Do not touch electrical switches.
  3. Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
  4. Open the doors and windows and leave the area until the odor clears.
  5. Have the LP gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using the system again.
• It is not recommended that you travel with the LP gas turned on. If you do have the gas on while traveling turn off each individual pilot light, appliance, and the main gas supply before refueling.
• The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power available, but keep in mind that carbon monoxide is deadly! NEVER sleep in the RV with the generator running! Before you start and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. Do not use it if the exhaust system is damaged. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
  1. Dizziness
  2. Vomiting
  3. Nausea
  4. Muscular twitching
  5. Intense headache
  6. Throbbing in the temples
  7. Weakness and sleepiness
  8. Inability to think coherently
  If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.

Keep in mind, this is a very short list. There are many other safety issues involved in owning and operating an RV, but by practicing common sense, and through education, RV ownership is not only safe, it’s lots of fun.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Camping vacations are great for family fun.  With numerous campgrounds throughout the world, there are many destinations for campers to select from. Every state in the USA has camping areas available for those seeking to take friends or family on a camping vacation.  With a little research, you can find a camping destination that will have many things to entertain your guests and you can have a fun filled camping vacation experience.

Destinations for campers include campgrounds nearby or located directly at beaches, lakes, rivers and wilderness areas.  National Parks offer camping most of the year. Some camping destinations are seasonal so it’s always a good idea to check on the available camping dates and of course, space availability for camping can be an issue at peak camping season.  Camping reservations should be made well in advance if you want a vacation for camping during holiday dates.  Most popular camping spots are sold out during the holiday dates, in fact, major holidays like the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day are cusch popular dates for camping vacations that you’ll be lucky to get a space at any campground without advance camping reservations.

If you like to combine camping with water activities, make your vacation camping destination at a beach or lake.  Campgrounds by the beach or camping by lakes means you may be able to wade around in the water, swim, fish, boat or whatever.  If you’re looking for a camping site around water in the USA, there are many destinations for campers no matter what State you plan to be in you’ll be able to find good areas for camping.  

Outside the USA, most of the rest of the world offers good camping vacation destinations.  France, Germay, Italy, Austrailia, Denmark, even Egypt have camping vacation places.  In many of these other countries of the world, camping is not as popular as it is in the USA but still you’ll find great camping areas with full amenities. As in America’s campgrounds, some are better than others, the same goes with those camping destinations outside the US.    There is much information available on camping vacations and it’s a good idea to research camping parks and resorts so you’ll be happy with what you find when you reach your campground.

Camping vacations are economical, camping is an inexpensive way to explore the world so why not gather your family and friends and decide on a camping vacation destination and GO camping!   Being outside with nature is a great experience for anyone,  hiking, fishing, go boating or rafting, explore the outside world. Get out of the house and take a camping vacation soon.  It doesn’t cost a lot to take the family camping and there’s sure to be something to please everyone.  GO camping, get out and enjoy the world, take a camping vacation, enjoy the experience from setting up your camp to making a bonfire, roast some marshmallows, make s’more, cook up some hot dogs or burgers and reminisce together.  Have a good time camping.  Just pack up and take a camping trip with your family or friends, you’ll be glad you did.

Tell us about your camping vacations and let others know about great camping destinations.  Share your favorite stories with us and we’ll be sharing more great camping news with you. 

Visit our links for camping supplies and information about camping and other topics, get started on planning your camping vacation today!  GO camping!

Fitness Camps and Health Camps are alternatives to regular camping.  They are growing industries  as people become more conscious of health and fitness issues.  Camps for fitness are popular for those desiring to improve their physical fitness.  These are not necessarily weight loss camps or camps for health improvement but they are for those individuals that want to get away from everyday life and work on self improvement in a controlled enviornment.

Body builders, boxers, and other athletes appreciate fitness camps for the benefits of training facilities and for structured programs designed for building fitness.

Specialty camps exist for boot camp training, especially getting prepared for ther USMA.  These boot camps help individuals to prepare for the rigorous training that they will encounter in the “real world” once they’re actually in boot camp.

Health camps can be either camps for weight loss or general health and fitness. Whether you want to improve your self image by spending time at a weight loss camp or improve your physique by attending a fitness boot camp, there are quality training camps ready to help you achieve your goals.

Teen camps are also more and more popular and offer a variety of camping programs for teens.  There are teen weight loss camps and general activity camps for teens. Most camps do have some focus on health and well being.  After all, going to camp for whatever reason you may go, the point is to have some activity and learning experiences.  What you’re learning will be based on the camping theme.

Check into one of these alternative camps if you want a self improvement program, teen camp, weight loss center or boot camp, they might be just what you were looking for.

Click Here!  Boot Camp Fitness Kit-How To Run Successful Fitness Bootcamps,How To Design Fitness Boot Camp Workouts

Click Here! Prepare for Bootcamp, The Survival Guide For Usmc Boot Camp -

When you’re thinking of taking a camping trip, having the right camping gear is quite important.  Of course we think of taking the tent but camping equipment goes well beyond the tent.    The best way to be sure you’ll have everything needed for your camping trip is to make a list and then work on getting all your camping equipment organized so you’ll be well prepared once you arrive to your camping site.

Gear for camping, besides tents and sleeping bags, might include cots, backpacks for hiking, lanterns, coolers, and equipment for camping like small propane cookers as well as cooking tools. Sometimes it’s nice to take along folding chairs so you can sit comfortably.  Most of us don’t forget about the grocery items needed but these should also be included on your preparation list so when you gather your gear for camping then you’ll be able to get everything ready.

Many new camping accessories are available and if you’re a regular camper then you might be interested in checking out the new kinds of camping supplies.  If you rarely take a camping trip then you’ll probably want to stay with the basics.  No need to go crazy with purchasing equipment and gear for camping if you don’t think you’ll use them often enough. 

Lists of your gear and equipment for camping may vary according to where you’re taking the camping trip.  If you’re camping on the beach, your list will be different than if you were to take a camping trip in the woods.  Always be prepared and take along the necessary supplies for camping in hot or cold temperatures and to be ready in the case of occasional rain or unexpected inclement weather.

If you’re well prepared, you will have a better time camping so take the time to make your list and check it twice…….so your camping vacation will be NICE!

GO camping!

RV Travel With Pets
By Mark J. Polk

Pets and RV’s just seem to go together. One of the really great things about traveling in an RV is that you can take your pets with you. In many cases the main reason people buy an RV is so their pets can travel with them.

Both of our dogs have been traveling with us in our RV since they were puppies. They both get extremely excited when they see us loading the RV for another trip.

It’s fun and convenient to be able to take your pets along with you, but I realized a long time ago that certain precautions must be taken when you travel with pets. There were a lot of things to remember about traveling with our pets, so to make it easier here is a checklist of basics:

• First and foremost always keep in mind that an RV gets extremely hot and / or cold inside depending on the outside temperature. Always make sure there is some type of ventilation and / or heat and air available when pets are left in the RV.
• Never leave your pets in an RV for long periods of time without somebody checking on them periodically. If you will be away from your pets and the RV for an extended period of time leave a key with someone you can trust to check on the pets and in case of an emergency.
• Always have fresh water available for your pets. You never know the quality of the drinking water when you are traveling so it’s a good idea to take a container of water from your home that your pets are accustomed to, or use bottled water.
• Pets should always travel in a pet carrier or crate for their personal safety.
• Get a current health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling.
• Always take the pets medical records along with you.
• Take a recent color photograph of your pets with you in the event that they should get lost.
• Update all vaccinations before leaving on your trip.
• Take a proof of rabies vaccination.
• Take flea, tick, and heartworm medications.
• Take a pet first aid kit and know what dosages of medication to give your pets.
• Take your veterinarian’s regular phone number and emergency phone numbers with you.
• Get the phone number for a local veterinarian when you arrive at your destination.
• Don’t forget to take the brand of pet food your pet is used to and take a food and water travel bowl.
• Take a walking leash.
• Your pet’s collar should include identification along with basic information such as your name, address and a cell phone number. You can even include an e-mail address.
• Take a harness, tie out anchor and a leash or chain. Give your pet plenty of room to move, but be cautious of traffic and obstacles that they can get hung or caught on. We use portable exercise pens.
• Take grooming tools, pet toys and treats.
• Take extra cat litter and the cat box.
• Take some plastic bags for pet clean up.
• Take your pet’s favorite bedding or crate.
• Take some old towels just in case you need them
• Traveling can be stressful on pets especially if they are not used to it. When your pet is away from home and off of their regular schedule it can affect their health. Perform a daily health check on your pet. Look for anything out of the ordinary.
• Stop often when you’re traveling and allow your pets to exercise and to relieve themselves.
• When making campground reservations be sure and ask about pets. Some campgrounds offer kennels and boarding for pets. If your travel plans include day trips or extended travel away from the campsite inquire about these services.

This checklist does not cover everything that you need to be concerned with when traveling with pets in your RV, but it’s a good start. You can add to this list and tailor it to your specific type of pet or your pet’s needs and refer back to it before a trip so you don’t forget anything.

Of further interest for your pet you might check these out:
Click Here!  Veterinary Secrets Revealed: Treat Your Pet At Home With Over 1000 At-home Pet Health Remedies: Keep Your Dog Or Cat Healthy, Extend Their Life And Save Money At The Vet!

Click Here!  Turn Your Passion For Pets Into Profits, Bake A Dog Bone

Click Here!  SitStayFetch Is The No. 1 Dog Training And Behavior Product On The Net And Has Been For Over 3 Years.

Click Here!  E-books On How To Start Popular Pet Businesses for Doggie Day Care & More

RV Parks, Recreational Vehicle Resorts, RV Trips, RV Vacations, RV’ers campgrounds, you name it, RV parks and RV resorts are available from coast to coast in the USA.  Truly, recreational vehicle camping and RV vacations is appealing to many people and apparantly, the interest in recreational vehicle vacation destinations is growing as the number of resorts catering to RV’ers also grows.  Amenities at  RV parks can range from simple hookups which are available at most RV parks to luxurious swimming pools, spas, gaming areas and more at high end recreational vehicle resort parks.

From the East Coast to the West Coast in the USA, you’ll find no shortage of places to park RV’s along the way. It is a great way to see the country, just load up the RV and hit the road for a fantastic journey through the USA.  Alternately, people are finding that in certain European countries, RV rentals are available for trips through the countryside.  Rent RV’s for a day, a week or even rent RV for a monthly basis to really have the RV vacation experience. 

 No matter where in the world you are, and no matter if you rent an RV or have your own recreational vehicle, if you’re an experienced RV’er or just a novice, there are many RV resorts and RV parks ready to give you the full RV vacation experience…..or just the basics, it’s up to where you’re going and what you want to do along the way.

Sometimes an RV trip is just a good way to travel from one city to the next. Other times an RV trip is exactly that and this is the time when you’ll be looking for better RV Parks with more features.  Some RV parks are very busy with RV spaces very close together and other times, if you’re lucky, you can find spacious parking areas for your RV so you can have a little “breathing room” of your own.  Some people don’t mind close quarters, in fact, often times people enjoy having others nearby in the RV park or RV resort.  Usually these are sociable types that enjoy meeting new people and sharing their RV roadtrip experiences with one another.  Other times, people really want to be at an RV park or recreational vehicle resort that has some room between the RV spaces and doesn’t feel too crowded.  With just a little effort, you can find the RV park that suits your requirements wherever you are.   Recreational vehicle travel is nice because you don’t even have to be at an RV park anyway if you don’t want to but at some point, most people do like to stay at a recreational vehicle park or resort.

RV trips are great. If you’re on an RV caravan trip that could be interesting.  Some people share the experience by getting a group together and taking a roadtrip with RV’s.  There are festivals catering to RV’ers and other events in many places.  RV trips can be for families or groups of friends or associates.  Maybe you’re on a coast to coast journey or just out for a little weekend RV excursion.  Whatever the reason you’re going down the road in an RV, check out some of America’s RV parks and RV resorts along the  way.  Share your RV vacation experiences and tell the world about great recreational vehicle resort destinations.  Our links have information about vacation ideas for RV’ers and from here you can connect to much more information about RV Parks and RV resorts worldwide.  Make a comment and let us know about your favorite RV destinations and let others be “in the know” on where to go!

GO Camping at an RV park or recreational vehicle resort soon!

Click Here!   Checklist For RVers That Takes You Through The Pre-buying Inspection Process, The Pdi, And Then What To Do And Look Out For When Setting Up And Breaking Camp.

Michigan has many campgrounds and RV parks located throughout the state.   Of course, this is the great lakes state so camping in Michigan has many RV parks and resort camp grounds that are by lakes. This makes it great for camping trips or RV trips combined with  fishing, boating, swimming, canoes, skiing, and other water activities. Campgrounds in Michigan have much to offer for your camping vacation or RV park.

Whether you’re local to Michigan and seeking a campground for a weekend camping trip or if you’re visiting from other areas, you’re sure to enjoy a Michigan campground.  RV parks in Michigan often offer discounted rates for extended stays. In Muskegon, Michigan, one such resort is Wolf Lake Resort & Campground.  This place and others like it offer extended RV parking and many people visit Michigan RV parks to enjoy the beautiful summers. www.CampingMuskegon can give you information on this Michigan campground and RV park.   Anyone else camping in Michigan or having a good camping trip or stay at any Michigan RV parks could also make some recommendations in our comments so others can have ideas on fun Michigan campgrounds or locate a great RV park in Michigan.

No matter what part of Michigan you’re in, there’s sure to be a campground and/or RV resort where you can find whatever outdoor recreation you’re interested in.  If you want camping with boating, swimming or fishing then you’ll want a campground with lake.  Campgrounds with lakes are everywhere in this state,  Lake Michigan camping is very popular. Here you can find camping and hiking in the sand dunes or hang out at the beach.  Michigan campgrounds for RV’ers is steadily growing and the RV resorts offer more and more for camping vacations.  There are many resources available to help you select the best campground in Michigan for your family camping vacation.  Experience Michigan camping soon, you’re sure to have a very enjoyable camping trip, fun for the whole family.

Camping is  a fantastic outdoor experience for the entire family. Campgrounds exist throughout the world and there are plenty of camping sites for setting up tents, pop ups and great resort style campgrounds with RV parking in many campgrounds.

Camping is one of the ultimate outdoor recreation experiences and many campgrounds have all the facilities needed to provide campers with certain “creature comforts” we like to have available.  Hot showers, clean and spacious restrooms, public areas to name a few.  Whether you’re pitching a tent for a weekend camping experience or parking your RV, there are many campgrounds throughout the USA that are ready to accomodate the camping enthusiast.

Camping trips for family vacations is very affordable, even on a modest budget a family can have a fantastic camping vacation and experience the wonders of the outdoors.  Pitch your tent, pop up trailer or park your RV at one of America’s campgrounds and you’re sure to have some great times with family and friends.

Hiking, fishing, boating, canoes, kayaks, swimming, these outdoor recreation activities abound at most campgrounds.  Adults and children all can benefit from a family camping trip and will enjoy the adventure that awaits with a camping outing.

Camping trips provide many good times and fond memories for young and old.  Even a novice can cast a line in the water for a little fishing.  If fishing is not your thing, enjoy a nice walk in the woods and explore the great outdoors.  Maybe hiking, boating, swimming or other water activities are more appealing.  Whatever the case, there’s sure to be something to please everyone on a camping trip. 

Pitching a tent is a little work but most campers don’t have much trouble getting the tent up once they arrive at the campsite.  RV parking has some set up too, getting hooked up and settled in at the campground is an experience in itself.  Sure RV’ers have some advantage with RV camping, it’s a different level of camping for sure.

Being outdoors is a good experience for everyone and what better way to experience it than a good old fashioned camping trip.  Camping is highly recommended, great family fun by day and who doesn’t like a good bonfire in the evening.  Roast some marshmallows, make s’mores, sing a few folk songs, tell a few jokes, have some laughs and enjoy the company of friends and family.  Camping is great, get out of the house, away from the TV and spend some quality time at a nice campground.  Summer is coming and there’s no better time for a camping trip.  Why not plan one soon…..easy on the budget and so much FUN!!