Bankston Motor Homes Blog

Travel Destination: Grand Canyon National Park

July 3, 2023July 3, 2023InteractRV Support

Finding the perfect travel destination for your next Rv trip doesn’t have to be difficult. There are lots of amazing places all around the US, but we will show you why the Grand Canyon National Park should be your next stop. Learn more about this incredible travel destination below.

About Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and features the most famous expansive canyon in our nation. The canyon is known for the distinct bands of red rock that create the unique landscape and provides insight into millions of years of geological history in the area. The Grand Canyon is so large that it is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island!

Things to do Around Grand Canyon National Park

There are many things to do around the Grand Canyon National Park, no matter what type of vacation you are looking for. There are hiking tours kayaking through the river, and even off-roading around the canyon. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the helicopter tours over the canyon or enjoy some of the mini hiking trails around the National Park.

RV Camping Around Grand Canyon National Park

Finding a campground that offers everything you need and provides a full hookup for your RV is easy around the Grand Canyon National Park because of its popularity. Below are three of our favorite places to stay.

Recommended Campgrounds:

Mather Campground
Bright Angel Campground
Desert View Campground

RV Tips: 6 Tips for First-Time RVers

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023InteractRV Support

So, you’ve just bought your first RV from Bankston Motorhomes Inc., and you’re ready to head out to the campground for a week of fun? These RV tips will help you plan ahead and ensure a wonderful camping experience for you and your family. Learn more below.

Make a Checklist

Start by making a campground must have a checklist. You can find plenty of these online, or you can create your own based on your family’s interests and specific needs. It’s also a good idea to start packing your RV ahead of time to give you plenty of ability to add things before you leave to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Book Ahead of Time

Next, you will want to make sure that you book your stay at the campground ahead of time you don’t want to rely on just rolling up to the campground and asking for a site. Especially during the summertime, campgrounds sell out fairly quickly, so booking a couple of weeks to a few months ahead of time can be a great way to ensure you get the site you want and don’t have to reroute your camping trip completely.

Learn Your RV

Take some time before you head out to the campground to learn the ins and outs of your RV. This includes little things like where you wish you had more storage space or how much you’ll be able to fit in the pass-through storage. Other things you want to learn are how to drain and clean the black tank. This task, in particular, you want to do before the RV has been used so that you don’t risk getting covered in filth at the campground.

Plan Meals

Take some time beforehand to plan out your camping meals this ensures you don’t have to make a trip to a grocery store or spend more money on essentials by using the campground general store. You’ll find plenty of delicious and easy recipes for families, couples, and more online. Most camping recipes are designed to be prepped at home before you leave so that cooking at the campground is quick and easy.

Research Your Destination

No matter where you plan to go. It’s a good idea to research your destination ahead of time. That way, you can plan for special outings to see the local sites or where you might need to go to get emergency supplies if you run out.

Plan Activities for the Whole Family

Lastly, sit down and work with your family to pick out some fun activities to do together around the campsite or your travel destination so everyone can do something they want.

Encore ROG 14TH2 Toy Hauler Expandable Review: 2 Reason to Order Now

June 14, 2023June 15, 2023InteractRV Support

In this Encore ROG 14TH2 toy hauler expandable review, we will take a look at two of our favorite features in these luxury off-roading RVs. These units are perfect for anyone who likes to travel, but doesn’t have a lot of space to keep an RV when you’re not at the campground. The Encore ROG 14TH2 toy hauler expandables for sale at Bankston RV, are compact and easy to store and feature everything you need for all of your trips to the campground.

Find more deals on expandables at Bankston Motorhomes Inc. today. — Find more deals on expandables at Ban k ston Motorhomes Inc. today.

Plenty of Space for Your Gear

One of our favorite features about these compact our visas of the interior is completely customizable. Inside you’ll find tiedowns for all of your outdoor toys and a power ramp door to make it easy to load and unload even your heavy equipment. The two expanding bed tents give you and a companion a place to sleep and future privacy curtains to ensure you’re not disturbed.

A spacious area for you to enjoy during your camping trip.

A Convenient, Compact Kitchen

Another feature you’ll love is that the front of the RV is equipped with a kitchen that features a two burner stove, a stainless steel sink with a high-rise faucet, a mini fridge and a microwave. There’s also plenty of storage to give you the space you need for all of your camping supplies and cooking gear.

This front kitchen area is perfect for quick meals.

Contact us today and we will help you to take home one of these incredible RVs to help you make the most of your time at the campground.

Alliance RV Avenue Fifth Wheel Review: 4 Excellent Designs

June 2, 2023June 15, 2023InteractRV Support

Today, we will take a look at the Alliance RV Avenue fifth wheels for sale at Bankston motorhomes Inc. These luxurious RVs are perfect for families and couples who enjoy traveling in luxury. Learn more in this Alliance RV Avenue fifth wheel review.

Alliance RV Avenue 26RD

Our first stop is the Alliance Avenue 26 RD fifth wheel on sale today for just $56,820. This couples coach is perfect for entertaining guests at the campground and provides plenty of storage space throughout to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. The master bedroom features, a queen bed with dual nightstands and overhead storage in addition to a wardrobe. And you’ll love the bathroom features a 30” x 36” shower.

Additional Features:

Front Private Bedroom
U-Shaped Dinette
Flip-Up Butcher Block
Dual Recliner Theater Seat

Alliance dinette — The dinette in the rear of this RV is ideal for hosting dinners.

Alliance RV Avenue 33RKS

Next, we will take a look at the Alliance Avenue 33RKS fifth wheel. Right now, you can save over $23,000 on this Rv. That’s perfect for a family of four. Just inside the front door you’ll find a sofa that folds out into a bed as well as door recliner theater seats set into a slide out. The entertainment center features a swing mount on the 50-inch class HDTV so that you can get a great for you no matter where you sit for movie night.

Additional Features:

Tri-Fold Sofa
Queen Bed Slide Out
Movable Ottoman
Three Burner Cooktop
Outdoor Griddle
Triple Slides

The rear kitchen in this unit is perfect for making meals for large groups.

Alliance RV Avenue 36BRM

Next on our favorite floorplans is the Alliance Avenue 36BRM fifth wheel, which sleeps up to six. This unit offers a private bunkhouse in addition to a private master bedroom. It’s the ideal RV for multi family vacations because of the bath and a half design in addition to the two opposing sides in the living room to give you plenty of space.

Additional Features:

Rear Bunkhouse
Kitchen Island
Bath and a Half
Outdoor Kitchen
Pack-N-Play Doors

This bunkhouse is great for kids or guests.

Alliance RV Avenue 37MBR

Lastly, we will take a look at the Alliance Avenue 37MBR fifth wheel. This unit also sleeps up to six and features amid bunkhouse with a loft overhead. The massive slide outs in the living room and kitchen give you an open floor plan that’s perfect for your whole family to relax in after you’ve spent today at the campground.

Additional Features:

Two Bedrooms
Kitchen Island
U-Shaped Dinette
Theater Seating
Outside Griddle

The coat closet and entrance to the mid bunkhouse make the space feel homey.

RVing in Alabama and Tennessee

May 19, 2023May 19, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

Bankston Motor Homes is a staple in Alabama and Tennessee. This month we want to inform everyone why we love RVing in the South! There are plenty of options for finding a great campground. Whether you want to stay close to the city or further out in nature, there are many choices available. So, whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the South or just want a quiet spot to park your RV, here are some tips on how to kick off your Summer RV trip.

To start, make sure you research your options! Does the RV campground have the necessary amenities that you and your family need? Does it have activities for the kids? Does your RV fit into their designated RV spots? When choosing the right campground, it’s important to consider location, facilities and amenities, rules and regulations. Since, you’re looking for the best summer campsites for RVing in Northern Alabama, consider the following:

Size of the campsite. The size of your campsite is an important factor to consider when choosing a campground. You want to make sure that there is enough space for your RV and other vehicles, as well as any additional tents or equipment you may have brought along with you on this trip.
Location and views. If possible, try to find a location where there are great views of nature around you–this can make camping much more enjoyable! You might also want to look into whether or not there are any nearby attractions that would be fun for everyone in your group (e.g., hiking trails).
Amenities and facilities at each campground location being considered by those searching for places where they can stay overnight while visiting Alabama during this time period; you will want to discover things like whether or not bathrooms and showers are available 24 hours per day and if electric outlets are located in each individual site so you don’t need to bring along a generator. It is important to know if there is a convenience store at each park, too.

The final step is choosing where to stay! Here are a few locations to check out in Alabama and Tennessee.

Wheeler lake in Decatur, Alabama
Great Escapes RV Resort Chesnut Bay in Leesburg, Alabama
Nashville KOA Resort in Nashville, Tennessee
Arrow Creek Campground in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re looking for something more rural and natural, check out some of the national parks in Northern Alabama such as Oak Mountain State Park or Cheaha State Park. If you’d rather be closer to civilization but still enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking trails and biking paths, try one of the state parks south of Huntsville like Valley Head Lake Recreation Area or Lake Lurleen State Park. Whatever type of camping experience suits your needs best–and whatever type of RVing adventure appeals most–you’ll find it here!

Before you hit the road, here are a few things to remember. The first is making sure your RV is in good working condition. Check all appliances and make sure they work properly, especially if you are planning on staying at an RV park for an extended period of time. Next up: packing essentials! You’ll want to bring enough clothing for both warm days and cool nights–and don’t forget about rain gear if storms are forecasted during your stay. Also, pack extra towels and linens so that everyone has what they need when getting ready for bed each night! Finally, don’t forget some entertainment options like books, cards or board games–you never know how long those evenings will last!

Summer RVing is Coming!

April 17, 2023April 17, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

The Summer months are nearing, so it is time to reserve your RV campground spot! Once you have picked a destination, there are a few things to know about how to find and reserve the perfect RV campground.

Here are some things to research and to keep in mind before booking! First, check for length requirements. Most campgrounds have specific restrictions for how long your spot will be and what maximum length camper will fit. So, make sure to know your length from hitch to bumper. Know your tow vehicle length too! Sometimes that needs to be included. Some sites also restrict the amount of slides an RV can have. Second, know how many AMPs it takes to run your RV. You will want the right hook ups so you can properly power your RV. Third, does the site have water hookups? If not, then make sure to fill your water tanks before you reach the site. Finally, does the RV campsite have sewage or a dump station? Not all campgrounds have sewer hookups at every site. However, almost all will have a dump station. But if you do not want to have to empty your black tank every few days, be sure to find a site with both sewer and water hook-ups!

Once you have a couple RV campgrounds that are suitable for you, now it is time to book! Just remember not every RV park or campground takes a reservation. Some are first come, first serve. While some parks have sites for last minute arrivals, they will charge you a fee. When booking, make sure to book in advance. Private parks generally allow you to book further out. While public parks or national parks have a rolling schedule. That schedule can be anywhere from six to eight months out. If you’re planning on RVing on a popular weekend like Fourth of July, Labor Day, or Memorial Day, be sure to book ahead. Those weekends fill up fast!

If you are dry camping or boondocking, check to make sure you are allowed to park your RV overnight. Some places require a reservation even if there are no amenities being used. Most RV parks or campgrounds that take reservations will let you book online or over the phone. However, they usually will require a deposit.

Now that you have ensured that your basic amenities are taken care of, what extra amenities do the campgrounds offer? Those offerings may range from wi-fi, pool access, a camp store, or even on-site events. Be sure to be on the lookout for those! Now, you know what to be on the lookout for when booking your awesome Summer RV trip! So, get ready to start planning!

Getting your RV ready for Travel

March 7, 2023March 27, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

The sun is out and the weather is warm. You know what that means? It is time to get your RV ready for Spring! These maintenance steps are important to do before hitting the road.

First, make sure you de-winterize your RV. This task marks the official start of RV season! You de-winterize by flushing your RV’s water lines with fresh water. To do this, connect a water drinking hose to the city water connector on the RV. Next, run the water through the entire plumbing system. Make sure you don’t miss anything like an outside shower or your washing machine! After all the antifreeze is gone and there are no traces of it, you can reinstall any water filter cartridges that have been removed. All the antifreeze that has been removed is now in your gray and black tank, so you will want to find a suitable waste disposal site. You will also want to sanitize your RV water system! To sanitize your lines, make sure all the drains are closed. The most efficient way to sanitize is to use a quarter cup of household bleach to every fifteen gallons of water in your fresh water tank. Pour the solution into your fresh water holding tank. Turn on your water pump and run the water through all faucets. Finally, refill your holding tank with freshwater and run until you no longer smell bleach. You may have to do this step a couple times!

Next, an important step is to make sure your HVAC is working. You will want to run both your heat and your AC to make sure they are both functioning properly! You don’t want this warmer weather to heat up your RV with no way to cool it! This is a great time to check your LP levels, too.

Finally, don’t forget to check the outside of your RV. Start low and give the tires a good once over! You don’t want a blowout to happen on the road. Tires lose a percentage of air pressure while in storage. Your RV tires can lose two or more psi per month while sitting in storage. Be sure to check the tire pressure using a quality tire inflation gauge! Next, check the roof. You will want to inspect your RV rooftop for any openings or breaks where water or air can get in. Make sure to really check around your roof vents! Plain and simple, water is the enemy of any RV interior. The sooner you catch the leak the better!

Following these tips will help you make your RV ready to hit the road! These tips seem simple but are very important to make sure that you have a smooth RV season. If you need help de-winterizing your RV or have any question about how to do so, call your local Bankston Motor Homes. We are here to help you out!

Where will you be this Spring Break?

March 7, 2023March 27, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

Spring break is right around the corner! The first thing you are going to want to decide is where to travel to. There are RV campgrounds nationwide. Each campground will list the amenities that they offer. So, you can find the one that best suits you!

Do you want a relaxing quiet location? Check out Portland Oregon. It is too amazing to pass up. It offers the best of both worlds. From a quirky city with fantastic food to outdoor destinations. You can visit and hike Mt. Hood and the gorgeous pine forests of the Pacific Northwest. During the month of March, Portland’s food scene is fantastic. More than 120 local restaurants offer incredible specials and deals! Think craft farm to table style menus. Some will even include fresh seafood caught that morning!

Would you like to visit the beach over Spring break? Head to Isla Blanca State Park in Texas! This beautiful destination promises a beach vacation on the Gulf Coast. This is the perfect location to take your RV and have a relaxing time. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Want to hike and be active during your Spring Break? Hit the road and travel north to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Here you will have great views of arches and rock formations coming up from Lake Michigan. This spot is perfect for all things water! You can kayak, fish, swim, and more.

Are you interested in a little more classic spring break? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the place for you. There are RV campgrounds along the sandy beaches and activities for all ages. You can explore the downtown area with plenty of local restaurants or stroll along the boardwalk and check out all the beach shops. End the night by winning some games at the town’s amusement park!

Are museums and history your thing? Spend this Spring break driving your RV northeast to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here you can learn all about the historical significance of Philadelphia. There are plenty of museums that you can visit. Don’t worry, Philadelphia also has a great food scene. After your museum tours, check out the Reading Terminal Market. There are rows upon rows of food stands with classic Philadelphia food.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the places you can travel to this Spring Break. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan your RV trip. You can even plan to go to more than one spot! This is a huge benefit of traveling in an RV this Spring break and for any RV trip!

Holiday Markets to Check Out this Winter

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

One of the best holiday activities to do while RVing is to check out the holiday markets! The markets are fun for all ages. From shopping to festive food and drinks, make sure to plan your Winter RV trip where you can visit one of these markets.

One of the places you can travel to in your RV is…Chicago! From mid November to late December, Chicago has the Christkindlmarket. It is one of the most popular markets you can check out while RVing in Chicago. It draws inspiration from traditional holiday markets in Germany. There you can find hand carved wooden ornaments and sheepskin slippers. Do not forget to get a drink in the commemorative mug!

Don’t want to travel to the midwest? What about to the east? Head to the downtown holiday market in Washington, DC! Here you can sing along with the musical lineup. Be sure to try their chocolate churros! This is a great market to go to more than once because the vendors rotate throughout the season!

Head even further north to New York City! The Bank of America Winter Village has so much to offer. From over 170 vendors and a 17,000 sq. ft. ice skating rink, you sure do not want to miss the experience. In New York, you can even stop and visit multiple markets around the city! They have one in Columbus Circle, one at Westfield World Trade Center, and another one at Union Square. Be sure to visit them all this Winter during your RV trip!

Don’t worry, the states out west have holiday markets too! Time to travel to Colorado. Georgetown, a tiny historic mining town, transforms into an old fashioned holiday village. When visiting, be sure to spot the Victorian carolers in top hats and bonnets, antique cars, plus they offer carriage rides! It will transport you into the past!

Want to experience southern hospitality during the holiday season? If so, an RV trip to Georgia this Winter is perfect for you! The Savannah Christmas Market is modeled after the old traditional Salzburg markets. Mixing new and old traditions together, you will also see a boat parade of lights and a choreographed water show.

There are plenty of markets that you and your family can visit this Winter! Be sure to check out the nearest big city to your RV campground. Also, check local town websites for any holiday markets or parades they may be hosting too! There is no shortage of fun activities to do while RVing this Winter!

Spooky Season is Upon Us

October 18, 2022March 7, 2023bankstonmotorhomes

Get your pumpkin carving tools, cobwebs, and spooky décor ready! Halloween is right around the corner and the fun doesn’t stop even at the campground. To make sure you are ready for the fun holiday, here are some tips on how to decorate the interior and exterior of your RV.

For the interior, you can spice it up with accent pieces! Accent pieces are inexpensive ways to add pops of color. From small pumpkins to themed pillows to artificial fall leaves; all will elevate the space. Change out your wall art for witches’ hats and broomsticks. There are endless ways to bring the spooky holiday cheer!

Another simple way to decorate the interior, is to spice up your linens. If you have bunk beds in your RV, you can change the bed sheets to fall colors or holiday themed to match the rest of the décor. In the kitchen, you can use themed tablecloths, napkins, plates, and more! From disposable to upscale, there is an option for everyone to keep the spooky mood going throughout your RV trip!

Lights can be for the inside and outside of your RV. Switch up the classic lights for colored or strobing string lights. There are also Halloween themed lights with pumpkins or other themed options now too! Those will always add a fun atmosphere around your RV site. Another fun way to decorate is silhouette decals on your windows. These are lightweight and are space-saving. There are many options from skeletons to witches to cartoon pumpkins! If you have multiple windows, you can decide on a different design for each window!

For the exterior, think about how you want it to look first. Do you want a Fall classic look, or do you want to go all out with scary props? For that classic look, head to the pumpkin patch! There you can get a variety of different colored and shaped pumpkins. Get enough in all shapes and sizes to sit around your RV door. You can even add bays of hay to sit on or bundled wheat stalks to give it that Fall feel. If you want to go a bit scarier, you can use the pumpkins you got and have some fun! Have a scary face carving contest. After, set the carved pumpkins outside for all your RV neighbors to see. If you have an awning, you can hang cobwebs from it and wrap them around the whole RV. Go to your local Halloween store and you are sure to find foam tombstones, too! A couple of those propped up against the RV will sure give your neighbors a fright.

As the leaves are changing, so should your décor! When changing your RV’s décor, have fun with it. From a classic Fall look to a more themed look, everyone is sure to have a blast. Plus your RV will stand out at the campground!