Bankston Motor Homes Blog

6 Must-See National Parks on the East Coast

February 26, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

When it comes to beauty, nature never disappoints. The United States is full of natural wonders that inspire travelers looking for adventure. This is especially true of the nation’s national parks.

If you’ve never experienced the national parks on the east coast, you’re in for a treat. After all, the east coast is packed with amazing natural scenery that will keep you exploring year after year.

This article takes a look at the best national parks to visit on the east coast. Keep reading to discover places that should be at the top of your list of destinations as you plan your next vacation.

1. Everglades National Park (Florida)

This is one of the most amazing destinations in the country, featuring wild and natural wetlands that will take your breath away. A vast 1.5 million acres of mangroves and sawgrass is like nothing you’ve ever seen. Everglades National Park also protects & provides an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

2. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Mammoth Cave National Park features 10 miles of caves that are open for public exploration. This park features a limestone labyrinth that slowly formed over billions of years. This park preserves the longest known cave system on earth (400+ miles), as well as 53,000 acres of beautiful forest. With nearly a dozen miles of cave trail below ground, there are also nearly 70 miles of surface trails, 13 backcountry campsites, three campgrounds, and over 20 miles of navigable river for visitors to explore and enjoy. It really is two worlds in one.

3. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

If you love to hike, Appalachian National Scenic Trail ranks among the most fabulous hiking destinations anywhere in the world. This trail covers 2,190 miles across 14 states.

4. Statue of Liberty National Monument

This ranks as one of the smallest national parks on our list, and yet it’s also among the most historically significant. In May of 2019, Lady Liberty’s legacy expanded with the opening of the Statue of Liberty Museum. Housed within the Statue of Liberty Museum are three interactive galleries that tell the statue’s history in thought-provoking ways. Each gallery is designed to inspire visitors. And your National Park Pass is not needed here, National Park passes are valid at parks that charge an entrance fee. Liberty and Ellis Islands are fee-exempt by law. The price of the ferry ticket covers the cost of transportation by the concessionaire.

5. Shenandoah National Park

Located just outside Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers the kind of beauty only great poetry could adequately describe. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, this is a destination you could easily spend a lifetime exploring. This fall-favorite is great to visit any time of year for lots of fantastic hikes, views, and memorable drives. If you are looking for an RV park in the area, our friends at RVShare have a great list to get you started.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains rank among the oldest mountains found anywhere on earth. Featuring over 100 species of native trees, this is the ultimate destination for any nature lover. Did you also know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity? Over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park! You can see where to find many of these flowers on the Species Mapper. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” So blooming flowers can be found year-round in the park!

Trip-Worthy National Parks on the East Coast

Traveling the country by RV and exploring everything our national parks have to offer is a great way to create fond memories that will last a lifetime. This list of national parks on the east coast will help get your next trip started.

Four Mississippi Parks You’ll Want to Visit in Your RV!

February 19, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

The Southern US is home to some of the prettiest state parks in the U.S. If you have not added a swing through Mississippi to your plans, you will want to after reading about some of these idyllic settings for outdoor fun! Be sure to check out the on-line portals for these state parks to stay up to date on camp ground options & conditions.

1. Tishomingo State Park, Tishomingo

This breathtakingly beautiful park has won numerous awards, including being listed in Reserve America’s “Top 100 Campgrounds.”

This park offers seven hiking trails that range in length from ¾ to 3 miles and in difficulty from easy to moderate. The trails feature scenic natural springs, waterfalls, rocky creeks and streams, cliffs, rock walls and huge outcrops. Rock climbing, which requires a helmet and a free permit (available at the park office), is a popular activity on the trails, particularly at the formation known as Jean’s Overhang. Bear Creek crosses a number of points along the trail system and can be explored by canoe on one of the float trips offered at the park.

Three popular disc golf courses are also available, and an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool is open during late spring and summer. The park offers 62 developed RV campsites, which have both water and electricity.

The park’s Nature Center, which re-opened in 2016, offers displays of Tishomingo county heritage, nature, art, animals, arrowheads and memorabilia from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

2. Buccaneer State Park, Waveland

Buccaneer State Park’s beautiful restoration was completed in 2013, after hurricane Katrina devastated this area in 2005. Located on the beach in Waveland, Buccaneer is in a natural setting of large moss-draped oaks, marshlands and the Gulf of Mexico. Use of this land was first recorded in history in the late 1700’s when Jean Lafitte and his followers were active in smuggling and pirating along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Today this area is centrally located to numerous family-friendly attractions such as Stennis Space Center / NASA, Old Town Bay St. Louis, Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Shrine, World War II D-Day Museum, Aquarium of Americas, and more!

3. Davis Bayou Area/Gulf Islands National Seashore, near Ocean Springs

Part of the national seashore, there’s never a shortage to see or do at this 51-site campground. From a two-mile nature trail that traverses the coastal forest to saltwater fishing, visitors to Davis Bayou are in for a real treat. This park maintains several facilities for visitors to enjoy. Such as the William M. Colmer Visitor Center which enables travelers to explore indoor exhibits about the shore and the islands. There is also a Visitor Center Fishing Pier which is an excellent site to cast a line. There are also several short hiking trails through the area.
For a small fee, visitors may also launch their boat and park a vehicle for a day on the water.
Or if your crew just prefers to hang out, there is a large area for picnics including five picnic shelters.

Gulf Islands National Seashore officials announced plans to conduct small controlled burns within the Davis Bayou Area near Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The planned burns are scheduled to be conducted between early February and early March so be sure to check their website and/or call ahead for updates.

4. Sardis Lake Recreation Area, Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall Counties

Sardis was built as a flood control facility in the 1930s and recreation was not mentioned in the original plans. Soon after the Dam’s construction, however, visitation skyrocketed. Today, the employees of Sardis Lake take great pride in building and maintaining some of the top recreation facilities in the country.

Whether planning a one-day outing or an extended camping trip, you can find a wealth of activities to fill your days and nights. Camp in one of the modern campgrounds, or picnic, or swim, or rent a pavilion for a family reunion or find a spot somewhere on our 98,000 acres to boat, hunt, fish, go birding, or walk a trail. There’s an abundance of natural beauty at Sardis Lake and plenty of activities for all campers to enjoy.

Mississippi is often referred to as “The Hospitality State” and with so many great parks to choose from we can see why! If you haven’t visited Mississippi in your RV, you will definitely want to add this state to your travel plans. With awesome parks, fantastic food, and friendly people, you are sure to make some marvelous memories in Mississippi!

5 Tips for Full-Time RV Living

January 30, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

Ready to join the 1 million Americans who live in an RV full-time?

Full-time RV living isn’t for everyone. You trade-off storage space and a predictable environment.

But you gain the type of freedom you can’t get when you live in a traditional home. You can move your home and all of your belongings anywhere you want to go, any time the urge appeals to you.

Chase the warm weather year-round. Or visit family and friends with your own space so you don’t have “too much” togetherness.

Whatever your reason for living in an RV full time, it takes some planning to make the transition smooth.

We’ve put together five key tips to help you make the jump.

1. Prioritize RV Maintenance

Your RV is now your home, so you want to make routine maintenance and conditioning a consistent part of the schedule by planning for it. A mechanical problem may leave you in a bind until it can be fixed. If the stove, or an electrical outlet, or a water hose needs to be repaired, you may be less comfortable than you would like until those items can be fixed.

Before you start your new life on the road, schedule maintenance with an RV dealer and let them know what your plans are. They’ll check over whatever items you ask them to, and make sure those systems are operating correctly. In addition to taking care of any known issues before you hit the road, you will also want to make sure to map out any factory authorized service centers along your route as a back-up plan.

Keep up with your RV maintenance once you start living in an RV full-time. Don’t skip out on oil changes and routine inspections. Check your tires regularly to ensure they’re properly inflated.

2. Do a Massive Downsize

If you’re going from a traditional home to an RV full-time, you’ll want to pare down your belongings. Consider how much storage space you have now and the available space you’ll have in your RV to help you downsize.

If you can’t part with everything, consider putting some things in long-term storage. You may want to choose a storage facility near a family member, so you’ll have someone to check on your things while you are on the road. Plus if you happen to change your plans and want to have some things shipped to you, you are more likely to be able to get a family member to help. (For example, if you decide to head to the snow and wish you’d brought those snow boots!)

Don’t load up your RV too heavy when you start, otherwise you’ll have little extra room and might feel a bit cramped in your RV. Just be sure to bring the basics and you can always add more items later if you want to.

3. Make It Comfortable

The standard decor on an RV is fine for shorter camping trips, but full-time RV living can get old fast if you don’t take a bit of time and effort to personalize your living space.

Your RV is your home, so give it the comforts of home as much as possible. Many RVs now come with ultra-comfy mattresses, but if yours did not then maybe that’s worth splurging on to upgrade. Do you have to have espresso every morning? Then maybe you bring your regular electric espresso maker & a camp-fire espresso maker that does not require power -.just in case you want to savor the outdoors one morning.

Again, RVers plan to splurge on certain areas depending on their preferences. If you love to cook, maybe having an Instant Pot is a higher priority. For RVers with furry travelers, having a secure place for pets may take priority with a special space in the living area. The best part about RVing is that each traveler can customize their space based on their personal needs and those of their companions.

4. Have a Plan

Once the date is set for officially going full-time in your RV, it’s important to make plans for your first destinations, including researching the options for where to stay, such as RV resorts in the area.

In addition to planning where you plan to stay, you will also want to plan for routine maintenance stops. Planning and budgeting for maintenance, gas, and other necessities are an important part of the process. There are plenty of full-time RVers that offer tips on the best places to stay to stretch your RV budget, as well as how to earn a living while on the road. And of course there are plenty of resources to help you keep your RV in tip-top shape so you can enjoy the full-time RV life as much as possible.

5. Stay Flexible when RVing full-time

Part of the reason many people choose living full-time in an RV is the flexibility and freedom. Don’t forget that flexibility when unexpected things happen on the road. You might decide you want to stay longer in one place than you planned, or you might decide to leave early if you don’t like it.

You want a general idea of where you’re going, but don’t be afraid to change the plan when life presents a new opportunity.

Enjoy Full-Time RV Living

Full-time RV living gives you the unique opportunity to explore. It removes the limitations of a traditional home and provides more freedom than ever. You can certainly join the ranks of full-time RVers with some research & proper planning!

Check out our other RVing articles or lots of helpful tips on the RV lifestyle.

5 Must-Do RV Trips for Big Families in 2020

January 17, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

RVing is more popular than ever, and 1 million Americans are living in their RVs full time.

While having an RV as your only home might not be for everyone, you’d be hard pressed to find a soul who doesn’t dream of going on an RV road trip!

With so many awesome options for RV trips, where will you and your family adventure this year?

There are so many fun RV trip ideas, and some of them are better than others for big families. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 trips for big families to get your planning for 2020 started!

The Best RV Trips for Big Families

Whether you’re an old pro or this is your first RV road trip, it can be overwhelming to pick which direction to head in. Rest easy, fellow RV traveler, because there’s great stuff to do and see no matter which way you choose to go!

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States and is often considered to be the premier national park in the entire world. Located mostly in Wyoming, Yellowstone crosses into parts of Montana and Idaho as well.

Yellowstone has got all the perks of a great National Park, with endless opportunities for hiking, viewing impressive wildlife, gazing at gorgeous views, and simply relaxing at a campground.

Did you know that Yellowstone is also home to North America’s largest supervolcano? This is why half of the world’s geysers are located in Yellowstone. Don’t forget to check out all the awesome geothermal features, especially Old Faithful!

2. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

It would be hard to make a list of family RVing without mentioning Walt Disney World. With six awesome theme parks, two of which are water parks, what’s not to love?

Plus, if your family somehow gets tired of frolicking around the magical world of Disney, Orlando is also home to Universal Studios and Sea World. It’s the perfect way to make your kids’ dreams come true!

Please keep in mind that the RV park at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness often has reservations scheduled a year in advance. So while we do recommend adding this to your family’s list of ‘must see’ places, you will want to do additional research to see if staying at Fort Wilderness is an option, or if your family might benefit from one of the other near by RV Parks.

3. Grand Canyon National Park

Everyone’s got to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their life! One of our most adventurous presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, visited the Grand Canyon several times and advocated for its preservation.

If you get tired of staring in awe at the masterpiece the Colorado River managed to carve over the course of billions of years, there’s a lot of fun stuff for you and your family to do. With rafting, mule trips, hiking, and educational opportunities, there are plenty of options to fill up an itinerary.

4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re looking for an east coast destination and are not a Disney World type of family, head to Gatlinburg on the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Forest. A fun, touristy resort town, Gatlinburg is filled with Appalachian charm.

There’s a great amusement park and ski area called Ober Gatlinburg, and nearby in Pigeon Forge is Dolly Parton’s them park Dollywood!

5. Redwood National and State Parks

If you or your kids love to be in the woods, you’ve got to check out the home of the tallest trees on earth. Covering almost 140,000 acres in northern California, you won’t run out of forest to discover! The National Park Service and state park service of California have teamed up to take care of this national treasure and you will want to check out several options for RV camping through California’s on-line reservation system.

The Road is Calling!

So where will your RV take you this summer? How many RV trips can one family take in a year? No matter where you go and how long you’re traveling for, we believe the best RV trips are those you take with the ones you love!

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more awesome RV life and trip information.

Four Fantastic Florida RV Parks

December 23, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

Florida has been a long-time destination for RVers that want to keep warm in the cooler winter months. And the state has many great options for RV owners to choose from, no matter what type of RV experience is desired. We thought it would be good to share four fantastic Florida RV parks during this time of year, just to show the exciting options this state has available for people that want to hit the road in the cooler months.

1. Camp Gulf

This a popular Florida RV park for all the right reasons! Sugar sand beaches right out our door with all the amenities you could ask for. This RV park has two heated pools, a spa, golf cart rental, and more! With a full row of beach-front sites, you will want to call ahead for availability. Destin is a popular destination for a reason and this park gets great reviews on multiple websites for a reason.

2. Jetty Park Campground

If you have anyone in your group that is a NASA fan, or a space fan, this park is for you! Because of the campgrounds unique location nestled along the Atlantic Ocean and inside beautiful Port Canaveral, it’s not uncommon to see cruise ships arriving/departing, submarines arriving/departing, rocket launches, and marine life. This Florida RV park also offers plenty of creature comforts and full amenities such as large pavilions, fire pits, and 24-hour gated security. Due to the development of a new cruise terminal, the park has a notice on their website about additional noise. This park offers a unique experience for RVers and families, so check it out and see if you might want to add it to your bucket list!

3. Grayton Beach State Park

This beach is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the US and there is plenty to explore because there is a mile of the sugar white beach in this park. The Western Lake (a 100-acre coastal dune lake) is perfect for fishing and paddling and there are more than 4 miles of nature trails for those that want to explore on foot through the coastal forest. This Florida RV park is a stunning place to relax and unwind absolutely perfect for a weekend getaway. Bring your family to an unforgettable experience that will be forever in their memories.

4. Nature’s Resort RV Park

Play with the manatees at Nature’s Resort RV Park located in historical Homosassa Florida. This park boasts 97 acres of freshwater streams, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, and yes, guests can even swim with the Homosassa manatees. On-site amenities include food, 30- and 50-amp hookups, laundry, clean showers, basketball and volleyball courts. For those staying for an extended period, Nature’s Resort has bingo, dances, and potlucks so you can meet your fellow campers.

It’s clear that Florida has a great selection of RV parks that will help RVers create lasting memories in a wide range of settings. Whether you are a nature buff, beach fan, or NASA enthusiast, Florida will have something for everyone in your travel group. And if you’re not sure what to look for when selecting an RV park or resort- check out some more tips here.

Three of the Best National Park Camping Sites for Your Family’s RV Vacation

December 13, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

There is no better way to see the country with your family then road-tripping in your RV. Better yet, you don’t even have to spend a lot of money!

Keep reading for a list of National Park camping sites you’ll want to visit on your next road trip adventure!

1. Rio Grande Village Campground

Located in Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande Campground has 100 campsites for all types of campers. It doesn’t matter if travelers want to tent camp, park a travel trailer, or park a motor home (up to 40 feet). Nestled in a grove of cottonwood trees each campsite has a full hookup, a picnic table, charcoal grill, and a storage locker to keep your food away from wild critters.

During the day you can explore Big Bend National Park by hiking, biking or fishing. There are plenty of spots to view wildlife and take fantastic photos of the scenery. Big Bend is also home to hundreds of bird species and is the perfect place for avid bird watchers. At the campsite, during your downtime, you can enjoy picnicking, boating and swimming.

The campsites are first-come, first-serve, but there are 43 sites that can be reserved between the middle of November and the middle of April if you plan accordingly.

2. Mammoth Yellowstone National Park Campground

This campsite can accommodate 85 single families who wish to either tent camp, park a trailer trailer, or drive their motor home (up to 75 feet long). It is located near Mammoth Hot Springs and the Gardner River and each site has a fire ring, grate, and picnic table. All these features make these sites perfect for roasting hot dogs and making s’mores.

Campers can enjoy the world-famous Yellowstone National Park geysers and take in all the beautiful scenery and wildlife. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, photography spots and places to go fishing and boating.

The camp takes reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis and is open for year-round camping.

3. Colter Bay Village RV Park Campground

Grand Teton National Park is home to the Colter Bay Village RV Park campground which is just a quick walk from Jackson Lake. There are 103 full hookup sites for RVs and trailers, and most are shaded and have a picnic table.

Grand Teton National Park is the perfect place for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, exploring historical sites, kayaking and canoeing. The wide-open sky is wonderful at night for star gazing and photography. Jackson, Wyoming also is a short drive away for history lovers and there are also some quaint shops and restaurants to explore as well.

Colter Bay Village RV Park is a very popular campground and a reservation is needed. Sites fill up quickly so if you plan on visiting between June and September it is recommended to reserve your spot before January 1st.

Learn More About National Park Camping Today!

These are just a few of the many National Park camping sites in the country that your family could enjoy. So pack your bags, and prepare your RV for one of the best vacations your family can take.

To learn how to prepare for your big trip, visit our website today for more information!

How to Pack Your RV Fridge: Snacking & Eating on the Road

November 29, 2019November 29, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

Over 25 million Americans take a vacation in an RV every year. And the Holiday season is one of the busiest times for road trips and RV travel.

Want to join the RV ranks? Before you take off, you’ll want to make sure you have enough food for the trip.

We’ve put together this guide to help you learn some of the best tips & techniques to pack your RV fridge.

So let’s get started!

Plan Your Meals Ahead

Spend some time planning your meals in advance. This might take a little time, but it will let you know exactly what you need. You won’t waste space by packing things you won’t use.

It can also be a good idea to plan to buy some food once you arrive at your destination. This can make it easier to travel, can help maximize your storage space, and will allow you to take advantage of local, or seasonal, produce along the way.

Take the Food out of Its Original Packaging

The original packaging often takes up a lot more space than the food product itself. You’ll be able to fit a lot more in your RV fridge if you take everything out of the packaging.

You should also condense things like condiments into travel-sized bottles. If you know you won’t finish everything in a container, put what you will use into a smaller container. Some people even save their delivery condiments just for this purpose because they come in single-use packaging that can be thrown away as it’s used & therefore freeing up space as meals are eaten on the road.

Taking smaller condiment containers, or single use condiments will help free up space for other items.

Use Square Containers

You’ll be able to fit more square containers in your RV fridge than round containers. They’re also easier to stack. There are many options to choose from, whether you prefer plastic or glass. we also recommend using the square storage containers in your pantry and cupboards. You can label them if you like- although most are see-through to allow easy identification of what’s inside.

Of course you will want air-tight lids in case the stack get’s a little off-balance and takes a topple. And if you have little hands getting in and out of your fridge & pantry you may want to consider the size and whether or not handles would be helpful.

Make More Space with Storage Baskets

Struggling to pack everything in your RV fridge?

You can use storage baskets to create more space. Try stacking these baskets on top of each other and next to each other like makeshift shelves. some even work on slides to create extra drawers inside the fridge. This will allow you to use much more of the space than you would have been able to otherwise.

Put Heavy Items on the Bottom

This might sound obvious, but it’s even more important for RV fridges. As you drive, the contents in your fridge might shift or move around.

Think of the inside of your fridge like a mini-trailer with it’s own internal cargo. Always stack heavier and solid items on the bottom to provide a solid base for the lighter items up top.

Make Sure the Door Closes All the Way

Once you get all your food in the fridge, make sure it closes all the way. Many RVs have safety-latches that will lock the door during travel. Be sure to make sure your safety-latch will engage properly if your fridge has one.

Also, If the door doesn’t make an airtight seal, the cold air will leak out into the rest of your RV. This little leak can decrease the coldness of the interior of the fridge and possibly impact how long the food will last. If your fridge doesn’t have a safety-latch, or if your RV has a residential fridge installed, you can always create your own locking system with a few simple items.

Learning How to Pack Your RV fridge the Right Way

Packing your RV fridge takes a bit more planning than a traditional fridge. But it’s really easy once your understand a few simple techniques. If you plan your meals in advance and separate everything into travel-size portions, you should be well on your way to making the most of your RV fridge and meals on the road.

Want some more tips for your first RV trip? Make sure you check out this helpful planning guide!

Ten Gift ideas for RVers – Your Gift Guide for 2019

November 20, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

It’s that time of year again! After the turkey comes the shopping, right? Well in an effort to help you shop for your friend that is an avid RVer, we have compiled this gift guide to help you shop for them.

You may have to do a bit of detective work to figure out if they already have some of these…but a few of these gift ideas fall into the “You can’t have too many” category. And the first one of our list certainly qualifies for that label.

1) RV-themed ornament – Whether you choose to go retro, or something more like a yearly edition, a RV-inspired ornament is often appreciated by those that take their RV out often!

2) Retro RV String Lights– Holiday season means holiday décor, right? These festive lights from Camco are sure to add some sparkle and fun to your RVer’s campsite no matter the season.

3) Zero-Gravity Chairs – Everyone knows the best part of RVing is spending time outdoors- and a comfy seat makes it even better! There are plenty of colors and styles to choose from, and if you want to check one out in person you can sit in one and test them in our parts store.

4) Collapsing measuring cups and spoons – Space in the kitchen is always at a premium, so for your foodie friends that also RV these will be a welcome and useful addition to their kitchen supplies!

5) Happy Camper Coloring Book – Have friends with kids that RV? You might want to check and see if they’ve discovered this little gem of a book…Winter weather can sometimes mean indoor fun by the fireplace and this could be a fantastic little gift!

6) RV Salt & Pepper Shaker Set – This little set is too cute not to mention- and might add a little bit of fun to the table setting!

7) 50 States- 5000 Ideas book – This richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more.

8) Harvest Hosts Membership – As far as gifts for RV owners go, it doesn’t get much more unique and memorable than Harvest Hosts. This membership offers RV owners the chance to visit over 600+ unique locations around the continent for only $49 per year.

9) Instant Pot– If your RVer is cooking in their RV kitchen often, this can be a welcome addition. Designed to make easy meals with just one appliance- this little appliance gets lots of rave reviews from RVers for ease of use- plus there are several sizes to choose from!

10) Inflatable Boat– Weight is always a concern for RVers, and yet there is often an opportunity to get out on the water when at national parks and RV resorts. The solution is an inflatable boat! These are great because they collapse, and store easily & don’t weigh much- while providing some serious fun for all!

We hope this list of ten gift ideas for RVers helps you shop for your family and friends that are RV travelers this holiday season. As always, if you have questions or are looking for something specific, feel free to call the location nearest to you and we’ll do our best to help!

5 Things to Do Before Your First RV Trip

October 31, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

There’s nothing more exhilarating than hitting the open road for the first time in a brand-new RV.

But, if you want to make sure your first trip is a good one, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare ahead of time.

Planning your first RV trip, but aren’t sure where to start? We’re here to help!

Here are five things you need to do before setting out on your first big RV trip.

Know Your RV Trip Route

What happens if you’re driving down a narrow, two-lane road, and you come to a bridge or tunnel that is too low for your RV?

Well, unless you want to scrape the ceiling off your ride, you’re in for a very awkward U-turn. This type of scenario is why it’s essential to know your route before you hit the road.

One of the most important things for you is to know how tall your RV is. Don’t rely on manufacturer’s numbers or the owner’s manual. Instead, get up there on the roof and measure it yourself. Make sure that you find the highest point to measure from – not the roof of the RV, but rather the top of the AC or satellite dish. Or any other tall thing you have up there on the roof. Only trust the measurements you take.

Also print out a label and put it on your windshield (like those service and oil change reminder stickers) or on your dash. This way you are not relying on memory when you come across a clearance sign. You’ll know whether you can fit or not for sure.

For fifth wheelers, remember to measure when your RV is hooked up to your truck. You want to know what the RV clearance height is when you are driving, not when you are parked. For more info on how to measure your RV height check out Mark Polk’s video.

And while most GPS software and RV apps do their best to note low clearances, if you plan to take several trips a year, it is worth checking out LowClearances.com which maintains a database of over 4,000 low clearances that you can download and use in conjunction with many trip planning apps or install into your own GPS unit.

One final tip worth noting is that those signs indicating the bridge clearance may be old and out of date…When you see a clearance sign, don’t ignore them. They are there for a reason and that is to protect you and your vehicle from harm. And because those signs may not have been updated after the last repaving job, take six inches off the clearance level. That’s SIX INCHES LOWER than what the sign declares. This will help account for variances that can come from re-paving, lower entrances than exits, or even ceiling debris.

By studying the route you’re going to take, you’ll be able to plan for detours and make sure your path is clear for RV travel.

On top of that, knowing your route inside and out ahead of time will help you avoid missing a turn should you lose your GPS signal.

Create an RV Trip Packing Checklist

Where are you planning on going, and what exactly are you going to need once you get there?

Nothing puts a damper on an RV trip like not packing enough supplies or forgetting something important. So, before you set out on the road, take some time to write out a checklist to help you navigate the planning and packing processes a little easier.

Plan out meals, personal needs, and make a note of any extra supplies you’ll need during your trip — like fishing rods or rock climbing gear. Some RVers even keep separate lists so they can re-use the most often needed ones and modify them as they travel more. Why? Because a beach trip will often include beach towels but tailgating at your favorite stadium will often include fan-gear. You can save yourself future time by creating different lists like “beach list” and “tailgate list” for reuse.

While on the open road, the unexpected can happen. So, you’ll also want to make a note to stock up on emergency supplies like first aid gear or road flares.

Make Reservations

Are you planning on making a stop at an RV campground during your trip?

You might want to make sure you have a reservation before you show up to a full park.

Before you leave your house, take some time to put together a complete schedule of your trip, then make sure you stick to it!

Creating a schedule will help you set reservations so you can ensure you’ll have a great place to park your home away from home.

Check Your RV

When getting ready to set out on a long car trip, you usually take your car to get checked out before hitting the road.

This same rule goes for your RV.

Before you start your adventure, get your RV checked out to ensure everything is in working order, so you don’t experience unexpected delays or load/weight related issues. This means doing things such as checking tire pressure, tightening bolts and screws that may have come loose, and/or checking your slides.

Understand Your RV’s Electrical Load

Your RV isn’t like your house — there’s a limit to how much electricity you can use.

Before you head out, make sure you take some time to figure out what your RV’s electrical load is, and how many appliances you can run at any given time.

If you’re not sure how to do this, you can use a surge protector like Southwire Surge Guard that has an amp monitoring feature. (You can contact Mike in Parts at Bankston if you want more info on the surge protector.) The simplest DIY option is to take some time while your RV is hooked up, with your surge guard in place and have everything turned off. Then turn on one device at a time and note how much power is being used for each item/appliance. For example, turn on your AC first and watch the gauge, and then after you’re sure the reading is steady, write down that amount on you chart/piece of paper. Then after you turn off the AC, turn on the microwave and write down the amount used for that appliance. If you do this for every piece of electrical equipment in your RV, you will have a handy chart that will let you know what devices you can have running at the same time. Many seasoned RV owners post this list inside a cabinet or keep it with their other lists so they can check it whenever they want to.

There’s no electrical overage available- so once your RV is at maximum capacity it will not run any more devices. Be sure to measure how many amps you are using when you are charging your phones from outlets, or your tablets, or even running your TVs.

You can also calculate the maximum load each appliance will draw if you would rather do that. A good example of how to run those calculations as well as a chart with some standard power amounts can be found at AxelAddict.com

Understanding your electrical load will help you avoid any accidental energy issues while out on the road.

Make the Most of Your RV Trip

Now that you know how to prepare for your first RV trip, it’s time to get packing!

Are you looking for more advice, tips, or tricks to help you make the most of your RV adventures?

We’ve got you covered.

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles or visit one of our locations today to find the RV of your dreams.

What to Look for When Choosing RV Resorts

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

Forty million Americans take their RVs on vacation at least once a year. Some choose backyard campsites and others opt for luxury RV resorts.

The RV resorts you choose will affect how enjoyable your vacation is.

You need a space that accommodates everything you want to do on vacation, as well as your unique personality. Some resorts are better suited to young families with children, while others cater to retirees.

To find the perfect RV resort for your getaway, keep reading. Here are some things to consider when browsing resort listings.

Full Hookup Stations

For ultimate convenience, choose a resort that has all your hookups in one station.

Some resorts are set up so you can hook up your sewer, water, and electric at the same time. That is certainly important if you do not want to drive to empty your black and gray tanks before you leave the resort area.

Keep in mind that the amps in different hookup stations can vary. If your RV needs 50 amps, check that the resort can accommodate this requirement before you book.

Ample Space

Unfortunately, RV resort forums are littered with complaints about small lots.

Being squished between your neighbors isn’t exactly ideal — especially if you have slides.

Look for lots that allow you to have all slides open plus more space. This gives you some extra breathing room and perhaps even a yard to enjoy the outdoors at night.

If you like camping with lawn chairs, a hammock, or outdoor dining furniture, find a resort that can accommodate.

Your Style of Amenities

What kind of traveler are you?

Do you look forward to socializing with all the other campers? Or are you looking for a solitary, tranquil escape from everyday life?

Your style of RVing affects the type of resort you’ll most enjoy.

If you enjoy socializing, look for resorts with community events and public gathering spaces. They might have communal firepits, dining areas, a pool, and more.

But, if you prefer to feel alone in nature, you don’t need those amenities. Look for the local attractions and lookouts for you to check out.

Even/Level Pads

This last resort feature should not be overlooked.

When driving in and out of a lot, the pad level matters. Uneven or sloping ground is much more difficult to maneuver on, especially with a 40-foot rig.

Inquire about the pads in the lots. The last thing you want is a slanted lot and your water pooling in one corner of the shower.

You don’t necessarily need asphalt or concrete lots specifically. All that matters, even if it’s grass or gravel, is that it’s leveled.

Interested in Learning More About Choosing RV Resorts?

The RV resort you choose can make or break your experience. Luckily, there’s ample information online about all the different RV resorts.

Keep the tips above in mind when choosing an RV resort for your next vacation.

To help with your resort research, check out this post. It will give you a few good suggestions on where you might want to spend your next trip.