Road Trip

RVing in Alabama and Tennessee

RVing in Alabama and Tennessee

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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.

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!

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Summer RVing is Coming!

Summer RVing is Coming!

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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!

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RV Bucket List Destinations: The 5 Best RV Parks in the USA

RV Bucket List Destinations: The 5 Best RV Parks in the USA

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More than 10 million US households own an RV and more people are opting to live in them full-time. If you’re trying to figure out the best RV parks to enjoy your RV, you’re in luck. We are going to help you plan out your next trip.

Continue reading this article to learn about some of the best RV parks in the US, and some that will give you the most bang for your buck.

1. Bella Terra RV Resort – Alabama

If you’re looking for a super upscale RV resort, then Bella Terra RV resort in Alabama is the place for you. You’ll be just minutes from sugar-white sands and plenty of good eats. If you don’t want to leave the RV park, there is plenty to do there as well.

You’ll have access to a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, a dry sauna, big dog parks for your furry friends, and much more.

2. Yosemite Pines RV Resort – California

If you’re ready to see Yosemite National Park, but you don’t want to stay within the national park, then Yosemite Pines RV resort is the perfect spot for you.

It’s only 22 miles from the entrance of the park and it offers amazing views. You can enjoy the normal amenities you’ll see at most RV parks (like a swimming pool), but you’ll also find a petting zoo and a gold panning site.

3. Tiger Run RV Resort – Colorado

Head over to Tiger Run RV Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado if you want to enjoy beautiful views at any time of the year. This is actually one of the few places in the mountains of Colorado that stay open year round.

No matter when you visit, you’ll find there is plenty to do. If you’re there in the winter, you’re not far from the slopes. If you’re there in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy trails, mountains, and some of the most amazing views.

4. Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake  – Arkansas

Another beautiful luxury resort is Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake. Just 30 minutes from Branson, this resort is perfect for explorers and tourists. Branson has plenty of museums, amusement parks, and live music entertainment if you decide you want to leave the resort.

You’ll have gorgeous views and plenty to do if you decide to stick around the RV resort instead of going out to explore. With amenities like lighted pickle-ball courts, lighted tennis courts, and a nine-hole par 3 golf course on the lake shore-line you will have plenty of in-park options!

5. Boyd’s Key West Campground – Florida

Head down to the southernmost part of Florida and say hello to some of the most insanely beautiful sunsets at Boyd’s Key West Campground. Once you visit, you won’t want to go anywhere else when you’re in the Keys.

There are plenty of opportunities to Kayak and see wild life.  Plus this resort features it’s own fishing pier, boat ramp, and fish cleaning station.

Visiting the Best RV Parks

Now you know about some of the more of the best RV parks in America. With summer in full swing, and plenty of travelers hitting the road, be sure to check the RV parks’ websites before you go to stay up to date. Many RV parks post updates on availability and the reservation process right on the first page of their website to try and make it as easy as possible for you to plan your stay.

Do you have questions about which RV you should buy? We are more than happy to help you make your selection. Also, make sure to read our article about must-see national parks on the east coast.

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The Winnie Drop compared to the Forest River R-Pod Ultra-light trailer

The Winnie Drop compared to the Forest River R-Pod Ultra-light trailer

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Key points to help you decide between the Winnie Drop & the R-Pod by Forest River

In just a few years R-Pod trailer trailers have made an impact in the recreational industry’s ultra-lite towable sales market. Though considered an ultra-light trailer by many and not an official teardrop, Forest River considers it to fit both categories. When Forest River first introduced its R-Pod travel trailer in 2008 it became an immediate success. The R-Pod is now available in thirteen floor plans with lengths between 18’4″ and 22’2″. Eleven of the units feature a slide and many units offer an option called the R-Dome, a screened awning room. The chassis is a powdered coated steel frame holding a one-piece, seamless fiberglass roof unit. Features include a gas/electric DSI water heater, a 3.7 cu ft 3 way  refrigerator (Gas, Electric, 12V), a 2-burner stove, a 20,000 BTU furnace, shower, and toilet.

The R-Pod travel trailers have a unique feature; a pop-out tent area (only a few have this feature) made of Aqualon™ which is a heavy-duty, yet breathable material that remains flexible in all climates and is resistant to mold and mildew. Some models also offer a rear garage option, much like a tailgate, which provides outside entertainment. Each garage R-Pod model comes with a 19″ flat screen TV, marine grade speakers, sink, sliding storage, and a gas grill.

To look at some of the other important differences, we’ve created a simple chart below:

Feature Winnie Drop R-Pod
Black Water Tank 25 gal 30 gal
Fresh Water Tank 31 gal 36 gal
Grey Tank Capacity 25 gal 30 gal
Lightest Unloaded Vehicle Weight* 2630 2338
Max Awning Length 10′ 11′ (or R-dome)
Interior Height 6’5″ 6’6″

The Minnie Drop is More Different from the R-Pod than it looks

First, your fresh water, grey, and black tank capacities are larger on the R-pod.  For those that might be staying in places where access to water is limited, those extra gallons can make a big difference.  Second, the large selection of floor plans available in the R-pod mean that it is much easier for campers to find a model that will meet their unique needs.  For example, only the R-pod model 191 features twin beds with a center night stand in the sleeping area. Third, for those really tall folks, the extra inch of head space in the R-pod might be important.

In closing, shoppers that prefer to have a variety of floor plans and camping options that they can customize based on their needs and travel plans will want to be sure and look at the Forest River R-pod before making a final decision. Its roomy interior is surprising given its smaller size, and the attention to camper-friendly accessories and options have made it an RV customer favorite.  And for those that are looking for a community, the r-pod nation forum is filled with happy R-pod owners that are active on-line to help those new to the R-pod experience make the most of their new RV.

*weights pulled from on-line brochures provided by manufacturers at time this article was written

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