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!

Three Washington State Parks for RVers

April 25, 2022April 25, 2022bankstonmotorhomes

There are many sights to see out west, and the state of Washington is one that will not disappoint with three fabulous Washington State Parks for RVers to visit!

When summer comes and it’s easier to justify longer trips, driving to the west coast seems much more reasonable. After all, aren’t long road trips over the summer what some of the best memories are made from? With three Washington State parks for RVers to choose from, why not add this state to your travel plans this year?

For those who like both hiking and time on the water, Steamboat Rock State Park checks the box. Why do we say that? This park has 320 feet of dock, and seven water launches. Which means anglers, swimmers, paddlers, and water sports fans will find this park a real treat! In addition to all the water-access, there are 13.1 miles of hiking trails and biking trails. This park even has ten miles of horse trails!

Fishing requires a recreational license (including shellfish harvesting). You will also want to check their website for other important info about when their concession stand is open, burn notices, and other visit-related issues.

The main park has twenty-six standard campsites, 164 full-hookup sites, three cabins, one dump station, seven restrooms (seven ADA) and twenty showers (sixteen ADA). There is no longer a group camp site available at this time. Also be aware that the website mentions that mosquitos are prevalent, so make sure you take plenty of supplies for both personal protection as well as your campsite’s outdoor space. With so many fun things to enjoy at this state park, you’ll want to be able to make the most of your stay.

Another great option is Twenty-five Mile Creek S tate Park, which is located on the beautiful Lake Chelan next to the mountains. This location gives RVers access to a marina, plus the nearby North Cascades National Park. The marina is great for those that want to explore gorgeous Lake Chelan. There are also several great options for day trips or hikes nearby in the North Cascades like Pot Peak, Stormy Mountain, and Devil’s Backbone. This park is truly a scenic spot to enjoy sunsets, sunrises, and majestic mountain views with the forest nearby.

The park has twenty-five standard campsites, four partial-hookup sites, seven full-hookup sites, one dump station, two restrooms (one ADA) and six showers (two ADA). There is also a concession store for travelers to pick up firewood, ice, and basic supplies. The concession store & boat fuel are available seasonally.

For a third fantastic stop, try Manchester State Park because it has plenty of campsites with great activities. Known for its interesting military sights as well as salt-water access, this park is sure to please a wide range of RVers. This park features 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline. Visitors can enjoy Kayaking, swimming, and diving (bring your own gear) at this classic beach park with a view of Bainbridge Island on a sunny day. This park has a rocky shoreline and no boat launches, so you will want to plan accordingly.

In addition to the beach park, there is also an old torpedo warehouse that visitors may be able to check out when it’s not being rented as a wedding venue, family reunion spot, or gathering place. Several structures remain from the park’s time as a coastal defense fort, so history or military buffs will want to check those out as well.

Manchester state park has thirty-five standard campsites, fifteen partial-hookup sites, and two restrooms and showers. Maximum site length is sixty feet (limited availability). One dump station is located near the entrance; no extra fee required while camping. Reservations are year-round and can be made 9 months in advance of selected date

In closing, Washington state is one of the best states to visit in your RV. If you have not made it there yet, you will want to add this state to your bucket list for sure!

Four South Carolina State Parks for RVers in 2022

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022bankstonmotorhomes

In 2021, South Carolina State Parks saw camping occupancy rates averaging 62.6%, and campsite rentals were up 6% over the prior year. What does this mean for RVers? That South Carolina is worth checking out! With RVers seeing surges everywhere due to the growing interest in U.S. based tourism, finding great State Parks to visit takes a little more time, but it’s worth the effort!

We’ve got four great State Parks you’ll want to check out if you still have room in your 2022 travel plans for another stop.

Barnwell State Park is best known for its fishing. With three small lakes, fishing enthusiasts can catch crappie, bream, bass, and catfish. Non-motorized fishing boats are available for rental, plus there are nature trails & picnicking spots available. This State Park has twenty-five campsites available and 307 acres for visitors to enjoy! Plus pets are allowed in most outside areas provided they are under physical restraint or on a leash. See the Barnwell State Park website for more info on campsite reservations.
Edisto Beach is located only an hour from Charleston and is one of the four ocean front state parks visitors can check out. The beach campground has seventy-five spots for RVers to choose from. While not all of them have ocean views, the beach campground is remarkably close to the water & you can find a perfect spot on the camp map when making your reservation. Live Oak Campground is a bit more inland and is much larger with 130 RV spots. This park also offers fishing and has partnered with a local company for beach boat tours like dolphin, sunset, and island excursions. So if the beach is your happy place, this State Park is work looking into!
Baker Creek State Park offers lakeside camping next to the 71,000 acres of Lake Thurmond. With only thirty-four sites to choose from, RVers will want to check ahead to see if they can book a spot on-line. This lake also features ten miles of rolling, looping mountain bike trails for mountain biking fans! So if you have someone in your group that loves to mountain bike in the woods, this State Park is one to add to your list!
Devils Fork State Park is the only public access point to 7,565-acre Lake Jocassee. This mountain spring-fed Lake is encompassed by the Jocassee Gorges, which contribute to one of the highest concentration of waterfalls in the eastern U.S. In addition to the waterfalls, and Lake Jocassee itself, some of the best South Carolina trout fishing is available in this state park. On top of all these experiences, Scuba Diving in this lake is extremely popular with access to instructors nearby. With all this park has to offer, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite for all types of RVers.

With all that South Carolina has to offer, we’ve barely scratched the surface of places RVers can go! Of course there are other impressive cities & RV resorts that could be mentioned – but that would be for another blog post. In the meantime, we hope you get a chance to make it over to South Carolina this year!

7 RV Parks to Check Out in Michigan

November 16, 2020November 16, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

With over 58,000 square miles of land and over 38,000 square miles of Great Lakes water, Michigan is a beautiful destination to explore. RV travel offers you the flexibility and freedom that will allow you to discover the adventures that a state like Michigan has to offer.

Don’t know where to start on your Michigan adventure? Check out these seven RV parks you won’t want to miss!

1. Platte River Campground – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are as old as the last Ice Age. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches and bluffs that tower 450′ above Michigan. Views across the lake are amazing from the tall dunes.

The Platte River Campground offers year-round access. There are back-in and pull-through campsites available with electrical hookups. You’ll enjoy the amazing views that can be taken in through this campground.

2. Lake Macatawa Campground – Holland State Park

One of the popular destinations for camping in Michigan, Holland State Park, offers sandy beaches perfect for watersports, suntanning, and swimming. You won’t want to miss the Big Red Lighthouse either. Plus there are two play structures for campers, a sand volleyball court and a horseshoe area.

Stay at the Lake Macatawa Campground to stay within a short walking distance from the beaches. There are 211 campsites and lots of camping options.

3. Bay Furnace Campground – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Visit America’s very first National Lakeshore for great beaches, hiking, and beautiful forest and water views. There are year-round activities for those traveling with friends and family. Even in the winter, you can try their fun winter sports like skiing or ice fishing.

Bay Furnace Campground offers scenic views of Lake Superior with amazing sunsets and sunrises. You might even catch the northern lights.

4. Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA – Mackinac Island

This National Historic Landmark covers just 3.8 square miles in Lake Huron. No vehicles are allowed on the island, making it a sight to see in the modern age. Ferry boats and Victorian architecture make this island great.

You won’t be able to camp on the island because there are no cars allowed. However, you can stay close by at the Manicaw City/Mackinaw Island KOA. They offer free shuttles and ferries to the island.

5. River Road RV Park – Lake of the Clouds

Located near the Porcupine Mountains, the Lake of the Clouds is one of the most amazing natural beauties of the state. Visit in the fall to see the amazing colors of the surrounding trees and the sky mirrored in the lake’s calm waters.

A beautiful place to visit in your RV, stay at the River Road RV Park for year-round access and full RV hookups. You won’t be feeling too out of your element with Wi-Fi and other modern amenities.

6. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground – Isle Royale National Park

Find yourself immersed in nature at the Isle Royale National Park near the Canadian border. You can hike the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail at this park, or enjoy the beautiful water.

This island is also not accessible by vehicle. Therefore, you’ll want to park your RV at the nearby Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground. Campers can rent canoes, row boats, & kayaks for a half or full day to explore more on the water.

7. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

At this historic area on the Keweenaw Peninsula, you can find an 1844 military outpost, outdoor activities, a lighthouse, and more! During the warmer months, you can enjoy a glimpse into the 1800s with a living history experience.

You’ll be right in the action with the state park’s 159 RV sites and three campgrounds!

Enjoy Your Michigan Adventure With These RV Parks

There’s nothing like the wild outdoors and the freedom of RV travel. These RV parks in Michigan will provide plenty of opportunities for fun! You’ll want to include a few when planning your next RV trip.

Need help finding the right RV for your next adventure? Contact us today!

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

June 30, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

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.

6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

May 11, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

Everybody and their aunt already has a Facebook album dedicated to their trip to the Grand Canyon. Not to take away from its splendor; it’s absolutely breathtaking.

However, for today, we would like to switch it up. There are many lesser-known western National Parks that are just as special to the appreciative eye.

Read ahead to learn more about some of the most beautiful national parks in the US.

Six Western National Parks You Need to See

Here are six of the best National Parks in the US that represent the west. They are great options for a visit!

Olympic National Park

A quintessential west coast national park, this gem of Washington state has it all.

There are not many places in the world, let alone the USA, where you can enjoy mountains, forests, lakes, and the ocean in one place.

You can hike in the magical Hoh Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the country.

Mesa Verde

If you know Mesa Verde is Spanish for ‘green table’, you are ready for a middle school-level Spanish class.

Jokes aside, Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is home of the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings.

These structures were essentially carved from the cliff well over 500 years ago. The cultural and anthropological importance is immeasurable. Thus, the area has National Park status and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Petrified Forest

This park offers some of the stranger curiosities for travelers. Located among the desert badlands, the Petrified Forest consists of the remains of ancient trees that underwent a process known as petrification.

This chemical process resulted in the preservation of logs that were living with the dinosaurs.

The resulting ‘stone’ is beautiful but don’t be tempted to steal a piece. This can result in legal penalties and an unbreakable curse.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of the most unique US National Parks. Road trip enthusiasts must add it to their itineraries. Located in California, it gets its name from the tall rock formations that characterize its surreal landscape.

This park features many natural rock formations that are the result of multiple volcanoes that overflowed with lava about 23 million years ago. Those lava flows slid around and became the unique structures that populate this park. This park is primarily for hikers and climbing enthusiasts with trails that will satisfy families looking for light hikes as well as adventurers that are looking for more strenuous trails. Check the park website for overnight options- since reservations are required at this time.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

This is another California national park you might not have heard of but is more than worth the trip.

It is home to at least one of each of the four types of volcanos found on Earth, making it a science buff’s dream.

You can also enjoy the lakes, bubbling mud pits, and a large trail network.

Channel Islands

It’s hard to find a more special place than the Channel Islands. Perhaps, its relative obscurity adds to its uniqueness.

It consists of an archipelago of tiny islands featuring idyllic hidden beaches sheltered by sheer cliffs. It is also home to many types of endemic wildlife and a massive underwater cave.

A Park for Every One

We believe everyone should get out there and find their favorite park! You can support these parks by visiting them, making donations, and promoting awareness.

Most importantly, we encourage you to make plans to go see these amazing natural treasures. Exploring the east? Check out our list of the Best East Coast National Parks.

Keystone Montana Fifth Wheels Compared to Grand Design Solitude Fifth Wheels

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

An Overview of Key Differences to Help You Choose Between the Keystone Montana & Grand Design Solitude

Over the past three years customers have purchased 27,349 Montana and Grand Design Solitude fifth wheels. Montana has been building fifth wheels for 21 years and is the most experienced luxury fifth wheel manufacturer in the industry with over 110,000 built. In fact, over half of the production workers in the Montana plant have been building Montanas for over a decade making the Montana plant the most experienced RV work force in the industry. This experience has resulted in Montana having the most repeat buyers, most full time RVers, and highest resell value of any fifth wheel on the market at this time. Grand Design’s Solitude is a newer product with one tenth of the production history and a growing group of dealers offering their product.

In order to compare these two different fifth wheels, this article will outline some of the key differences in chassis, construction, exterior features, and available options.

Chassis Differences between Solitude & Montana:

Montana features patented Max-Turn Technology which allows for the best turning radius in the industry- Solitude lacks this feature
Montana’s Hitch Vision mirror on front cap with led light allows for easy hookup to the trailer day or night- the Solitude lacks this feature
Montana uses a 12 inch I beam chassis on all floor plans that is heavier duty, reduces the stress on the sidewalls, and supports more weight. Solitude uses a 10 inch I beam chassis on some floor plans and a 12 inch I beam on other floor plans
Montana features a Road Armor suspension equalizer with 6 inches of axle travel, rubber shock absorbers on top and bottom, ½ inch shackle plates, and greaseable wet bolts. Solitude uses a suspension equalizer with 3 inch of axel travel, no rubber shock absorber at the top, ¼ inch shackle plates, and no wet bolts
Montana features the Road Armor hitch pin that reduces or eliminates chucking while towing and features a pivoting roto flex head. Solitude’s hitch pin does not have a pivoting head which does not keep it in contact with the hitch pin’s rubber shear shock absorbers when there are bumps in the road

Construction and Exterior Feature Differences between Solitude and Montana:

Montana uses one-piece roto cast holding tanks. Solitude has two piece holding tanks with a seam in the middle that can be more susceptible to leaks
Montana uses color coded and numbered electrical wiring. Solitude uses all white wires and does not use numbers. (This makes electrical repairs significantly more difficult to trace on the Solitude and more costly to complete.)
Montana runs its water lines on the lower deck in the floor on top of spun fiberglass insulation. Solitude runs their water lines in the underbelly which could make water lines more susceptible to freezing up.
Montana uses an In-Line-High-Capacity heating system which means a 3-inch X 14-inch aluminum heat duct runs in the floor from the back wall to the staircase. In contrast, the Solitude splices 4-inch dryer vent hoses off the furnace to heat the lower deck. (When heat ducts are spliced multiple times with bends and turns it is typical to have hot and cold spots, heat loss, and difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature.)
Montana comes standard with rain gutters over the slide boxes. The rain gutters on Montanas also have a track in them for slide awnings so if a customer decides to add slide awnings it is a simple addition (add less costly). Solitude does not use rain gutters.
Montana has prep for solar to the roof. Solitude does not.
Montana has a power channel on its exterior awnings. Solitude does not.
Montana uses solid metal locking handles on exterior baggage doors. Solitude has plastic handles.
Montana’s auto leveling touch pad is located on the outside of the units for easy access and does not require bending over into the pass-through to get to the touch pad. Solitude places the leveling pad in the pass-through.
Montana has slide selector valves that allow the user to choose whether to have all the slides in or out. On Solitude there is no Slide Selector available.
Montana has 2 attic vents to help manage moisture. Montana places one attic vent behind the main A/C and one attic vent in front of the second A/C to prevent mold and mildew. Solitude has only one attic vent at the center point of the unit, which places the only vent extremely far from the air conditioning units which are a large source of moisture in the RV attic space.
Montana comes standard with a 16,500 BTU heat pump. This electric heat source means that a Montana owner does not have to run the furnace and burn propane to heat their unit in temperatures a little above freezing. Solitude does not offer a heat pump.
Montana has a double laminated rear wall. In the event of an accident or a repair to the rear wall, the rear wall on the Montana can be removed without disrupting the side walls or electrical channels. Solitude on has a single laminated rear wall.
Montana features two doors and compartments in the front bulkhead area. One door for storage or a generator and another door to access the battery and hydraulic area. Solitude has one compartment and door for these areas.
Montana’s optional full body paint includes painted baggage door handles, fender skirting, and bulkhead. Solitude does not paint these items.

Power Options Available on Montana:

Montana offers an optional 265-watt solar panel with a 30-amp controller and a 2000-watt inverter. In addition, this option includes inverting the living room TV outlet, refrigerator outlet, a kitchen outlet, and a bedroom outlet. This allows a customer that pulls off into a rest stop to be able to run their lights, tv, make a pot of coffee, run the refrigerator, and use a CPAP or charge a cell phone the bedroom. This option is not available on Solitude

Legacy package option on Montana fifth wheels offer additional features such as:

Disc Brakes (not available on Solitude)
Rear Cap (not available on Solitude)
Hard wood framing (not available on Solitude)
Power Cord reel (not available on Solitude)
Side view and rear backup cameras (not available on Solitude)
Surge Protector (not available on Solitude)
IN – Command (not available on Solitude)
Generator ready (optional on Solitude)

In addition to the many differences in the physical construction and features of the two units, Montana does offer a warranty for full time RVing. For those considering full-time RVing this is important and some units (like the Solitude) do not have this type of warranty available.

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

April 19, 2019April 24, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

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

7 Items every RVer Will Want to Have on their RV Gear list

March 26, 2019bankstonmotorhomes

While this list is certainly not exhaustive, we do think several items on here are must-haves for your RV Gear. For example, clean, clear, and tasty drinking water is a must. And for others, coffee is also a must! Whatever you travel life-style, we are sure you will one or two items on here that are worth adding to your RV stash.

1. Walkie-Talkies

A pair of these makes backing into a camp site much easier. You can find hands-free versions that also make navigation a lot easier. Walkie-talkies will come in handy when putting out and pulling in your slides. Many models of these will also double as a weather radio, which is an added bonus!

2. Bodum French press coffee maker

Every RVer begins to watch their electrical usage the more they travel- so this handy coffee maker is a welcome addition to many kitchens. It also eliminates the need for filters. For those that want to enjoy their coffee outdoors, boiling water from the campfire can be used to make a pot of coffee without having to use any electricity.

3. AeroPress Coffee Maker and Espresso Maker

This little gadget gets 4.5 stars on amazon with over 1600 reviews. So, for those that really want their espresso in the morning and may be running low on power (while boondocking) this is a great option. Just remember that pressure is being applied to the mug since the espresso is being pressed into the mug itself- so a sturdy mug is required for this

4. Camco drinking water hose

This drinking water safe hose is lead free, BPA free, phthalate free and also won’t give your water that ‘garden hose taste’. The ends are high quality nickel-plated brass machined fittings for maximum corrosion resistance, and the hose assembly is CSA low lead content certified to NSF/ANSI 372 and complies with all Federal and State level Low Lead Laws. All of this is to say that it’s a really good hose that will not only keep your water tasting great- but it will keep it as healthy as possible!

5. RhinoFLEX 20ft RV Sewer Hose Kit

Our final tip on RV travel is the same one we give to new RVers- we recommend that seniors take it slow. America is an incredibly large country to explore, and without the time constraints of a job, why rush? Don’t focus on covering a certain amount of miles every day or making it to a certain state before nightfall. This prevents you and other drivers from becoming too tired. Slow down, enjoy the drive, and stop at a few places along the way. Remember, the best parts of travel are often the most unexpected!

6. Little Red Campfire by Camco

Why do we like the Little Red Campfire by Camco? It’s super easy to get a campfire going with no wood and for those with allergies or asthma there is no smoke or ash! The controls are very easy to manage so the flame and temperature controls are very manageable too.

7. Quick-Zip Sheets

Finding sheets designed for RV size mattresses is just part of the process of getting settled into your RV life. However, if you utilize under the bed storage, or struggle with managing a mattress, quick-zip sheets are worth checking out! They feature RV Queen size sets that have gotten rave reviews on-line from popular news sites like Buzzfeed and People.

These are some of our top picks for comfort and ease of use. Comment below if there are other items you think we should look at for our next list!