Here are five unique ways you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals while you’re on the road!

1. Propane StoveIf you already have a stove in your RV, use it to your advantage! The burners are most likely smaller than your regular stove at home, so be sure to buy the appropriate-sized cookware for it. Keep in mind that if you have a refrigerator in your RV, it most likely runs on propane too. Be sure to bring enough propane tanks on your trip if you plan on using both!
2. Portable GrillNo stove? No problem! There are plenty of electric grills you can bring on the road to cook all of your favorite foods. Please remember, do not use any of these grills inside of your RV due to flames and the poisonous gases these grills can give off. They are for outside use only!
3. Cook With FireWho doesn’t love a good cookout? Many RV parks offer fire pits and grills for guests, so you may not even need to bring your own. This is also a perfect opportunity to grill a bunch of foods at once so you have leftovers for the next couple of days. With this option, you also need to make sure you are not around your RV while grilling to avoid a serious fire or any kind of explosion.
4. Home Kitchen AppliancesYou don’t need to say goodbye to your favorite appliances just because you’re away from home. You can bring along your toaster oven, microwave, pressure cooker, blender, etc. as long as they are all safe for RV usage. If you are unsure if your appliance is safe to use, call the manufacturer to get more information.
5. Prepare No-Cook MealsIf you have no stove, no grill, or you’re just not in the mood to cook – go cold! There are plenty of recipes you can prepare without heat such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas and, of course, any kind of fruit.

Before you begin cooking food of any kind in your RV, you should have basic fire safety materials available at all times. Putting together an easy-to-access fire safety kit and having a fire extinguisher on hand will make all the difference during your cooking ventures. Visit the Learning Center for more information on RV fire safety. Have fun and happy cooking!

Here are some tips to help you make the transition to full-time RV living:

1. Do your research. Before you buy an RV, it’s important to do your research and figure out what type of RV is right for you. There are many different types of RVs available, so it’s important to consider your needs and budget. You’ll also need to research RV parks and campgrounds, as well as other resources for full-time RVers.
2. Downsize. One of the biggest challenges of full-time RV living is downsizing your belongings. You’ll need to get rid of anything you don’t absolutely need, as space is limited in an RV. This can be a difficult process, but it’s important to remember that you don’t need a lot of stuff to be happy.
3. Get organized. Once you’ve downsized, you’ll need to get organized. This will help you make the most of your space and keep your RV clean and clutter-free. There are many different ways to organize an RV, so find a system that works for you.
4. Be prepared for the unexpected. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re living on the road. Be prepared for breakdowns, bad weather, and other unexpected challenges. It’s also important to have a backup plan in case you need to stay in one place for longer than expected.
5. Enjoy the journey! Full-time RV living is a great way to see the country and live a simpler life. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with this lifestyle, and make the most of every day.

Here are some additional tips that may help you on your journey to full-time RV living:

• Get a good understanding of your RV’s systems. This includes the plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems. Knowing how to troubleshoot these systems will help you avoid costly repairs.
• Learn how to maintain your RV. This includes tasks like changing the oil, checking the tire pressure, and cleaning the filters. Regular maintenance will help keep your RV running smoothly.
• Make friends with other RVers. There is a large and active RV community, and there are many ways to connect with other RVers. This can be a great way to get advice, make friends, and find places to stay.
• Be flexible and adaptable. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re living on the road. Be prepared to change your plans at a moment’s notice, and be flexible with your expectations.

Full-time RV living can be a great adventure. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of this lifestyle.

There’s a lot more that goes into understanding the true maximum towing capacity of your vehicle than just one simple number or weight.

In this article, we’ve put together a deep-dive RV towing guide that will help you fully understand RV weight designations and abbreviations, the actual maximum weight your vehicle can handle, other weight considerations, and much more. 

How Big of a Camper Can I Tow? 

The true answer to this question is much more in depth than you might initially think. 

You may already be aware that you need to match the towing capacity of your vehicle, but there are several other weight and capacity factors to take into consideration. 

If you’re looking for the answer for your specific situation, social media forums don’t always provide the best insight. 

In order to know for sure how big of a camper you can safely tow, you should always double check your own numbers by doing your own research – and we’ll teach you how here!

RV Towing Guide: Do Your Research First

A quick look at towing questions or posts on social media networks and forums will inevitably reveal some RVers stating that their truck pulls their camper “just fine”, even though it’s way beyond the listed towing capacity. 

Statements like these are not helpful and can cost new RVers greatly. This is a harsh reality that David Gray knows all too well, and he shared what he learned in the article ‘Truck Buyers Beware – Know Your Ratings for Safer Towing’.

Your research will depend heavily on whether or not you already have a tow vehicle. If you have one, you will need to choose an RV that can safely fit within your towing designations. 

If you are buying the RV first, you are free to buy any RV type and then match a compatible towing vehicle with it later. 

Important Weight Designations To Know for Towing an RV Trailer

There are a lot of abbreviations and weight designations on vehicles, RV trailers, and RV specifications lists. And they can all get pretty confusing if you’re new to it! Let’s take a look at the most important abbreviations to keep an eye out for and what they mean.

GVWR on a Vehicle

GVWR stands for “gross vehicle weight rating”. This rating is the maximum loaded weight that your vehicle can safely operate. It includes the weight of the empty vehicle itself plus the weight of any cargo. 

GVWR on a Camper

GVWR on a camper is the maximum weight of the camper itself combined with cargo like water, personal belongings, etc. 

GCWR or GCVWR

GCWR or GCVWR stands for “gross combined (vehicle) weight rating” and this rating specifies the maximum weight rating for your tow vehicle and camper combined. This number includes the GVWR of your vehicle and the GVWR of a camper or trailer.

Curb Weight of a Vehicle

The “curb weight” of a vehicle is how much the vehicle weighs empty, aside from the necessary fluids it needs for operation like fuel, oil, etc. 

Dry Weight/UVW on an RV

Dry Weight or UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is commonly seen on campers. This is the weight of the camper while it’s empty with no cargo, water, etc. 

When looking at RV specifications online, be sure that you distinguish between the dry weight and the GVWR. 

Some RV websites and dealerships display the dry weight of the camper, and others will display the GVWR. 

The most important number to consider when looking at campers that fit your towing capacity is the GVWR, because you’ll rarely be towing your camper when it’s completely empty. 

You should make sure the GVWR of your RV fits within the towing capacity of your tow vehicle to ensure you can safely tow your RV at all times. 

CCC or Cargo Carrying Capacity

CCC or cargo carrying capacity is the weight rating of how much cargo you can safely load into an RV. 

If you need to calculate the GVWR of a camper, simply add the Cargo Carrying Capacity to the Dry Weight. 

GAWR

GAWR stands for “gross axle weight rating”. This designation is how much weight each axle can safely carry on vehicles and campers. 

Total Towing and Weight Capacity Designations

‘Towing capacity’ is the term most people know when it comes to figuring out how much RV you can tow, but there are a few other terms that are just as essential to know. Let’s take a look here.

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is how many pounds your tow vehicle can safely tow. This information can be found on your VIN sticker, in your manual, or by calculating it yourself.

Keep in mind that your maximum towing capacity is affected by many things including the weight of your cargo and gear in your vehicle, passengers, and vehicle modifications.

Going over your manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity can cause a myriad of problems: trailer sway, inefficient towing, and ruining your engine over time.

How to Find the Max Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle

There are many ways to find the towing capacity of your vehicle. On some vehicles, the towing capacity is listed on the metal VIN plate inside the driver side door jam. Otherwise, you can find your towing capacity in your vehicle’s user manual, online by searching your specific make, model, and engine type and size, or by doing some calculations. 

The calculation for determining maximum towing capacity for your tow vehicle will require you to know the gross combined vehicle weight of both your tow vehicle and trailer and the curb weight of your vehicle. 

The calculation is: 

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight – Curb Weight = Max Towing Capacity

If you are unsure about any part of this calculation, a more accurate way to find your correct towing information is to search the vehicle manufacturers website for your specific year, model, and engine size and type. 

Payload Capacity

Payload capacity is how much weight your vehicle can safely carry in the bed and cab combined. Payload capacity can refer to cargo, luggage, passengers, or items in the bed of a truck. 

Payload capacity is an important number to know when considering buying a truck camper because the entire weight of the camper sits in the bed of the truck, as opposed to being pulled behind.

How to Find Your Payload Capacity

Payload capacity can be found on your VIN sticker, in your manual, or by subtracting the curb weight of your vehicle (total weight of the empty vehicle) by the GVWR.

GVWR – Curb Weight = Max Payload Capacity

Tongue Weight and Tongue Weight Capacity

Maximum tongue weight is a very important number to look at when considering a travel trailer. 

The tongue weight of a camper is how much the camper weighs at the hitch and this number will be different when the camper is empty vs when it’s fully loaded. 

Sometimes a camper will fit within the towing capacity of your tow vehicle, but the tongue weight will exceed your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity. 

If you want to pull a travel trailer, it’s essential to ensure your travel trailer GVWR and maximum tongue weight fit within your vehicle’s towing capacity and tongue weight ratings as well.

The tongue weight of your trailer will also affect your payload capacity. You will need to subtract the total tongue weight of your trailer from your vehicle’s payload capacity to ensure you are within your manufacturer’s specified limits. 

Center of Gravity (For Truck Campers)

If you want to carry a truck camper in the bed of your truck, it’s important to know the center of gravity point on your truck camper and match that up with the center of gravity point on your truck bed. 

The COG of a truck camper is the point on the camper where the majority of the weight sits. It’s important to match this with the COG point on the bed of your truck because if you mismatch and put too much weight on or behind your rear axle, you could greatly damage your vehicle. 

To find the center of gravity point on your truck camper, refer to the manufacturers website or the camper specifications. 

To find the center of gravity point on your truck bed, measure from the front wall of the truck bed to the center of your rear axle. 

The COG point on your truck camper should rest somewhere between the rear axle and the front wall of your truck bed to carry it safely, it should never fall behind the rear axle.

How to Find the Weight of A Camper Trailer

As we previously discussed, towable RV manufacturers have two ways that they display weight: dry weight and GVWR. 

Some manufacturers list both weight designations in their specifications, while others only show one or the other. 

It’s essential to know the GVWR of your camper when matching an RV with a tow vehicle. 

You can find your camper’s weight designations on a VIN plate on the frame of the RV or on the sidewall near the front, on the manufacturers website, or by searching the year, make, and model online. 

If you can’t find the GVWR, remember that you can calculate it. 

Dry Weight/UVW + Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) = GVWR 

What is the 80% Towing Rule?

Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it’s a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don’t overload your tow vehicle. 

The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don’t pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

That leaves 20% of your towing capacity left for other cargo like passengers, baggage, etc. It also leaves room for your vehicle to pull your camper over hills, across long distances, etc. 

The reason for this rule is simple: taking an abundance of caution to not overload your vehicle and engine to minimize wear and tear and avoid potential problems and breakdowns due to towing an overweight camper. 

The 80/20 rule is a good guideline to follow and a good place to start, but it’s not always fail-proof. Even if you are well within or under 80% of your maximum towing capacity, you could still be overweight in a particular area, such as on a specific wheel or axle. 

Escapees SmartWeigh weighs your RV and your tow vehicle separately and together on each individual wheel to give you a full picture of your weight management, load, and distribution.

Don’t Max Out Your Tow Vehicle: Other Weight Factors to Consider

The GVWR of an RV trailer isn’t the only thing to consider when looking at how big of a camper you can tow. 

The weight of the passengers and cargo in your tow vehicle will also take away from your maximum towing capacity, so calculate carefully!

Here are some less-considered things that add weight to your tow vehicle and camper: 

• Water: fresh water weighs about 8.3lbs per gallon. A full 50 gallon fresh water tank adds 415 pounds!
• Passengers
• Luggage
• Gas
• Propane
• Camping supplies

Why Staying Below Your Towing Capacity is So Important

There are many reasons why staying below your towing capacity is so important. Maximum towing capacity exists to protect you, others on the road, and your vehicle. 

Trailer Sway

Trailer sway happens when your trailer is too big or too heavy for your tow vehicle. If your trailer is overweight or improperly loaded, it will begin to sway uncontrollably at highway speeds. 

According to Hensley Manufacturing, trailer sway is a leading cause of trailer accidents. And many times, accidents from trailer sway are rollover accidents. 

Braking

Heavier trailers are harder to stop, especially at high speeds. Overloading your tow vehicle’s weight capacity can make it harder for your vehicle to stop your trailer at any speed, which is a major safety concern.

RV Tire Safety

Not only does your camper and your vehicle have a weight rating – your tires do too. 

Overloaded RV tires and/or overloaded tow vehicle tires are incredibly dangerous. Overloading your tires increases your risks of blowouts at highway speeds.

How to Find the Weight of Your RV Trailer After Loading Your Belongings

The GVWR of your camper and your vehicle are both weight ratings that have been designated by the manufacturer, but how do you know you’re staying within those numbers once you load up your family and gear? 

You get weighed, of course. 

You can have your loaded camper weighed at CAT truck scales at truck stops, but these scales only give you a fraction of the full picture of your total loaded weight. 

Get Weighed with Escapees SmartWeigh

If you want a full picture view, get weighed by Escapees SmartWeigh. This exclusive RV weighing program is performed by highly trained personnel and provides you a full picture of your RV weight, tow vehicle weight, and combined weights. 

Using high-quality scales, every tire of your RV and tow vehicle are weighed individually to give you an accurate idea of your total weight and any potential weight loading or distribution issues. 

SmartWeigh isn’t just a scale – it’s an RV weight educational program. With this program you get personal attention during the duration of your appointment, an individual consultation after weighing to discuss your results and address potential problems, and tips for correcting any imbalances or weight issues. Learn more about SmartWeigh here.

Should You Buy The Tow Vehicle or the RV Trailer First?

If you have the ability to choose your camper before you buy your tow vehicle, you have a great advantage! 

Being able to have the freedom when choosing your RV to make sure it ticks all of your boxes without being constrained by a particular “weight” makes it so much easier to get something you’re truly happy with. 

For example, maybe you need an RV with a great RV office space, or maybe you want to try RV living with a large family.

Many long-time and full-time RVers try many different RV types and models before ending up with one that perfectly suits them and their lifestyles. But being able to choose an RV before buying a vehicle truly allows you the best chance at buying your “last RV” first.

Conclusion

As you now know, there’s a lot more that goes into the answer for “how big of an RV can I tow?” than you might have initially realized. 

However, once you understand what each designation means and why it’s important, calculating your maximum capacities can become pretty simple! 

The 80% rule is a good rule of thumb to follow to ensure you’re not overloading your tow vehicle and have plenty of extra capacity for passengers and cargo. 

And remember: you can get weighed at Escapees SmartWeigh on your next road trip to see how your weights measure up!

You know what’s in your camper, right?

If something happened, would you be able to present the police or the insurance company with an itemized list of everything that was part of your home-on-wheels?

Chances are that, while you might have a rough idea of what you’ve been taking on the road, you don’t have the kind of detailed records that help in case of a claim. As Powersports Insurance Agency explains, if your RV suffers major damage, the items inside will probably take a hit as well. When you file a claim, your insurance provider will ask you for a list of damaged items, their value and proof of ownership. If you’re lacking any of those elements, you can run into trouble with your claim. So before your next road trip, set aside a few hours to create an up-to-date camper inventory.

Tip: A spreadsheet program like Excel or Google Sheets is a useful way to maintain your inventory. Set up columns for purchase date, make, model, serial number or VIN, purchase cost, replacement cost, and descriptions. You can further refine your inventory by using multiple sheets. For example, create one for equipment, another for personal items, and another for household goods. For quick access, store a copy in the cloud and back it up to a flash drive that you carry with you.

As you’re assembling your receipts, make sure you also have all the relevant equipment manuals. Store them in a plastic tote and bring them along with you—just in case you need to refer to one of them while on the road!

Camper and installed equipment

Start with the camper itself: make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) and purchase price. List when and where it was purchased and any add-ons or customizations that were included. Make a digital copy of your receipt (use your cell phone to take a picture) and save it with your inventory.

Next list all the installed equipment: make, model and serial number along with a brief description, especially those items with separate, stand-alone warranties. This can include the stove, microwave and refrigerator, the converter, HVAC equipment, and smoke and CO detectors. Do you have an awning, a screen room, or cargo carrier? Be sure to list those as well.

Tip: Either take photos or videotape the interior and exterior (including inside cabinets and closets) as you are developing your inventory list. This will provide you with additional documentation in case you overlook any items.

Household goods

Start with bedding and pillows, towels and kitchen linens, curtains and throw rugs. Then move on to appliances. This includes the coffeemaker, can opener, tabletop cookers or grills (inside or outdoor styles), pots and pans, dishes, glassware and silverware, and other kitchen items.

Include entertainment items (stereo and television), furnishings (lamps, small tables, etc.) and personal care items (electric toothbrushes, hair dryer, etc.). (If your electronics or technology items are primarily for business use, see the Business equipment section.)

Tools and repair items

You’re probably carrying a fair bit of hand tools so you can do on-the-road repairs. List them as well as items like wheel chocks, leveling blocks and jack pads, small ladders, or other items. Don’t forget the small items: fuses, screws, gaskets and other items needed to repair or replace a broken part.

Business equipment

If you are operating a business while on the road, you may need commercial inland marine coverage. According to The Hartford, this coverage provides protection for assets and property that is movable or could be in transit over land (think your laptop or other communications equipment). It also covers property owned by others that is in your possession.

Personal items

This includes clothing, jewelry and footwear, and are most likely items that change with the season or your travel destination. Otherwise, you can just group them into categories: 5 sweatshirts, 3 pair of men’s boots, 7 pairs of jeans.

Carrying personal medical equipment such as a CPAP machine? Make sure it’s on the list. If any of your items are valuable, provide a detailed description and check with your insurance agent if you should obtain a Personal Articles Policy or a rider. You might also want to buy a safe. DoItYourselfRV.com has tips in 10 Ways To Hide & Protect Valuables Using Trickery Or RV Safe.

Misc. items

Are you bringing along an ATV, golf cart or kayak? Add them to the list as well. The same goes for firearms, fishing or hunting equipment, auxiliary generators or extra propane tanks.

Need more help putting together your inventory? Mike and Cindy Hartman’s RV Contents Inventory: An Inventory How-to Guide plus Templates for Camping Trailers, Fifth-wheels & Motor Homes has more information. Now that you’ve completed your inventory, you may be wondering if you’re packing everything you need—or more than you should! The Complete RV Stock Up Checklist from the RV Atlas lists must-haves and nice-to-haves to help you decide.

Finally, keep your inventory current, updating your records as needed. You might want to check with your insurance company to ensure you have enough coverage on your camper and the items it’s transporting. See our RV Insurance FAQs post for more information.

This is where towing an extra vehicle with your RV can be a wise decision. When you arrive at camp, you can simply unhook your tow behind the vehicle and use it to run errands or explore the area. It’s not only convenient, but in areas with small roadways, such as busy cities, or paths that are difficult to navigate with a large motorhome, having a second vehicle can make your exploration more enjoyable.

And, in the case of an unexpected breakdown, a secondary vehicle can turn into your recovery vehicle. If you’re interested in potentially towing a vehicle on your next trip, learn what it takes to tow a vehicle with your RV.

#1: MAKE SURE YOU WON’T EXCEED YOUR RV’S CAPABILITIES

Before you hitch your car to the back of the RV, take the time to find your motorhome’s tow rating. Your maximum towing capacity can be found in your owner’s manual and will indicate the total amount of weight your RV is capable of hauling. Never exceed this amount when you hook up a vehicle to your motorhome.

You also need to pay attention to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your RV. This number indicates the maximum weight your RV can safely transport. You don’t need to count the weight of the vehicle you are towing towards this number, but you do need to include the weight of the trailer tongue, as well as anything else that your RV will be holding, such as passengers, water, and cargo.

The next step is to check how much your RV is capable of hauling by looking for a plate on your RV’s hitch that lists this number.

#2: DETERMINE HOW YOUR VEHICLE OR “TOAD” CAN BE TOWED

Did you know that the vehicle you tow behind your RV is often referred to as a “toad?”

Just as you need to be careful to ensure that you do not exceed your RV’s towing capacity, you also need to make sure that you understand the best way to tow your secondary vehicle.

Please note that not all vehicles can be pulled behind an RV using the same method. For example, many all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be flat-towed — towed with all four wheels on the ground — behind an RV. This is because it will cause damage to the transmission.

In other cases, there may be critical cooling systems or protections that only kick on when your vehicle is running. Towing these vehicles with all four wheels on the ground can permanently damage major components.

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommendation for towing. This should indicate whether you can tow your vehicle on all four wheels, with two wheels down, or if it must be towed on a flatbed trailer. If you cannot find this information readily, speak to your mechanic about the best option based on your vehicle’s make, year, and model.

#3: CHECK YOUR HITCH

Once you understand how much weight your RV can tow and how your particular vehicle should be towed, it is time to inspect the hitch on your motorhome. Most RVs come equipped with a hitch featuring a ball and a receiver.

If your RV does not have a hitch, there are options for adding a custom hitch to the motorhome. However, be sure to read over any warranty information before adding a hitch to your RV. In some cases, adding a hitch can invalidate your warranty.

#4: CHOOSE YOUR STYLE OF TOWING

There are three main methods for towing a vehicle behind your RV. Depending on your toad, you might be limited in which options you can use. Before you try any of these methods, be sure to speak with your mechanic.

FOUR-DOWN OR FLAT TOWING

One of the easiest ways to tow a vehicle behind your RV is using the four-down method, also called dinghy towing or flat towing. This method uses a small tow bar to connect your vehicle to the RV. All four tires rest on the ground, and the vehicle simply trails behind your RV.

This method is a popular choice due to the ease of connecting and disconnecting the vehicle and the limited amount of equipment needed. However, it is not a valid option for all vehicles and causes the most wear and tear on your toad.

TOW DOLLY

Another option for towing your vehicle is to connect a tow dolly to your RV. With this method, the front two wheels of your toad are loaded onto the dolly. The rear wheels roll on the ground. This is a good choice for vehicles with front-wheel drive transmissions. It is a little more complicated to load your vehicle on a tow dolly than to simply use a tow bar, but tow dollies are still a relatively affordable option.

TRAILER

For all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles, you’ll most likely need to tow your vehicle with a trailer or car hauler. In this case, you will drive your vehicle onto the trailer and tow the vehicle with no wheels touching the ground.

Trailers are the most expensive option. However, they offer the best protection for the vehicle you are towing. Because the wheels are not touching the ground when in transit, you will not wear down the tires, and there is no risk to the components of your vehicle.

VISIT TRANSWEST TO FIND AN RV CAPABLE OF TOWING

If you’d like to bring along an extra vehicle on your next trip, stop by Transwest and have a service rep make sure you know how much weight you can tow. If you don’t have a hitch, we can help you choose the right one and install it too.

Transwest also carries the latest inventory of RVs. We carry premium motor homes, many of which are designed to allow you to safely tow another vehicle behind your rig. Talk to us today about purchasing a new RV or stop by one of our service centers to determine whether or not your existing RV can tow your vehicle.

• Park it – Have your travel trailer parked in your driveway or lot a couple days before the trip. This will allow for easier packing, plus getting things such as a refrigerator up and running.
• Pack it – As mentioned, you can start packing early to save time in the long run. Items such as clothing, bedding and non-perishable food items can be stored ahead of time. Using tote bins to pack and stack items can be a great space saver! Also remember to bring a tool kit and first-aid kit, which you might need in case of an emergency.
• Run it – Turn things on and make sure brake lights, appliances and other essentials are all in working order.
• Practice it – Hook your travel trailer up to your tow vehicle and take it for a test run before you leave for your trip. Be sure to practice backing up, driving on small inclines and making turns.
• Research it – In other words, know where you’re going. Whether it’s to a tailgate party or straight to the campground, be sure to research which amenities may or may not be available, including electric/water/sewer hookup, restrooms, laundry room, tables and fire pits, cell phone and/or Wi-Fi service and even a nearby general store.
• Place it – Once you get to your destination, get the inside of the trailer set up and make sure everything has a place. Make beds, organize food, stack items such as towels and shoes where people can get to them – you get the picture. You’ll be happy you did, saving time and space!
• Camp it – Finally, enjoy your time away!

Even if you’ve had your RV for years, it’s a good idea to review your insurance coverage and make sure that you have all of the coverage you require, at the best price possible.

After all, an RV is a huge investment for any family, whether it’s a small pop-up trailer or a mega motor home.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Travel Trailer Insurance: Your car insurance likely covers your RV travel trailer, right? So why buy specific RV insurance? Well, regular insurance only covers a trailer when it’s hooked up to the car or truck that’s pulling it, and won’t cover a motor home at all. Get that special RV insurance to be sure your RV is covered, even when it’s not hooked up.

• Medium Trucks: If you’ve got a truck bed camper on a truck over 10,000 pounds, you are likely not covered under your normal auto policy. Get that RV insurance.

• RV Replacement in Case of Accident or Theft: When shopping for insurance, ask if your quote includes Actual Cash Value (ACV), Agreed Value or Total Loss Replacement. ACV is the market value of the RV as decided by third party sources. Agreed Value means that the company agrees to an amount up front with the policy holder; and TLR means the company will provide the insured with a replacement RV if yours is lost or stolen when it is under 5 years old.

• Emergency Expenses: If you are living in your RV full time, you’ll want to be sure you have a policy that reimburses you for living expenses should damage occur.

• Emergency Roadside Assistance: In case of an accident or mechanical failure, an RV can cost up to 3 times more to tow than a normal vehicle. Having an RV road assistance plan is a good feature. Kampgrounds of America has a special agreement with Allstate to provide the Allstate RV Roadhelp Program to our KOA kampers at a special reduced rate.

• Collision coverage while in storage: If you store your RV for extended periods, you may need to be sure your policy includes coverage during that storage.

• Liability Insurance: RV owners can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of an accident in or around their RV. Most RV insurance gives an owner higher coverage limits on incidents of this sort.

• Replacement of Stolen Property: Your RV holds a lot of specialized equipment, including stereos and televisions. Be sure your policy has a replacement option for your property.

So, how do you get started on your quest to find the very best option when it comes to your RV insurance coverage? Kampgrounds of America has also partnered with Progressive Insurance to provide our KOA kampers with quality coverage at very competitive prices.

High temperatures combined with a lack of a powerful central air conditioning system can quickly turn your RV into a too-hot spot. On very hot days, cooling an RV often requires more strategies than the standard cooling system. When an RV air conditioner is operating properly, the difference between the ambient temperature and the conditioned air temperature will only be about 16 to 22 degrees. Make sure you implement some strategies to supplement your cooling system and keep your RV as cool as possible.

With some pre-planning and insider know-how, you do not have to sweat the summer temperatures. The following tips to keep your RV cool in the summer will help your whole family beat the heat and focus on having some fun in the sun.

1. PARK IN THE SHADE

In the heat of the summer, one of the most important considerations you can make when selecting a campsite is the shade factor, which works wonders to prevent your RV from becoming a toasty sauna. Since the sun is most intense in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer. If possible, orient your RV so that it is shaded during the hottest part of the day. Position any trees on the western side of your rig, and use your awning for shade in the morning.

2. CREATE SHADE

Keeping your RV cool in the summer can be as simple as utilizing your available shade. Shade is nature’s air conditioning. Even if you have a shady camp spot, maximize your shade by keeping your awning down and using tarps to rig up a shady spot to relax. Be sure to use tree-friendly straps such as wide nylon to avoid damaging any nearby trees. If there are no nearby trees, get a large tarp and tie one side to the top of your RV and secure the other side to the ground with stakes to create a triangular shaded area.

3. GO WITH THE FLOW

A simple way to create airflow into your RV is to orient your rig with the breeze. In general, the wind in the United States moves from west to east. Check local weather conditions where you are traveling and try to position your rig to take advantage of wind patterns. Keep windows open and use screens to keep dust, bugs, and debris at bay. The breeze will help cool your RV during the day.

4. BUY A PORTABLE FAN (OR TWO)

If you are wondering how to keep your RV cool in the summer on a budget, consider purchasing an affordable fan. A small portable fan goes a long way to move warm air, create a breeze, and cool your RV. During the evening, set up one fan in a window pointing inward to pull cool air in, and one fan pointing outward to pump hot air out of your RV. During the day, use shaded windows to draw in cooler air.

5. PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS

The handy insulated window covers you use in the winter work just as well to block out the heat as they do the cold. Glass does a poor job at insulating—meaning that it will let in the heat. Be sure to cover any sunny windows or big spans of glass, such as windshields and picture windows, with curtains or insulated window covers.

6. CLOSE YOUR WINDOWS EACH MORNING

Opening your windows at night can create a nice, cool breeze to help you sleep comfortably. Keep this cool air in your camper and make it last longer by closing your windows as soon as you wake up each morning. Try to close your windows before the sun rises and warms the outside air. This will keep cool air from overnight inside the RV and hot, humid air outside the RV.

7. USE REFLECTIVE INSULATION

Use reflective insulation if you don’t have window awnings to help block the sun from entering the RV. Heat from the sun can enter your RV through the windows depending on how thick the glass is, but reflective insulation can reflect the sun away from the windows to keep the heat out. You can purchase various sizes of reflective insulation for an affordable price at home improvement stores.

Products like reflective insulation reflect the sun away from your RV to keep the interior cooler. Simply cut a piece of reflective insulation to fit each of your windows and use mini-blinds, window visors or day/night shades to help secure the insulation against your windows or windshield. Depending on the product type you choose, reflective insulation can reflect up to 97% of the sun’s radiant energy away from your windows.

8. KEEP YOUR COOLING SYSTEM EFFICIENT

Keep your cooling system running efficiently if you use one. Proper maintenance can help you optimize your cooling system and get the coolest air possible from it. To properly maintain your air conditioning system, make sure that all filters remain clean. This helps increase the efficiency of the unit and makes it easier to cool your RV. Inspect filters regularly, and clean or replace them as necessary.

9. COOK AL FRESCO

Nothing heats up an RV like running an oven or stove. So ditch the indoor kitchen on hot days and take your cooking outdoors to avoid stifling heat build-up inside your rig. Try some fun camping recipes and impress your loved ones with the delicious meals you cook over the campfire. You can also cool down with some tasty frozen treats as you spend time inside or outside of your RV.

10. COVER SKYLIGHTS

The summer sun sits high in the sky, and any skylights attract heat. Use insulating covers to block out any solar radiation coming in from above. This will help keep your RV cooler, especially during extra-hot days.

11. KEEP YOUR DOOR SHADED

A shaded outdoor space also keeps your door area from building up heat. To achieve this, orient your RV to have your awning and entry in the shade throughout the day. This can be tricky with a high summer sun, but typically this means positioning your door toward the south. The overhang of the awning keeps the sun out, keeping outdoor space cooler. Keep in mind, this method won’t be as effective if you have a lot of big windows on the north side of your trailer. Strike a balance between shade and exposing large expanses of glass to the sun.

12. INCREASE VENTILATION

Proper ventilation helps prevent excess heat in your RV. You can install vent covers over the existing roof vents to help increase ventilation in the RV. They are inexpensive, easy to install and they let the fresh air in, even when it’s raining. Use a vent cover on both ends of our RV to help promote cross-ventilation.

13. CLEAN FRIDGE VENTS FREQUENTLY

One of the most significant sources of heat in an RV is the refrigerator. To keep your food cool, the fridge must dump tremendous amounts of heat. This heat radiates from the appliance and out into other areas of your RV, raising the temperature. Keep your RV fridge vent as clean as possible to allow for the heat to dump properly. Regularly inspect the vent to make sure it hasn’t collected dirt and debris from your travels.

14. USE LED LIGHTS

LEDs give off a fraction of the heat of regular bulbs. Switching to LEDs is more energy-efficient, and it will keep your RV cooler in the summer, too. Additionally, while you are paying attention to energy efficiency, be sure to switch lights off throughout the day and only use electricity when necessary.

15. KEEP ELECTRONICS POWERED OFF

If your RV is rigged up with the latest technology, consider keeping things turned off during hot days. Electronics like TVs, laptops, and other devices produce heat just like any other appliance. Keeping screen time to a minimum will help keep your rig as cool as possible and help you fully connect with nature without electronic distractions.

16. SHUT THE DOOR

When the temps are soaring and you crank the AC, avoid leaving windows and doors open. It can be tough when kids and pets are running in and out all day long but try to minimize door openings during the day so your RV stays cool.

17. USE A SWAMP COOLER

If you are traveling in dry climates, use an evaporative cooler to stay cool. Also known as a swamp cooler, it can be an efficient way to cool an RV. You can make your own mini-swamp cooler with a five-gallon bucket, fish tank pump, forced air filter and a little bit of ingenuity.

But if that sounds too complicated, a sufficiently damp towel over your head or neck, combined with air movement from a fan, works great to cool you down during hot nights.

Using these strategies, you can keep your RV quite comfortable in the summer. Start by developing a better understanding of how the sun comes across your campsite, and you will be on your way to keeping your rig a cool home base for your next big adventure.

STAY COOL AT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA THIS SUMMER

Whether you are planning the perfect road trip or a fun family vacation, keep your RV cool to maximize comfort during your trip. Stay at KOA to enjoy comfortable amenities, including electric hookups to power your cooling system. Many KOA campsites have shaded areas to keep you cool and plenty of space to position your RV in a way that takes advantage of the breeze.

Park your RV at KOA this summer and enjoy various activities at different locations. Select KOA Campgrounds are even pet-friendly, so you can bring your pet along and enjoy convenient dog-friendly campsites — reach out to your KOA to learn more about their policies. KOA is the perfect place to relax, explore and have fun.