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.

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.