Every person and unique RV has a different threshold for how cold is too cold for RV camping.  But generally speaking, temperatures that are consistently below freezing will make winter RV camping a bit more challenging.  RVs aren’t insulated like your traditional home, so keeping the tanks and pipes from freezing is a real concern.  

How cold is too cold for RVing?

As many pipes and tanks are in the underbelly of the RV, whether or not your RV has an enclosed, insulated or heated underbelly will make a big difference.  And if you’re actively living in the RV versus storing it, also makes a big difference.  If you’re heating the RV to keep yourself comfortable, that also keeps everything else inside at a warmer temperature. 

Many RVers have motorhomes with heated underbellies and can survive temperatures in the teens with the heat running throughout the night.  If you have hookups at an RV park, it will be easier because you can run space heaters.  If you’re winter RV dry camping, be sure your propane is full when you arrive. For extreme conditions, consider RV skirting to provide extra protection for the underbelly.

So there is no straight answer for how cold is too cold to RV, but we hope these winter RV camping tips and our personal experiences help you prepare for a successful winter RV trip.

Top Winter RV Destinations

In our opinion, the best winter RV destinations are warm winter RV destinations.  Forget all that snow and the worry over freezing pipes.  When your home has wheels, why not follow the best weather? (spoken like a true snowbird, right?)  Here are our top 3 winter RV destinations:

California

When it’s winter in the rest of the country, San Diego CA is the place to be.  Plus, it’s whale watching season for the Pacific Grey Whales migrating to Baja.  If you’re looking for an ideal winter RV resort in the San Diego area, check out Campland On The Bay. It’s located on the shores of Mission Bay and offers waterfront RV spots. Low temperatures hardly ever drop below 50 degrees in San Diego, so you won’t even remember it’s winter!

Arizona

There are lots of wide open spaces and free public land for boondocking in Arizona during winter.  This makes Arizona a cheap and easy option for RVers.  The warm weather and abundant sunshine bring so many RVers that it’s often a homecoming of sorts for the RV community.  You’ll find lots of RVers camping in Yuma and Quartzsite Arizona every winter.

If you’d rather have amenities, you can find the best Arizona winter RV parks in Phoenix and Tucson.  The Cave Creek Regional Park and Campgrounds located in north Phoenix is a personal favorite, providing access to nature and outdoor activities, while still being close enough to the city services.  This is a county park that requires reservations.  They operate on a six-month rolling basis, so be sure to plan ahead for your stay here.

Florida

Florida isn’t the easiest place to just roll up with your RV at the beginning of the winter season. Winter RV sites in Florida can be competitive to reserve and often must be booked well in advance.  Key West is home to the southernmost point in the US.  Going as far south as possible for the winter makes good sense, right?  Well, if you can afford it, and can plan ahead. 

Boyd’s Key West RV Campground is regarded as the best RV park in Key West. This park was founded in 1963 by two Canadians who were trying to escape the harsh winter in Saskatchewan.  That first year, campsites were $1.50 per night.  Today, a full hook-up Waterview site in peak season will cost you $225 per night. 

Will You Try RVing this Winter?

We hope you feel inspired to chase warm weather in your RV this winter.  And we hope that the sunny skies help make your fitness on the road easier.  We think it’s easier to maintain the motivation to keep up with our RV workout routine all winter when the temps are warm and the sun is shining.  Happy trails!

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Am I Ready to Take My RV to Canada?

Depending on where you plan to visit, there can be some very remote (and very beautiful) places in Canada.  It would be wise to make sure your RV has any necessary repairs done before you leave for your trip.  It may be difficult to find the parts you need if you have an issue in a remote area.

Other than that, if you’ve got some miles under your belt and feel comfortable with long drive days, you’re probably ready to take your RV to Canada!  But we can share a few more things to help you prepare for when to visit, where to stay, and how to manage the border crossing.

Best Time to Visit Canada

The best time to visit Canada is in the summer.  Peak season is July and August.  Winter is cold, and spring is rainy, but anytime between mid-May and mid-October will be reasonable weather and temperatures for camping in your RV.  

Unless you’re a total snow-lover, this is also the only time really worth bringing your RV to Canada because many attractions and campsites are closed from late October to early May. You could rent an RV from Canadream one winter for an amazing RV ski vacation.  But generally speaking, aim for summer or fall.

In summer you can enjoy swimming, water activities, sunshine, and beaches. In fall the weather will be cooler but enjoyable for hiking and fall foliage.  There are also fewer bugs in the fall (a major pro in our opinion). 

Canada RV Parks – Where to Stay

If you’re used to using Campendium to find RV camping here in the US, the good news is it covers Canada too.  But the offerings are structured a bit differently and there are a few important things to know. 

Parks Canada is the Canadian National Park system, with 40 national parks.  Their campsite fees start at $16.75 per night.  Prices vary depending on your travel dates and location.  You can reserve their sites online here.

Provincial Park Campgrounds are governed by each individual province. There are 470 provincial parks across Canada. Reservations must be made through each separate province or park’s website. The rules and pricing vary by park.  But these parks can be a great option.

Below is a selection of top-rated places to stay in your RV:

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

This seaside east-coast park has magical nature all around.  It’s also an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Old Shipyard Campground, Nova Scotia

The private campground offers 30 sites on the beach of the Bay of Fundy. Parked on a narrow strip of land, you’ll watch the tide rise up to within 50 feet of your campsite, and then descend a quarter mile from shore, every six hours. 

Campers Cove, Ontario

This private campground has over 1200 feet of clean sandy beach on the shores of Lake Erie. It is family owned and operated for over 50 years. There are wineries, golfing, and birding nearby.

Living Forest RV Park & Oceanside Campground, British Columbia
This RV resort is on 53 acres with ocean, forest, and river. It has 300 sites and is ranked among the top places to camp in British Columbia. 

What Documents do You Need to Cross the US-Canada Border?

It’s not as easy as it used to be to travel to Canada without a passport. According to the US Department of State, “Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.”

Returning to the US from Canada requires similar documents to show proof of identity and citizenship. We recommend checking the State Department’s website to confirm your required documents before crossing. 

How long can you stay in Canada with a US Passport?

Citizens of the United States can stay in Canada for up to six months with just a US passport. If you want to stay longer, you can acquire an extension. To obtain an extension there is an application and associated fee. The application must be completed while in Canada at least 30 days before your time limit is reached.

Important note: if your passport expiration doesn’t have six months remaining, you can stay in Canada for up to six months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

So Is An RV Trip to Canada in Your Future?

We hope this quick round-up of things to consider before embarking on an RV trip to Canada helped you decide if it’s something you want to plan for. It’s really very easy to cross from the US to Canada with your RV if you’re prepared. We hope you’ll embrace RV Travel to Canada and enjoy the beautiful Canadian summer! 

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Is a Class C RV the Best of Both Worlds?

If you’re like Goldilocks and want something that’s not too big, but not too small, a class C RV could be the right match for you.  Class C RVs could be said to be the best of both worlds. They’re bigger than a class B campervan but still smaller and easier to drive than a class A motorhome. 

Class C RV Size

Many say that class C is the most space possible in the shortest length, of any type of RV.  Plus, many class Cs are still small enough that you don’t need a tow vehicle, with the average length between 20-35 feet.

The sleeping space in the bunk over the cab is a primary characteristic and benefit of the Class C RV layout.  If you’re looking to comfortably sleep more than two people in your RV, a class C may be the right choice for you. 

Indoor RV Workout Capacity

While not quite as limited on floor space as a class B RV, the class C RV is still packing a lot of amenities into a small space. As a result you may not get as much indoor workout space as you need.  Compared to class B though, you will have a wider body by about one foot. You will definitely appreciate the extra space for storing your workout equipment. 

For the length of the RV, you’ll get more floor space in a towable trailer of the same length.  A class C with a slide out has the potential to open up a lot of floor space. This is perfect for your yoga, stretching, or resistance training.  Without a slide, a class C RV is going to feel similar in indoor space to a class B, just a tad wider.

Class C Tank Sizes

Tank sizes are critical to your RV supporting your healthy lifestyle. Don’t overlook this important figure when searching for your next RV.  Larger tank sizes are going to allow you to cook more meals and take more showers. Pluse, you’ll be able to drink plenty of water without “watering cactuses” outside.

Class C RVs will offer somewhere between 35-60 gallons of fresh water tank space.  The grey tank is generally between 28-40 gallons and the black tank is between 25-35 gallons of carrying capacity.  Class Cs generally have a bit more space to offer larger tanks, more storage, and other amenities, versus a class B.

Of course, this is only a concern if you plan to take your RV off-grid to do some boondocking. Or if you plan to stay at a state park or similar sites that don’t have full hookups.  If your method is jumping from RV park to RV park, you can take blissfully long hot showers every day without worry. 

Class C RV Kitchen

Most class C RVs come with a decent kitchen.  Sure, they may be smaller than their class A counterparts, but they’re generally well-equipped and will come with all the basics. Microwave, cooktop, fridge, good-sized sink, and even a stove are typical. 

The biggest jump up from a class B to a class C is probably the fridge size.  Rather than a glorified dorm fridge (approximately 5 cubic feet), you’ll likely have a standard RV fridge of ten cubic feet or more.  This makes a big difference in your ability to store healthy, fresh food in your RV. 

Overall, a class C RV is likely to meet your needs with regards to storing good food, as well as providing you with all the necessities to cook healthy meals on the road. 

Easiest Class C RV to Drive

If you’re driving a class C for the first time, it will certainly feel bigger than a regular vehicle, but drive more like a truck than anything else. People may wonder, “is driving a Class C RV hard”?  As with any RV, the easiest one to drive is probably the smallest/ shortest one.  The shorter the RV, the easier it is to maneuver. Going out and test driving is a good first step to see if you should buy a class C RV.

Class C RV Pros and Cons

As with any style of RV, there are pros and cons to buying a class C motorhome.  The possible pros for you are that it’s small enough to not need a tow vehicle. If you do prefer to tow, it has plenty of towing capacity.  There’s plenty of separate sleeping space for you and your family or friends.  And class Cs are a great value for your dollar.  This is partly due to supply and demand, class Cs are more widely available than Bs or As. So, if you’re looking for a motorized RV, class Cs are the best bang for your buck.

If you go without a tow vehicle, an obvious con is that you don’t have an explore vehicle. You will need to break camp to leave after you set up camp (similar to a class B). Other than that, we don’t see many cons against the typical class C setup.

Is a Class C RV the One For You?

If you’re still not sure if you should buy a class C RV, we definitely recommend trying a Class C RV rental from a site like RVShare or Outdoorsy.  Rentals are always a great way to discover if a certain model or style of RV is right for you.  Then, when you find a class C RV for sale that you like, you’ll know whether or not you’re comfortable in the space. 

We think the class C combination of space and amenities, with its still relatively small size, makes a great RV choice for any nomad looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road.

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Is a Travel Trailer RV the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Travel trailers are widely known for their affordable entry point.  If you already own a truck, a travel trailer RV could be the easiest way to get into RVing.  Travel trailers can be towed on a standard bumper hitch with many types of tow vehicles.  This makes the logistics and financials of getting on the road simple. Much easier than compared to other types of RVs like fifth wheels or motorhomes.

It’s hard to say which class of RV is the best. There is no such thing as “The Best RV”. And a lot truly depends on your unique needs and travel style.  Whatever must-haves are on your list, you’ll likely find them in a travel trailer. There are so many diverse floor plans and options across this RV class. Plus, there is a healthy amount of supply on the used market. This may make it easier to find what you’re looking for.  Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider about a travel trailer if a healthy RV lifestyle is important to you.

Travel Trailer RV Size

Travel trailers range in size from twelve feet to forty feet long.  The weight and length that you can choose are typically determined by your tow vehicle.  If you already own a smaller tow vehicle and want to start shopping for an RV, you may need to look a the lightweight class of travel trailers under 5000 pounds.  These are often referred to as “half-ton towable” RVs.

You’ll probably find the interior space and floor space you might want for accommodating your RV workout routine.  What might surprise you though, is that travel trailers have limited exterior storage compared to fifth wheels and motorhomes.  If carrying gear for outdoor pursuits is high on your list, a travel trailer may not provide enough easy-access storage for your bigger items.

Indoor RV Workout Capacity

For the length of the RV, you’ll get more floor space in a towable trailer than in a motorhome.  Motorized RVs lose a lot of their overall length to the cockpit area, which is not really conducive to your indoor workouts.  If you can find a travel trailer you like that has a slide, that will open up a lot of floor space. The extra space is perfect for yoga, stretching, or resistance training.  

As mentioned above, you may find the exterior storage of a travel trailer limiting.  But if you’re doing mainly travel workouts, and not concerned about outdoor activities that require a bunch of gear, you’ll certainly find enough space for your resistance bands and yoga mat inside any travel trailer.

Travel Trailer Tank Sizes

Tank sizes are critical to your RV supporting your healthy lifestyle. Don’t overlook this important figure when searching for your next RV.  Larger tank sizes are going to allow you to cook meals for yourself at home, take showers after working out, and drink plenty of water without having to pee in the woods. 

Because there is such a wide range in travel trailer sizes, there is a wide range in tank capacities. I won’t even try to give you an average capacity for fresh, black, and grey tanks. If you’re hoping to take your RV off-grid, be sure to put larger tank sizes on your must-have list. If you’re planning to stay primarily at full hook-up RV parks, you won’t need to worry about the size of your tanks!

Travel Trailer Kitchens

An ample RV kitchen is important to supporting your healthy RV lifestyle with regard to your ability to store and cook healthy meals.  Your travel trailer kitchen is going to vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the travel trailer.  That said, most travel trailers will come with a standard RV fridge, not a dorm fridge like many class B campervans.  The fridge is your friend for storing healthy foods and prepped meals. So when it comes to a healthy RV life, a bigger RV fridge is better.

Due to the vast array of floor plans and model options across the travel trailer RV class, you are likely to find an RV with whatever kitchen layout you desire.  If you want a stove, you can find that.  If you want a big sink, you’ll find it.  So just know what your must-haves are, and begin the search accordingly.

Easiest Travel Trailer RV to Drive

If you already have a truck, it’s likely that you’ve also towed something at some point.  That’s a good place to start, and hitching up an RV may not be all that new for you.  But as with any class of RV, the easiest travel trailer to drive (tow) is going to be the shortest one.  If you tow a fourteen-foot Casita, you probably wouldn’t even know it was back there.  Casitas are small, lightweight, and more aerodynamic than other boxier travel trailer models.

Travel Trailer RV Pros and Cons

As with any style of RV, there are pros and cons to choosing a travel trailer RV.  The pros for a travel trailer are the easy entry point we’ve mentioned, especially if you already have a tow vehicle.  Plus, there’s less RV maintenance on them because they don’t have a motor.  Finally, the magnitude of manufacturers, models, and options means you’re likely to find what you’re looking for.

The cons of the travel trailer are that if you don’t already have a tow vehicle, the costs can really add up once you consider buying a truck and an RV.  Secondly, some (not all) travel trailers are poorly built.  Especially the ultra-lightweight trailers. They’re produced cheap and fast and are really made for occasional camping trips, not for full-time living.  Therefore, a travel trailer may not last as long as other RVs that are built better.

Is a Travel Trailer RV the One For You?

If you already have a truck or similar tow vehicle and feel comfortable towing, a travel trailer may be the easiest entry point into RVing for you.  Since you already have the motor (in your vehicle), you’re saving quite a bit of money right off the bat and can get more RV for your money buying non-motorized.

With regards to supporting a healthy lifestyle on the road, the travel trailer RV gets the job done.  It offers enough indoor space for workouts no matter the elements, you can choose a kitchen that works for you from the many configurations available, and most importantly it will get you out there adventuring as quickly as possible!

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Are You Ready To Plan Your Florida Keys RV Trip?

Due to its popularity, an RV trip to the Florida Keys does require some advanced planning.  You’ll need to plot your route, plan where you want to stay, and start making your reservations early.  Let’s dive into some considerations for your RV Florida Keys vacation, including when to go, where to stay, and what to eat.

Florida Keys RV Parks

The first step in planning your RV trip to the Florida Keys is knowing when and where you want to visit.  If you’d like to visit in the Winter, that’s the busiest season for RVing. RV parks and State Parks will book up a year in advance for the Winter months (December through March). 

March begins the peak season for general tourists (non-RVers), which runs through May.  Due to this overlap with the Winter RVers, March is the single busiest month on the Keys.  Summer is hot and humid, and Fall brings hurricane season. So, we recommend visiting sometime between December and May but avoiding March if possible.

We stayed at the Sugarloaf Key, Key West KOA, and paid $150/night for our site during a May visit. Their premium water view sites are over $200/night. Prices go up even more during peak months. This is the most we’ve ever paid for an RV park, but it was well worth it.  We loved the location of being right on the water and less than 30 minutes to downtown Key West. The landscaping at this newly renovated park is impeccable.

We scheduled a stay at Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina since we’re Thousand Trails members and this park is an Encore Resort. With our Thousand Trails membership, we paid only $20/night!  Their waterfront RV sites retail at $257/night or $221/night at the weekly rate.  The regular back-in sites are $200/night or $175/night at the weekly rate.  This place is a true resort, and even has a beach bar!

The state parks along the Keys are a beautiful and budget-friendly option for your RV trip to the Florida Keys if you can manage to secure a booking.  Bahia Honda State Park is probably the most popular state park in the Keys, located in Pine Key. Just watch for closures due to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Sites at Bahia Honda are only $38/night and come online 11 months in advance for bookings. The stay limit is 14 days.  Have your mouse ready to click first thing, exactly 11 months out from when you want to visit.  This state park is always fully-booked, but it’s worth checking for cancellations any time. 

So you survived the planning and booking process, and you’ve arrived in the Florida Keys, what’s next?

Local Seafood in the Florida Keys

It’s easy to eat fresh and healthy while you’re traveling in the Florida Keys.  Fresh seafood comes right out of the ocean and is served up locally at many restaurants and seafood markets.  If you’re not from a coastal area, you might wonder, is seafood healthy?

Yes! Seafood can be part of your healthy RV eating plan.  Seafood comes complete with omega-3s, iron, B and D vitamins, and protein.  These nutrients are important for skeletal muscle, strong bones, healthy brain functioning, and your immune system.

So now that we know seafood is on the menu, where should we go?

The Best Seafood Restaurants in the Florida Keys

Our favorite seafood restaurant was the Eaton Street Seafood Market in Key West. They offer “the freshest seafood from local fishermen.” Choose your fresh piece of fish and have them cook it for you.  They have a great outdoor seating area to enjoy your fresh fish. 

At Broil Small Island Steakhouse in Cudjoe Key (middle Keys), fresh seafood tops the menu.  It’s walk-ins only, so don’t worry about a reservation, just note they’re only open Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-9 pm. 

In the upper keys, visit The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market in Key Largo. They guarantee fresh, local fish, and because it’s locally caught, you get what they catch, no promises on availability.  There’s always a “today’s catch” on the menu, and that’s what we’d recommend.

So is an RV Trip to the Florida Keys Worth It?

One-hundred percent, yes.  You will be grateful that you put in the effort of having to plan ahead.  The spendy price tag is redeemed with relaxation.  Even the two-lane road to get there seems like a small price given the reward.  The fresh air, sunshine, shimmering blue waters, and vacation-mode feeling you get, all make it worth the trip.  

Just remember to set your alarm one year out from your desired booking dates, and you’ll have no problem getting a spot.  Plus, booking this far out gives you so much time to look forward to this classic RV trip! 

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Is a Class B RV the Best Choice for Your Healthy Lifestyle?

Let’s take a look at the overall RV size, its indoor workout capacity, tank sizes, kitchen, and ease of operation. These are the main health and fitness considerations to see if it’s the best choice for you!

Class B RV Size

Class B RVs are small, nimble motorhomes that sometimes don’t even feel like an RV at all!  If you want to fit in a normal parking space, the Class B RV might be your only choice. 

But what’s the difference between a Class B and a Class C RV? A Class B RV is built on a van chassis and entirely built within the dimensions of the van.  A Class C RV is built on a truck chassis with an attached cab-over section.  And to confuse the matter further, there’s now what is called the “Class B Plus”. The B Plus RV is a hybrid between a B and C.  The B+ is more compact than a C but bigger than a B. 

Most Class B RV campervans are about seven feet wide and twenty to twenty-three feet long.  Therefore, the average interior space is about 150 square feet. Keep in mind that much of that space may be occupied by the build-out of the van.

This size may be a “con” on your checklist when it comes to space to store your RV fitness equipment. Additionally, a con to having space to workout inside the RV.  But why would you want to workout inside the RV?

Indoor RV Workout Capacity

Wind, rain, insects, heat, cold, sun, and snow may drive you indoors for your fitness on the road.  And a Class B RV doesn’t provide much interior floor space for doing effective workouts.  We recommend resistance training, yoga, and cardio as good travel workouts. Even these basics are going to be limited in a Class B RV. 

In addition to lacking the floor space for stretching out and really getting your body moving, there’s also the issue of just overall limited space.  Your RV workout equipment may be limited by the amount of space you have available to store and carry it. In our experience, we could perform effective strength training workouts inside of our van. We used a loop-style set of resistance bands to get the job done.

Class B Tank Sizes

A healthy RV lifestyle is certainly easier with more water for cooking and showering.  After a sweaty workout, you’ll probably want to at least rinse off. Most Class B RVs only come with 20-40 gallons of fresh water tank space and only 10-30 gallons of grey tank space.  That’s not very many showers.   

The freshwater tank also needs to provide water for drinking and cooking (including cleaning the dishes).  Cooking fresh meals at home is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle on the road, and having enough water to cook and clean is important.   

Drinking plenty of water is also an essential part of your healthy lifestyle, and that leads us to the black tank.  Most Class B RVs have a black tank size of about 10-25 gallons (if it has a black tank at all).  So if you’re trying to boondock, that may mean you’re peeing outside. 

But if you’re not interested in camping off-grid and you intend to stay at parks with hookups, none of the tank size considerations will really apply.  Your Class B RV will connect to city water and sewer just like any other RV, and you can run endless water and flush as many times as you need to! 

Class B RV Kitchen 

The Class B RV kitchen is typically very multi-purpose.  Your sink is also your counter space and your cutting board when you drop those custom pieces into place.  It’s pretty neat, but also somewhat limiting.   

A Class B RV kitchen is likely to have a very small fridge (think: college dorm fridge) and may not have a freezer section.  The ability to store fresh ingredients and even leftovers is a key part of a healthy RV lifestyle. 

If the space is too constrained, you are less likely to feel inspired to cook healthy meals at home in your RV.  Therefore, a small kitchen is a “con” on the list for a Class B supporting your health goals.

Easiest Class B RV to drive

There are many Class B RV manufacturers, and plenty of self-built campervans, out there in the marketplace.  Compared to other RV types, the Class B RV is hands-down the easiest to drive.  It drives like a van or large vehicle and fits in a normal parking space, just mind your height clearance especially when you think about going through a drive-through. 

The shorter the wheelbase, the easier a van will be to drive around town and on paved roads.  The 136” wheelbase Ram Promaster is a good example of a short van with a great turning radius. 

If you want to take your campervan deeper into the wilderness though, the easiest one to drive will be something that is four-wheel drive.  We’ve heard great things about the Storyteller Overland 4×4, though we haven’t driven one ourselves (yet).

Class B RV Pros and Cons

Campervans are so popular because of their small size, but that size is also a limiting factor when it comes to supporting a healthy lifestyle on the road.  If you want to get an idea of the size and amenities of a built-out Class B RV, consider looking online or touring some in person. 

The most popular Class B RVs are the Airstream Interstate, Leisure Travel Vans, Winnebago Revel, Pleasure-way Tofino, and Roadtrek Zion.  If you’d rather consider building your own, or purchasing something that was a home-build by someone else, the most common bodies are the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster.

Once you can see some different models and layouts, you’ll be able to weigh your personal pros and cons.  Can you live without a permanent bed in order to have a bigger pantry space to store your food?  Or would you rather have a bigger fridge, but less storage space?

So is a Class B worth it?

When it comes to supporting a healthy RV lifestyle, the Class B RV is definitely lacking in some key amenities (floor space, tank space, kitchen area).  But what it lacks in space, it makes up for in its ability to get you right to your favorite trailhead, and it definitely supports your active lifestyle by getting you out in nature and going anywhere with you. 

We love having our own kitchen and bathroom in the parking lot after a long hike.  It definitely inspires you to whip up a quick snack from the healthy ingredients you have on board, rather than hitting a fast food chain on your way home. 

The Best Class B RV we’ve seen is the Airstream Interstate.  If you think the Class B size can work for your RV lifestyle, perhaps consider this one.  We hope you get out there and enjoy life on the open road! 

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Class A RV Size

Motorhomes are generally some of the largest RVs on the market. They usually provide the most available space of any RV, although there are some modern 5th wheels that rival this.  If you can afford one and are comfortable driving one, a Class A RV provides a pretty sweet home on wheels.  

While more space may seem like a benefit at first, it’s also the downside of a large RV.  The bigger your RV is, the fewer spots you can fit in. From National Parks to State Parks and RV Parks to boondocking, the bigger you are the fewer spots there are available.

Indoor RV Workout Capacity 

For those of us looking to maintain our fitness on the road, the indoor space for workouts can be pretty nice in a large Class A motorhome.  First, motorhomes can carry more weight so they’re built sturdier than other styles of RV.  So if you need to jump around you can do so without fear of breaking something.  If you need somewhere to anchor a resistance band, there may be sturdy anchor points both inside and outside the coach. 

Older motorhomes don’t have quite the taller ceiling height that the more modern ones offer. However, in most Class A’s you’ll probably find enough floor space for yoga and stretching. And the large storage bays underneath are perfect for storing all of your RV workout equipment. Not only is there plenty of space in the bays, but there are also reinforced bays that are designed to carry heavy weight. The reinforced bays are perfect if you have some kettlebells or dumbbells you need to store without worry.

Class A Tank Sizes

The average tank size on a Class A motorhome is a 75-100 gallon fresh water tank and a 65-85 gallon grey tank.  Again, because Class As are built on an 18-wheeler chassis, they have a lot of carrying capacity which allows them to have these large tank sizes.   

Tank space for freshwater and greywater is an important consideration for healthy RV living as it relates to cooking.  Not having to worry about water consumption is ideal for cooking your own healthy meals in your RV.  Even just doing dishes from cooking at home can be a burden on some water tanks. Also, if you are working up a sweat with daily workouts it’s great to have the extra capacity to get a quick shower on the regular.

Class A RV Kitchen 

The compliment to large tank sizes in motorhomes is the beautiful fully-stocked kitchens they also come with.  Having a kitchen with enough storage space to pack away your RV cooking accessories and appliances is a huge perk. This is ideal for healthy cooking because you won’t be limited by your equipment.

As an additional plus, motorhome kitchens are typically spacious, with more counter space than you might find in smaller RVs.  This makes the space more inspiring for cooking at home and makes it logistically easier too.  Having a house-like kitchen means you have no excuses for whipping up those healthy RV meals! Larger refrigerators will allow you to hold extra produce and fresh, whole food which is critical for healthy eating.

Class A RV Pros and Cons

So, as with any style of RV, there are pros and cons to buying a Class A motorhome.  The pros as we see them for healthy RV living are the amount of space and the tank sizes. These pros allow you to have the tools you need in the kitchen and in the gym. It also gives you enough space to cook and workout indoors, comfortably. 

The main con for healthy RV living in a motorhome is that you probably won’t be able to park right at the trailhead and take your morning hike somewhere beautiful.  We have seen plenty of motorhomes parked in beautiful places, but if you have your heart set on a specific hike, you may not be able to have your home in the parking lot, that’s all.

Easiest Class A RV to Drive 

Which Class A RV is the easiest to drive?  The obvious answer is- the smallest one.  The shorter the RV, generally the easier it is to maneuver.  But when it comes to motorhomes, there’s one more thing to consider, the Class A RV engine.  

During your travels, you will undoubtedly encounter some steep climbs and mountain passes.  In these circumstances, the engine power of the motorhome matters greatly.  It is much easier (and safer) to drive a motorhome with enough power to carry itself up the hill than to pop on your hazards and climb slowly at 20 mph. 

Are You Ready to Find the Motorhome For You?

If all of this talk about space to carry your favorite kitchen gadgets have you thinking a motorhome is right for you, imagine this: you can cook while you’re going down the road so that dinner is ready when you pull into your new campsite.  It’s true, motorhomes offer true luxury in an RV home.  If you can accept that you won’t be able to park everywhere, a Class A RV might be right for you.

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1) Adjust your workout schedule as needed for the week

Whether you resistance train 2 times a week or 5 times a week, it is recommended that you have set days that you do it on. The same goes for your cardio goals. The more consistent routine you have week after week, the more adherent you will likely be to your program. During travel weeks, you may need to be a bit flexible, and move items around. This means you need to plan ahead for the week before you even get to the travel day.

If you have long travel days, it may work best to make travel days your rest days and get your training in on the other days. We recommend keeping resistance training a priority above cardio. And, if you must do a workout on a travel day, squeeze it in before travel rather than after. Not only will you have more energy for a more effective session, but the chances of you skipping it after travel may run high.

2) Get a good night’s sleep the night before 

Go to bed early the night before travel. Ever notice that when you are sleep-deprived you get extra munchy and feel hungover even if you don’t drink? Being sleep-deprived throws your gremlin and leptin out of whack and makes you really snacky. Sleep is extremely important in general, not just on travel days. But emphasizing it here on travel day will help to set yourself up for success.  And speaking of feeling hungover, don’t drink any alcohol the night before travel. Even one or two drinks can disrupt your sleep and your food choices.

3) Make time for a morning walk

The time and distance will depend on your timeline for your travel day. If you have time for your normal walk time, whatever that may be, do it. If you don’t, squeeze in what you can. Get your blood moving and get some fresh air, even if it’s only 5 minutes long. If you happen to be in a location where you don’t feel safe walking in the dark before dawn, such as a Walmart parking lot, do 5 minutes of air squats in your RV instead.

4) Have your meals scheduled 

This is also a critical habit for every single day but is emphasized for a travel day. Scheduling your meals keeps you on track, keeps you from snacking, and prevents you from making poor decisions if you wait too long and get hangry. A meal schedule will vary greatly from person to person. Some people eat two meals a day and others may eat five times a day. I generally find four meals a day to be a great number to keep you satisfied without any snacks. A good example of four meals scheduled out looks like 7 am, 11 am, 3 pm, & 7 pm.

5) Don’t skimp on drinking water

Don’t skip water just to save bathroom stops. Not worth it. Plus the stops are great to get up and move and get some fresh air. Take advantage of rest stops for easy in and outs off the freeway. They are also great if you happen to be RVing with dogs. Pay attention to the rest area signs as many will tell you how many miles between the current stop and your next opportunity. Try to target 60-120 ounces of water per day.

6) Have prepped food planned out for your meals en route

Let’s use the example times schedule of 4 meals a day from above being 7 am, 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm. I would try to have meal #1 and meal #4 cooked in the RV before and after travel. This would leave meal #2 and meal #3 for during travel and consumed en route while driving. En route meals will ideally be fast, and no cook. I like to have prepped containers that are made ahead of time. Keep it simple. A Tupperware with some grilled chicken, quinoa, and snow peas works just great reheated in the microwave. Another easy no-cook option is a protein shake and some rice cakes, or a protein shake and a piece of fruit. Or swap out the protein for some canned salmon. Keep it protein-centric. Don’t waste a fun meal on fast food or gas station food. Not worth it. Take advantage of having your kitchen on wheels! It really is an advantage! This brings us to our next tip…

7) Have your splurge meals planned in advance 

Splurge meal, cheat meal, fun meal, whatever you wanna call it. Plan it out and have it controlled, and in moderation. When you have it on your schedule, it keeps you on track during the week(s) leading up to it. We typically eat out 2 days per month. In regular situations, sometimes it’s more, sometimes it’s less. One meal out per week is a good goal to shoot for. Or just look at how many meals you currently eat outside of your home and slash it down. Having these events scheduled out gives you something to look forward to, and a reason to stay on track today.

8) Check your mindset 

If you find yourself stressed or being negative about your situation, remind yourself of everything you do have to be grateful for. Be thankful for the ability to travel, for your health, and for your family/friends. Thankful to have OPTIONS for what to eat. The luxuries of available, healthy food, and a functioning body. Put on some podcasts that motivate you, or music that gives you energy. 

Hopefully, these healthy tips for travel day give you some ideas for areas that you can improve. While everybody’s goals are different, so are everybody’s travel styles. Find what relates to you and see what healthy changes and habits you can implement on your next travel day!

The post Healthy Tips for Travel Day appeared first on Healthy RV Living.

RV Fuel Prices

Only six months ago we were excited to find diesel fuel under $3/gallon.  Today, we’re “excited” to find it under $5/gallon.  The average RV travel distance per year is 5,000 miles. However, we know many full-time RVers who travel far more than that.  Using an average of 12 miles per gallon, that’s 417 gallons of fuel. This difference in fuel prices means the same travel could cost $1,000 more this year than last year.  Will part-time RVers choose to stay closer to home? Will full-time RVers choose to travel less?  We’ll have to wait and see. But for right now there’s definitely a bit more pain at the pump for all of us. Be sure to research which RV discount cards and fuel rewards programs might benefit you best.

How to Find RV Campsites

In the recent past, RV Parks and Resorts became in high demand. Many were often fully booked a year in advance.  We couldn’t believe it when we called one park and they already had a waitlist for two summers into the future. And now it seems that boondocking areas are starting to fill up too.  We guess it only makes sense, everyone has to go somewhere!  But as avid boondockers, it’s frustrating to see that many free, open areas are now becoming designated dispersed. These come with a limited number of sites or are even moving to a pay model.  So yeah, it’s becoming difficult to find places to park your RV, no matter what style of camping you prefer.  We’re seeing an increasing amount of reviews saying things like “don’t even try to arrive after Wednesday to get a spot for the weekend.”

RV Problems and Quality Issues

Everyone knows that just because you buy a new RV, doesn’t mean it won’t have some issues right off the lot.  We expect this.  What we (RVers) didn’t expect was the number of issues on new RVs produced during the pandemic.  People are now saying “don’t buy an RV that was built during covid”. It’s widely known that many manufacturers had no choice but to do anything they could to keep up with the surge in demand during a time when the supply chain was greatly disrupted. “Covid RVs” have many issues due to the rapid speed at which they were being produced, the lack of staffing, and the inability to get the right part for the job.  Hopefully, most RVers who purchased new RVs in the past two years are shaking out all the issues now, getting them fixed, and will have great RVs going forward. 

RV Price Increases

Supply and demand principles are running double duty on RV prices today.  With a small supply due to staffing shortages and supply-chain issues and a surge in demand from increased interest in RV and domestic travel, RV prices are through the roof.  Many RVers wonder if their demand will drop off as international travel opens back up.  We also wonder if supply will increase as the supply chain returns to normal and Americans get back to work.  But in the here and now, prices are just silly. J.D. Power and Associated published a 2021 third-quarter report that shows an increase of 39.1% in the price of travel trailers as compared to the third quarter of the prior year.  So, it’s a seller’s RV market today, making it problematic if you want to do anything but sell your RV.  Luckily, if you have an RV to trade in, you’ll likely get more for your trade-in today too, thus helping to offset the increased price for a new RV.  

Loneliness While Traveling

This last one is a tale as old a time, but it endures amid these new RV problems.  RVing can be lonely, especially as a full-time RVer.  You leave your family, friends, and community behind, with dreams about the freedom of the open road, camping in nature, and seeing beautiful places.  Fortunately, there are many apps and groups built to help nomads connect.  We recommend joining Xscapers RV Club and attending some of their rallies to meet like-minded working-aged RVers, like us! If you prefer to plan less and connect in on-the-go, the app Nomad Near Me will show you other RVers who are camping nearby and give you the chance to message each other and potentially meet up.  

Despite all of these RV problems and challenges facing today’s RVer, most of the people we meet on the road seem determined to continue following their dream.  Many RVers we have met in the past couple of years have no plans to stop any time soon.  We’re all in this together and we can overcome many of these challenges with kindness.  Be friendly to your RV neighbor, and lend a hand if they’re having an issue.  We’re a strange, fun bunch of humans, this RV community, try to see the humanity in your neighbor and not view them as competition for that last campsite.  

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Must-Have Accessories for RVing with Dogs

Be prepared for ultimate fun with these must-have dog accessories. 

• Collar- regular use daytime collar with ID tags, nighttime light-up collar for evening visibility, and maybe even a GPS collar if you have a roamer.
• Poop bags and holders- be a responsible pet owner and always pick up after your pet.  Keep a roll of bags in one of those cute little holders so you’re never caught without a bag.
• Leash- regular walking leash, a retractable leash, or maybe even a long lead for tethering around the campsite 
• Dog bed- depending on the size of your RV you may only have space for one dog bed. That’s okay- you can move the bed around. Transfer it from the living area to the sleeping area for different parts of the day.  Some dogs love a place to call their own outside too.  To avoid bringing dust, dirt, and critters into your home you could consider a dog hammock. The hammock could store in your truck or under the RV.  Make sure your dog always has a place to call home and feel safe. 
• Pop-up crate- luckily for us RVers there are many tent-like, foldable options for dog kennels.  Even if your dog is not crate trained for staying inside the house, you may find that you want one for on your RV patio.  If you want to give Mr. Buddy some outside time but the area you’re staying in is very busy, it may be easier to give them a patio crate.  If your dog is crate trained inside the house, the foldable version allows you to stow it away when not in use as a kennel can take up a lot of floor space in an RV. 
• Pet alert sticker – place this on the exterior of your RV.  Include your contact information on your door/ window.  Post something that says “Pet Home Alone” with the pet’s name and your contact information in case of emergency.

How to Keep the RV Cool for Pets

Whether you’re staying at RV parks with full hookups, or boondocking in the wild, having a way to monitor and control the temperature inside the RV is important for your pet.  First, make sure you have some sort of temperature sensor so you know what the actual temperature inside the RV is, even if you’re away.  If you have full hookups, you can probably just set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for your dog and forget about it.  But especially in hot areas like Arizona in the summer, if the electricity were to go out, your RV could become quite hot quite fast.  This is why it’s good to have a monitor that you can check on remotely.

• Fans- Fans can help keep the temperature throughout the RV consistent.  Battery-operated fans will save on power if you’re boondocking and can run all day.  This is helpful for both heating and cooling the RV. 
• Shade- If it’s available, park in the shade.  This will help regulate the RV temperature throughout the day, and keep it cooler if it’s hot out.
• Reflectors- If you’re battling against the heat, you can use reflectors in the windows and in the vents to help keep the heat out.
• Cool Pads- If it’s especially hot, or if your dog doesn’t like the heat, you can put cool pads on the floor for them to lay on.  

How to Keep a Dog From Barking in an RV

Of course, we all want to take our pups on every adventure with us, but sometimes they have to stay behind.  Most RVers’ biggest worry is about the dogs barking while they’re away.  And that’s for good reason as some RV parks have a zero-tolerance policy for barking dogs and will ask you to leave. Luckily, there are a few proven strategies for keeping Mr. Buddy quiet (and calm) while you’re not home.

• Pull the blinds- draw the curtains or the blinds when you’re away.  Limit visual disturbances when your dog is home alone.
• Play music- leave some sound on, whether it’s the TV, radio, or a white noise machine, it can help dampen the outside noises that may agitate your pup.
• Get a camera- there are many two-way cameras available for watching your dog, and even communicating with them, while you’re away.  This requires you to check-in, so it’s not a fool-proof method but it can be helpful to be aware of your dog barking, and maybe your voice will get them to stop. 
• Citronella bark collar- if you already know your dog is going to bark when you leave, a bark collar may keep them from doing it.

Best RV Trips with Dogs

Okay, now you’re armed with all the necessary supplies and tips for having an enjoyable RV trip with your dog, so where should you go? 

Generally speaking, National Parks are not all that dog-friendly.  However, National Forests, State Parks, and many RV Parks are quite welcoming to your furry friend.  Always check in advance or call ahead if you’re unsure. 

Most National Parks only allow dogs (on-leash) on developed areas and paved paths, which isn’t very fun for you or Mr. Buddy.  But there are four dog-friendly National Parks you should know about:

• Acadia National Park (Maine) has 140 miles of hiking trails you can visit with your dog
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio) has 130 miles of hiking trails for you and Mr. Buddy
• Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) offers 96% of its trails for you and your dog
• Olympic National Park (Washington)  has many trails and beaches open to dogs on leashes.  Best of all, the neighboring Olympic National Forest offers 250 miles of dog-friendly trails. 

Armed with a plan for where to go and what to do with Mr. Buddy on your next RV trip, we hope you enjoy lots of fresh air and fitness together.  Having a dog as your RV co-pilot can definitely support your healthy lifestyle on the road.  Happy trails!

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