RV Caravanning – Leave the planning to them!
We’ve had questions from readers about RVing in Central America and about travel agents who plan RV trips to places like Canada. So, we thought it was time for an article about caravans.
Many RVers would agree that planning a trip is half the fun. Who doesn’t like to pick a random destination, research like crazy, and then improvise things to do while you’re there? But sometimes you wind up missing out on lots of interesting activities and local color simply because you don’t know the area. After all, there’s only so much research you can do.
That’s where caravanning comes in. Like the old-time wagon trains, a caravan is a group of RVers traveling together to various destinations. You can plan your own caravan with a group of friends from home (or new friends you meet online,) or you can use an RV travel service.
Caravan travel companies handle everything from planning routes, fuel and rest stops, to reserving campground space and scheduling activities. All you have to do is pick a destination and pack (a great service if you’re new to RVing or just don’t have weeks or months to research and plan a trip.)
Where can you go on a caravan tour? Just about anywhere in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as international destinations like Scandinavia, the UK, South America, South Africa, Australia, and more. If you’re headed for an overseas adventure, you’ll have to pay extra for the airfare, but an RV will be gassed up and waiting for you when you arrive.
Each caravan is lead by a Wagonmaster driving at the head of the group. He’s in charge of leading the way, stopping for fuel, and getting you to and from various attractions and activities. The Tailgunner travels at the back of the line. He is a trained RV mechanic and responsible for helping out any RVers with mechanical troubles and tracking down anyone who takes a wrong turn or needs other assistance. The group stays together at all times, which is great if you’re concerned about getting lost or want to make new friends.
Caravan travel services can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more for international destinations, and trips can last a few days to weeks or longer. It’s really up to you to decide how long you want to explore. Wagonmasters know the area you’ll be exploring inside and out, so you can be sure you’ll visit all the highlights and best of the back roads. Some RVers enjoy getting the overall feel for an area through a caravan and then taking more time to explore on their own. This is especially useful in foreign countries where you may not speak the native language or understand local customs.
So, if you’re short on planning time and enjoy meeting and traveling with new people, why not give caravanning a try?
Reader’s Corner
This month Bob and Marie have a question about modifying a queen size bed.
We bought a brand new 2007 Four Winds 27′ class C RV with 2 pull outs and an entertainment center over the cab. The bed is a queen size hide-a-bed across from the dinette. When the bed is pulled out, it reaches to the dinette making it impossible to get around and someone has to climb over to get in and out of the bed. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how this bed can be modified so there is room to get around it? We checked with the Four Winds manufacturing Co, and there is still material available should we decide to have a complete new bed made. Prior RVs have had couches that pulled out with the back of the couch folding down to make the back side of the bed. Any suggestions? Help anyone!!
Arlene is wondering about keeping her battery charged. My deep cycle batteries don’t hold charge more than one day on my trailer. At home I use a battery charger for a weekend generator. I had trojan batteries on my motor home with a small solar panel and that was OK. I also heard an inverter was helpful. What is the best system to keep them charged?
De-winterizing your RV
Getting ready to go On the Road
If your RV has been sitting in your driveway all winter covered in snow and ice, it’s quite exciting when you pull off that tarp and open the doors for the first time in months. Hopefully, you took the time to winterize properly and all you’ll need to do now is a bit of airing out and tuning up.
1) Remove protective covers and open all the doors, windows, and vents to get the air circulating.
2) Clean out the interior of any pest traps or other winterizing agents. Check all the cupboards, drawers, closets and crevices for signs of rodent activity (droppings, chewed wires or hoses, nests.) Give the entire interior a good scrub down and vacuum. You may also want to take your curtains down and wash them (following manufacturer’s directions).
3) Check for any signs of leaking around windows and doors. Stains on the ceiling or floor are sure signs of roof leakage. Replace weatherstripping and repair cracks or holes, if necessary.
4) Replace or clean air conditioner filters. Flush water system several times to get rid of anti-freeze, and check your liquid propane system for leaks.
5) Thoroughly clean the exterior, checking for cracks and worn seals (especially around roof vents). Replace damaged seals, if necessary. Unroll your awning and check for damage. Clean it off with soap and water.
6) Lubricate all windows, door hinges and other moving parts.
7) Check all electrical parts to be sure they’re working properly—turn signals, headlights, horn, brake & backup lights, as well as interior lighting, appliances and other electronics.
Change the oil, filters and spark plugs. Check belts and hoses for cracks and signs of wear. Top off brake, transmission and steering fluids. Check tires (including your spare) for wear and inflate to manufacturer’s specs.
9) Replace batteries and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check fire extinguishers for full charge.
10) Stock up your first aid kit with essential items and make a list of all the supplies you’ll need to replenish before you set out (paper products, cooking oils/spices, cleaning supplies, etc.) Also, don’t forget your emergency roadside kit.
Finally, grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and start getting excited about the coming season!
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