Author name: nwadventurerent

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Living & Cooking

Classic Comfort Food on the Road – When in the RV

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Classic Comfort Food on the Road – When in the RV There are so many great camping recipes out there today. Some people have turned cooking over a camp fire into an art, producing gourmet meals you could get in a five star restaurant. Meals are one of the things that bring us together and make a trip all the more enjoyable. A great meal can invoke feelings and a bad one can bring down the mood for a while. Here is a recipe for a classic comfort food (RV style) the whole family will enjoy, to make your trip even more special: Mac and Cheese that Begins on the Cooktop and Finishes on the Grill Ingredients You may have noticed there is a large amount of cheese in this recipe, this is not one of those quick light and healthy meals. It is a great comforting indulgence after a busy day of vacationing. After you have assembled all the ingredients you will want to heat up the grill. You can use charcoal or gas whichever you prefer. Make sure your heat is up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 2. Boil your macaroni on your RV stove top until its perfect for eating, drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce. Step 3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, once melted whisk in the flour to thicken (about a minute). Whisk in 1 cup of the nonfat milk. Now add each kind of cheese while continuing to whisk rigorously. If the sauce is becoming too thick slowly add in the remaining milk until sauce is smooth again. When the cheeses are all in the sauce finish by adding the heavy cream, pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Step 4. Once the Sauce is complete it is time to stir in the elbow macaroni noodles and bacon pieces. Step 5. When all the yummy goodness is mixed together transfer it to a grill safe casserole dish and top with the panko and a little more cayenne pepper. Place the casserole on the grill for 12 minutes and you will have a cheesy gooey comfort meal with a crunchy top. *Alternatively you can use the RV oven to finish off the mac if you do not want to grill. Some of the best memories can be made on the road while renting an RV, especially from NW Adventure Rentals. Maybe this mac and cheese will become a family RV traditional favorite! For more information on renting an luxurious motorhome or travel trailer from our Seattle location, please browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Living & Cooking

It’s Baking Season – Expert Tips for Baking in an RV

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It’s Baking Season – Expert Tips for Baking in an RV Today’s RVs are nicer than ever. There are so many great features that some people choose to live in an RV and might just have nicer homes than some of us living in traditional dwellings. One of the great modern day amenities in an RV that often gets overlooked is the oven. Since its December, a time famous for baking, we thought we would highlight some great tips for using the oven in your RV. RV Ovens are Different The oven in an RV of course is going to be different than the one in your kitchen at home. The biggest difference between a home oven and an RV oven is the size. An RV oven is considerably smaller than a traditional home oven. You will probably need to purchase smaller bakeware as well as bake smaller batches. Both of these things could mean it will take longer to bake your recipe or that you will need to adjust a large portion recipe to fit a smaller oven. Cooking with Propane in a Smaller Oven Takes Some Adjustments Most RV ovens are heated by a propane source. The propane can make for a hotter oven than most people are used to. A great way to help regulate the heat is with a baking stone placed on the wire rack in the over set just above the propane flames . Additionally, you will want to place the rack holding the food you are baking on the highest possible position. Check the Temperature As with any oven you will want to preheat an RV oven before you place your food inside and begin baking. It is a good idea to purchase an additional thermometer to double check the internal temperature of the oven as RV temperature dials are not always accurate. Be Prepared Before You Leave If you plan to utilize the oven and other features of your RV it is a good idea to know as much as you can about these features and how to use them. Learning these things while on your trip can take valuable fun and relaxing time away from your trip. The more you know and are prepared for before you embark on your journey the better. If you know the model of RV you are going to rent before your trip you can do some research on it before you leave. You can also ask your rental company for any brochures or information they may have available so you are best prepared and ready to go. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

How to Operate RV Slide Outs

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How to Operate RV Slide Outs They have many names, pull outs, tip outs, bump outs, extension rooms, but are probably most commonly referred to as slide outs. No matter their name, a slide out gives much more usable space to get comfy during an outdoor adventure. Slide-outs are a moving piece of the RV and though they are made to make life easier they do need some care. Making sure you are correctly using the slide outs in an RV is important to their functionality and length of use before needing repair or maintenance. The first thing you want to do when setting up camp before pushing out the slide outs is to ensure your RV is level. After the RV is level check to make sure all latches are released. Next look around the RV for any obstructions that might not give ample clearance for the slide out to be opened up. Now check the interior of the RV for throw rugs, open cabinets, and doors that could get in the way of the moving slide out area. ( It is not uncommon for a cabinet door to get taken off because the RV operator forgot to close a cabinet before operating the slide out.) Lastly check the edges of the slide out to make sure the edge seals are not sticking. Now you should be ready to push the slide out button. If the slide out does not move upon pushing the button, don’t panic. The first thing you want to do for a slide out that doesn’t move is to check if it is getting power in the moving mechanism. You can do this by checking the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. First check the breaker or fuse panel, if everything checks out there check the battery compartment and the wiring harness near the motor that drives the slide mechanism. If the motor sounds like it is straining to work and the lights dim when the slide out button is pushed, voltage is low or the mechanisms are binding. Look at the bottom of the mechanism to see if there are any corroded, broken or damaged parts. If you have checked everything that could possibly be wrong and are still stumped look to see if there is a manual override. This is designed as a backup to operate the slide out system in mechanical failure. Usually a manual override in a hydraulic system will require the pressure to be released in the ram by opening up the valve and then either pushing or pulling the slide out room open or closed. Simple mechanical systems will have a hand crank, but the motor may need to be removed to turn the gears. If the slide out is on a cable system there will be an adapter to set up a drill to act as the motor. To discover what type of slide out system your RV has and how to manually override the motor look in the owner’s manual. When renting an RV with slide outs make sure that you are familiar with how the slide out system is operated by asking someone on the rental team. They will be happy to show you the ins and outs of the particular RV you will be renting if you are not familiar and answer any questions you may have. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image By Variomobil (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Ownership Tips

The Best Way to Build a Campfire

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The Best Way to Build a Campfire If you have ever been camping as a child or have seen people camp on tv shows or movies you know that a campfire is one of the most popular camping icons. A campfire is more than just a place to cook a creative and tasty meal; it provides heat on chilly nights and a gathering place to enjoy everyone’s company. To some, starting a campfire seems a bit intimidating if you have never done it before, but with these tips you will find it is actually pretty easy. You will be enjoying a nice crackling fire, in an approved campfire pit of course, in no time. Gather The Supplies While building and starting a campfire is pretty simple, it takes a bit more than putting some wood in a pile and tossing a lit match on top. You will need the right items to be successful. – Tinder: this is the smallest burnable items you will put in the pit first. The following items can be used as tinder: wood shavings, wadded paper/newspaper, pieces of cardboard, fire starters you purchase at a store, dryer lint, and wax. -Kindling: this is the smallest pieces of wood. The next item up in size from tinder. This can be twigs or small branches from an 1/8 of an inch to a 1/2 inch thick. You can also purchase pre-cut kindling from anywhere that sells firewood. -Firewood: this of course is the regular logs and the largest piece of the campfire. Firewood can range in size from whole logs to pieces split from a log, ideally measuring from one to five inches in diameter. It is very important that your firewood is completely dry. *Note: do not obtain firewood and kindling from breaking branches off of live trees. This is damaging to the environment. In some parks campers are permitted to use fallen branches, but make sure to check with the ranger first. Usually you will want to purchase firewood or bring it from home if you have access to it. -Matches or Lighter: This provides the actual flame to get your fire going and stay that way. Yes there are some really cool outdoorsy tricks to get a flame going on your own, but to save some time we are just going to use a match or lighter. Building the Fire The right construction of your supplies will help to determine the ease and success of your fire. In a Designated Pit: their will probably be a lump of ash or coals left behind from previous campers. You will want to push any of this to the outer edge of the pit. If the ashes are cold consider shoveling them into a bag and putting in the camp dumpster. No Fire Pit: Clear away any grass and plants for an 8 to 10 foot radius to only bare dirt. Dig into the cleared space several inches and keep the dirt handy in case of emergency. Mound the dirt up to use as a fire wall or place large rocks around the edges of the hole. This helps insulate the fire. Lighting Before lighting remember safety first, check to ensure all kids and pets are at a safe distance. When you are clear to open the flame, light your match or start the lighter and touch it to the tinder on the bottom layer of the pile. Light the tinder in several different spots to get it going. Once the fire is at a good burn you can add more wood. Safety Tips -Always make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it: You can do this by sticking around until it dies out or sprinkling water on it. Sprinkle water do not douse a fire, you don’t want to soak it and make it harder to build another fire later. While sprinkling stir the embers to get every bit of them wet. When the steam has stopped and there is no more hissing noise place the back of your hand just a few inches over the coals, if you feel no heat the fire is out. -Keep a close eye on all children and pets at all times when the fire is burning. Studies have shown that a person is injured every 30 minutes by a fire. -Be aware of your surroundings: make sure that camp fires are allowed and there are no burn bans in effect. Also be aware of weather conditions (windy conditions are not fire safe) and make sure you have proper equipment nearby to put out the fire quickly. Looking for more great camping tips for your RV adventure? Feel free to browse our website our contact us anytime. We can get you all set for your next trip with an RV rental from our fleet of luxurious Seattle motorhomes and travel trailers.

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips, Trailer

How to Level a Travel Trailer

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How to Level a Travel Trailer Camping in a trailer requires a little extra set up to get ready for your outdoor getaway. You will have to level your trailer to get it comfy and ready to stay inside. Many features in your trailer will only work as intended when it is properly leveled. Not leveling your trailer can also cause extra wear or tear on the RV. We have put together four leveling tips to get you set up and ready to camp. A large number of newer trailers have sophisticated leveling systems, but if you are using a trailer that does not have its own fancy system you will want these tools handy: When leveling out a trailer you need to start with the side to side leveling first. You will want to do the side to side leveling before you unhook your towing vehicle from the trailer. Start by placing the level on the floor inside the trailer to see how level it is and what side needs to be raised. Raise the lower side onto the leveling blocks as soon as you do that chock the tires. Now you are almost ready to unhitch the trailer from the vehicle. Lay down your 2×10 sections under the tongue jack before unhitching the trailer from the tow vehicle. This will provide a spot for the tongue jack to rest while stationary and help keep the leveling in place. The tongue jack can be used to raise the front end of the trailer to the needed height using your level. Once the trailer is level on all sides it is time to make sure it stays in place. The stabilizing jacks are there to keep your trailer in place after you have leveled it. It is a good idea to use the boards you brought along to place under the stabilizing jacks to help keep them in place. When you are done putting the stabilizers in place and everything is level you are ready to camp! Leveling a trailer seems like an arduous task, but it is truly important to the comfort and functionality of your trailer. Once you have your unit nice and level you are ready to begin your outdoor adventure. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, RV

How did the Teardrop Trailer Come to Be?

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How did the Teardrop Trailer Come to Be? Teardrop trailers are those cute rounded small trailers that look like a blast from the past and have become popular over the last couple of years. Their name comes from their shape with a rounded streamlined roof. These trailers look vintage because they are a nod to the originals first created over 80 years ago. There are still a few original teardrops on the road as it has become a hobby of some people to find them and lovingly restore them. They were very common from the 1930’s to the 1950’s and many of them were built by their owners right in their own garages. They became popular because of their sleek aerodynamic looks and design along with construction using lightweight materials. Teardrops are pretty compact normally ranging in size from just 8 to 10 feet long, 4 to 6 feet wide, and 4 to 5 feet high. The wheels are outside the body of the trailer and covered by fenders. The earliest teardrops were advertised plans in magazines for people to construct their own trailer. One of the most notable traits being the kitchenette accessible by lifting a hatch-like door on the very back. Following World War II a company called Kit Manufacturing produced the “Kit Kamper” teardrop trailer. Providing all the materials in a kit to build yourself. The company soon realized the public would rather purchase a completely built trailer and they decided to produce their trailers fully assembled. The trailer was 4 by 8 feet. Between 1946 and 1947 they produced a total of 4,500 Kit Kampers. The popularity of the teardrop trailer faded with the popularity of larger vehicles during a time when fuel prices were low. In 1948 the company began producing an 8 X 14 foot “coach” trailer and the teardrop assembly had ended. Recently more and more tiny teardrops have been popping back up on the road again. These small trailers pack just enough luxuries to enjoy a road trip adventure without the demand of a big towing vehicle. They can even be pulled by something as small as a VW beetle.` Teardrop trailers have become a thing once again for the same reasons that tiny houses are all the rage; they provide a practical budget friendly, and even quirkily trendy way to go camping. You can fit three adults or a young family inside and hit the road in search of an outdoor adventure. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Fun Road Trip Games for the Whole Family

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Fun Road Trip Games for the Whole Family Going on a road trip can be the makings of a fun family memory or many memories. If you were ever on a road trip with your family as a kid you would probably agree it is one of your most vivid childhood memories. Kids love family adventure, but when you are little being in the car for long periods of time can get boring. Here are some fun games the whole family can play together on the road to keep the everyone entertained and maybe give a break from electronic devices. License Plate Games There are so many great games you can play using the license plates of cars traveling down the road next to you. Camp Themed Spelling Bee This game is easy to set up with no score to keep; if someone gets a word wrong they are out. Use categories and words that correlate with your trip. Some universal camping word suggestions are: Outdoors ABCs Take the theme of the outdoors or maybe use the destination you are traveling to and have people think of items related to the topic that start with a certain letter. The first person has to think of a relating word that starts with A the next person says that item and one that starts with B. This is a great game that can get challenging as you get further through the alphabet. It is good for older children. Good Ol’ Slug Bug This is a game well known by almost everyone. It is great for small ones who do not know it and it is easy enough for very young players. Every one keeps an eye out for a VW bug car and can tap the ceiling and call out “slug bug!” when they spot one. (As opposed to the old fashion rules of slugging the person next to you, which can cause children to break into a fight). There are also some fun twists you can throw in to make the game harder like…. Who Am I? Each person takes a turn pretending to be a famous person or someone well known by the group. They will give three clues to everyone else about who the person is. Everyone else then tries to guess who it is. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Accomplish Your Resolution to Unplug with an RV Vacation

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Accomplish Your Resolution to Unplug with an RV Vacation Today’s technology is impressive and in many ways makes our lives easier and more efficient. Having mini computers in our hands and the entire internet at our fingertips 24/7 allows us to do a myriad of things we couldn’t do just a decade ago. There is a down side to all the marvels of technology and the amazing mobile devices we use so often during the day. it can quickly begin to suck away large chunks of our time. For some, the waking hours we spend on our devices is into the 90th percentile. This is why over the past few years a new New Year’s resolution has begun to climb to the top of the most popular list right up there with fitness, diet, and organization. It is cutting back on the use of technology, the internet, and social media. There is so much life out there beyond what we see in a screen. This is why many people this time of year choose to detox from technology and unplug for a bit. A great way to get unplugged and take in the world around us is to grab a nearby Seattle RV rental and take an outdoor adventure. Before we head into why camping is so great for a technology detox, let’s talk about why detoxing from technology is great in general. For some this is a harder resolution than others. Some of us don’t remember a time when the internet and the cell phone didn’t exist. There is so much good that can come from putting the devices down without even checking them even if just for a few hours. So why hop in an RV rental and set out for the wilderness to unplug? There is something about getting out into nature that is healing to the mind and soul. Depending on the activities you do, it can be healthy for the body as well. You are up and active and discovering beauty. Living at a simpler pace and taking time to enjoy and appreciate all that is around. When you are out in nature there is so much to love that you wont even miss the technology after a day or two. Go accomplish your goal of less dependence on technology. Rent a motorhome or travel trailer from NW Adventure Rentals in Seattle and enjoy a slower pace of life. Our fantastic team can help you find your perfect RV in our fleet of vehicles; simply visit the contact page on our website or give us a call!

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Living & Cooking

How to Make Authentic Cowboy Coffee

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How to Make Authentic Cowboy Coffee When most people hear the words cowboy coffee they may picture a gaggle of tough unwashed men in wide brimmed hats sitting around a campfire, or wonder “is this just the newest hipster, trendy way to get your caffeine?” Cowboy coffee is in fact a term used to refer to the old fashioned way of brewing coffee over the campfire. The old fashioned method of making cowboy coffee is pretty easy and requires little effort. Maybe this is why it was labeled cowboy coffee, it is a no-fuss, no-nonsense way to brew coffee while out in the wilderness. While this method works to make a cup of coffee in a primitive environment, it usually comes out with a robust yet bitter flavor. The reason this happens is that the boiling water scalds the coffee releasing the unpleasant bitterness. The coffee is in contact with boiling water far too long as well making it very strong. Strong coffee is not a bad thing especially for those of us from the Pacific Northwest, but bitter and strong is not a good combo. There is a way to make a good cup of cowboy coffee. The method just needs to be tweaked a bit. Here is a much better method for brewing your coffee on the campfire with pleasant results. Note: Do not let the coffee grounds come in contact with the water while it is still boiling. This makes all the difference. The second (or third if brewing the whole pot for yourself) cup of coffee is going to be stronger than your first as it will have been in contact with the grounds longer. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Destinations & Itineraries, Parks

RV Friendly Places You May Not Know About

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RV Friendly Places You May Not Know About As you are out and about on your RV adventure, you may find that you want to alter your plans and take some extra R&R between destinations. Some places post that they prefer you not park an RV at their site, but there are some RV friendly places out there that welcome RVers to not only park, but they have special parking and may even allow a night of free camping. Based on what we’ve learned from our Seattle RV Rental Business, here are some of the best places: Truck Stops Truck stops can be found in nearly every state across the country. National brand truck stops are not just a place for truck drivers to take a break; they also welcome RV travelers. You can usually spend the night free of charge at many of them. Truck stops are hoping that you will come in and purchase their goods. Some truck stop chains that welcome RVs include: Flying J, Pilot Travel Centers, Travel Centers of America, and Rip Griffin Travel Centers. Some of these stops will not just offer overnight parking, fuel, and food; they also offer free dump sites and convenience stores to stock up on supplies. Since the stores are geared for long haul truckers you may find some useful travel gear that you might not find in a regular store. Some truck stops may even have showers and laundry services (for a charge of course). Large Chain Retail Stores It is probably no secret that Walmart is RV friendly. They are a national leader in letting RV campers stay overnight. One thing to be aware of is that not every Walmart offers this, as they must comply with the local ordinances of the city they reside in. Make sure to keep a lookout for posted signs that prohibit RV parking. Also be aware of the parking lot sweeping truck making its rounds in the middle of the night. Another store well known for RV friendliness is Kmart. Restaurants There are some restaurant chains that welcome RV travelers to park, come in and enjoy a meal, and stay for a night. Cracker Barrel- great food and very popular in southern states and Idaho. Some fast food chains will have extra parking space behind their regular parking lot to accommodate RVs such as McDonald’s, Subway, Arby’s, and Burger King, depending on the location. Some RV friendly restaurants will also offer free Wi-Fi. RV Parts and Service Stores What could be a more RV friendly place than an RV part store? Hopefully you wont be needing to hop in for a part while you are renting an RV for an adventure, but it is a great place to pick up camping accessories and get a free night of camping. Camping World is a great national RV parts chain. Casinos There are many casinos dotted along the great northwest. Almost any casino will welcome an RV to come and camp. They want you to come inside and enjoy some fun. Keep spending money inside and they will let you park in the RV area as long as you wish. Tiny Towns Small towns get a good amount of business from people passing through the town and tourists as they want you to stay and spend some cash. In some of these towns you can find an Elk’s Lodge or small park that will advertise a free night’s stay. Now that you know of some great places to rest for a night, get out there and adventure! Ready to Visit some RV Friendly Places? For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle RV location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

NW Adventure Rentals
855-745-9816

13515 Lake Rd.
Lynnwood, WA 98087