RV Lifestyle & Travel

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

How to Level a Travel Trailer

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, Destinations & Itineraries, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Fun Road Trip Games for the Whole Family

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

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

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, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Keeping Your RV and Belongings Secure

Keeping Your RV and Belongings Secure When you plan to go RVing you want to let loose and have some fun. With a little bit of prep you can have a great trip. One thing some campers forget to prepare for is keeping their RV secure so they don’t end up on a gloomy trip because belongings were ransacked and taken. Take these basic precautionary steps to safeguard your belongings when on an RV trip. Many times RVs and vehicles are broken into because the prowler/burglar/thief saw something through the window of value or that they wanted. Whenever you and all members or your traveling party are getting ready to leave the RV alone, make sure to do a quick check of any items that are out in plain sight. Anything could be enticing to someone that is looking about to steal something, even a box of food on the counter. Make sure everything is out of sight. Place items in bags, cabinets, drawers, or even under a blanket. If you are traveling with expensive luggage stow it in the closets lock it up tight underneath the RV. Items of high worth are magnets to people looking to resale and make a buck. This may seem redundant because of course you will be researching your destination and where you will be staying while planning your trip. Take a second to research just a step further; check the crime rate. No matter where you are staying you want to look into how safe it is and any possibilities that may make it easy for someone to get into your things. This is also a good rule of thumb for any road trip pit stops you make along the way. It is surprising how many people simply forget or don’t think it is necessary to lock the RV. You may be out in the wilderness far away from the hectic places crime usually takes place, but this is where some prowlers like to hang out. There are less eyes to catch them in the act and less suspicion of crime happening. Lock up every point of access including under RV storage and windows. This might not be what you first think about when you think security while on vacation. RV fires do happen and they can ruin a trip quickly if you do not have the proper safety precautions in place. Make sure you are equipped with plenty of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. There is vacation insurance. It can help protect you if you do become victim of theft on a vacation. If you own your RV it is a smart idea to make sure it is properly insured and covered by things like theft, fire, and inclement weather. Make sure your valuables are backed up with insurance to help you get them back or replaced. 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 Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Is it Safe to Fill the RV Fresh Water Tank with Any Water?

Is it Safe to Fill the RV Fresh Water Tank with Any Water? The fresh water tank in your RV supplies the water that comes through your faucets and through your fridge in-door water and ice maker (if you have a fridge with that option). Some tanks are larger than others. Depending on the length of your trip, tank size, and location you may find yourself needing more water in your fresh water tank. For example: boondocking (camping without any hookups, usually in a remote location) for a long period of time will mean you need to conserve water or re-fill the fresh water tank. So what do you do when the fresh water tank in your RV is empty? Do you just fill it from anywhere? Can you pull up to a fresh water stream and fill up with that water? What about water that has not been deemed potable at a campsite? Can you filter the water and make it safe enough to use? The Answer: In the not so distant past many outdoor adventurers would go for a day hike and refresh themselves with a hand dipped into the cold, crisp, fresh, running waters of the babbling brook and brought up to the mouth for a drink. They didn’t get sick and the water tasted amazing. Today, however, using water from a stream or other non-potable source is much more different. The waterways all over are much more polluted now than they used to be and we are also much more knowledgeable of micro organisms and pathogens: where they reside and how they effect human health. Animals also make their home in streams, lakes, etc. so these bodies of water have animal feces and other harmful substances. For this reason it is not safe to use just any water source for drinking/cooking/produce washing/teeth brushing/etc. Water must be treated first. A regular water filter will not be enough to filter out our kill every harmful thing that is living in the water source. If you find yourself in an emergency situation you can treat water by boiling it at a high rolling boil for at least one minute. If you are camping at a high altitude of say a mile above sea level you will want to boil at a high rolling boil for a full three minutes or more. In order to have enough water to use for regular camping this would take a very long time. Instead of trying to treat water on your own in the instance of running out or in an emergency it is best to have large jugs or collapsible containers of fresh potable water in reserve. 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 Lifestyle & Travel

Decoding Campground Symbols – What Does That Symbol Mean?

Decoding Campground Symbols – What Does That Symbol Mean? If you are planning a camping adventure you have probably started with doing homework online about your destination. Once you have decided on where to go you then turn your sights on finding the best campground with an available spot. As you search campgrounds and resorts you might notice some symbols or icons that can have you wondering what they mean. Here is a list of the meanings of common campground symbols to help you out. An Electric Plug- this means that there is a power hookup for motorhomes and trailers enabling RV users to plug in without using a generator. Square with a Triangle- tent only camping or a tent only space if found on a map Dot with Two Rainbow Shaped Lines- this one is pretty universal as it is a symbol used in many places not just the camping world. It indicates that there is wifi available. Lightening Bolt- usually this will be found under the amenities category on a list. This means that there is an electrical hookup available. Sometimes this symbol can be accompanied by a number indicating how many amps are available. Dog- this means that pets are welcome. Make sure you do bring a leash along though as many places may have off leash spaces they prefer that pets are on a leash when walking them through camp. Handicap Symbol- this is also a symbol used everywhere. It indicates that the camp has sites to accommodate guests with special needs like a little more room to maneuver. Water Faucet- there is a water hookup and/or piped in water is available. Make sure to check if piped in water is drinkable. Motorhome with Electric Plug- electric hook up is available Square with the word Full- this means full RV hookups are available: water, sewer, and electric. Common Campground Terms- some campgrounds may use terms that sound a bit cryptic instead of symbols. Here are some terms you may come across in your search: Site Type- this may be followed with a word like primitive, premium, or standard. This refers to the description of the spot you will set up your personal camp. Primitive usually indicates no creature comforts. Standard mostly qualifies as a flat graded space for an RV sometimes paved, a fire pit and picnic table. Premium can include a paved space, fire pit, table, hookups, and more. Equipment Length/ Driveway- this will tell you how large of an RV will fit in the space. Dump Station- there is a place on site to get rid of RV waste water. Group- there are large camping areas available to accommodate groups camping together. Group Horse- camping available with a large group area and individual sites that accommodate a horse Pull Through- the camping spaces are easy to pull right into with an RV, no backing in required. Vault or Pit Toilets- non-flushing toilets, these are usually outhouse or port-a-potty style. 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 Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Gas Up the RV and Leash Up: Let’s Go Camping

Gas Up the RV and Leash Up: Let’s Go Camping RV camping combines the perks of camping with the comforts of home – minus the biting mosquitoes and scary bathroom trips in the pitch-black darkness. If you’re a dog owner, your pooch likely runs the home, or at least he thinks he does, so why not let him accompany you on you next RV camping trip? While an RV is like home, your dog will still be exposed to potential dangers, and there might not be a store close by if you forget the dog food. Use this infographic to learn helpful safety tips, as well as score a packing checklist for Fido. Additional Resources: Health: How do I keep my dog safe while camping? What if my dog sustains an injury on our trip? How do I check for ticks on my pet? Heatstroke and my pup: what do I need to know? Preparation: How do I locate dog-friendly campsites? What are the potential camping-related dangers for my dog? Gear: What packing checklist should I follow? What should I put in my dog’s first aid kit? Is a collar or harness best for my dog during our camping trip? Now that you know what to expect and what to pack, it’s time to gas up the RV and hit the road for a camping trip with your dog. 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

Northwest Family RV Spring Break Destinations

Check out these great northwest RV locations for your spring break family RV adventure. Olympic Peninsula Oregon Coast Enjoy Some Last Snow Runs in Boise Just 40 miles outside of Boise is Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. Just a half hour from the action is the Boise Riverside RV Park not only close to the mountain; it is also just minutes from all the amenities in Boise. After your snow adventure relax those muscles in the hot tub or take a swim at Roystone Hot Springs, just 40 minutes north of the city and fed by natural mountain springs. There are beautiful and unique locations all around us here in the northwest and spring break is a wonderful time to discover new northwest gems. Don’t have an RV? Rent an RV near Seattle at Northwest Adventure Rentals. 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

Bake Up Some Christmas Cookies in Your RV

Bake Up Some Christmas Cookies in Your RV There is never not a good time to try out a motor home rental in Seattle. In the northwest we like to enjoy the outdoors all year round, a little bit of rough weather isn’t going to keep us from enjoying the beauty that we are surrounded in. Winter is a slower time for RV adventures but it is still a great time to get out in the wilderness and enjoy an RV vacation. We love a good Christmas RV vacation. There are many ways to have fun in an RV over the holidays: from exploring new places, to making cute crafts, to playing games, to baking. Yes, that’s right, baking! Using an RV oven is a bit different than the one in your kitchen at home, but you can make some pretty great Christmas treats in your RV kitchen. Follow these RV oven baking tips, grab your favorite Christmas cookie recipe, and soon your RV will be filled with great smells, holiday cheer, and yummy treats that may bring back your favorite Christmas memories. Be Prepared and Knowledgable of the Oven Before You Leave. When planning to do a little holiday baking in your rental it is a good idea to know as much as you can about the oven operation and how the operation of other features in the RV work as well. The more you know about the RV you are renting and how to operate it before you take off on your trip the smoother and more enjoyable your trip is going to be. Before leaving the rental lot make sure to ask every question that pops into your head, your rental agent should be more than happy to thoroughly explain how to operate your RV and ensure your comfort in operating it before you take off. The Oven is Smaller Requiring Some Adjustments to Your Baking Plan As stated above, RV ovens are different from ovens placed into home kitchens. To have success in your Christmas cookie making it is best to know these differences and be prepared before you get out the ingredients and whip up the dough. The biggest difference between an RV oven and a traditional home oven is the size. The RV oven, of course, is considerably smaller than a standard home oven. Smaller bakeware will need to be used and it will take a bit longer to finish baking all the dough because you will be baking smaller batches at a time. If you do not have extra time for the baking process you may want to consider reducing the amount of dough in the recipe. Another difference is cooking with propane. While some homeowners do have ovens powered by propane in their home, a large percentage of homes have ovens powered with electricity or natural gas. A propane oven, especially a smaller one like in an RV, is typically a bit hotter than other ovens. A great way to help regulate the hotter oven is by using stone bakeware. Another method is to place a baking stone on the lowest wire rack just over the propane flames and then place the tray of cookies on the highest possible position. Purchase/Bring a Thermometer to be Extra Sure of Baking Success An additional thermometer will help you to be sure that the oven temperature is accurate to the dial setting for the oven. Simply pre-heat the oven and double check the temperature before placing the unbaked cookies inside. Now that you know a little about RV ovens you are ready to get baking! May we suggest a few of our favorite recipes to enjoy? Happy Baking! Looking for an RV rental near Seattle? Let the team at NW Adventure Rentals take care of you. We have a fleet of great RVs ready to take you on an adventure. For more information browse our website or contact us anytime. 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!