RV

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

Rent an RV and Save Money on Your Next Ski Trip

Rent an RV and Save Money on Your Next Ski Trip Here in the Pacific Northwest, skiing and snowboarding are the king of winter outdoor activities. The most dedicated of snow bums find it most adventurous and cost effective to sleep in their cars or take an RV up to the mountains. There is a whole culture of RVing mountain lovers and a large number of amazing ski resorts with RV lots. One of the best ways to rent an RV in Seattle in the winter is to go on a low budget ski trip. With all the great mountain resorts and ski destinations in your backyard, skiing can get expensive fast. A night in a hotel or ski cottage, a lift ticket, food, etc. add up rapidly. It can be enough to keep some snow lovers from hitting the slopes as often as they would like in a season. However, there is a way you can get out on the mountain more often and enjoy your favorite winter sports, and that is to save money by renting an RV from NW Adventure Rentals and heading up to a ski resort with RV space. We have listed the best Northwest Ski resorts for RVing. Now that you know all of the best spots to camp and ski in the Northwest, we say get out there and hit the slopes. Looking to rent an RV around Seattle? NW Adventure Rentals has an abundance of luxurious, fully stocked motorhomes and travel trailers to meet your RV needs. For more information, browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Ownership Tips

How to Drive in Harsh Winter Weather in a RV Rental

How to Drive in Harsh Winter Weather in an RV Did you know that you can Rent an RV in Seattle during the winter months? There are so many magical destinations to head to in an RV during the winter, even if you are renting an RV to migrate south like some of our fine feathered friends One thing that has renters apprehensive about RVs is driving or towing them. This is a top concern of RV renters not just during the winter, but all year long. Winter can bring about harsh driving conditions, but don’t let that stop you from taking a great RV adventure this time of here. Here are some tips for traveling the roads in an RV this winter. Make Sure You Have Tire Chains This is standard winter weather equipment to be prepared for any road conditions during the winter. If you end up in an unexpected storm and don’t have chains you may find yourself hanging out at the nearest rest stop, truck stop, or restaurant for a while until road conditions are better. Many mountain passes will require the use of studded tires or chains in inclement weather. Have a Full Tank of Gas and Extra in a Can It is always a good idea to be prepared for a worst case scenario any time of year. One way to be prepared is to make sure you are traveling with plenty of fuel. It is a great idea to have a can of extra fuel with you to ensure you have enough should you be stuck somewhere. Make sure you also have plenty of propane in the tank when you begin your travels into snowy territory. Drive OVERLY Cautious Operating an RV is a bit different than driving standard vehicles when its icy. Many smaller vehicles used for daily travels are front wheel drive and operate very differently when they skid on ice than an RV that is rear wheel drive. Take time to get acquainted with driving a motorhome before you take it out on your vacation. If you are driving a diesel motorhome, shut off the exhaust brake to avoid the back end of the RV swerving and pulling you into a ditch. Drive much more slowly than you would normally and leave a TON of space between you and other vehicles an RV needs more stopping time. If you begin to slide on the icy road slow down gently do not abruptly hit your breaks. A Few General Safety Tips The best driving strategy for any vehicle in harsh weather is to not drive unless you absolutely need to or to be more alert and cautious than you feel you need to be. It is always better to be too safe than sorry. Looking for a Seattle area? NW Adventure Rentals has a gorgeous fleet of luxury RVs, as well as a friendly staff to get you on your way for your next adventure! Browse our website and contact us at anytime!

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Ownership Tips

The Dangers of Overloading an RV

The Dangers of Overloading an RV Though RVs are large vehicles and they are made to be a home away from home it is very possible to overload them. When an RV is overloaded it can be very dangerous. The way you load the RV is very important not just in overall weight but also weight distribution. Loading RV supplies has a significant impact on how the vehicle handles. You can put the safety of the passengers at stake by overloading an RV. RV Load Ratings The load rating for an RV can be found on the certification tag which can be located in several different areas on the RV. Here are the standard areas to find them in each type of RV: If you are concerned with the amount of weight you are packing into the RV you can always weigh it to be extra sure you are safe. You will need to weigh your RV on a commercial scale. You can look up a local place to weigh your RV on the internet or the good old yellow pages. Springs, wheels, axels, tires, and maneuverability are all effected by an overloaded RV. Distribute weight as evenly as possible when loading the RV this is very crucial to being able to control the RV while turning. If you are using a camper that fits in a truck bed weight distribution is a little different. You want to pay attention to weight distribution limits, center of gravity zones, and also make sure not to create a tail-heavy or top-heavy situation. So just be aware of how much your are actually loading into your RV and make sure to evenly pack it on each side. To be certain your ride is not too heavy you can always weigh it at a near by business with the right scale. For more great camping tips and tricks please feel free to browse our website. For more information on renting a gorgeous, luxury RV from NW Adventure Rentals’ Seattle fleet, don’t hesitate to contact us at anytime. Image By Motorhomes (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Ownership Tips

RV gas saving techniques

RV gas saving techniques Table of Contents Setting off on an RV adventure sparks excitement, but the expenses, particularly for gas, can accumulate rapidly. As gas prices skyrocket, discovering methods to enhance RV fuel efficiency becomes essential for budget-conscious travelers. In the realm of RV travel, fuel efficiency stands out as a major concern for both seasoned road warriors and newcomers alike. With volatile gas prices and an increasing awareness of environmental footprints, honing in on RV gas-saving techniques takes center stage. This guide is crafted to offer a comprehensive exploration of strategies and tips to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing the thrill of the RV journey. RV Gas Saving Tips: Avoid High Speeds As the speed of the vehicle increases the aerodynamic drag increases significantly. For example if you were driving at 62 miles per hour instead of 75 miles per hour this will decrease your fuel consumption by a considerable 15%. Stepping Hard on the Gas or Brake Stay vigilant and mindful of the road conditions ahead while navigating your RV. Allow ample space to brake gradually if the need arises for a sudden stop. Yield to faster-moving traffic and don’t hesitate to take your time when accelerating. Most drivers sharing the road with you will recognize that RVs require more time to pick up speed. Employing these tactics can boost efficiency by up to 20%. Incorporating gas-saving driving practices, like coasting whenever feasible, anticipating traffic patterns, and minimizing heavy braking, can result in significant fuel conservation during your RV travels. Properly Inflated Tires Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential not only for safety but also for optimizing fuel efficiency, especially when it comes to RVs. Before embarking on your RV rental journey, ensure that the rental company has checked the tire pressure. Familiarize yourself with the recommended pressure for the RV’s tires so you can monitor them throughout your trip. If you notice any tires appearing low, promptly add air to reach the optimal pressure. Even a slight 2 PSI drop in just one tire can lead to a 1% increase in gas consumption, emphasizing the significance of tire maintenance for RV fuel efficiency. Less Air Conditioning Running the air conditioner in an RV adds a considerable strain on the engine, leading to higher fuel consumption. This additional load can result in a fuel usage increase of approximately 20%. It’s worth noting that the defrost setting on many RVs also activates the air conditioner, compounding the impact on gas consumption. Close the Windows When driving an RV, having windows open increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, potentially lowering fuel efficiency by approximately 10%. This drag effect becomes more pronounced at higher speeds. Improving the aerodynamics of your RV can result in significant fuel savings. Measures such as installing wind deflectors, streamlined roof racks, and reducing unnecessary weight help minimize drag, ultimately enhancing gas efficiency. Regularly Scheduled Service Regular maintenance of the RV engine is essential for maximizing fuel efficiency. It’s important to schedule timely oil changes, replace fuel filters, and conduct tune-ups to ensure the engine runs smoothly and optimizes fuel economy. Various factors, including dirty air filters, worn-out spark plugs, and inadequate fluid levels, contribute to decreased fuel efficiency. To address this, it’s crucial to ensure that both the tow vehicle and the RV undergo proper maintenance procedures. By staying on top of maintenance tasks, you can mitigate these issues and maintain optimal gas mileage for your RV adventures. Cruise Control is a Gas Saving Do When traveling in your RV on extended highway stretches, engaging cruise control can be a valuable tool for fuel efficiency. It helps maintain a steady speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that can consume extra gas. By sustaining a constant speed over long distances, you can effectively conserve gas during your RV journey. Avoid Idling for Long Periods Reducing idling time is crucial for conserving gas, particularly during prolonged stops while traveling in your RV. Investing in auxiliary power sources like solar panels or generators enables you to operate appliances without relying on the RV engine, thereby minimizing fuel consumption. Some RVers may leave their vehicle idling if they anticipate a short stop. However, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine if you plan to remain stationary for more than a minute. Contrary to a common misconception, restarting the RV consumes less fuel than continuous idling, making it a cost-effective choice for conserving gas during your travels. Route Review Efficient route planning can minimize fuel consumption. Opting for routes with smoother terrain, avoiding heavy traffic areas, and utilizing GPS apps to navigate around roadblocks or construction zones can save both time and fuel. Mastering RV gas saving techniques is not only economically prudent but also environmentally responsible. By implementing a combination of maintenance practices, driving habits, and advanced strategies, RV life enthusiasts can optimize fuel consumption without sacrificing the joy of the open road. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or enjoying a weekend getaway, prioritizing fuel efficiency ensures a smoother journey for both you and the planet. Start implementing these techniques today and experience the benefits of efficient RV travel firsthand. 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 two 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! For more information about the leaseback program at Northwest Adventure Rentals please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Living & Cooking

Classic Comfort Food on the Road – When in the RV

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

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

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

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

How did the Teardrop Trailer Come to Be?

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

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!