RV Campsite Set-up Ideas

Above, dry camping in Tombstone, Arizona last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After reaching a campground or RV park, it is time to set up the campsite.

There are things one can do to make the camping experience more enjoyable and comfortable and RV Life posted some ideas to make that happen.

They begin with:

Looking for campsite inspiration? Setting up an RV campsite can enhance your camping experience. A comfortable campsite setup provides everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of our favorite campsite ideas.

To see what they are, go here. 

Motorhome Accessories

Above, this bathroom cabinet rack has come in handy. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first bought my motorhome new back in 2015, I had to get a few essentials. Some I already had from prior RVs.

Over the years, when a need arose, I bought more gadgets and gizmos to make life on the road easier Most recently, I bought an electric can opener. I had gone through two hand crank can openers. One broke and the other is just too hard to use. I can use it while plugged into shore power or, while dry camping, after firing up the motorhome's generator. 

Do It Yourself RV has posted a list of accessories to make life easier. Some I agree with, some I don't.

The begin with:

Motorhomes come with most of the essential items you need when you purchase them, but these vehicles are often lacking some of the comforts of home. That’s where motorhome accessories can come in handy! There are countless products, appliances, and gadgets on the market for RV owners to consider, but not all of them are high-quality.

To help you refine your search and find items that will actually be useful additions to your motorhome, we’ve compiled a list of 15 great accessories to consider. All of these items can be bought online, so you won’t have to worry about finding something that’s in stock in your town.

Maybe not everyone needs all of these products, but we hope that at least a few of these will help solve problems or inconveniences that pop up in your RV setup. Let’s get into the list of our top 15 motorhome accessories.

To read more, go here. 

Must-Have Aftermarket RV Parts And Accessories

Above, The Beast in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's another one of those "must-have" lists that tend to be on the subjective side. I am thinking about solar panels for RVs. Nice to have, but not really a "must-have".

That aside, there are some that really are must-haves. RV Life has posted a list of 10 of them. Items 4 through 10 are what I consider must-haves in the article they've posted.

They start with:

You can enhance your RVing experience with a few inexpensive RV parts and accessories.  These extras can save you some aggravation in your travels or simply enhance the overall enjoyment of your camping experience. 

Some of these RV parts and accessories are necessary to fix things that often malfunction at the most inconvenient times. Other items will make your RV function better, and some will help you prolong the life of your RV’s systems.

 To see what they are, go here.

Perusing the Bad Boy Mower Catalog

Above, the mower after getting it home two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A while ago, I was perusing the Bad Boy mower catalog that I downloaded from their website. I was checking out their accessories for my Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 in. Zero-Turn Mower for the heck of it.

A month or so ago, I found the catalog on the company's website in order to get non-flat front wheels for the mower. I noticed then that they have different accessories for the mowers (depending upon the model) that ranged from ball hitches to shades.

One thing that did catch my eye was that the mowers all seem to have a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour. I don't think I've gotten mine up to that speed. 

The mower makes what would be a dedious job (I didn't like yard work during my younger days) into something fun to do. I bought it two years ago this month at Tractor Supply.

To access the Bad Boy mower website, go here.

Must-Have RV Accessories Under $200

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A while ago this morning I posted about "must-have" items that Parade listed. As I mentioned, some things listed in some websites are subective.

However, RV Life has posted a list of 10 items that are must-haves. I'd listen to these folks!

The best thing about their list, they're all under $200.

They begin with:

With such a large market for RV accessories, it can be overwhelming knowing what you really need. There are RV accessories for safety, convenience, customization, and more. We all have the 400-page accessory catalog from the RV dealer sitting at home. But what are the must-haves?

To see what they are, go here. 

Parade: 20 RV Must-Haves

Above, The Beast at a West Yellowstone, Montana KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For RVers, there are necessary things to get (such as water pressure regulators, sewer hoses, fresh water hoses) and things that are unnecessary.

Parade has a list of 20 "must-haves" for RVers. 

In looking them over, some I have (in different form) and some I don't (most I don't want or need). 

Lists like this are subjective. So it is up to the consuming RVer to decide for himself/herself.

They begin with:

It’s safe to say that RVing is having a moment. With travel limitations due to COVID-19, the RV lifestyle has been booming over the last year and continues to be one of the hottest new travel trends. According to the RV Owner Demographic Study from Ipsos, RV ownership is at a record high with 11.2 million households owning an RV in 2021. Recreational vehicle travel is not only relaxing but a good opportunity to connect with family while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, or going on a fun road trip across the United States.

Whether you’re renting or already own an RV, recreational vehicle travel is way more enjoyable when you’re prepared and properly packed with the right essentials. That’s why we rounded up the top 20 RV must-haves for your next adventure. So don’t stress, and scroll down to discover the best RV products suggesting from camping experts around the world, including Brenda Puckett, owner of Queen Bee RV Inspection, Janine Pettit, founder of girlcamper.com, and more.

To read more and see the list, go here. 

RV "Essential" Gear

There are many newbies that have just entered into the RV lifestyle thanks to the pandemic.

Before heading out on that first camping trip with the new rig, there's a few things that The Manual considers "essentials" that newbies should buy first.

Most of the items on the list I can agree with, others not so much. I am surprised that they didn't include a fresh water hose and sewer hose. Without either, how are people going to get fresh water into their fresh water tank (or water to the RV from the spigot) and dump their holding tanks?

Naturally, "essential" lists are subjective, but one should look over the list and decide for themselves what they really need. The stuff in the above photo is what I consider essential.

The begins with:

Buying your first RV can be overwhelming. Then there’s towing your camper, learning to park and back up, and setting up once you get where you’re going. That first outing can feel just as stressful, but with the right gear, it doesn’t have to be. We’re not talking about frilly gadgets like fairy lights and portable pizza ovens (though those are important too). This list is an honest roundup of the essentials you really need to keep your RV safe, comfortable, and clean. These are the essentials every new RV owner should buy before their first big trip.

 To read more, go here.

Must-Have RV Accessories

Above, stuff you'll need outside of the RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a lot of people buying recreational vehicles these days, many of them are first-time buyers.

Along with the vehicle (or trailer), there's a few must-have accessories that buyers need to have.

Better Homes & Gardens posted an article listing some of them. A few I would disagree with their contention of being a "must-have" item.

There is one item that is definitely essential and they forgot to include it: a refrigerator leveler. Running an RV refrigerator without leveling it will lead to expensive repairs. The type I find the easiest to use is the bullseye level by Camco. To find out if the refrigerator is level or not, just place the level at the bottom of the freezer and see where the bubble is and adjust the RV's level accordingly. 

They begin their article with:

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, RV travel is more popular than ever. Providing both private sleeping accommodations and an isolated mode of travel, RVs and campers have seen a huge surge in popularity as people look for safe ways to get away for a while. Reflecting this demand, shipments of new RVs are expected to reach a record high in 2021, according to a recent report from the RV Industry Association.

If you're new to the camper life, you'll need to stock up on some gear before you hit the road. RVs are equipped with tons of amenities that make it feel like a cozy home on wheels, but they don't always come with everything you'll need for a successful camping trip. Whether you have a small towable camper or a fully equipped motor home, the right gear will help you set up camp and make the most of your trip. Here are some of the must-have RV accessories every camper needs.

To read more, go here. 

A Present For The Jeep Ordered

Above, the Jeep with the current side view mirror. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The ol' Jeep is going to get a "Christmas present" of sorts.

Yesterday, when I was driving it, I noticed the driver's side view mirror was not staying put. I checked it and despite being tightened, the arm moves too much at the mounting base. The hardware seems as if it was bent too many times and could break off.

So, before it does, I ordered a new mirror, arm and mounting bracket. It will be more of a "military style".

I will eventually get one for the passenger side so that it will match the new one. There is nothing wrong with it, but it has an odd "twisty" or "zig-zag" arm.

Above, the passenger side view mirror. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's the one I ordered:

Perusing Willys Jeep M38A1 Parts & Accessories

Above, the Willys Jeep at home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past half hour or so, I was perusing around different Army surplus vendor websites and Willys Jeep specialists for what parts and accessories are available for my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1.

There's plenty of places out there. There was one that caught my attention last month as I was driving to Swan Valley, Idaho. As we were driving through Idaho Falls, I spotted a huge surplus store, Army Surplus Warehouse alongside of Interstate 15.

Although I didn't have the Jeep then, I was still tempted to stop in to look around for the fun of it. It saddens me that I didn't. But, at least they have a website for purchases.

I found this information on the Jeep at Midwest Jeep Willys:

M38A1 1952-1966 - F-Head Engine - 2 PC. Windshield - No Tailgate - Originally 24 Volt Ignition System - Serial No. Located at Right Side of Wheel House 

F-134 "Hurricane" 4 Cylinder Engine | Spark plug gap: 0.030 in. (0.762 mm) | Spark plug torque: 25-33 lbs. ft. (34-44 Nm) | Firing order: 1-3-4-2 | Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise | Point gap: 0.020 in. | Dwell angle: 42 degrees | Ignition timing: 5 degrees BTDC | Bore and stroke :3 1/8 in. x 4 3/8 in. (79.37 mm x 111.12 mm) | SAE Horsepower: 15.63 | Weight: 470 lbs. with fluids | Max. Horsepower: 72 @ 4000 R.P.M. | Torque: 114 lbs. ft. (15.7 kg-m) @ 2000 R.P.M. | Compression pressure: 120-130 psi (8.4-9.2 kg-cm2) | Compression ratio: 6.9:1 (7.4:1 high altitude option). 

In 1950, the first post-war jeep, the M38 (or MC), was launched, based on the 1949 CJ-3A. In 1952 it was quickly followed by the M38A1 (or MD), featuring an all new "round-fendered" body in order to clear the also new, taller, Willys Hurricane engine. This jeep would later be developed into the CJ-5 launched in 1955. Similarly, its ambulance version, the M170 (or MDA), featuring a 20-inch wheelbase stretch, was later turned into the civilian CJ-6.

I am considering getting a Jerry gasoline can for when I take a drive through places like Six Mile Canyon in Cibola National Forest, near Jamestown and Fort Wingate, New Mexico for extra fuel. The Jeep does have 2 carriers. I would need to get hold-down straps for it. 

Winchester 94 Sight Hood

Above, the Winchester 94 with the sight hood on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my Winchester 94 (pre-1964), I was unaware that there is an accessory for the rifle's front sight.

Recently, while talking to my neighbor James, who is making a scabbard for the Winchester, showed me his Winchester 94. It had a different-looking front sight. He explained that it is a sight hood that protects the front sight and keeps it from snagging on sheepskin or other materials in rifle scabbards.

It is also beneficial when sighting. It allows better focus on the front sight by blocking light that would cause one to focus on the bright part of the sight.

Above, a close-up of the sight hood. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, I checked online and bought one through Amazon. It arrived today and I installed it on my Winchester. It only took a couple of days to arrive after ordering.

It will come in handy when I use the scabbard since it has a sheepskin lining. Ya learn something new everyday!

Thanks to James for the tip!

“RV Must Haves”

Above, outdoor chairs and rug are what I would call "must haves". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do It Yourself RV has compiled a list of stuff that travelers "must have" while traveling in their RV.

The list they posted was compiled from a number of sources.

Before getting into the list of "RV Must Have", they wrote:

Regardless of the type of RVing or camping you enjoy, everyone has something that they simply will not camp without. These “RV Must Haves” take the form of tools, kitchen items, leveling blocks, chairs, coolers and countless other items. 

We hear about so many great RV must haves. Talking about the best products for RVing is something that RV owners find enjoyable to share with each other. 

So, over the past few months, we’ve been keeping notes on the most common RV must haves we came across. We also connected with RVers on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+  to see what they thought were the best RV must haves. The responses were nothing short of amazing. Thanks to all of the helpful folks who offered their advice.

To see the list of "RV Must Haves", go here. 

10 Must-Haves for the Brand New RVer

Above, The Beast at the dry campground behind the Gen. Patton Museum at Chiriaco Summit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The latest edition of Winnebago Industries WinnebaGoLife showed up in my new email box and it contains several links to different stories at Winnebago's blog.

One is "GoGear: 10 Must-Haves for the Brand New RVer". I have about nine of them.

They begin their article with:

So, you bought a new RV! Fantastic!  Now what… 

At least that’s what we asked ourselves once we made our first big RV purchase. Between reading all the manuals and trying to learn the systems, purchasing a new rig can get overwhelming…we remember the excitement AND the sleepless nights very well. One thing we quickly learned is that the RV itself wasn’t to be our last purchase before hitting the road. There were a few things we needed to make our RVing experience run smoothly and efficiently.  To save you some of the hassle of figuring it out yourselves, we put together this list. Here are 10 things you’ll want to pick up right away!

To read more, go here. 

Camping Gear You Shouldn't Leave Home Without

After buying a new or used RV, whether it is a motorhome, trailer or fifth wheel, you will need a few things to make it livable and usable.

RV Life has an article on "Camping Gear You Shouldn't Leave Home Without".

They begin it with:

Water hose, sewer hose, park adapters and leveling blocks are a given when it comes to outfitting a RV. But what about  other essential camping gear that will make every outing an enjoyable experience? Here is a list of gear that can make your next journey a little easier and more convenient.

To read more, go here. 

2016 Camping World Master Catalog Arrives

Another indicator that we're now in a new year is the arrival of Camping World's 2016 Master Catalog in the mailbox yesterday.

It is loaded with all kinds of accessories to make traveling life easier when on the road in your RV.

As the cover indicates, Camping World is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

To visit Camping World's website, go here.

Pete's RV

Since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie in February, I had to purchase some accessories so that it would be ready for camping and traveling.

Thus far, I have confined my buying to three sources: Camping World, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Pete's RV.

For camping and RV equipment, my general source has been Camping World. I have gone to the local (if you want to call Valencia local) Camping World Store, but I usually buy online. So far, they have served me well. No screw-ups! Plus, as I am a member of the Good Sam Club, I get a discount on my purchases from Camping World.

However, sometimes Camping World didn't stock some items I was looking for. That's where my back-up source, Pete's RV in Vermont and Indiana, came in. If I couldn't find what I wanted from Camping World, Pete's RV usually had it.

I discovered Pete's RV a few months ago from a YouTube video they posted.

Last Sunday (May 3), I ordered some items that Camping World didn't have from Pete's RV. I was amazed at how fast the items arrived at my doorstep: last night. I was impressed by the two-day turnaround in filling the order by Pete's RV. Additionally, their prices are reasonable, sometimes cheaper than Camping World's prices.

So if you are in the market for RV parts and accessories, I recommend Pete's RV.

This is their website: http://www.petesrvparts.com/index.php