Thor Diesel Club for RV Lifestyle

Have you heard about the Thor Diesel Club? It's the ONLY recognized and financially supported club of Thor Motor Coach.  The Thor Diesel Club was formed in October of 2010.

The story of how this unique club came to be is an interesting story, and one you'll surely want to take the time to read about. You can find them this October at the Thor Diesel Club International Rally. This rally takes place October 3-7, 2011 at the Let's all "Meet in the Middle" in Amish Country where they gather for good fellowship, good food, and good times!

Thor technicians will be on hand to help assist you with any questions or issues you may have regarding your coach.  An application to take advantage of that service will soon be available online for you to download, fill out and mail back to Thor. There will also be services available from many different vendors... Expect everything from getting your oil changed, to properly cleaning your RV inside and out.

You'll want to check the official website for these forms. You can also visit their website for more information on how you can join the Thor Diesel Club.

Happy RVing!

HGTV Special for the RV Lifestyle

Here's something super fun! HGTV's popular cable show "House Hunters" is now casting recently purchased or potential RV buyers for a special themed episode! According to RV Daily report, producers of the show are looking for people who have a fun and intriguing story to tell about their attraction to owning, and traveling in an RV.  They're looking for people who are ready to pursue their dream of traveling across this great land of ours, people that may be planning an outrageous family vacation, or even someone looking to live life full time on the road.  When each person is selected, the House Hunters team will spend three days on-site filming. They'll spend one day at the persons current home, one day on the RV lot, and one day on the road in the new RV.

Anyone interested in being considered for this show, or with suggestions for the producers, should contact Pie Town Productions at  818.205.0600 or e-mail lori_hirsch@pietown.tv or anne_nemer@pietown.tv.

Remember, if you're selected, be sure to send us pictures and drop us a line! We'd love to hear the stories that will go along with this adventure!

RV Country Road Trippers, This is For You!

Hello fellow road trippers!  We all love to get out and hit the open road, see the sights, explore, and go where we have never gone before... Below you will find 7 different road trips mapped out for you with all the pertinent highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions, according to CNN Travel.  It's just about time to head out for your summer adventures, and we wish you all happy and safe travels!


Pacific Northwest to Montana
This big loop is all about National Parks, National Forests and some of the most unique terrain and wildlife anywhere in the world. Taking anywhere from 2 to 4 + weeks, you can go from the coastal rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula all the way to the alpine montane, geysers, and hot springs of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
*STARTING POINT: Seattle, Washington or Portland, Oregon
*Follow Highway 101 to the Olympic Peninsula
*Try camping along the Wild Coast
*Special stops: La Push, Washington (for good camping, hotels and a classic Washington surf spot), Hoh Rainforest
*Take the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds, Washington, and back to Seattle
*From Seattle, take I-90 East to the Missoula, Montana area (7 hours) with good camping along Clark Fork River near Alberton
*Go from Missoula to Yellowstone National Park via Livingston ( Highway 89)*On the return trip, head back from Yellowstone via 287 along the Madison River
Matador: Road trip planning -- staying sane, well-fed and entertained

Nova Scotia Loop
This trip is a great choice for people who don't like long driving days. All the stops are close to one another, and the loop features local towns and roads as opposed to interstates.
Nova Scotia is "Canada's ocean playground" -- a land of salty old towns, friendly locals and stretches of wilderness coastline along the North Atlantic.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Halifax
*Take Coastal Highway 3 to Peggy's Cove
*Stop in Mahone Bay. Check out the LaHave Bakery, which also doubles as a hostel in peak season
*Visit the port town ofLunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outstanding folk art galleries and veggie-friendly cafes are scattered between the seafood restaurants and tiny B&Bs.
*From Lunenburg, cut inland via Bridgewater to Kejimkujik National Park for world-class canoeing and camping
*Follow Highway 8 north from Keji to Annapolis Royal
*Detour west along the Annapolis Basin to Bear River
*Head east on Highway 1 to Kentville and then north to Cape Split for a classic day hike
*Highway 1 will take you back east and south to Halifax
Notes: This loop could be extended by following Highway 3 west from Lunenburg all the way to Yarmouth, on the western tip of the peninsula, where it connects to Highway 1.
Tourism Nova Scotia offers further detail about both routes -- check out The Lighthouse Route (south shore) and The Evangeline Trail (Fundy shore).

Southern Appalachia to the Sea
The south starts warming up nicely come May. You can also find sweet tea and chefs that know how to cook collard greens and black eyed peas. This loop has a good mix of local towns / culture as well as varied terrain and wilderness from the coast to the sea.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Atlanta, Georgia
*Special restaurant mention: Greenwoods in Roswell. Fuel up for your trip at this Southern eatery
*Take 85 N to 316 to Athens
*Follow 441N from Athens through Clayton, Georgia to Franklin, North Carolina
*The Nantahala National Forest offers excellent camping options
*Continue to Asheville via 74 / US 40 (Special brewery mention in Asheville: Pisgah Brewing)
*Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville
*Stop at Linville Falls (there's outstanding backpacking in Linville Gorge)*Continue North via Skyline Drive into Shenandoah National Park or take I-64 East to Charlottesville, Virginia
*Head back south through Richmond to Raleigh. The coastal North Carolina city of Wilmington is just a couple of hours from Raleigh on I-40.
*For another coastal drive, head south to Charleston, South Carolina
Notes: For an alternative loop that leaves out Athens but takes you through Nashville, Tennessee, and moves faster, take I-75 North from Atlanta through Chattanooga to Nashville, then reconnect to Asheville via I-40.

Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada's wild western frontier offers some of the most intense but still accessible wilderness on the planet. It's also among the coolest road trips, temperature-wise, during the summertime.
From the innumerable coves off the coast, to the high peaks of the coastal range, a summer BC road trip is all about exploring the pacific northwestern terrain.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Vancouver
*Take Highway 99 to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, then hop a ferry to Vancouver Island
*Head west until you reach the coast, then head up Hwy 4 until you hit the surf town of Tofino. Spend a day on the waves (bring your wetsuit)
*Horseshoe Bay. Head east to the ferry terminal and ride it back to Vancouver
*Whistler. Drive north again on Hwy 99 until you hit Whistler, home to some of the best trails in the world for mountain biking, hiking and camping
*Head north from Whistler on Hwy 97
*The mountains will give way to gold miner's country in Cache Creek, followed by Kamloops (the tournament capital of Canada)
*Stop in Kelowna, the center of Okanagan wine country. Special Mention: tour of Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Props if you can spot the mysterious Ogopogo, BC's version of the Loch Ness monster, said to live in Lake Okanagan
*From Kelowna, head west. Don't miss Hell's Gate for a tram ride over the abyss
*Continue until you join up with Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada) and make your way back to Vancouver
Matador: Top 20 microbreweries in America

Front Range to Montana
The high passes of the Rockies fill up during the summer with RVs, motorcycles and everyone else enjoying the mountains, rivers and open stretches of highway.
This loop features two major National Parks and true cowboy towns.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Denver metro area (including Boulder, Ft. Collins)*Take 287 N. through Wyoming (Chief Joseph Highway)
*Check out some truly off the beaten path exploration options (backpacking) in Wind River range
*Near Lander, Wyoming, Sinks Canyon is an excellent campground / first night's place to stop if making a big push to Yellowstone or the Tetons
*Continue on 287 N to Tetons *Special Mention: Dubois -- a true cowboy town. See if you can spot a local who isn't driving a pickup truck
*Teton National Park
*Yellowstone National Park
*Drive Bear Tooth Scenic Highway -- Hwy 212 winds its way over the spine of the Rocky Mountains at 10,970 feet, linking Red Lodge to Cooke City at Yellowstone National Park's Northeast Entrance
*Stop at Little Bighorn Battlefield for a reenactment of Custer's last stand
Notes: Additionally, Jackson, Wyoming (known by non-locals as "Jackson Hole") -- is less than an hour south of Teton National Park, and totally worth the detour.
Jackson is one of the most unique towns in America, and has some of the most hardcore communities of skiers, snowboarders and adventure athletes in the world. Check the local terrain and you'll know why.

Best of the Southwest
This road trip is one of the hottest on the map, but visitors will be surprised how much the temperatures cool off in the desert southwest, especially at high elevation. Bring layers.
More than any other loop, the Best of the Southwest has a high concentration of National Parks. Give yourself several extra days for camping / local options around the Grand Canyon. This loop could easily be extended for an entire month or more.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Phoenix, Arizona
*Head north on I-17 through Flagstaff on to the Grand Canyon
*Follow 89 N to the North Rim and Marble Canyon
*Various loops are possible using 89 and 191 to visit Glen Canyon, Canyonlands, Archesnational parks and recreation areas
*To visit Mesa Verdetake 491 South to 160 East into southern Colorado via Durango
*Stop at Pagosa Springs for an excellent family hot springs experience
*Head south into New Mexico via Chama, to Santa Fe
*Drive south on 285 through Roswell to Carlsbad Caverns
*Head south into Texas through Guadalupe Mountains National Park and farther south to Big Bend National Park
*Then go northwest through El Paso to White Sands National Monument
*To get back, head west on 10 to Tucson, then back up to Phoenix

Northern New England Loop
The Northern New England Loop is all about cooler temps, short driving days on winding country roads and local hiking in the Appalachians. This is a great choice for families with young kids or those looking for an easier road trip.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Burlington, VT (or surrounding area)
*Take 89 south through Waterbury, Vermont
*Take Route 100, a great winding country road, south past Warren Falls swimming hole
*Go east on 4 through Woodstock and cross into New Hampshire at Hanover, where Dartmouth College is located
*Drive east to New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee and continue to Portland, Maine
*Follow Route 1 along the coast past beaches and art towns, through Camden, to Acadia National Park
*Then head north through Bangor and up to Baxter State Park
*Turn west through nowhere-land to the Moosehead Lake Region
*Cross back into New Hampshire after Grafton Notch State Park
*Continue into Northeast Kingdom, Vermont and back to Burlington via Stowe

Leavenworth, Washington... A Dreamy Getaway, Close to Home

Are you dreaming of visiting a Bavarian Village, but lack the desire to actually leave the country? Well, as luck would have it, you can have your Bavarian Cream Cake and eat it too!

Welcome to the beautifully quaint mountain town of Leavenworth, Washington. Once a thriving lumber town, Leavenworth suffered greatly when The Great Northern Railway Company  re-routed the railroad and the sawmill closed down. The resulting depression, which lasted over 30 years, was nearly the end of the once bustling hub.  In the early 60's, the community leaders of Leavenworth came together and made a plan to save their town. They decided to capitalize on the beautiful Alpine backdrop of their hamlet, and reinvent themselves as a Bavarian themed village. The result is nothing short of stunning. 

Drawing in more than a million tourists each year, Leavenworth has become a dreamy destination getaway. With local shops selling everything from sausages and beer steins to handcrafted soaps, specialty chocolates, and holiday decorations, there is truly something for everyone. There are a few RV Parks to chose from, but our favorite is the Alpine View RV Park, located just 3/4 of a mile from downtown. 

If you're looking for a getaway that's not to far, but feels like another world, Leavenworth, Washington could be just the place for you...  I mean where else can you find a Starbucks that looks like this?

Teams Selected for Best of the Road Contest

The five teams have been selected for the Best of the Road contest sponsored by USA Today and Rand McNally. On June 23rd, the teams will take off from New York and head out to explore six towns each. They'll be armed with suggestions for dining, recreation, and notable attractions.
The towns that will visit were selected by popular vote in five different categories: most beautiful, most patriotic, friendliest, most fun and best for food. Each team will visit towns in a themed category, but they won't know which one until they're about to depart. To learn about the teams, track their progress, read the team blogs, and view photos of their adventures, click here!

Keystone Give away For Three RV's!

Keystone RV Company is giving away 3 RV's at various RV shows for their 2010-2011 sweepstakes!

The units they'll be giving away are:

• Keystone Bullet Ultra Lite travel trailer, model 246RBS, MSRP $23,771.00
• Keystone Passport Ultra Lite travel trailer, model 2650BH, MSRP $23,692.00
• Keystone Hideout travel trailer, model 27DBS, MSRP $18,739.00

They will select one winner by random drawing at each the following events:

• The Rally, July 14-17, 2011, Redmond, Oregon
• 21st Annual Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show, January 11-14, 2012, Denver, Colorado
• New Mexico RV and Travel Show, March 23-25, 2012, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Click here to view the complete contest rules and enter to win!

RV Country Special of the Week!

New 2011 Coleman Folding Pop-Up Camper


Our special this week is too good to pass up, with the official start of summer this week - TODAY (June 21st to be exact), now is the time to start planning those family vacations. What better way to vacation then with your own pop-up camper?! Stop in and see this fun unit today!

Since 1966 Coleman has been building camping trailers that are focused on the outdoors.  Even the headquarters of Coleman are located in Western Pennsylvania because the location is set among forests and streams.  Coleman caters to those individuals that have a passion for the outdoors whether your a hiker, kayaker, biker, or hunter Coleman has a product to fit your needs.

Summer is Here!

Today marks the official start of summer! To help kick off the season, National Parks are waiving the entrance fees to 394 parks! After all, it is the longest day of the year, and what better way to enjoy it than by visiting a National Park, grilling up some hot dogs and enjoying the great outdoors? Visit an old favorite, or visit a park you haven’t yet been to. Either way some good old fashioned outdoor adventure is just what mother nature ordered.

A nature hike through a beautiful forest trail is always fun. Younger children can have a blast looking for different bugs and animals, while older ones may enjoy being in charge of capturing the memories on camera. Don’t forget about those classic childhood games like Red Rover, Hide and Seek, and Freeze Tag! It's time to make your first day of summer plans... So get out there and enjoy some fresh air!

Nationwide Competition Begins for "Best of the Road"

Have you heard about the Best of the Road Contest sponsored by USA TODAY and Rand McNally? Here's the scoop: Over 600 cities were submitted to compete for the nationwide "Best of the Road" competition in categories including "Most Beautiful" "Friendliest", "Most Patriotic" "Most Fun" and "Best for Food".  They have now whittled it down to 30 locales, and on June 23rd, Five teams of travelers will set to the road from NYC, landing in LA on July 15th. Along the way, each team will visit six towns in an assigned category as well as points of interest along their route. At the end, each team will decide on which town ranked number one in their respective categories and the winners will be announced on July 22nd.

The towns will be highlighted on the Rand McNally website and also in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas, as well as on the USA TODAY travel site. The winning team will take home $10,000 in prize money! If you want to follow the teams' three week adventure, you can catch videos, photos, and updates at www.bestoftheroad.com

Here are the top cities in each category:

Most Beautiful

Pacifica, Calif. "…a great combination of surf and hills."
Coral Gables, Fla. "…One of the best places in South Florida. World class restaurants, shopping, historic sites, and homes."
Baker City, Ore. "We have a great historic district and a setting that is nestled in the Blue Mountains."
Marco Island, Fla. "…enjoy warm breezes, spectacular sunsets and white sand beaches, all set in a location that is easily accessible."
Franklin, Tenn. "…parks with walking trails and good biking access, rolling hills, historic homes and architecture, Civil War sites, free festivals, great restaurants and friendly locals."
Sandpoint, Idaho "…surrounded by natural beauty no matter which direction you look … breathtaking."

Most Patriotic 

Clarksville, Tenn. "Everywhere you look, there are flags flying and signs posted welcoming our soldiers home (to Fort Campbell) and thanking them for their service."
Emporia, Kansas "…the city that started Veterans Day, (has) many parades and veterans' activities."
Peachtree City, Ga. "Great schools, numerous lakes, tons of green space, excellent facilities for every sport, miles of golf cart paths, and the best Fourth of July celebration around."
Williamsburg, Va. "… the most beautiful, historical and patriotic town that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Fife and drums, fireworks, reenactments…"
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "…with one of the country's largest military training posts nearby, it's hard not to see patriotism. Many local business use patriotic colors and symbols…"
Rapid City, S. Dak. "There's a lot to see in the Rapid City area, from Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial to Harney Peak and tourist attractions."

Friendliest 

Walla Walla, Wash. "You'll have a pleasant conversation with everyone you encounter… People are just nice in Walla Walla and the quality of life is wonderful."
Valdosta, Ga. "Whether you've met them or not, if you're in Valdosta you have friends! People here do not hesitate to jump in and help if you have a need."
Mount Airy, N.C. "People here don't seem to be in a big hurry…(they) talk to you like you're part of their family."
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. "… has a small town feel and with that comes very friendly people!"
Woodward, Okla. "… folks still extend small courtesies toward each other whether they know each other or not."
Nacogdoches, Texas "… a wonderful place to visit and to live."

Most Fun

Vacaville, Calif. "From Merriment On Main in December, Fiesta Days over Memorial Day weekend, the Summer Creekwalk Concert Series ... and this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of fun in Vacaville!"
Myrtle Beach, S.C. "Plenty of family-friendly places to go and eat. Great seafood restaurants, museums, shopping. Never a dull moment."
Santa Claus, Ind. "For small-town atmosphere with a ton of things to see and do this town has it all!"
Yellow Springs, Ohio "No chain stores and (many) independent restaurants. Always something going on, on a sunny day you find street musicians or artists."
Glenwood Springs, Colo. "So much natural beauty, so many activities (to) enjoy year-round, plenty of restaurants with great food, and the friendliest locals around."
Sioux City, Iowa "Summer months are filled with lots of outdoor music venues, the Farmer's Market, time on the river and great community festivals …"

Best for Food 

Gulfport, Fla. "Fantastic eating establishments … great atmosphere (with) very friendly people!"
Visalia, Calif. "If you are traveling in this area be sure to stop in for a casual or fine-dining experience. You won't be disappointed!"
Burnsville, Minn. "The food is absolutely to die for! So many options to choose from."
Costa Mesa, Calif. "… one of the easiest towns to use as a base to entertain clients and guests, or just to have foodie fun!"
Addison, W.Va. "From the scenery to the businesses to the people, this is the best small town…"
Lafayette, La. "… the degree of culinary talent mixed with down-home deliciousness is second to none."

RV Country Announces the Arrival of the Keystone Raptor!

We were excited to showcase the Keystone Raptor at the Louisville RVIA show last November, and we just couldn't wait until it arrived on the lot... At long last, it's FINALLY here! This is one FUN unit that you're going to want to have for your travels this summer, and every summer! With so many great attributes and highlights to hit, you may be here reading for awhile, so make sure you're comfy!

The Raptor is the Number 1 selling fifth-wheel toy hauler sport utility vehicle on the market today. Every Raptor floorplan is the result of input and suggestions from experienced toy hauler owners and others who enjoy active, adventurous life styles. The standard options are just too many to list! but you can choose to add Swivel Rocker, Recliner Chairs, Double Electric Beds w/ Bottom Couch Combo, a Rear Screen Enclosure, a Free Standing Dinette with Four Chairs (Available in Select Models), an Onan Generator, and even Dual Pane Thermal Windows.

The greatest addition to the Raptor is the optional rear patio system! It makes a great spot for a couple of patio chairs and a bistro table to watch the sunset, or sunrise. Use it as an area for the kids to eat lunch and feel like they're on their own little picnic, or turn it into the ultimate man cave. The possibilities are endless!

Stop in and see us and the Raptor and let us know what you'll use this space for!

Ride & Drive a Thor at RV Country!

Right now when you stop in and test drive a Thor Motor Coach Serrano and complete a short survey, you'll receive a FREE Thor Motor Coach hat! But that's not all Thor is giving away this month. Between June 1st and July 31st, 2011 when you purchase a Thor Motor Coach Class A Diesel you will be eligible to receive a $750.00 fuel card! Talk about an incentive to get going on that first RV adventure!

The Thor Motor Coach Serrano will exceed your expectations with its high-end features and options, including full body paint packages. From spacious interiors to industry leading storage capacity, Serrano is the roomiest in its class. The Workhorse® motorhome chassis division concentrates on one thing, and one thing only: producing chassis that make motor home experiences the best they can possibly be. With its noticeably quiet V8 engine and industry leading 13.2 mpg, the Workhorse® chassis can’t be beat.

So, stop in and drive one today! You never know, you may be driving it home!

Beat the Crowds at Yosemite This Year

Want to visit Yosemite National Park, but you feel overwhelmed by the masses of fellow tourists? Good news! There are tips and tricks to help you beat the crowds and explore further into some of the less popular, and often more amazing sights, trails, and attractions. Here you go, solace seeker. Enjoy!

Avoid weekends, particularly beyond the summer months. Nearly half of last year's 4 million park visitors arrived during June, July and August. And year-round, many of those visitors are "weekend warriors" from such key markets as San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles. By coming midweek, you'll also increase your chances of landing a lodging reservation: while most rooms are booked a year and a day in advance (when they first become available), about 30% are booked within one month of arrival because of cancellations.

Get out of Yosemite Valley. About 95% of park visitors head straight for Muir's "incomparable valley," with good reason. But many would argue that the best of Yosemite lies beyond — in such places as Hetch Hetchy, the Mariposa grove of giant sequoias, and Tioga Road. Only open in summer (this year, thanks to prodigious snowfall, it probably won't be till mid or late June), it leads to the park's vast high country and some of its finest hiking.

Be an early riser... Since Yosemite Valley faces west, notes Phil Hawkins of Yosemite Landscape Photography Workshops, most shutterbugs congregate here in late afternoon and early evening. That, coupled with the fact that vacationers tend to sleep in, means that "if you get out there by 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., you're guaranteed to beat the crush," even on such high-traffic trails as Lower Yosemite Falls.

...or a night owl. After a long day of exploring, most visitors head to bed. But, notes guidebook author and photographer James Kaiser, Yosemite is located in a remote, high altitude area free of light and air pollution, and local astronomy clubs offer occasional free programs at Glacier Point.

Take the right hike. The park's marquee hiking routes, such as the aptly named Mist Trail that leads to Vernal and Nevada falls, are rarely uncrowded. But the 13-mile former bridle path known as the Valley Floor Loop Trail takes you past Yosemite Falls, the base of El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall— and often, "you'll be all alone," says ranger Scott Gediman.

Pack a picnic lunch. Pick up a sandwich at Degnan's Deli (the best sandwich shop in Yosemite Valley) or assemble your own picnic at the Yosemite Village grocery store. Best of all, says Kaiser, "you can enjoy it at a beautiful viewpoint while everyone else is waiting in line." Washburn Point offers views of Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the snow-capped peaks of the High Sierra— with a fraction of the crowds at nearby Glacier Point.

Slow down. "Yosemite is not just another stop between Disneyland and Las Vegas," says Ron Kauk, a rock climber who has been exploring the park for more than 30 years. "Drive slowly, walk softly and take the time to find a place to sit by the river and forget the clock for a while."

Happy Trails!

RV Country Special of the Week!

Presenting a Used 2007 Carriage Cameo F35KS3 Fifth Wheel.This unit has many nice features that include:

• Triple Slide
•  Rear Living Room w/Euro Chairs & End Table
• Hide-A-Bed Sofa
• Entertainment Center
• Overhead Cabinets
• Free Standing Dinette
• Kitchen Island
• Refrigerator
• Pantry
• Range/Oven
• Microwave
• Dbl. Kitchen Sink
• Wardrobe
• Stool Room
• Angle Shower
• Lavatory
• Front Queen Bed Slide w/Shelves Each Side, Drawers & More. 

Length is 35'11" and width is 8'0". It sleeps 4 making it a nice traveling vehicle for your summer vacations! Stop by and see us today for more details and you can also check out more pictures on line!

See you soon!

RV Country Announces the Arrival of the Keystone 246 RLS with the Reese Revolution Pin Box!

You may remember the article  we did back in April on the Keystone 246 RLS Cougar High Country Fifth Wheel that comes equipped with a Reese Revolution Pin Box. We are extremely excited to announce that we have one in stock - on the lot! This is a must see unit! This is the FIRST EVER of its kind. It's a double slide out fifth wheel that weights only 6,700 lbs, and the Reese Revolution Pin Box is BUILT IN!

What’s a Reese revolution Pin Box you ask? Let us tell you all about it! It is by far one of the coolest things since the pudgy pie! It allows short bed trucks to make 90+ degree turns effortlessly, with no fear of contact, and without the need for an automatic sliding hitch. How awesome is that?!

Imagine…no more swinging out to make a turn and only one moving part with no lubrication or regular cleaning required.

It’s just another reason to come see us and purchase a Cougar by Keystone!

Outdoor Activities for children living the RV lifestyle

There's a new website in town and its taking over your computer and your kids. Hopefully, its going to get them moving and shaking OUTSIDE. How, you ask is a website going to get my kid off the computer and outside?! Read on and prepare to be amazed.

Children ages 6 to 12 will be shown parks they can visit and suggestions for outdoor activities. Activities include camping, walking barefoot on the beach, climbing a tree, fishing, and playing in a nearby park, among others. There is even an area to search by map or activity, depending on what you and your child feel like doing that day. The site is very interactive.

Kids can even download a passport from the website and then check off each activity they complete. But that's not all. Once they have completed all activities, they can then send the passport to the Oregon Recreation and Park Association and in return the kids receive a certificate honoring them as an official "Oregon Outdoor Seeker"! For more details, you can go to the official Outdoor Seekers website. And don't forget to take pictures of all your adventures on these activities, we love hearing your stories and seeing your photo's!

Happy Outdoor Seeking!

Safety First in RV Country

Before you set out on your next adventure, be sure to keep a few things in mind. It may seem obvious to some, but to others the height of an RV often goes overlooked. Some drivers accidentally drive under an overpass without enough clearance because they forget about the height of the vehicle. Keeping your RV's height handy is a good idea, as well as knowing the clearance to the upcoming bridges and tunnels along your way. An atlas can sometimes help with this, as can some GPS units. While there is currently no phone app for this, we were able to find a website that does list low clearance bridge heights that may be helpful to you.

Another item to keep in mind is maintenance. Yes, it's sometimes a pain to get your RV into the shop for its maintenance check, but an RV that's well maintained is less likely to give you problems along the way. You can even start by doing a small check on your own, such as checking headlights, brake lights and turn signals and making sure your tires have the correct air pressure and sufficient tread depth. Our service department can do a more in depth checkup, such as inspecting your belts, brakes, and engine.

You'll also want to make sure you have a plan in case you do break down. Always carry a cell phone, and it's a good idea to leave your travel plans with someone back home. Have plenty of food and drink on hand in case you're stuck on the side of the road for awhile. A good roadside assistance program is good to consider as well.

Stay safe out there RVers, and happy traveling!

RV Parks Go Wireless

Good news for all of you RV'ers out there who want (or need) to stay electronically connected to the real world...

Now more RV parks and more state parks than ever are providing wireless internet to their patrons. Neil Neiwert, president of BlueMesh Networks of Meridian, a firm that provides Wi-Fi to Idaho state parks, said that even more than the 14 parks currently offering Wi-Fi in Idaho could get connected this year. Internet access has been attracting people to state parks and keeping them there.

"People who use the Wi-Fi network are able to extend a two-day weekend stay at an Idaho park location into a three, or four day stay by checking into the office on Friday and Monday via email," Neiwert said.

Many parks offer their Wi-Fi for free, while others provide the first few minutes free and then an hourly fee. Click here for a list of RV Parks offering free Wi-Fi nationwide.