Category: Travel Tips

Navigate RV Travel with Toddlers or a Baby with These 6 Easy Tips

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 24, 2023

Even the most experienced campers can feel thrust right back into being a novice when baby makes three. RV travel with toddlers or a baby – even to that favorite, familiar campsite – makes every moment a new adventure. Here are some simple tips to help you navigate camping and parenthood when it comes to RVing with young children.

It Starts with the Right RV

Often, the tent-camping lifestyle looks a lot different through newborn-parent eyes. If you’re searching for your first RV, choosing the right one can make a world of difference no matter the length of your trip.

A growing family is often motivation for an RV upgrade. Consider RVs with slide-outs. The extra space can help make it easier to fit things like a crib – a necessity for safe sleeping. The added floor space also gives your child more room to live and play as they grow. This is especially important for active toddlers when the weather is bad and they can’t be outside.

When choosing the right layout ultimately will make sure you have a good solution for where they will sleep – now and in the future. A bunkhouse may seem like overkill right now, but babies grow quickly! And if you’re planning to have more children, the right sleeping arrangements are a must. Remember to think about storage space. It is amazing the extra cargo you’ll have when planning RV travel with toddlers. There’s a lot needed to keep them safe and comfortable.

Learn Your State’s Car Seat Laws

Car seat laws differ from state to state. If you have a motorhome, these laws apply to your RV as well. Since you’ll be able to use your car seat in the tow vehicle, there won’t be any issues if you have a travel trailer or other towable RV. Babies can be distracting so getting comfortable towing an RV before you try to take a trip with your baby along is a wise time investment.  

Babyproof Your RV Like Your Home

RVs pose some unique challenges when babyproofing as well as the typical home risks. You’ll want to address the standard babyproofing areas you may already be use to such as:

  • Locking cabinets that house cleaning chemicals
  • Covering outlets
  • Locking drawers containing sharp objects
  • Installing guards for RV kitchen appliances

With RVs, there can be special challenges not found at home like:

  • Blocking RV staircases in 5th wheels
  • Locking toilet lids (to prevent unwanted objects getting lost in your black tank)
  • Securing RV windows since seats, beds and dinette booths put windows in arm’s reach

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean babyproofing takes a vacation. In fact, when you’re preparing for RV travel with toddlers or a baby it’s even more important because the smaller space means nearly everything is within reach, and babies, especially toddlers, are fast!

Visit Parks with the Right Amenities

A fun RV trip means the whole family has fun, including young children. Look for parks and campgrounds that have something your baby/toddler can enjoy. Many parks have splash pads, swimming pools, playgrounds, or other easy activities.

RV parks with electrical hookups and water hookups are also something to consider. Unless you have solar to charge your battery, it’s easier to move about in the dark when you can turn the lights on with electrical hookup. It can also be a big help in the evenings if winding down after a big day of activity can include a little entertainment like watching an episode of their favorite show. Electricity also helps if baby likes to sleep with a nightlight.

Likewise, having water hookup supplies the bath water because children inevitably get dirty from a fun camping expedition or a diaper disaster!

Think About Safer Camping Options

While there is nothing wrong with camping remotely, if you typically enjoy boondocking, when you’re planning RV travel with toddlers you may want to rethink your destinations. If you are comfortable with being off the grid, just make sure you have emergency plans should the need arise.

Some alternate destinations include family-friendly campgrounds. There’s also the option of camping with family or friends. You’ll have extra help taking care of your baby, you may even be able to sneak in a precious nap if someone else is helping take care of your child.

Shorter trips that keep you closer to home can reduce the stress of RV travel with a baby. Should your RV have tire trouble or something happen to your tow vehicle while you’re on the road, you won’t be far from help. Getting lost or encountering car trouble can be stressful enough, but adding a young child in the mix who may be tired and cranky doesn’t make for a relaxing vacation. Also, when you stick nearby, there’s more time to enjoy your destination!

When you plan well and choose family-friendly camping locations, RV travel babies or toddlers becomes a pleasant adventure and you will create memories that last a lifetime.  

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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Top RV Gadgets 2022 for RV Owners

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 24, 2023

The spring flowers are in bloom, birds are making their nests, and people get their RVs ready for camping season! While you give your RV a good spring cleaning, it’s also a good time to think about the top RV gadgets for 2022. Whether you have big cross-country trip planned or are getting ready for a season of weekend getaways, nothing says “ready for the season” like fresh air, fresh & clean RV, and fresh new gadgets!

#1. Bluetooth Speaker

While it’s said that life is all about the journey, as fun as being on the road is, RVing is all about enjoying your destination! With a portable Bluetooth speaker, you can bring your favorite tunes with you inside or out. Every RV should have a Bluetooth speaker and with so many options, you can always have music to enjoy. Whether it’s relaxing music for sitting around the campfire, something a little more upbeat for a game of cards or corn hole, or even to make sure you don’t miss your favorite sporting event, a portable Bluetooth speaker is an RV gadget no one should be without. Your favorite music can make your RV feel like home and can certainly make being outside more fun, but no matter your style of music, keep camping etiquette in mind and control the volume.

#2. WiFi Booster

There’s one thing you can’t be sure of when camping, a strong WiFi signal. On the road or even at your campsite, the WiFi can be unreliable. That means the next of the RV gadgets for 2022 that we recommend is a WiFi booster.

Having restricted access to your favorite electronics without a WiFi booster can be annoying. If you are working remotely, it can be downright detrimental. When you need to bring your tech to the great outdoors, a WiFi booster can help you get a better signal. For those who are full-time RVers, you know that staying connected is essential, so a WiFi booster is definitely an essential RV gadget.

#3. Single Serve Coffee Maker

Speaking of enjoying your destination, starting your day off with a fresh, hot cup of coffee is certainly high on the list. Also high on the list of RV gadgets is a single-serve coffee maker. You can easily brew a cup of coffee in less time than it would take to brew a whole pot. Single-serve coffee makers are easy to operate and portable so you can use it inside your RV or plug it in outside for easy access.

With so many pod options for coffee, not to mention tea and hot cocoa, there is something for everyone. Some single-serve coffee makers even have the option for reusable pods or paper pods which can reduce waste if you’re thinking eco-friendly. There are also many different size options, ranging from not much larger than a thermal coffee tumbler to a larger counter-top version. So, you can choose the best option for your needs and find something that you’ll be able to store away quickly and maximize space.

#4. Folding Camp Chair

Making the best use of space is part of RV life. Anything that can fold up and be tucked away when not in use is key in wasted space reduction. This makes folding chairs a top RV gadget and the folding chairs of today are uber comfortable! If you haven’t seen the folding chair options available recently, it is worth your while to look into the brands and accessories available. There are options with everything from pop-on shades to help prevent sunburn or keep you dry in the rain (goodbye umbrella!), to cup holders. Some models even have built-in side tables or foot rests providing the ultimate in relaxation. Now that’s enjoying your destination!

#5. Surge Protector

One thing that probably isn’t on the forefront of your mind when you set out on a trip is an electrical surge. But they can happen and RVs aren’t immune. No one wants to experience a power surge with pricey electronics hooked up! An important RV gadget to have is a surge protector. If you want to keep your valuable electronics safe, using a surge protector in your RV is a must and certainly worth the investment.

#6. Countertop Ice Maker

Cool mornings call for hot coffee, but when the temperatures rise, a cool beverage is in order. What better way to keep cool than with a countertop ice maker! It’s a nifty RV gadget that provides a quick and easy way to get ice when you need it without having to buy it by the bag. Like coffee makers, you can find them in all sizes. Look for the smallest one that will provide what you need so it will store away easily when not in use.

#7. Hitch Lock

The final RV gadget 2022 pick is a hitch lock. Most RVers want to make sure they have one. It’s unlikely your RV will be stolen, but the value of RVs has risen sharply with the surge in demand and shortage of materials over the past couple of years. Reliable hitch locks are inexpensive, making it a wise and affordable investment in keeping your RV safe from any would-be thieves.

No matter your plans for the season, when you’re stocking up on supplies, don’t forget to stock up on the best RV gadgets for 2022!

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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The Best RV Internet Options to Stay Connected on the Road

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: December 5, 2023

Hitting the open road with RV in tow can bring a sense of freedom as you explore new areas or simply get away from it all for a while. But even when you want to get away, you still want to be connected. There are several options for internet connection while you’re traveling. Researching the available choices and determining your needs before you set out is the best way to ensure you have the RV internet option that you need while you’re away from home.

What Are My RV Internet Options?

Cellular Data

Utilizing the data on your cellular phone is the simplest RV internet option to use. With cell phone plans generally comes a data plan which allows internet access. You can access the internet with 3G, 4G, 4GLTE, or now 5G connections, but be aware with older devices that, according to the FCC, mobile carriers are shutting down their older 3G and some 4G networks. So, even though using your cellular data works all over the nation, by the end of 2022 it will only work if you are on a more modern and supported network.

Even with all the network changes, most travelers find that cellular data is still the easiest way to stay connected when they are on the road. But if you aren’t like most travelers and you prefer dry camping in remote areas or boondocking deep into national parks, cellular data may not be a reliable way to stay connected. It only works when there are cell towers nearby, so if you are out in the middle of nature, you may find yourself disconnected if you’re relying only on cellular data.

Cost is another thing to keep in mind when determining whether using cellular data is the right RV internet option for your needs. If you don’t have an unlimited plan, paying for data – especially if you are off the beaten path – can get expensive. So, if you’re a full time RVer, you may want to consider some of the other options.

Satellite Internet for RVs

Satellite internet connects you to the web using satellites in space. It’s an RV internet option that, barring some environmental factors, means you have internet access anywhere on earth. There is initial setup involved with Satellite internet, but after that, you have access almost anywhere. In that way, it is similar to cellular data plans.

While cellular data plans may not have good signals if you aren’t near a tower, your satellite connection can be limited by things like storms and heavy tree cover which can impede the satellite signal from reaching your dish. So, you may have the ability to stay connected in more areas than cellular data but your signal can be lost abruptly plus you’ll have the costs associated with a monthly internet charge. If you’re one to do a lot of free camping, it can easily offset these charges.

Wired Cable Internet

The best connection is a wired connection. It is stable and reliable. For full-time RVers who stay parked in the same area most of the year there’s no better choice. Some campgrounds offer direct connections to wired internet so it feels just like your home connection. Go ahead, stream those movies, use your favorite apps or browse away, as long as the internet is live and you’re plugged in, you’ll be connected.

The drawback to this RV internet option is that you can’t take it with you. So, if you enjoy remote camping, this won’t be an option for you.

WiFi Internet

The most common RV internet option is public WiFi. Although there may be an extra charge for access, many campgrounds provide free WiFi as one of the amenities. Upon check-in you get your campsite number, a parking tag and the WiFi password; a few clicks later, you’re connected!

Sometimes the signal can be weak depending on how far you are from the WiFi source, so there’s a chance that your connection may be spotty. It’s a great RV internet option for those who regularly patronize campgrounds.

The downside to WiFi is, again, it requires you to be somewhere that it’s provided. The National Park Service offers free WiFi at many of their visitor centers and other locations. If you are staying at one of these National Parks but your campsite isn’t close enough to get service, you could grab your morning coffee and head down to the visitor center for an outdoorsy coffee shop internet café experience.

If you’re boondocking on public land, you’ll have to rely on one of the other RV internet options.

What RV Internet Option Is Best for Me?

There are lots of different RV internet options and the one that is right for you will depend your RV usage. In fact, having more than one option may be the best option if your camping habits change.

If you are on the move a lot and just need to check in on occasion, you may find that your needs are met between campground WiFi and cellular plans. Those on the other end of the spectrum who have a favorite spot they go and stay put, like full-time RVers, will likely benefit from a wired connection.

Then there are those who like to get back to nature and spend their time deep in the woods or remote reaches of parks. If you enjoy disbursed camping in remote areas but still love your gadgets, a satellite RV internet option is the way to go.

The great thing is that no matter what type of camper you are and what your RV usage is, there is an option – or combination of options – that will keep you connected to whatever degree you need so that you can enjoy your RVing to the fullest.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126 

Connect with us on Social Media! 

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