In this post we compare the Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak vs Advanced Elements Inflatable Lagoon Kayak. This is a comparison of a super budget inflatable kayak (the Intex) with a more expensive inflatable kayak. The Advanced Elements Lagoon Kayak is about five times the price of the Intex Challenger. So of course, you have to wonder, is it worth the extra money? Read on and find out.
Featured Posts
Review and Assembly of the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak – the Best Inflatable, Budget Kayak
In this post we review the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, which we think is the best lightweight, inflatable, budget kayak to take along in your RV. This post includes a video showing how easy it is to assemble the kayak, which is shipped folded up in a box, with a carry bag and an efficient pump.
13 Crucial Facts You Should Know About Getting an Extended Warranty on Your RV
Buying an extended warranty for your new RV can be complex and stressful. Some people find extended warranties very valuable; other people are furious because they feel they were ripped off. In this post we talk about what a rough time we had deciding whether to buy an extended RV warranty, and share 13 crucial and very useful facts we learned about buying an extended warranty for your RV. I trust that this post will help you if you are thinking of buying an extended warranty for your RV. At the end of the post, I share what we decided, and how it worked out for us.
How to Become a Work Camper – a Complete Guide to Workamping
If you are looking for a way to fund a life of travel in your RV, workamping might be for you! In this post, we explain what work camping is, show our video interview with a work camping couple, and our video of our own workamping experience, and provide tips and resources for finding workamping jobs.
RV Accessories: Three Solar Lights for RV Living Compared
Solar lights are a great addition to your RV, as they give you a replenishable source of light when you are not hooked up to shore power. They also give you more lighting options to vary the lighting levels and improve the ambience in your rig. In this video and post, we compare three different portable solar lights, with price points ranging from $25 to $9. Solar lights are a cheap accessory that make your RV living experience even better.
RV Living at El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico
In this post, we provide information on how you can enjoy the many amenities of El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. You can stay there in your RV, or rent a house.
Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers
Here is news of a new book about RV living from guest author, Nancy Bell Kimsey. Kimsey is the proud owner of an Oliver Elite 2 RV, and is also the author of a brand new book that would be a great gift for RV travelers. If you need grace while traveling on the road, Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers by Nancy Bell Kimsey is a collection of 60 devotional meditations that link the Scriptures with vignettes about the camping experience, uplifting life applications, and prayers. This book is currently no. 1 in Amazon’s Religious Travel genre.
The Amazon Prime Day Sale is On!
If you are an online shopper, take note that the Amazon Prime Day Sale is HERE! It’s always the biggest online sale of the year, so it’s well worth checking out. And we will be watching closely for great RV accessory deals, and updating this post to let you know about them.
Don’t Miss the KickStarter for JackRabbit – an Ideal E-Bike to Get Around the RV Park
Don’t miss the JackRabbit KickStarter, which is coming soon! This innovative, affordable, new mini e-bike will be useful to a wide range of people who need easy transportation options. It could be especially useful in an RV park, where you could use it to get to the pool or to pickle ball! The JackRabbit offers convenient transportation in a lightweight package. And it will fit easily into any RV. Our post includes videos to show the versatility and usefulness of this great new ebike.
Best Dog Clippers for RV Living
In this post we share details about the dog clipper we have found that works perfectly on our dogs. The Wahl Pet Clipper gets it done for a budget price. This dog clipper has solved the problem of keeping our dogs groomed while on the road. Unfortunately, we have wasted a lot of time and money along the way. We wanted to share our journey, in case you have been having the same problems. We did end up with good dog clippers that we can recommend!
Video of Camper Van Conversion: How Marty Converted a Ford Transit into an RV Camper Van
This post contains a video in which Marty walks us through an exemplary camper van conversion. He shows how he converted a Ford Transit Cargo Van into a high-end RV camper van. This camper van has every comfort a camper could want, including a full size, comfortable bed, a full size fridge and microwave, and a full wet bath. The full size appliances and solar power make it possible for the couple to go off grid and boondock for up to four days at a time.
How RV Travelers Can Try to Stay Safe from the COVID-19 Virus
As RV travelers, what should we be doing to protect ourselves and everyone else from the COVID-19 virus? The most basic advice to protect ourselves from the virus is to do the opposite of what we love to do as RV owners: Stop Traveling. The second-most important thing is to do the opposite of what most of us love to do as RV owners: Stop Socializing.
How to Get Free RV Camping with Harvest Hosts
In this post, we share with you our happy discovery of Harvest Hosts. This is the best RV membership program we have found so far. Harvest Hosts is a program that connects you to a range of options for free overnight, pull-through stays with your RV. These places include wineries, golf courses, farms, breweries, distilleries, museums, and other unique locations. And they are constantly adding new locations. Most are in the USA, but there are also some in Canada.
5 Useful Tips to Help You Find The Best RV Insurance
Whenever you take your RV out on the road, the dreaded might happen. Someone could hit your trailer, you could get a flat tire, or you might even hit someone else. So, if you don’t have RV insurance, you should consider it. You already spent a lot of money on that RV of yours, so you want to protect it. In fact, in most states, it’s the law. This post contains 5 useful tips to help you find the best RV insurance.
Video: Towing Our RV to El Dorado Ranch, Mexico – Crossing the Mexicali East Border
In this post and video, I share all about how we towed our Fifth Wheel from Rio Bend, California, across the Mexicali East border, and then along Highway 5 in Baja California to El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Mexico!
Our RV Trip South from Canada to El Centro, California
In October we towed our 30-foot fifth wheel from Langley, British Columbia, Canada, to San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Along the way we had a few lovely stops, including at golf courses and at the home of friends. We also enjoyed a sunny two weeks at Rio Bend Golf and RV Resort in El Centro, California, before tackling the border crossing into Mexico. This post includes our adventures until just before we left El Centro for Mexico.
Volunteering While RVing – a Way to Pay it Forward while Traveling in Your RV
We interviewed George and Marilyn Gough about their experiences of volunteering while traveling in their RV in the USA and Mexico. They told us about how they volunteered in California, helping the victims of the wildfires, and also in Mexico, helping children to learn to speak English.
Escaping the Cold – Heading South!
We are about to head south, from Fort Langley, BC, to El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. We will be driving from winter weather into summer weather! Here is our route.
Workamping at Paradise Valley Campground, Squamish, BC, Canada [Video]
This is our report and video about workamping at the Paradise Valley Campground, near Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. This is the place for you if you are looking for wilderness camping and amazing outdoor activities, including kayaking, bouldering, biking, and hiking!
Video: Towing an RV on One of the Toughest Descents in Baja California, Mexico – the Cuesto del Infierno
This post and video show you what that is like to tow a fifth wheel RV down and up the Cuesto del Infierno (Slope of Hell) in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This is one of the steepest mountain passes on Mexico’s Highway 3. Our post includes important things that you should know before you tow in Baja California, and before you attempt the Cuesto del Infierno.
RV Camping at Santo Tomas Winery, Northern Baja California
We recently dry-camped with our 30-foot Denali fifth wheel at the Santo Tomas Winery in Northern Baja California. The winery is one of the oldest in Mexico, founded in 1888 by the Catholic Church. We highly recommend spending a night or two at this Winery. It is mainly a winery, but many spots have been designated for RVs. This gives you the opportunity to camp right next to vineyards, and under giant eucalyptus trees.
Review and Video of Arizona Oasis RV Resort
The Arizona Oasis RV Resort is situated east of Blythe, California on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. In our review and video we point out some of the highlights, such as its location on the Colorado River. Of course, we also mention aspects we did not like as much. Read our review to decide if this resort is the kind of place where you would like to take your RV.
Our Last Day in Baja California – Domecq Winery Tour, La Casa de Dona Lupe, and the Tecate Border Crossing
We visited the Domecq Winery and La Casa de Dona Lupe on our last day in Baja California. Then, we got up early the next morning to head for the border at Tecate with our entire RV Caravan. This post is about our experiences at the Domecq Winery and La Casa de Dona Lupe. It is also about the Tecate border crossing from Mexico into the USA. We have included a video that shows exactly what you can expect at the Tecate border crossing. As you will see, it is like doing an obstacle course – easy enough if you are in a small vehicle, but challenging if you are towing a large rig.
Our Return RV Caravan Trip from Baja California: Santispac Beach to Tecate
The fun and adventures we had on our return journey home from Baja California with an RV caravan. The trip home took us seven days. We stopped at two new camp sites, Malarrimo RV park in Guerrero Negro, and Santa Tomas Winery in the Guadelupe Valley. We enjoyed the best wine tasting and winery tour of the entire trip at Domecq, and many of our group enjoyed whale watching on the Pacific Ocean off Guerrero Negro.
RV Camping in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Post and Video
The tourist town of Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico is a great destination for RV travelers. Read this post and watch this video for details of two of the RV parks, Rivera Del Mar Trailer RV Park and Loreto Shores Villas and RV Park. We also have details about things to do in Loreto.
Review of Mystic Forest RV Park, near Klamath, California: Post and Videos
In this post and videos we review Mystic Forest RV Park near Klamath, on the Californian coast. Close to the famous Giant Redwoods of California! Our review includes some of the top local attractions, where to shop, where to get cheaper gas, and where to buy propane. We present the pros and cons of this park, so you can decide for yourself if it is the one for you!
Review and Video of A Country RV Park, Bakersfield, California
This is our review and video of A Country RV Park, which is situated south-east of Bakersfield, 200 miles north of Palm Desert. It is easy to park there, quiet, and the price is very reasonable. However, attractions in the park and in the surrounding area are few and far between. Read our complete review to decide if you want to spend a night – or many nights – at this RV park.
RV Accessories: Budget DOSS Soundbox Bluetooth Speaker
The DOSS Bluetooth Speaker is an inexpensive speaker that works well with a Bluetooth connection and also with an audio cable. Light and small, it is ideal for small living spaces, such as RVs. It has improved our quality of life in our RV, for a low price. Try this before you lay out big bucks for a high-end speaker! This is the third in our series of Simple RV Upgrades. These are upgrades which are easy (and usually cheap), but which can make your life in an RV even better.
New RV Baja California, Mexico Videos!
We have now published a whole series of videos about our RV caravan trip with Baja Winters Travel Club. The videos can be found by clicking on the links in this post.
Dry RV Camping on Santispac Beach, Bahia Concepcion, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Post and Video
We recently spent almost three weeks dry camping on Santispac Beach, Bahia Concepcion, Baja California Sur, Mexico. In this post and video you can learn what to expect on Santispac Beach, including how to get groceries, how to deal with power, how to do laundry, how to get water, how to get propane, how to get your rig and vehicle washed, and what kind of activities you can do on Santispac Beach and the surrounding areas, including restaurant recommendations.
Day 5 of our RV Caravan Trip with Baja Winters: San Ignacio to Santispac Beach, Bahía de Concepción, Baja California Sur, Mexico
In this post and video we share information about the fun we had on the fifth day of an exciting and adventurous RV trip through Baja California, Mexico, led by a travel company called Baja Winters Travel Club. On our fifth day we drove 100 miles from the Rice and Beans RV Park in San Ignacio to Santispac Beach on the Bahía de Concepción, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The drive included the steepest descent of our trip as we descended towards the Sea of Cortez. This section of road is called Cuesta del Infierno (Slope of Hell). At the bottom of that steep descent is the beautiful Sea of Cortez.
Day 4 of our RV Caravan Trip with Baja Winters: from Cataviña to Rice and Beans RV Park, San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, Mexico
In this post and video we share information about the fun we had on the fourth day of an exciting and adventurous RV caravan trip through Baja California, Mexico, led by a travel group called Baja Winters Travel Club. On our fourth day we drove 235 miles from Rancho Santa Inez Campground in Cataviña to the Rice and Beans RV Park in San Ignacio, Baja California, Mexico. We crossed the border from Baja California to Baja California Sur.
Day 3 of our RV Caravan Trip with Baja Winters: El Pabellón RV Park to Rancho Santa Inez Campground in Cataviña, Baja California, Mexico
In this post and video we share information about the fun we had on the third day of an exciting and adventurous RV caravan trip through Baja California, Mexico, led by a travel group called Baja Winters Travel Club. On our third day we drove 113 miles from El Pabellón RV Park to Rancho Santa Inez Campground, Baja California, Mexico. At the end of the drive, we arrived at the ranch-based RV park, where it was easy to park in the enormous campground. We enjoyed a bunk-house meal offered by the RV park.
Review and Video of Merced River RV Resort, Delhi, California
The Merced River RV Resort is situated south-east of San Francisco. We stayed there only to break our journey. This RV park was perfectly adequate for a couple of nights. It might be even more pleasant in the summer, as it is quiet, and right next to a river where it is possible to swim and fish. A high point at this park is the very friendly staff, who made us feel very welcome, and were very sympathetic and supportive when Joe had a traumatic experience while at the park.
Day 2 of our RV Caravan Trip with Baja Winters: Rancho Sordo Mudo RV Park, Guadalupe Valley, to El Pabellón RV Park, Baja California, Mexico
In this post and video we share information about the fun we had on our second day of an exciting and adventurous RV trip through Baja California, Mexico, led by a travel group called Baja Winters Travel Club. On our second day we drove 155 miles from the Rancho Sordo Mudo RV Park, Guadalupe Valley, to El Pabellón RV Park, Baja California, Mexico. It was not the longest drive of the trip, but it took a long time and was stressful, due to a long section of city driving through Ensenada, the second biggest city in Baja California. But at the end, we arrived at a beautiful RV park right on the Pacific Ocean, with easy parking.
Day 1 of Our RV Caravan Trip with Baja Winters: Tecate to Rancho Sordo Mudo RV Park, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico
In this post and video we share information about the fun we had on our first day of an exciting and adventurous RV caravan trip through Baja California, Mexico, led by a travel group called Baja Winters Travel Club. We crossed the border at Tecate and ended the day at the Rancho Sordo Mudo RV Park, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico. In this post we explain how RV caravans work, and share some vital information about how to drive in Baja California.
Review and Video of Tradewinds RV Park in Vallejo, near San Francisco
The Tradewinds RV Park in Vallejo, California, is situated to the east of San Francisco just south of the Napa Valley. It is a pretty basic RV Park, but it is very well situated for day trips to San Francisco. It is close to a highway, and easy to access.
RV Camping in California
It’s been a long time since we last checked in. We have been RVing our way across California and have had some wonderful times – and a few really horrible times too. Since leaving Calistoga in the Napa Valley, we have traveled 580 miles across California. We have stayed at the Tradewinds RV Park in Vallejo, California, near San Francisco; the Merced River Resort in Delhi, California, where I had a truly terrifying experience; A Country RV Park in Bakersfield, California; and Valencia Travel Village in Castaic, California, near Santa Monica. Right now, we are staying at the Catalina Spa RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs, near Palm Springs. And we love it here!
Winery Tours in Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
We stayed in Calistoga in the Napa Valley in early December, and purchased the Winter in the Wineries Passport for $60.00 each, which enabled us to enjoy wine tastings at seventeen local vineyards. The pass is available from December 1 to February 1 each year. Simply by visiting two good wineries for tastings, you have already had more than $60 worth of wine tasting. The passport also offers discounts at other businesses in the city.
Review and Video of Calistoga RV Park, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Here is our video and review of the Calistoga RV Park, Napa Valley, California. The RV park is in the city of Calistoga, and is an ideal location for Rvers who want to do some wine tasting in the surrounding countryside and in the city of Calistoga itself. It is however a very basic RV park. Read our review to decide whether this RV park is for you!
Review and Video of Humbug Mountain State Park, near Port Orford, Southern Oregon Coast
Our review of the Humbug Mountain State Park, which is situated on the southern Oregon coast, also known as the Wild Coast, three miles south of Port Orford. We found this park to be a pleasant stop on our journey down the coast, and the local coastal scenery was spectacular.
Review and Video of Beverly Beach State Park, near Newport, Oregon
This is our video and written review of the Beverly Beach State RV Park. This park is situated on the central Oregon coast, six miles north of Newport, Oregon, close to highway 101. It has a semi-wilderness feeling, and gives you easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast.
Simple RV Upgrades: OXYLed Motion Sensor Lights
Joe and I are slowly making our Fifth Wheel more comfortable, organized, and user-friendly with simple RV upgrades. One of the best things we have found are these OXYLed Motion Sensor Lights. They are cheap, easy to install, and safe (made from an aluminum alloy so they don’t heat up, plus they switch off automatically). Yet they make a big difference to our quality of life.
Wine Tasting while RV Camping at the Calistoga RV Park, Napa Valley, California
This post is about our wonderful experience of wine tasting while RV Camping at the Calistoga RV Park, Napa Valley, California. The city of Calistoga offers a range of spectacular experiences, notably wine tasting! The Calistoga RV Park is within easy walking distance of the city, as well as many wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and spas.
RV Camping Under the Giant Redwoods of Northern California
Our report and video about camping under the giant redwoods of Northern California. We stayed at the Mystic Forest RV Park in Klamath, and at the Giant Redwoods RV Park on Myers Flat, in the Avenue of the Giants.
How Canadian Snowbirds Can Get Internet in the USA and Mexico
This is an in-depth explanation of the ways in which Canadian snowbirds can get access to the Internet while traveling in the USA and Mexico. We explain how you can get as much Internet access as possible on your own smart phone; how to get a cellular data plan in the USA; how to find free Wi-Fi; how to boost your cellular signal; and the catches hidden behind all the offers of “unlimited” cell phone plans.
Review of Dogwood RV Park and Campground, near Vancouver, Canada
Our review with video and photos of the Dogwood RV park near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. If you need an RV park in the Vancouver area, you might want to consider this RV park in Surrey, BC.
Our Experience of RV Camping at Beverly Beach and Humbug Mountain State Parks, Oregon Coast
All about our experience of RV camping at Beverly Beach State Park on the central coast of Oregon and Humbug Mountain State Park on the southern coast of Oregon. Check out our video, photos, and post highlighting what it is like to RV camp at these two Oregon state parks.
Review and Video of Fort Stevens State Park, Northern Oregon Coast
This is our review and video of the Fort Stevens State Park and local attractions. The Fort Stevens State Park is situated in Hammond Oregon, close to Astoria, on the northern Oregon Coast. We loved it, and we think anyone who enjoys a state park with a wilderness feel and plenty of outdoor activities will also enjoy it. The cycling trails are exceptional. It has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs too.
Bike Trails at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon
Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon coast of the USA is a great place for family bike rides. We really enjoyed the trails during our two week stay at the beautiful RV park at Fort Stevens. Watch our video to see how great these multi-use trails are!
Our Experience of RV Camping at Fort Stevens State Park, Northern Oregon
All about our experience of RV camping for two weeks at Fort Stevens State Park in northern Oregon. We spent two weeks here in October to November, in our Denali Fifth Wheel. Read our post and watch our video highlighting the fun you can have camping at this great state park.
Best Barbecue for RV Living – Weber Q1200 Review and Video
This is my in-depth review of the Weber Q1200 barbecue, which I have found to be a high-quality, high-performing barbecue, ideally suited for taking along in your RV. It’s so good that I would recommend it for home use, for small families.
Our RV Adventure Begins! Our Trip to Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon
We just got our RV adventure on the road – finally! We made it all the way from Vancouver, Canada to Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon, a distance of about 500 km (313 miles). We are finally on the road for the RV living adventure we have been planning for over a year. And Fort Stevens State Park is just as wonderful as it sounded, even though we got here late in the year and the rainy season has started. This post includes a video in which we check in about our eventful and challenging journey – our first ever long trip towing our RV!
Another Detour on Our Adventure – Our Horrible Airbnb Experience on Vancouver Island
Our RV living adventure has hit yet another speed bump. We had to cancel our plans to go to Oregon AGAIN as the dealership worked on replacing the entire floor in our new Denali Fifth Wheel. It is starting to feel as if our RV may never be roadworthy. Perhaps we’ll start a blog called “Average Joe Homeless Living” instead! This post plus video explain what caused this further delay, and also showcase the beautiful Vancouver Island, where we just stayed for three weeks. As you can see, it would be a beautiful place to RV – if only we actually had an RV! Unfortunately, we did not, so instead we had a horrible Airbnb experience!
Review of Anmore Camp and RV Park, Near Vancouver
The Anmore Camp and RV Park is located just 45 minutes out of Vancouver, yet situated right next to the pristine wilderness of Buntzen Lake. With big sites and clean air, and close proximity to hiking and mountain biking trails, this park is popular with families and active people. It has some major pros, and just a few minor cons. This review attempts to cover all aspects, so you can decide for yourself whether the pros outweigh the cons for your needs.
What Can You Do When Your RV is Having Repairs?
What do you do when you have planned a vacation in your RV, and suddenly it has to go to the dealership for repairs – so your vacation plans are wrecked? This is our solution, which we think other RV owners may find interesting.
Hiking the Energy Trail at Buntzen Lake, near Anmore RV Park
The Energy Trail near Buntzen Lake is a great place to hike with the whole family, and enjoy nature and spectacular views, while learning about the powerful forces that work together to make beautiful forests. Hike this trail if you are staying at the Anmore RV Park, or if you live in the greater Vancouver area.
How to Choose the Right RV: 7 Tips to Help You Choose the Right RV
We just spent an entire year choosing our RV, and we learned a whole lot about how to pick the right RV in the process. In this post, I share what we learned. We hope that our 7 tips to choose the right RV will help you in your search to find the perfect RV for your needs.
Biking and Hiking Near the Anmore RV Park in the Buntzen Lake Area, British Columbia, Canada
There are abundant opportunities for hiking and biking near the Anmore RV Park. It is right next to the beautiful Buntzen Lake in British Columbia, Canada. Just 45 minutes outside of Vancouver, you suddenly find yourself in a pristine natural wilderness. Watch our video, check out our photos, and read all about it here!
Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
Amazon Prime is a subscription service that entitles you a range of benefits for an annual fee. It also gives you priority on the annual Prime Day Sale. But like many subscription services, a lot of people hold back, asking: “Is Amazon Prime Worth it?” After using it for 5 years, we think it most definitely is worth it. This post sums up the seven key reasons to join Amazon Prime.
