During National Safe Boating week, take time to check all the necessary and important items you should have on board the boat before taking a group out on the water.  You can avoid potential danger and inconvenience during your outings.  Also, most of the items are required by the Coast Guard or Lake Patrol Officers.  You may be ticketed or refused an operational sticker if you do not meet safety standards. 1.  The number 1 most important item is to make sure there is a ...

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This year, the Riverfest Celebration is from May 24 – 26.  Most of the action happens at Berg Park and Animas Park. Area rivers are celebrated with a festival of music, fine arts, food, entertainment, a 10K and 5K run & walk, riverside trail walks and river raft rides. The Festival takes place at the River Reach Terrace, corner of Scott Ave. and San Juan Blvd., and at Animas Park, just off of Browning Parkway in Farmington.   ...

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Utilizing space to the maximum in a RV is a common goal.  If you look around, there are plenty of everyday objects that you can find in a collapsible/foldable design.  I'm always on the lookout for ways to increase space in our Oasis travel trailer!  There's only so much you can put into 30 feet! Here are some of my favorite finds:   Love th...

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According to Phil the groundhog, spring will arrive early this year!  Before you head out in your RV, here are some things to think about first. Make a Plan It may sound like a very basic idea but knowing where you will be going and what you will find when you arrive will give you peace of mind as you start off on your journey.  Best advice is to make Google your friend!  You can access information on just about anything you can think of for planning purposes; travel guide...

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For years you enjoyed the boating life, cruising the lakes, skiing or wake boarding, partying on the beach.  But now, you’ve added a new member to your Redneck Yacht Club – a baby.  Does this mean the end of your boating life?  Of course not, but there are many things to consider and safety measures to undertake when taking baby along. What’s the right age to bring the baby along?  The answer depends on when the baby’s safety can be ensured and yo...

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In a motorhome, travel trailer or truck camper, space is precious – as I’m sure you know!  With Christmas approaching, it’s likely that you are going to acquire more stuff in the form of gifts.  How do you handle trying to find space for more “things”? If you are already feeling overwhelmed by clutter, the last thing you need is more stuff!  Here are some strategies for getting clutter under control and keeping it under control. Getting Rid ...

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We RVers are always looking for a way to take more stuff in the RV without it looking as if a thrift store exploded inside!  We just learned about eBags from a fellow RVer who sang the praises of this affordable system.       eBags come in various sizes and colors and features  a mesh top panel for easy identification of contents and for ventilation.&nbs...

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Just in case you were wondering! Christmas Countdown

It's sweeping the nation!  Never heard of pickleball? Pickleball is a game that’s like a combination of ping-pong, tennis and badminton that’s played on a smaller, more compact court.   One reason pickleball has grown so quickly is the fact that playing the sport requires less wear-and-tear on muscles and joints, yet provides a vigorous and enjoyable exercise. And while it may seem insignificant to people who don’t play the game, RV parks and resorts are fi...

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If you are a new “Snowbirder” wondering how to choose a place to spend the winter, you can learn a lot from other RVers who have gone before and blazed a trail, as they say.  One of our friends, Dick Garcia, gave us some very good information about how to find your perfect “Snowbird” landing.  He Snowbirds in Arizona, but his method could work for any state that you’re considering.  Here is his method: Divide the state of Arizona into 4 quadrants. ...

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Who doesn't love a nice cold beer served at the perfect temperature?  If your tailgate wouldn't be complete without beer, check out TurboChill.  You don't need a generator, electricity or even a battery to get perfectly cold beer in an instant.  TurboChill is the Evolution of Cold Beer. There isn't a product like TurboChill anywhere out there today.   Don't worry about needing to buy a ton of ice for keeping your keg cold and forget those irritating, party stopp...

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  Football season is upon us, which means millions of Americans will be packing up the grill and heading to the stadium for some pre-kickoff food and shenanigans. Modern tailgating has evolved from casual get-togethers in the team parking lot to full-blown parties complete with food, seating and games.   As sports fans prepare for this season’s round of tailgating action, the following infographic takes a look at some of the latest research on how tailgaters party in style as ...

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You never know when you might be witnessing a historic moment live and in person. It happened to me one day in April 1972 when my husband got a call from a former employer inviting him to a field to see some hot air balloons take off.  The call was from Sid Cutter, the original creator of the Albuquerque balloon fiesta.  My husband, Carl, had worked for Sid for a few years while attending UNM. Sid said that there were going to be a few hot air balloons taking off in the field across...

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Every month is chile month when you live in New Mexico!  Heck, every day is chile day if you're a chile-head - you have it in at least one meal each day.  We always "pack some heat" when we are traveling around the country in our Winnebago motorhome and are always on the lookout for other interesting chile items. When you talk about chile to people who are not from New Mexico, they will think you are talking about the kind of chile with ground beef, tomatoes and beans.  Talk ab...

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Tailgating in a RV is a different world!  There are no worries about whether the weather is going to be good or not.  Your food and drinks are kept cool in the fridge.  You don't have to be concerned if there's lines at the Port-A-Potties or if they're out of toilet paper! You can sit in comfort while watching the game highlights on a big screen TV or under your shade awning on your outside TV!  And, you won't ever have to worry about whether you brought a can opener, bottle ...

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  It seems like every type of food or drink that you can think of has a National Day dedicated to it.  August 30th is National Roasted Marshmallow Day! We thought that for fun, we would do some research into what types of marshmallow roasting devices might be available.  It's amazing what inventors have come up with!   Need to roast a bunch of marshmallo...

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These tips are brought to you by StowAway2, providing the highest quality hitch mounted cargo carriers and racks on the market.   Tailgating may have started out as a spur-of-the-moment way to grab a bite before a big event, but there’s nothing spur-of-the-moment about the way today’s sports fans approach tailgating. More than 50 million Americans will spend billions of collective dollars this year on food and supplies for their tailgate parties – including gas gri...

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Family Reunions are a time-honored summer tradition. Chances are, you’re attending one this summer. And if not, maybe it’s time to start now and plan your family’s next reunion – complete with RV camping options of course! If this is the first time you’re going to organize a RV centered family reunion, we have some tips and ideas to make it a little easier! Lists, lists and more Lists!     ...

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There's still a lot of summer vacation left! Long weekends can mean highway travel, boating trips, camping and swimming. While all these activities create lasting summer memories, they all share the potential for injury. Especially when it comes to children playing in the water.     Drowning is a leading cause of injury related death for children. Drowning happens quickly and silent...

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RVers love their dogs!  Unfortunately, not all RV parks and resorts have a warm and fuzzy feeling about our fur babies! The reasons some RV parks and resorts don’t allow dogs, or restrict certain breeds of dogs, are many.  More than likely one of the biggest reasons is that many dog owners do not clean up after their pets. Yes, it’s not the most pleasant task in the day but a necessary one. Picking up after your dog makes sense, and in many places, it's the law. &nb...

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There's nothing that can ruin a fun outdoor time faster than being besieged by mosquitos!  People go to great lengths to avoid being bitten and thousands of contraptions and potions have been invented in an effort to thwart the pests.   Police are beginning to warning people to start locking up their expensive mosquito zappers. It seem as though some brands of zappers have become a hot target for thieves.  With some units selling for $500 or more, it's understandable why they a...

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This list has 26 tips that you might find useful when RV camping. 1.  Use LED lights because they don’t attract mosquitoes like the others do.  There are some that are very decorative! 2.  Permanently mount levels on the front corners of your campers, so you don’t have to locate the level every time you adjust. 3.  For fire starters get one of those big fire logs you use for fireplaces, cut it into small pieces. You can make 15-20 fire starters out of one large...

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Times have changed and matters of fuel efficiency, green initiatives and durability affect the way we think about RV purchases.  Remember when the word diesel meant black smog, dirty trucks and noisy automobiles on the road? Today, there is an entirely different perspective when it comes to comparing diesel engines versus gasoline engines.  Most RV owners buy gasoline or diesel due to their experience with engines and if you are predisposed to owning a diesel, it could take a bit o...

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There are many advantages and reasons why you should buy a RV or boat from a local, family owned business.    The biggest advantage is that you can speak directly to the owners and get your questions and concerns answered immediately.  You won’t have to wait while the “on-site manager” contacts the big corporate office that’s located in a different state and works up the chain of command. Buying from a locally owned business like ours keeps the mone...

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Did you know that we have a gallery of camping and fishing pictures?   We would love to add yours to our collection!  Simply email them to debbie@rmrv.com.

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Living in a few hundred square feet instead of thousands means that if you're not careful and thoughtful about what you bring into your RV, it can create a problem! If you’re a full time RVer, then you know that clutter can build up easily.  It’s so easy to buy things here and there, but eventually it starts to add up. We’ve come up with some tips to help you rid your RV of clutter.     ...

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Ah, summertime!  Time to watch out for ticks! Ticks live in every part of the country and there are several types of ticks.  None of them are good! Most of the time, you never feel the tick climbing aboard, so you must be vigilant about checking for them when you and the kids have been outside in situations where you might come in contact with a tick.  Most ticks go through four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. After hatching fro...

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June 27th is National Sunglasses Day!                   Sunglasses are so cool that they deserve their own day. Heck, they shade eyes from the sun and protect our delicate pupils from harmful UV rays. (P.S. - while these are cute, they are strictly decorative.  They do not provide eye protect...

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If you are a full-timer or part-timer, there may come a time when you will need to have access to important records and documents. Being prepared for any situation is an important part of being a successful RVer. There are things that you should keep in a safe and secure location, such as medical records and other files, that you may need to grab in an emergency. There is a difference in being a good record keeper and having all of your records on hand if something goes wrong in your RV. ...

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Family vacations can present challenges for even the closest of families, especially if you are all enclosed in a RV.  Giving extra thought to what can or will happen on the journey can go a long way in making the trip relaxing and memorable! Be Flexible!     Leave some room in the plan for unexpected events.  Most youngsters will have a problem wi...

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Are you melting in the hot weather? Need ice in a hurry? You can get extra ice in less than 15 minutes with the Dometic portable ice maker! Once you’ve used it you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one!  The portable ice maker is fast and efficient – perfect for entertaining at backyard picnics, tailgate parties, RV campsite or at the lake. You can make up to 33 pounds of fresh, clean ice in 24 hours!  No more having to stop for ice and paying...

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Allowing people to ride the back of your truck camper or towable RV is a topic frequently bounced around the campfire. "Is it legal?" is usually the first question, and "Is it safe?" the natural follow-up. Laws versus Logic Let's talk about legality first: In the US, 43 states specifically permit the riding of passengers in a truck camper. A few have specifications, like a requirement for a method of the passengers to communicate with the driver. Seven states do not specifically comment on...

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A growing new trend in elevating the RV lifestyle even more is a planned community that features RV port homes and specialized RV supersites for parking your RV.  One such development is Retama Village.  Retama Village is located within the 2,500-acre Bentsen Palm Development Master Planned Community in Mission, Texas.  The village is comprised of distinct and exclusive neighborhood sections separated by gorgeous restored native south Texas habitat. Retama Village RV Supersites ...

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Over 15,000 people have been killed in crashes involving passenger vehicles towing trailers since 1975 with more than 65,000 crashes involving passenger vehicles towing trailers occurring in one year alone.  Lack of knowledge about correct towing techniques is clearly a contributing factor.  A recent study conducted by Master Lock, showed that 71% of Americans who tow said they were only “somewhat to not knowledgeable” about proper towing practices and safety!  As more...

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Taos Ski Valley is well known for it's killer ski runs and is a popular destination in the winter.  Now, Taos has developed a series of events to draw visitors to the ski valley in the summertime.     For Memorial Day weekend, The Enchanted Circle Festival's “Bring-on-Summer Jammin” will feature a free, 3 day Music Fiesta at the Bavarian Stage and Stray Dog Deck.  The Music Fiesta will feature Latin R&B, ...

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Living in New Mexico we don’t think about tornadoes much, but if you’re traveling in your RV to places that experience tornadoes, would you know what to do to be safe?  The odds are good that your RV won’t be hit by a tornado considering that you are not a very big target, but the possibility does exist.  The most important things you can do are to be aware and be prepared. Local TV stations that are in tornado prone areas have state of the art storm tracking comp...

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The Petroglyph National Monument, located on the west side of Albuquerque, is in for a spectacular treat on May 20th!  The first solar eclipse viewable in North America in the last 18 years will darken the sky before sunset and Petroglyph National Monument is at the center of the eclipse path.                   At its peak, the eclipse will resemble ...

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Contrary to what most people think, it is possible to train a cat - you just can't herd them!   Cats are incredibly adaptive creatures and with a little patience, persistence and some kitty treats, you can get a cat to do just about anything.  Think about it for a moment - if a tiger can be trained to jump through a ring of fire, you can train a domestic house cat too!   The easiest way to get a cat used to a RV as a home is to start off with a kitten.  But, if you ha...

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You may be asking yourself, "what does skin cancer have to do with RV's and boats?"  The answer is that we use them to get out and enjoy the outdoors which puts us in the sun often.   Did you know that New Mexico is ranked as one of the states with the highest incidents of skin cancer in the country? One reason is the thin atmosphere from our altitude which allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach our skin.  The other reason is not using sunscreen and other methods to red...

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School will be out soon and many families will be hitting the highways for summer vacation.  We thought some game to play while traveling down the road would help keep the kids occupied and engaged with each other.  Some of the games are classic and others take some advance preparation, but all of them are free or inexpensive to play. License Plate Game   This travel game is for teams or s...

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Although most of us RVers want to get away from it all and explore America and experience the great outdoors, these days we also find it necessary to stay connected to the internet so we can communicate with friends and family, pay bills, upload pictures, play games, search for a nearby restaurant, etc.  One big frustration is finding a good WiFi signal, even at some RV parks that offer the service it can be difficult to pull in a strong connection.  Connecting at "WiFi hotspots,...

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If you love to have meals outdoors when traveling in your RV but hate fighting the bugs, add on a screened-in room!  You may have seen other RVers with these nifty additions and you might be pleasantly surprised at how affordable they are.  You can find a room to add whether you’re traveling in a luxury motor home, 5th wheel, travel trailer or truck camper.               ...

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When you're on the road, you never know what surprises await you. Unfortunately, not all surprises are pleasant ones. Someday you may find that fire or flood has damaged your RV, or that a burglar has taken many of your valuable personal possessions.  A personal belongings inventory is very important should disaster strike. If so, your insurance company will ask you to provide them with a list of what's been damaged or destroyed, the value of those items, and proof of ownership, just like ...

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To me, one of the absolute best things about camping is having a nice fire to sit around and roast marshmallows. Starting a fire isn’t always so easy. If you take the time to make fire starters, you won’t have to struggle the next time you build a fire. 1.  Take an empty egg carton and fill each cup 2/3 of the way full with sawdust, pencil shavings, shredded paper, charcoal...

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    Wouldn't you love to know how the trip went?  Good chance he ended up doin' some unintended off roadin' somewhere. Check the 'hills' in the background. How would you like to meet this rig on a two-lane road...coming down the mountain in your direction...power steering works real good no...

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Why Buy a Pop-Up Camper?   There are a variety of reasons why you might prefer to a pop-up tent camper over another type of RV.  They are designed for active, growing families on the go.   A typical pop-up camper may not offer all the luxuries that a motor home, 5th wheel or travel trailer might offer but for camping lovers this might be the ultimate choice!   Here are a few reasons why you might want a pop-up tent camper:     Affordability Pop-up tent c...

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In many countries, there’s a shared belief that specific actions taken on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day—or at the stroke of midnight when one becomes the other—can influence the fate of the months ahead.  In other countries, New Year’s customs are about driving away the bad spirits of the past year, so that the new one can arrive unsullied and uncorrupted. No matter how odd they may seem to us, though, these customs share an optimism that’s ha...

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The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure you are prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions. If you are travelling a long distance, plan your route ahead of time. Let someone know of your destination and expected time of arrival. It...

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Looking for something to keep those little RV travelers busy while on the road to Grandma's house?  Here's an easy project that doesn't cost a small fortune to do and will make some very nice gifts for Father's Day or birthdays.  It's not very messy and easy to clean up! Decoupage Rock Paperweights Supplies you will need: Rocks Fabric Scraps - Holiday Themed or Other prints Stickers (Letters and Decorative) Decorative Paper or Tissue Paper Decoupage Medium Sponge ...

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1.  Make a list You will spend less money if you plan your meals first and then develop a shopping list from the meal plan.  Categorizing the list will help keep you on track and prevent you from wandering down aisles you don't need to shop.  We keep our list in order of fresh items first, like meat and produce.  Then baked goods and dairy products.  These items you will use first or they will go bad.  Then we add a category for staples; things we always need to ...

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In a previous article we shared tips on how to prepare for safe RVing in the winter cold.  If you're a "Snowbird" that's getting ready to fly to a warmer climate for the winter, here are some important tips for securing your home while you're away. Create a Checklist The checklist will come in handy when you return home to help you remember all the things that will need to be reversed.   Have a Contact Person Ask a friend, neighbor, or relative to be the contact person fo...

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We’ve always lived by the rule that it’s always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  That usually works fairly well for most situations, but when it comes to looking to park your RV for free overnight it might be better to ask for permission first.   Then you can sleep soundly with worrying about someone bothering you in the middle of the night asking you to leave or getting issued a trespassing ticket. Here are a few free RV parking possibilities: H...

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If you're a fishing nut who will go fishing even when it's freezing cold outside, here are some important tips for being safe and staying warm. Cold weather boaters need protection from hypothermia, both on deck and in the event of falling overboard. Cold water shortens in-water survival time, making a quick rescue essential. Fortunately, you have options whether you hunt, fish, or cruise on cold water. Choose the right gear to increase your chances of surviving a cold-weather mishap. ...

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T’was just before Christmas not a snowflake in sight And no amount of praying will make it be white No chimney for Santa in Rigs or RV’s Baubles and lights hang from Palm Trees Santa is wearing a t-shirt and shorts No playing hockey, its pool time for sports Once again it’s that time of year When thoughts of family will cause us to tear We really don`t mind all of this sun Or spending our days just having fun Most of the time we are good with this life It’s ver...

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Here's an honest to goodness real letter sent to Dear Abby.  How would your answer compare to hers? Dear Abby:  I recently bought a small travel trailer that I use for weekend fishing trips.  My dog, Goldie, accompanies me on these short trips and sleeps with me on the only bed in the trailer.   My wife, Shirley, is now expecting to go on some of my fishing trips with Goldie and me.  The problem is, Goldie is used to sleeping with me, and I believe she should h...

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WD-40 is truly MAGIC STUFF Once you read this article about WD-40, you’ll want to keep a can handy. Before you read to the end , do you know what the main ingredient of WD-40 is?  You’ll be surprised!  Who knew; I had a neighbor who bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset ...

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Hot Dog Cooker  Easy Project to Do with the Kids!  No flames are needed for kids to cook hot dogs this summer once they've created this fun and easy aluminum foil Hot Dog Roaster. What you'll need: ·   1 cylindrical oatmeal container with lid ·   Sharp scissors ·   Aluminum foil ·   Hole puncher ·   Long wooden skewer (for shish-ka-bobs) ·   Plastic wrap, optional How to make...

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July is prime time for spending time in the sun at the lake in your Bayliner bowrider, at a beach with your travel trailer or in the mountains enjoying your RV lifestyle.  Are you being overexposed?  Did you know that any type of a suntan, whether dark or minimal, is a sign of skin damage?  Here in New Mexico where the atmosphere is thin you really need extra protection from the sun!  Thank goodness for sunscreen! Not only does it protect you against a sunburn, but it als...

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Many people love to bring their pets with them when they travel. In fact, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, 57 percent of recreational vehicle (RV) owners in 2007 brought their pets along on road trips. If you want your RV trip to include your pet, planning ahead will make the trip easier and more enjoyable for all. Take your pet to the veterinarian first. Tell your vet about the trip you are planning and ask if your pet needs any vaccinations or other medication...

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Last month our Good Times Trek featured Palo Duro Canyon State Park located near Amarillo, Texas.  This week news was released that Palo Duro Canyon State Park is getting a new group recreation facility, the first of its kind in a Texas State Park. The new stone-clad facility will be 5,200 square feet with meeting and dining hall space, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen perfect for wedding receptions and family reunions. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the $1 million donation by ...

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Make a Marshmallow Shooter for the Kids! If you're wanting a fun project to do with your kids, try making a marshmallow shooter.  It will prove to be an enjoyable experience for you and them, and will provide hours of fun at home or at the campground. Marshmallow shooters are safe for all ages.  This would make a unique gift idea, but if it's for your own children take some time and build it with them; and let them help! When built correctly, these shooters are actually quite a...

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A very important item that should be in every RV and boat is a first aid kit.  This is especially true if you are boondocking.  Any outdoor activity such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, water skiing, camp fire building and other outdoor activities carry a risk of injury.   The first thing you should include in any kit is personal medication - that is any medication that has been prescribed for you that you need on a daily basis. The rest of your kit should consist of...

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Geocaching Treasure Hunting with GPS   Geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. RVers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a GPS unit, RV geocachers venture out onto the highway and byways to find the hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For RVers,...

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10 Tips for Campground Etiquette   RVing is supposed to be fun. And some simple campground etiquette helps to keep it that way for everyone. If you are starting out or need a refresher, here are 10 tips on minding your camping manners to make your stay enjoyable.    1.  Follow the rules:     Individual parks usually hand you a copy of their rules when you register. Adhering to these rules is one of the basics of campground etiquette. It makes thing...

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One of the secrets of good eating on an RV adventure is simplicity. The other - advance preparation.   Before You Go Plan your menus.  It may seem like too much effort but it will be time and cost saving in the end!  It's something you can do during commercial breaks while watching TV.  Get out a calendar and figure out a meal plan for each day you'll be away from home. Photocopy your calendar or daily planner and mark up the photocopy with the meals you have in mind, taki...

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