In 1996, Joe Cahn sold his business, the New Orleans School of Cooking, and embarked upon a journey that can only be called “one of the best jobs in history” as the self-proclaimed Commissioner of Tailgating. The Commish bought a motorhome and set out to explore “the new American community” -- tailgate parties.

In the 16 seasons he has been "professionally tailgating," Cahn estimates he has visited more than 800 venues and clocked more than 800,000 miles.

WATCH CNN's video with the Commissioner of Tailgating.

FOLLOW The Commish all season long by keeping track of his schedule.

It just goes to show you that there are many ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle.  Get out there, buy a new or used RV, and enjoy all of the benefits that RVing has to offer.

I just came across an article about an RV that brings tailgaters and wounded Veterans together. The RV is called the “Purpose Driven Rehab” - it's a chance for fans and wounded Veterans to enjoy a different type of tailgating experience. Wounded Veterans travel with the RV, and get paid to help set up and break down the RV. During the games they welcome tailgaters to come in the RV and play video games.

So if you are out there tailgating and see the "Purpose Driven Rehab", be sure to stop by and enjoy a game and great conversation with some Veterans!

To view entire newsarticle and video click here.

Are you planning on traveling by an RV to watch your favorite teams this season?

Many sports fans travel to watch games even if they can’t get tickets - they just want to be close to the action. Traveling by RV is the easiest, most convenient way to join in the fun of college or NFL games. RVs offer plenty of space and access to everything that you need. Don’t have an RV? Consider renting one or purchasing a Used RV for Sale.

Here are a few tips for planning the perfect RV tailgating party:

• Plan ahead. Contact the stadium to see if you need to reserve a specific space. This is also a good time to review the rules and requirements of that stadium.  Don’t forget, many college towns welcome sports fan with designated RV parking and some even allow overnight stays – be sure to ask.
  
  
• Know what to serve. Search out great tailgate recipes online. FoodNetwork site offers 100 fumble proof tailgate recipes.
  
   
• Have your accessories. Be sure to have enough chairs and tables for all your friends! Also, since it is football season, there’s nothing that would be more awesome to add to your RV than an outdoor entertainment center or a stainless steel grill. If you don’t have these options on your RV right now, contact your local RV dealer and see about adding it to your outside storage department.
  
  
• Clean up. Pick up your trash and make sure that your area is clean before you leave.

Great sites to help you plan your next tailgating party:

• NFL Schedule
• College Football Schedule
• TailgateWiki.com is up and running and shares lots of helpful information on “away game” stadiums and tailgating venues.

 

The RV lifestyle can push physical fitness so far down the honey-do list that after a few months on the road you might be asking your RV partner in crime "honey do these pants still fit me"?

Who can blame the full-time RVer? Driving to a new town on Wednesday, setting up camp in a national park on Friday and then driving to a completely different state the following week. Who has time to consistently raise their metabolic rate and maintain RV fitness when there's so much to see and do at every destination?

Set a goal, get a regimen: Here's a simple way to win the battle of the bulge on the road. Think about a physical activity you want to accomplish that's outside your comfort zone. Walking at a brisk pace for thirty minutes. Riding your bike for an hour. Completing a 10k run. Whatever the goal, set it and then create a calendar of "workout days" designed to keep you on track to meet your new fitness "carrot". Setting an objective and creating a calendar will keep you motivated by taking training one step at a time instead of getting overwhelmed by trying to do it all at once. And with a calendar to keep you focused, moving from location to location won't disrupt your routine.

Turn the RV park into a personal gym: With a fitness goal in mind, the next step is actual exercise. With a little creativity, you'll find there are plenty of ways to raise your heart rate and burn extra calories without a health club membership. Besides, you're already in the world's first gym – the great outdoors.

Strike a Pose: Yoga may just be the ultimate RV health toning and mental wellness workout.  Check out a few of the poses here, and don't be intimidated if you haven't stretched in a few years. Start our slow and gain confidence along with flexibility. Practice for a few weeks inside, and then when you hit an amazing spot with a view of the Grand Tetons or the Sawtooth Mountains, work your poses outside in the morning light. Your chakras will thank you.

Exercise DVDs: Floor space can be tight but most RVs have a DVD player and just the right amount of room in front of the TV to allow indoor exercise. Send your significant other off to the local Railroad Museum or hand him the weekly grocery list, (the amended version), toss in your DVD, and get in an hour of calorie-burning fun. One caveat – if you don't want the RV to smell like the boy's locker room after gym class, remember to open a few windows and turn on that Fantastic Fan. Here are twelve videos to get you on your way. If you have a Wii, you can also turn your RV living room into an exercise studio for a quick and effective workout.

Don't let your bike gather dust: Taking bikes on and off the rack as you travel burns calories but taking a ride is way more fun. Lube your chain, grab your helment and find a local Rails to Trails bike path. Many towns also have a local riding club. Visit their website for maps of local routes, or join the group on a local outing. You'll make some new friends and burn about 290 calories per hour on a casual bike ride.

Walk for your supper It's easy to jump in the toad and drive into town for a night on the town, but if the mileage isn't bad, why not walk and take in the fresh air while seeing the local sights on your own two feet? One mile of walking burns about 124 calories, so a mile or two each way and you've earned that dessert. You'll help build aerobic fitness, strengthen bones and burn more calories after a night walking the town.

Join a Habitat for Humanity crew: Nothing burns the calories like carrying 2x4's, sawing studs or hammering nails. Check online and find out if their a local Habitat house being built, and sign on for a few days of work. You'll discover muscles you never knew you had and help out a local family as well – a fitness two-fer!

Go old school: Jump rope. Try some calisthenics; lunges, crunches, and squats along with the tried and true sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups. Find a medicine ball at a local garage sale and discover how quickly you can strengthen your core. Or check out the Kettlebell, a traditional Russian exercise weight that is both portable and effective at cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Or just do a few reps a day with small dumbbells and tone up while you're waiting for the sky to clear.

Exercise where the locals do: Odds are high that you can find a local samba or spin class, or a gym that will let you drop in on an exercise class or two for a small fee.  Likewise, check out local dance studios that may offer high energy dance classes. You'll burn a few calories and be ready for the rumba, cha-cha or samba when the opportunity presents itself.

Take a row or a swim: Many RV parks around the country are close to lakes complete with kayaks or rowboats to rent. Get out there a few days a week for a good row and enjoy the solitude of a lake. Swimming is one of the best exercises and on a lake, it's also free. Get a full-body workout for nothing by doing a few laps up and down the beach or jump in the pool at your RV park.

Turn the Toy Hauler into a mobile gym: This may be for the more hard core fitness RVer out there, but the big open space at the rear of a Toy Hauler can hold a few key exercise machines, some free weights, even a heavy bag to punch out the stresses of the road. Leave the quad at home and lighten up.

Listen to your best friend: Many full time rvers have their dog with them.  Take a walk with your dog and you'll get fresh air, burn a few pounds and meet fellow dog lovers. Best of all, it becomes a daily ritual that you don't have to make a note to remember - your dog will take care of that.

I just read an article about someone who took off down the road with their rv grill still on fire and it started a huge fire. You can read all about it here.

What in the world really? I can't imagine that happening to me, but yet it made me think about making sure I do take that one last walk around the camper this 4th of July camping trip to be sure all is neat, tidy, and not on fire!

Until next time ... Happy camping!

The increasing array of RV parking review sites makes it easier for people to share information about the campgrounds where they've stayed for their rv vacation. The best reviews give the reader a sense of what it's like to stay an RV park before they even get there. By reviewing RV campgrounds, you can help your fellow Rvers know which parks to avoid, inform them of the hidden gems out there and tell them things you wished you knew before visiting a particular campground. You can also give them information that may make or break their decision to stay at a certain park, like pet policy and the strength of the WiFi. Since RV parks have so many different amenities and features, it can be hard to condense your experience into a review. Here's some things to consider when writing an RV Park review.

1. General feel of site - Is the site big or small? Well-kept or run-down? SilverSnail's review of Crown Point RV Park gives us a great overall sense of the park: "Nicely situated on the Old Columbia River Highway, and tucked away from the roadside by large trees and a tall wooden fence, this small campground is a secret treasure. I had spent a day looking for campgrounds in the Portland area that were comfortable and affordable enough to stay for a month, and most of the places around Portland were unappealing - mostly commercial places catering to the big rigs with little nature or privacy. I almost passed this place up, thinking it was TOO rinky-dink, but it was cozy and rustic in the way that I like it, and convenient to the Columbia River Gorge and Portland."

2. Support your opinion - It's great to know if an RV park is good or bad, but it's just as important (if not more important) to know why. The best reviews are really specific about why an RV park is being rated a certain way, like in the review of Craters of the Moon National Landmark Campground by joannb: "The only reason this is a 4 star campground is that it doesn't have showers. It is a self-serve campground; you pick out a site then go back, fill out an envelope, put the top half into the board showing which campgrounds are taken and the other half with your money in a slot. Real simple. This otherworldly landscape may not be for everyone, but it fascinated us. Most sites are very ample, set among the lava with a black cinder base."

3. Noise Level - Is it a quiet park? Is there a lot of noise coming from a nearby interstate? From rowdy campers? Does the park have quiet hours? The review LiveWorkDream.com wrote about Lindenwood Park Campground does a great job of addressing freeway noise: "Yes, there is freeway noise, but if you ask for the LOWER campground along the river, it's not so bad."

4. Staff - Are they approachable? Helpful? Did they go the extra mile? For example, Don C. tells us why the staff at Oregon Dunes KOA Kampground & RV Resort made his stay a great one: "The staff bent over backward to make our stay a great one. This started with a call to let me know that a spot had opened up and I could get in. We were traveling without reservations."

5. WiFi - RVers need to be able to connect with their loved ones and employers from the road. Just mentioning if the park has working WiFi on site or nearby is a big help for your fellow RVers, but the extra details in LiveWorkDream.com's review of Johnsons Corner Retreat make this one of the best Wifi/Internet assessments I've seen so far: "Tree shade here WILL block your satellite connectivity. They did just hire a smart networking guy who installed a brand new Wi-Fi system which works GREAT. So skip the dish and go right for the Wi-Fi, which is free."

6. Cell phone coverage - Are you able to get any bars out in the mountains? What cell phone provider are you using? Here's a good example from Technomadia's review of Meriwether Lewis National Park: "Cell & Data Coverage: AT&T – Weak, but usable. Sprint - Very slow but still usable CDMA 1xRTT. (D: 115Kb/s, U: 56Kb/s, 669ms) (Sprint indicates roaming – probably on Verizon)"

7. Are the sites level? Here is a good example from Wheeling It's review of South Sandusky Campground. Not only do they discuss the levelness of their site, but they also cover the levelness of every site at the campground: "The one thing that got us were the sites. There were really so hit and miss in terms of how level they were. Our own site had a huge drop and we weren't able to level. Some had moderate drops whereas a selection were completely flat."

8. Cable/TV - Does the park have cable? Is it free or do they charge? What channels do you get? Is it available in all parts of the RV park? Here's an example from RVingToadless' review of Garden of the Gods Campground: "As for the cable, currently it is installed in rows B and C. The cable is limited, just some networks, Travel, CNN, Discovery, Weather, and some 'who cares' channels."

9. Trees - Are there any? How big are they? How long are the branches? Here's an example from joannb's review of Twin Falls/Jerome KOA: "The park is well shaded by mature trees."

10. Size of sites - Do you have a lot of room or hardly any at all? From Technomadia's review of Pecan Grove RV Park, we learn that sometimes you have to trade space around your site for a hip, urban setting: "Don't expect much in terms of space around you (unlike their monthly spots, which many feature nice yards) - you're here for the location and atmosphere!"

11. Size of sites - Do you have a lot of room or hardly any at all? From Technomadia's review of Pecan Grove RV Park, we learn that sometimes you have to trade space around your site for a hip, urban setting: "Don't expect much in terms of space around you (unlike their monthly spots, which many feature nice yards) - you're here for the location and atmosphere!"

12. Stores - Everyone has to eat. Does the RV Park have a store where you can stock up on supplies? Are there any stores nearby? This example from CarHouse's review of Ocala Camp Resort kills two birds with one stone by discussing both the RV park store and a store in the area: "All convenience store items have been removed due to the cheapness and proximity of a local grocery store."

13. Restrooms - Are they clean? For example, acoording to TxYellowRose, the bathrooms over at Town and Country RV Park and Storage should be avoided if at all possible: "Although there are restroom facilities, they are in desperate need of remodel/update, so much so that you will want to be totally self-contained if you stay here. When the water table (dry spell with no rain) falls low, the water starts to look rusty/brown."

14. Showers - Do you have privacy? Do you have to pay extra to use them? Here's a good example from Car House's review of Zion River Resort: "The showers are private and very nice but cost some coins to operate. One would think at $45 a night they would include a shower ..."

15. Restaurants - Whether folks aren't big on cooking or just want to spend a night on the town, it's good to know what restaurants are at the park or in the area. For example, RVingToadless recommends the restaurant over at Ekstrom's Stage Station: "I must recommend the adjoining restaurant. Excellent, world class food for a small restaurant. Dessert included in the meal price."

16. Pet Friendliness - Did the owners/staff treat your pets well? Were you charged extra for bringing pets? Did the campground have a pet park?

17. Is the RV Park website accurate? Were some park features over-stated? Understated? Not mentioned at all? Please let us know. I hope this list helps give you ideas about what to cover in your park review. For all you RVParking.com reviewers out there, what do you think makes a good review? What do you take into consideration when reviewing an RV Park? Did I leave anything out?

Nicole Willson is the Community Specialist for RVParking.com. She can be contacted by emailing nicole@rvparking.com.

Home is where the heart is. As long as you are comfortable in your surroundings and you are with people whose company you enjoy, then you are home. You can be in the confines of your RV in a camping site and have a blast.

Why do people use an RV anyway? Here are some good reasons: camping trips, extended vacations, following your favorite band on the road – the list goes on and on. No wonder more and more families are trying the RV lifestyle

It’s all up to you. It’s a life on the road. If you want to try it, then read on. We’ll provide you with tips on how to make the RV lifestyle suitable to your liking.

1. Prepare

Gather information such as the parks where you can stay, as well as the camping sites that allow RVs. When you figure these out, you can map them on to your itinerary. Or if you are a spontaneous person and prefer to go wherever the RV wheels take you, you still need to ensure your finances are in order – especially for emergencies. You can never tell what might happen. For example, what happens if your RV breaks down on the road? Can you afford to fix it? It’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Have a Goal

What do you want to accomplish with your RV? Do you want to be more in tune with nature? Is this a way for you and your family to bond? Do you want a break from the city? Your answers to these questions will help you come up with your list of things to do and see.

3. Details

Why are you going to RV? How often will you use it? If you’re going camping, will you stay in one place for a long time or do you expect to move a lot? Amount of use might determine whether you want a new or used RV. Some people, who know they are going to put a lot of miles on it, will opt for a used RV in order to both save money upfront and not worry about the loss of value due to constant use.

There are no right and wrong answers to these questions/decisions. As mentioned in the earlier paragraph, it’s all up to you. Whatever you do with your RV is completely at your discretion.

But if there is something that we should tell you it is this – getting to your destination is only half the fun!

 

Maeyahn writes for NDParks.com, the site that reviews camp grounds and all sorts of camping equipment, from camping cots to folding camping chairs. You can read her latest post on camping with kids.

We have written before about technology for RVer's in a post about Internet phone service.  Now comes another development in technology when you go RVing with a Trailer Life iPhone application.  The iPhone application comes loaded with information, including a complementary issue of the latest Trailer Life Magazine.  After the initial issue, the application allows you to read future issues on the application from wherever you may be on your RV vacation, search Trailer Life articles, review the latest RVs, review tow vehicles, research the best travel destinations, and keep up with the latest industry news.  Buy Trailer Life iPhone application for $1.99 from the iTunes app store.  So, now whether you enjoy traveling in a new or used RV, you can also enjoy all of the latest from Trailer Life magazine.  

Thousands of RV’s cross into Mexico each year and there are many RV owners that love to travel to Mexico for RV Vacations.  And why not?  With Mexico RV Vacation prices as much as 60% less than in the United States and the warm year round weather, a Mexican RV Vacation can be wonderful.  Not to mention that people are starting to receive cheap medical and dental care just across the border.

However, with all of the benefits of buying an RV and heading south of the border to Mexico, the question remains, is it safe?  There are many indications lately that RVing in Mexico isn’t as safe as it once was.  What originally got me thinking about this topic is an episode of 48 Hours Mystery that I saw a couple of months ago.  In this video, a family in their RV is within visual distance of their home in San Diego when they are pulled over by “police”, surrounded by a gang of people, put through a night of turmoil, robbed of their possessions, and almost assassinated:



Watch CBS News Videos Online

After seeing that, I wondered, “Is Mexico a safe place to go RVing?”  So, I researched the topic a little more thoroughly and found that the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Mexico.  Originally issued in 2009 and then updated in 2010, the U.S. Embassy travel alert encourages U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to certain parts of Meixco and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.  Another report issued by the Consulate General of the United States issued a warning about gun battles and kidnappings in Reynosa, Mexico.  Lastly, I found another news story from just last week speaking of a Canadian couple that was attacked by apparent fake police while vacationing in Mexico.

With all of these reports and warnings out there, why are people still RVing in Mexico? Even with all of the warnings out last year, many college students still spent spring break in Mexico.  Even with all of the warnings, many United States citizens drive their motorhomes across the border every week to pursue medical care.  Even with all of the alerts, some family friends recently kept their scheduled RV Vacation to a Mexican resort. 

So, is the risk of RVing in Mexico overstated?  Some people seem to think so.  In this article, Dennis Jacobs says that Mexican travel can be as safe or as dangerous as you like.  Basically, he says that if you take the standard safety precautions for safe travel to pretty much any destination, you will more than likely be fine.  Jacobs suggests doing your research, practicing self-restraint while in Mexico, understanding laws & social norms, and staying in groups. 

Another proponent of Mexican travel from the Full Time RV Blog, says “In fact it is statistically much safer than the USA and actually even Canada. Right now the USA is on the list of some of the most dangerous countries in the world to travel in.”

What do you think?  Are you staying out of Mexico and RVing elsewhere?  Is Mexico just as dangerous as you make it?  Is the United States just as dangerous or more dangerous for RV Travelers?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

 

This week, 94 years of history were overturned when a law went into effect allowing guns in National Parks.  Advocates of the new law say that it is long overdue because guns have been allowed in often adjoining National Forest and other Federal lands for many years.  Those against the new law argue that guns don't belong in US National Parks because it still remains illegal to kill any animals and most rangers still do not carry weapons.  Guns, they argue, will just increase the chance of deadly accidents and intensify any confrontations between park visitors (or between park visitors and wildlife).  

So, what do you think?  Is your next RV Vacation camping packing list going to include bug spray, food, and your rifle?  Or, do you prefer that guns stay out of National Parks?