Easy Ways to Garden on the Road

Gardening on the road.

You don’t have to give up all of your favorite parts of owning a brick-and-mortar home to live life on the road. RVs are now more spacious and luxurious than ever, but they still don’t offer the amount of outdoor space you need to maintain your summer garden. However, what many travelers don’t know is that you can garden on the go. The following are a number of methods you can use to bring your gardening hobby on the road with you.

Start a Container Garden

Container gardening is a popular trend among homeowners and RV enthusiasts alike. This method of gardening allows you to keep pests and weeds at bay while enjoying a garden that can be taken anywhere. Simply move your container garden outdoors when you’re at the RV park and store it safely in your RV when you’re on the road.

Consider an Herb Garden

Herbs are easy plants to grow on the road, and they work extremely well in container gardens. Oregano, rosemary, basil and mint are herbs that are easy to grow in varying light conditions, so consider placing a small herb garden in one of your RV windows, and you’ll enjoy the fresh-picked flavor of herbs year round.

Purchase RV Window Boxes

So many RV enthusiasts love to garden that a number of inventions have been made to help people garden on the go. There are a number of RV window boxes and planters that fit on RV bumpers available. You can also create these easy-to-build planters yourself. Strawberries, peppers, tomatoes and an abundance of flowers have been known to grow well in planters.

Upgrade Your RV at PleasureLand

Searching for an RV that will make you feel more at home on the road? Stop in and see us at PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota to start living your dream RV lifestyle today.

National Nutrition Month: How to Eat Nutritiously on the Road

Eating healthy while traveling is always a challenge, and all of those billboards displaying juicy cheeseburgers and salty French fries aren’t helping. However, you don’t have to slip into the habit of dining at fast food restaurants gas stations along your travels. These simple and effective tips are all you need to start eating healthier on the road.

Don’t Wait Until You’re on the Road

Much of eating healthy on the road has to do with planning. Pack healthy foods inside your RV’s kitchen, so you’re not forced to stop at unhealthy restaurants when you get hungry. Keep healthy snacks like fresh fruit, vegetables, energy bars (made with nuts, dried fruit and seeds), nuts and beef jerky on hand, so you turn to them instead of Burger King or McDonald’s when hunger strikes.

Plan Your Stops

One of the most enjoyable parts of RV travel is testing out new restaurants along your journey. You can eat healthy while continuing to eat out by researching the restaurants at your stops. Use location apps like AroundME to help you choose local eateries that offer healthier fare than the big chains that dot America’s highways.

Eat More Often

Eating small amounts of food every 2 to 3 hours, such as a piece of fruit or a handful of trail mix, will help steer you away from bad decisions. If your stomach remains satisfied, you won’t find yourself reaching for gas station chili dogs.

Drink Plenty of Water

Always keep a water bottle in your cup holder and drink roughly 8 ounces every hour. Thirst is often disguised as hunger, and you could end up packing in the calories, when all you really need is a glass of water.

Upgrade Your RV

Traveling in an RV with a full kitchen can help you avoid dining at unhealthy restaurants every night of the week. Our PleasureLand RV Center lots are always loaded with top-quality new and used RVs that can change your travel lifestyle for the better.

The Best Spring Break Destinations Around the Country

When you get that much-needed break from school and work every spring, you want to spend it wisely. Fortunately, there are tons of unbelievable spring break destinations right here in the United States that you can visit in the comfort of your RV. So forget about pricey plane tickets and hotel stays, and visit some of these awesome destinations right here in the U.S.

grand canyon spring break

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Escape the freezing temperatures of Minnesota and see our country’s 15th oldest national park. Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit spring break destination for any RV enthusiasts, and with easy access to cities like Flagstaff and Williams, you can also enjoy other activities like adventure tours, golfing, nightlife and luxurious accommodations. If you don’t want to camp at the Grand Canyon, opt for the Flagstaff KOA or the J and H RV Park to be closer to the action of Flagstaff.

Key Largo, Florida

The RV lifestyle is celebrated in the Florida Keys, where relaxing and having fun is the goal of every day. See breathtaking landscapes, venture out on paddleboards, go fishing, take scuba lessons, or just relax in a hammock at your campsite in gorgeous Key Largo. Stay at the Key Largo Kampground and Marina and enjoy easy access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as all of the tropical outdoor activities the Keys have to offer.

Galveston, Texas

If you’re looking for a beach destination this spring, but don’t want to travel all the way to Florida, you can escape the winter weather on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Stay at the Jamaica Beach RV Park — Galveston’s newest RV park — and spend your days swimming in the ocean, lounging by the pool, or exploring the beach town’s countless attractions.

Start Your Spring Break at PleasureLand

Make this spring break the best one ever by shopping for a new or used RV from PleasureLand RV Centerbefore you go. Our qualified staff members can help you find the upgraded RV of your dreams for a price you won’t believe. Stop in and see us or log online to view our extensive selection of affordable and luxurious RVs for sale.

Must-Have RV Tools for Maintenance and More

items you need for maintenance

When you’re traveling in your RV on the open road, you’re subject to plenty of freedom and independence. That independence means that you need to be able to handle problems yourself, if they arise. It’s part of the territory. To that end, there are certain tools that are pretty much required for RV travel. You may never need them, but you could be really sorry one day if you don’t have them aboard.

Tire Gauge

This one’s going to get used frequently. A tire gauge allows you to monitor the air pressure of your tires and to keep them at optimal levels as you travel. Properly inflated tires are more resilient, last longer, and will provide you with better fuel economy, which an RVer can appreciate.

Axe

A quality axe provides a multitude of useful functions around any RV site or campground. From cutting up wood for a fire to clearing debris, an axe is never dead weight. Consider packing it or a hatchet when you go out hiking. If you get lost somehow, it’s among the most useful items you can have.

Multi-bit Screwdriver

Instead of owning a dozen screwdrivers, invest instead in a multi-bit version. The various heads all magnetically snap into the handle and give you all the utility of a drawer full of lesser screwdrivers. No matter what kind of screw you encounter, a multi-bit has got you covered.

Channel Lock Pliers

Channel lock pliers will serve as your go-to tool for all things plumbing-related. From tightening a water hose to turning on a spigot that’s missing a handle, they’ll serve you well any time you need to really tighten something or need a makeshift handle.

Needle Nose Pliers

The pliers to use when something requires a bit more finesse. Needle nose pliers can fit into tight spaces and give you fine control over something too small for your hands to properly manipulate.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

If you’re interested in starting the RV lifestyle, come see us at PleasureLand RV Center. Our wide inventory of RVs and motorhomes is sure to have just the right model for your needs. If you have any questions on driving an RV, we’d be glad to help!

It’s Time to Get Your RV Ready for Spring Travel!

The spring RV season is fast approaching and it’s time to start cleaning and inspecting your RV inside and out if you’ve had it in storage. These simple RV preparation tips will help ensure that your RV is road-ready inside and out.

Start with an Inspection

The first step to take after pulling your RV out of storage is to inspect it inside and out. Pull the tarp or cover off of your RV and check the roof for any wear and tear that could have occurred over the winter months. Check the sides and undersides as well to make sure no critters have created holes to take shelter in your home on wheels. Lastly, inspect the interior of your RV for any damage.

It’s Time to Clean

Even if your RV went into storage after a good cleaning, you’ll want to clean away the winter grime once again. Thoroughly wash the exterior of your with an RV washing solution and soft rags or sponges that won’t scratch the exterior surface. Clean the interior of your thoroughly as well, taking out any items that you won’t need on your summer travels (heavy winter coats, sleds, and other winter supplies).

Check Your Appliances and Safety Gear

There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at the campground to find that your stove is no longer operating properly. Check your water heater, LP tanks, appliances, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and the fire extinguisher to make sure they’re all in proper working order. It pays to get your RV road-ready even if you’re not preparing for a trip, because you never know when an opportunity for adventure will strike.

Let PleasureLand RV Center Take a Look

There’s no better way to enjoy complete peace of mind on the road than to bring your RV to a PleasureLand RV Center before you go. Our certified RV technicians will take all of the necessary steps to ensure your RV is ready for all of your spring and summer adventures.

Get Crafty this Valentine’s Day

Instead of buying a gift, why not get crafty with your Valentine’s Day? These DIY projects will add that special touch that’s so important when giving a gift to someone you love.

Bake a Heart-Shaped Cake

Buy your favorite cake mix or make your favorite recipe from scratch – once in a square pan and another time in a rounded pan. After both cakes have been baked, cut the round cake in half and turn the square one onto a corner, then place the round halves onto the diamond so it makes a heart shape. Decorate with frosting and toppings as you see fit!

Personalize Some Stones

This one is just for a fun little knick-knack. Get some smooth, rounded stones and use paint, glitter, and other applications to give them all personalized Valentine decorations. You can even write special messages on them.

Get Creative with the Wrapping

If you’re going to wrap your DIY gift, or even if you just bought something at the store, you can also make the wrapping special. One way to do this is to take a sheet of sturdy paper that you’ll use to wrap your gift. Cut out a small heart shape and use it as a stencil to trace hearts on this wrapping paper. After you’ve traced the desired number of hearts, cut along half of each heart shape and then fold back each one so that you’ve got half of the heart acting as a door of sorts. Behind each of these cutouts (on the side of the wrapping paper that will not be visible), tape or glue red glitter paper. Your wrapping paper will now have a distinct, uniquely DIY look to it!

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a new motorhome or travel trailer. If you really want to make a big deal out of this Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with your DIY gift within the comfort of your other gift: an affordable new RV from PleasureLand RV Center! Come out and see our inventory today.

Which RV is the Best Fit for You?

Determining which type of RV will suit your needs best can seem impossible. With so many RVs on the market, ranging from pop-up campers to high-end Class A motorhomes, choosing from such a large number of models can be daunting. These simple tips will help you discover which type of RV is perfect for you, so you can narrow down your options and start living your dream RV lifestyle.

Determine Your RV Use

The first step to choosing an RV is to determine which type of traveling you’d like to do. Are you seeking an RV for weekend family getaways or an RV that will replace your brick-and-mortar home? Do you want to move from one destination to another or stay put for months at a time? Typically, smaller, more budget-friendly RVs can be suitable for recreational weekend campers, while those who want to spend more time on the road should seek RVs with more durability and amenities.

Motorhomes are more ideal for travelers who like to stop in multiple places. Because they don’t take a lot of time to set up and prepare for departure (unlike fifth wheels and travel trailers), it’s easy to hop from one destination to another.

Consider Your Tow Vehicle

Many first-time RV enthusiasts forget that they may need to upgrade their tow vehicle to a more powerful model to tow a large travel trailer or fifth wheel. This can add a considerable amount of cost to upgrading your RV lifestyle and should always be considered. However, these more spacious RVs also offer more amenities, such as full bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, more seating space and quality sleeping areas.

Let Us Help

Here at PleasureLand RV Center, we’re experts on helping you find an RV that’s ideal for your travel needs. We’ll work within your budget to help you start the RV lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about for years.

The Top 3 Snowbird Locations for 2018

As snowstorms blast the Midwest, many RV travelers are trading frigid temperatures for cozy winters, palm trees and sugar sand beaches. These three snowbird destinations, ranging from the mild winters of Arizona to the summer-like temperatures of the Florida Keys, are some of the best places to make the most of this year’s coldest months.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is popular with snowbirds who like to stay active in the winter months. RV parks are affordable, the city’s surrounding scenery is breathtaking and the area is littered with hiking trails, golf courses, museums, gardens, shops, world-class restaurants and so much more. Phoenix’s abundant sunshine and mild winter temperatures create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor exploration.

Key Largo, Florida

When you’re seeking a tropical winter destination without the outrageous travel expenses, Key Largo is the place to plant yourself. It’s the northernmost of Florida’s keys, which means you spend less time on the road, but still enjoy the area’s crystal clear waters, world-class diving and snorkeling, scenic mangrove trails and so much more. Key Largo is also home to several campgrounds, including the Key Largo Kampground and Marina, which welcomes RV campers for the full winter season.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a historic city that offers a little bit of something for everyone. World-renowned restaurants and countless shops dot the city’s happening downtown streets, and some of South Carolina’s best beaches sit just minutes away. The area is littered with famous golf courses, waterways and historic areas to explore. A variety of RV parks and campgrounds close to the city center and beaches make the southern city of Charleston a must-visit snowbird destination.

Stock Up on Snowbird Supplies at PleasureLand RV Center

Don’t forget to stop by one of the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota before you hit the road for your snowbird getaway. We’re fully stocked with all of the latest RV models, camping supplies and parts to help you make the most of your winter.

Go Fat Biking in Minnesota

Fat biking isn’t a winter sport that’s as well known as, say, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, or ice climbing, but that’s not really fair. Fat biking allows you to ride a bike anywhere you want over the winter landscape, even over snow. Instead of being restricted to icy trails and slushy roads, you can ride your bike like you would in summer and go wherever you please due to the oversized tires.

Like most winter sports, fat biking is a great activity to enjoy in Minnesota during the winter thanks to Minnesota’s plentiful snowfall and outdoor beauty. Plus, thanks to a recent project in Minnesota, there are more trails than ever to fat bike on throughout Minnesota state parks. These trails are groomed specifically for the large, low pressure tires that a fat bike uses.

Fat bikes are easy to stow in your RV and offer unprecedented control for those wishing to explore a winter landscape.

Some of the more popular trails include Douglas State Trail between Rochester and Pine Island, which is 13 miles long. There’s also the Richard J. Dorer State Forest near Winona that has about 7.5 miles of fat bike trails. Farther north in Minnesota, you can find Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area near Ironton with 20 miles of trails. Split Rock Lighthoust State Park near Two Harbors has 8.7 miles of trails. Finally, you can check out Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, which has 5.4 miles of trails.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a motorhome or travel trailer and find an RV that’s right for you and your family. Stay out longer on your fat biking adventures by traveling in an RV. With the warmth of an RV to return to at the end of the day, you can stay out as long as you want and not have to worry about a trek back home.

Go Snowmobiling This Winter in Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the country’s top winter destinations if you’re more into embracing the snow than escaping it. From skiing and sledding to snowshoeing and ice climbing, Minnesota’s got it all. And if you’ve got a snowmobile, you’re in luck: Minnesota caters to you every winter as well.

All told, there are about 22,000 miles of maintained, groomed, and marked snowmobile trails that are spread throughout Minnesota and her wilderness spaces. While riding your snowmobile, you’ll enjoy seeing Minnesota’s rolling terrain, hundreds of lakes, and sprawling forests.

Brainerd Lakes

The Brainerd area is popular in the summer for its lakes and those same lakes make it a great winter destination as well. There’s an intricate web of snowmobile trails that spread out between the frozen lakes, such as Pelican Lake, Gull Lake, Crosslake, and more. The area is interspersed with villages and towns that are more than happy to have snowmobilers stop in for a bite to eat and to rest. If you don’t own your own snowmobile, you can also rent one from a number of local businesses.

Voyageurs National Park

The park and the land surrounding it are more than welcoming to snowmobilers. There’s that great mix of established trails and a support network from local communities that make riding in the region a joy. As you move through the park and the surrounding wilderness, you’ll not only enjoy the natural beauty and solitude, but you’ll also encounter small towns that offer shopping, dining, and more. The best part is that the area has few roads that you’ll encounter between stops, so it feels like one continuous journey.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a motorhome or travel trailer and find an RV that’s right for you and your family. Stay out longer on your snowmobiling adventures by traveling in an RV. With the warmth of an RV to return to at the end of the day, you can stay out as long as you want and not have to worry about a trek back home.