One of the greatest experiences when going on an RV trip is to enjoy the majestic scenery and natural wonders of nature across the country. To keep the environment looking so great, RVers know how important it is to go green. From the moment you purchase your RV from your PleasureLand RV Center, you can take the steps to make every RV adventure environmentally-friendly by adopting a green lifestyle.
Switch to LED lights. If you still use incandescent lighting in your RV, it is time to switch over to LED lighting. LED lights use up less electricity as you will drain your battery and generator less.
Install solar panels. Solar energy can allow you to cut back using your generator. If you have the extra money, invest it in solar panels as you’ll have enough energy to operate all of your electronics.
Eat on reusable dinnerware: Cut back on the amount of plastic plates, cups and utensils go into landfills by switching over to reusable dinnerware. China and glass dinnerware can be packed safely in the RV by placing small dishtowels between each item when stacking them together. If you must go with disposable dinnerware, choose paper items over plastic.
Dispose of trash responsibly. Perhaps the easiest way for a camper to adopt green habits is to keep the environment clean. Pick up after yourself and dispose of trash in the proper receptacles at the RV resort. If you are on a primitive camping trip, take the trash with you until you find the best place to dispose of it properly. And remember to recycle your paper, plastic, metal and glass items!
Shop at local produce stands and farmer’s markets. Nothing beats the taste of biting into a fresh piece of fruit or vegetable at a roadside produce stand. This is definitely the green way to go as you can eat healthy, support local farmers, and cut back on buying pre-packaged food that requires you to throw away packaging. You’ll have numerous opportunities to shop at these stands as you’ll also see savings in your wallet at the cheap prices.
Travel with only what you need. It is true that you should pack all the essentials so you are prepared for anything. Yet also keep in mind that the more you pack, the heavier your RV will be as you will burn up more fuel getting to your destination. Travel as light as possible without forgetting the important items. Just remember that not everything is important.
Go green when you are traveling in your RV by adopting environmentally-friendly habits. By taking this advice, you’ll be able to enjoy nature more.
One of the great things about having an RV is that you can go just about anywhere. Your father does a lot for your, so for father’s day, why not plan a trip that will make him feel like the most special man in the world. There are some great events going on in Minnesota for Father’s Day, and you could take him to one of those.
Father’s Day 5K
This annual race brings fathers and their children together on Sunday June 17. The race is held at Lake Phalen, and is a celebration of healthy active generations. The race begins at 8:30, and is followed by a 1/4 mile run for kids. Race participates must pre-register, but you can also come the day of the race and be a spectator.
Father’s Day Paddle and Picnic
You and your dad can visit Oseca Landing and spend the day paddling kayaks. Start the day with breakfast at Oseca Landing, and then head into the water for some fun paddling through the rapids. After Kayaking, you and dad can spend some quality time together at the BBQ.This annual event is sponsored by Wahoo Adventures, and is sure to be a blast.
Father’s Day Lunch and Outdoor Activities
This a fun event for the whole family. Everyone, especially dad will love this picnic at the log cabin lodge at Baker Near Wilderness Settlement. Enjoy brats and burgers at this annual picnic while you experience the beauty and splendor of nature. There are also naturalist led activities including rock climbing, archery, and more.
No matter what you decide to do with dad for father’s day, it is sure to be fun filled day full of laughter, fun, and nature. You can create memories that you and your father will come to cherish for years to come. And if you have children of your own, they can join in the fun and excitement as well. No one needs to be left out on this day that celebrates our fathers.
The 2014 Class C Motorhome Thor Siesta has arrived. This motor home features all the amenities that you and your family need to have a comfortable life in your home on the road.
With a full bathroom, kitchen and plenty of sleeping room your and your family won’t feel cramped or crowded in you home away from home. A full bathroom complete with shower, toilet and sink, means that everyone can do there daily bathing in private. No more gross, disgusting camp bathrooms. No more washing your hair over the sink. No quick bathing at the lake or stream.
The full kitchen, which includes a solid tops stove, microwave, sink and cabinet space means you and your family can enjoy high quality home cooked meals in your own kitchen. You don’t have to waste money on roadside diners or have quick unhealthy meals at fast food joints. The quality of your meals and your time will improve on your vacation when your family has the opportunity to sit down to a healthy, home cooked meal. And with out all the distractions of work, school, and extra curricular activities, you will have the opportunity to really enjoy it.
Theres plenty of seating and sleeping space for everyone. There is a queen size bed in the back, which is comfortable and relaxing for those long trips away from home. There is even an extra loft space for extra guests. The couch in the living room area, provides comfortable seating during the day, and can double as extra sleeping space at night.
There’s plenty of other amenities in this state of the art RV as well, including an LCD tv in the bedroom for all your entertainment needs. There’s also an attic fan to keep you cool and comfortable on those hot, sweaty summer days.
If you are looking for a new RV for your next road trip, the 2014 Class C Motorhome Thor Siesta from Pleasureland RV is just the one for you.
Hey Minnesota RVers, have you seen the signs at filling station near the gas pumps that tell you not to use your cell phone while pumping gas? Recently I received an e-mail from a friend stating the dangers of cell phone use while filling up.
Safety Alert! There are several reasons why cell phones aren’t allowed in operating areas, propylene oxide handling and storage areas, or propane, gas and diesel refueling areas. For one, they can ignite fuel or fumes. Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition. Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc. In fact, mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around several other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust including solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc. The following is an e-mail I received stating the rules of being safe at the pump and some interesting facts about a study done regarding incidents where fires resulted in not following proper refueling etiquette.
To sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:
Turn off engine.
Don’t smoke.
Don’t use your cell phone – leave it inside the
vehicle or turn it off.
Don’t re-enter your vehicle during fueling .
Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of ‘static electricity’ at gas pumps. His company researched 150 cases of these fires.
His results were very surprising.
Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.
Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
Don’t ever use cell phones when pumping gas.
It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.
There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.
Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.
Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.
Glamping – or glamorous camping – is the latest in RV trends as it offers a new perspective for the luxury camper while offering upscale conveniences. Glamping takes traditional camping to a whole new level while putting a little bit of glamour to the alternative of ‘roughing it.’ Glamping is perfect for those camp goers that desire more well-appointed accommodations, including luxury cabins, tree houses, and much more. Oh, and did I mention there are campgrounds that even offer the ladies manicures and facials?
The following is a list of locations in Minnesota that offer the camp goer an all-star glamping experience:
Arrowwood Resort – This luxury resort offers a wide variety of activities including a luxury evening cruise on Lake Darling.
Caribou Highlands Lodge – Get pampered by a certified massage therapist at The Superior Waters Spa and Wellness Center.
Madden’s on Gull Lake – This resort has three sand beaches stretching over a mile on the beautiful Gull Lake.
Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge – Tucked into the trees on this outdoor wonderland is the Fine Line Salon & Spa where you can enjoy a facial, massage or a body wrap.
Trapper’s Landing Lodge – Stay in these luxury units that face the shoreline of Leech Lake and take advantage of their outdoor pools and sauna.
Next time you are trying to convince those affluent travelers to hitch a ride on your RV you might want to show them how Glamping can surpass any five-star hotel experience. Know of any other Glamping type activities or have you yourself ever gone Glamping? Tell about your experience, we’d love to hear about it!
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) estimated that nearly two-thirds of adult Americans experience a sleeping problems several nights during the week, and 43 percent say they are so tired that it interferes with there daily activities. For RVers, this can be especially problematic considering we spend a lot of time driving down the road.
The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration estimates that fatigued drivers contribute to roughly 100,000 highway crashes and cause 1,500 deaths per year. It’s been said that people who have been awake for longer than 17 hours perform worse than someone with a .05 BAC! Hard to believe, isn’t it? Similar to alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs your judgment.
Though most people turn to caffeine when they are tired, this will only temporarily work. If you are sleep deprived and drink coffee, you could even experience brief four or five minute naps called “micro-sleeps”. In those short five seconds, your RV can travel more than 100 yards at only 55 miles an hour.
The next time your about to head out on the road, please make sure you get a full night of rest before. If you ever feel drowsy, there’s no shame in pulling over at taking a brief nap.
The NSF also recommends the following:
Learn to recognize and pay attention to the warning signs of fatigue. Take a break if you experience wandering or disconnected thoughts, yawn repeatedly, have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open, or find yourself missing traffic signs or tailgating other drivers.
Don’t count on tricks like turning up the radio or opening the window for fresh air to keep you awake—these things will help for only a short while.
If you’re planning on driving a long distance, drive during the time of the day when you are normally awake.
Also, if possible, have someone accompany you and talk with that person while driving. It’s a good idea for your passenger to stay awake, too, so that he or she can let you know if you are showing signs of sleepiness.
On longer trips, schedule a break (in a safe area) every two hours or every 100 miles and stop sooner if you show any signs of sleepiness.
Have you started to notice while driving your RV at night that your headlights aren’t shining as brightly as they used to? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your headlights have a yellowy film on them. Often times, RV owners think that the problem is on the inside of the lens and will end up spending hundreds on replacements. However, this discoloration mostly occurs because the outside cover on your lamps has become oxidized and simply needs to be cleaned up.
While there are many different products you can spend a good amount of money on to fix this problem, I have found a solution that is quite effective and hardly costs me anything – and they call it toothpaste. Sounds a little strange, but believe it or not your toothpaste can be quite versatile.
Step 1 – Get your run of the mill, white toothpaste. Notice the word paste and not the gel kind.
Step 2 – Apply the toothpaste to the plastic cover with a dry cloth. and rub in a circular motion until you start to notice the grime wipe away.
Step 3 – Rinse with water, and wipe away any residual paste with a wet cloth.
And there you have it. Clean, clear covers and better visibility at night! If you’re still having visibility issues or the headlights still appear dirty, feel free to give us a call or swing by. We’ll be glad to help you figure out if it’s indeed time for a new set of headlights.
This has been a hard summer on the states with record-breaking temperatures and fire outbreaks. Thousands of acres and hundreds of homes have been lost in the lower states due to these fires, so I thought it’d be fitting to talk about the importance of fire safety in our RVs.
Photo courtesy BransonMo.gov
Did you know that fires are one of top contributing factors to RV loss in the US? RVFireExtinguisher.com said that more 20,000 RV fires are reported every year in the U.S., and about 80 percent of them were in gas-powered motorhomes. So what is the best way to prevent a fire in your RV Minnesota? RVFireExtinguisher.com suggests the following:
To prevent, identify and put out fires there are several things you should have in place. As well as having a working fire alarm and carbon monoxide and LPG gas detectors you should also have working fire extinguishers. In fact, it is against the law in the USA not to have a fire extinguisher in your RV. The National Fire Protection Agency makes it compulsory to have a 5 pound BC fire extinguisher near every exit of the RV. Most fires in RV’s are type A fires meaning that they start from common combustibles such as paper and wood, so it is recommended that you keep a type A fire extinguisher in your RV as well as the BC which is for electrical and gas fires. It is also best to have five fire extinguishers in your RV – one in the driver’s cab, one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom, one in your towed vehicle and also one in storage as a backup.
Having a fire extinguisher(s) in your RV won’t help anything, though, unless everyone on board knows how to use one. If you can only remember one thing when it comes to using an extinguisher, remember to P.A.S.S. Pull, Aim, Squeeze and sweep! Here’s a helpful video that will show you exactly how to do this. If you need any help making your RV fire-safe, or just need a new RV, you can always give us a call or drop in.
Search
About Me
Hi, my name is Dan Pearson and I am the Owner of PleasureLand RV Centers based out of St. Cloud, MN. We have three other Minnesota locations to serve all of you RV needs. I look forward to providing you with all your RV information from buying an RV to tips and maintenance. If you would like to contact me, be sure to leave a comment.
One of the greatest experiences when going on an RV trip is to enjoy the majestic scenery and natural wonders of nature across the country. To keep the environment looking so great, RVers know how important it is to go green. From the moment you purchase your RV from your PleasureLand RV Center, you can take the steps to make every RV adventure environmentally-friendly by adopting a green lifestyle.
