Pack All The Must-Haves For Your Summer Trip

Come to PleasureLand RV Center and pick up your recreational vehicle to get ready for the summer Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 9.59.58 AM vacation. While you are packing along all the necessities, don’t forget about the following must-have items that you should have for any emergency.

Keep Hydrated: Fresh water is essential to have on any trip you take during the summer whether it is a weekend trip or you will be having fun for several weeks at a time. Bring along plenty of fresh water to drink after strenuous activities so you are properly hydrated.

Bring The Right Clothing: Having the right type of clothing can protect you from whatever type of weather you will face at your destination. Wear loose-fitting, light clothes to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Bring along a sweater if you are camping at mountain heights where the nights may be cooler, and stow away a rain jacket for those wet days. Don’t forget to bring enough footwear with you. You should have at least a pair of hiking boots when walking the trails, sneakers to wear around camp, and old shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy.

Summer Activities: If you are camping at a destination that isn’t close to a resort or recreational park, you will have to come up with fun games that the family can play. Frisbees and soccer balls can get bodies active outside. Make sure to have plenty of flashlights to play flashlight tag at night or make shadow puppets against the side of your motorhome. Have board games, playing cards and portable video games handy on rainy days when you have to stay in the RV or tents until the weather gets better.

Emergency Kits: One of the first things you should pack is a first-aid kit filled with all the necessities. Remember to pack the bandages, scissors, tape, gauze, antiseptic spray, bug spray and sunscreen lotion as well as other essentials to help in an emergency. In addition to the first-aid kit, also pack a travel kit in case something happens to your RV while on the road. Your road kit should have emergency numbers for roadside assistance, blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, roadside flares, motor oil, antifreeze, tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches, car jack, rags and other items to help if your vehicle break downs on the side of the road.

By packing all the things you need on your summer trip, you will be prepared for whatever lies in store for you. Have a fun adventure and make sure there are batteries in the camera so you can take tons of photos of your great trip.

PleasureLand’s Unbeatable Parts and Service Department

Photo from PleasureLand's Facebook Page

You may have considered shopping at PleasureLand RV Center for a new or used RV, but if you haven’t considered our service department, you may not be aware of everything PleasureLand has to offer. Our goal is to be your one-stop RV shop, so you can cover all of your RV needs quickly and easily in one place. And with one of the top RV service facilities in the entire country, you know your RV repairs will be done right the first time, every time.

Our Service Center

PleasureLand RV Center staffs the most experienced service professionals to handle everything from the most minor RV annoyances to major maintenance and repairs. We offer 32 service bays, complete electrical repairs and appliance servicing, top-quality body shop repair and a slew of other services performed by our expert service technicians. When you have a problem with your RV, our service department is here to make the repair process easy, stress-free and affordable, so you can get back on the road with confidence.

Our Parts Department

If you haven’t been shopping for your RV parts and accessories at PleasureLand, you’ve been shopping in the wrong place. Our Camper’s General Stores in Ramsey and St. Cloud are the largest RV parts and accessory stores in the region, which means we have the part you need, exactly when you need it. Although, we don’t just sell the serious RV parts you need, our parts stores are packed with camping supplies and accessories to make every RV experience the best one yet. Even better, our online parts store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can start shopping immediately.

Our Parts and Service Hours

We’re here to handle all of your RV service needs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our service department is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Our Camper’s General Stores in Ramsey and St. Cloud are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

If you have any questions about the services we provide, or would like to make an appointment, call 1-800-862-8603 or log onto our website and send us an email.

2014 Palomino Back Pack

If you are in the market for an RV, but prefer something smaller – and something that you don’t have to tow, consider a truck camper. We have several floor plans at Pleasureland RV Center. This camper rides in the bed of your truck, leaving the tow spot open for a motorcycle trailer or an enclosed trailer. The Palomino Back Pack features two slides so you have more room than you would in the older style truck campers.

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This particular model sleeps four, but with the optional overhead bunk that fits over the dinette, it can sleep up to six people. The queen bunk is over the cab and is separated by a privacy curtain. The main bedroom also features a closet, two chests, two nightstands and a place for a television.

The main body of the camper features a fully galley, a dinette and a full bathroom. The galley features a 60/40 double sink, microwave, three-burner stove, oven and refrigerator. It also features an overhead cabinet and a pantry. The 40-inch by 69-inch dinette folds down into a bed and is spacious enough to seat four and sleep two smaller people.

The kitchen and dinette slide out so that you have more room in which to move while you are cooking inside. The bathroom features a PVC toilet, sink and shower. The shower is hooked into the sink. A shower curtain separates the sink area from the shower area. The vanity features a sealed door to keep things dry.

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The rear of the camper features a wide bumper step for easy access. Another step in the interior gets you into the main part of the camper, while another step lifts you into the main bedroom. The camper also features stabilizer jacks so that it helps keep the camper from bouncing around on the truck while you are parked.

Stop by Pleasureland RV Center to tour the Palomino Back Pack or any of the other truck camper models on the lot. Ask your sales person about financing, specials and additional options that may be available.

Unusual Attractions

RV Dealership Minnesota

Since PleasureLand RV Center is the RV dealership Minnesota relies on for everything RV related, we thought we would really go out on the edge. We thought we would look for those unusual, weird, wild, and wacky places Minnesota has to offer that can make for some interesting trips. Are you ready to explore the odd side of our state? Here we go!

The Jolly Green Giant – Since 1979, the Jolly Green Giant has stood watch over Blue Earth, Minnesota. The town used to be home of a Green Giant vegetable canning plant, and originally the 55 foot statue was designed to lure travelers into town from I-90. Sadly, no land owner near the freeway offered property for the giant statue, and he was placed a mile away near the fairgrounds in Blue Earth. Perhaps even sadder is the canning plant is no longer operated by Green Giant. You can climb up close to his size 78 shoes to this day though and get a picture.

World’s Largest Prairie Chicken – Rothsay, Minnesota, is home to this “booming” chicken. Booming means he is puffing out the big orange sacks on each side of his neck. At thirteen feet tall and 9,000 lbs. this guy would make for a great barbecue. As he stands he mostly serves as a great place for gag photos.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine – What would you get if you rolled twine for 4 hours a day for 29 nears? Yep, a BIG ball of twine. In fact, the World’s Largest. Actually it has been clarified as the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man.” Folks in Kansas have one bigger, but they allow visitors to add to it daily. The folks in Darwin, Minnesota, are pleased with their record holder.

Paul Bunyan and The Blue Ox – Perhaps Minnesota’s most famous oddity, the lumberjack and his ox friend stand in Bemidji, Minnesota. Paul stands at 18 feet and is estimated to weigh in at 2.5 tons. He’s been standing there proudly for a while, since 1937. His blue buddy joined him in 1939.

PleasureLand RV is all about having fun in the great outdoors and hope you enjoy these oddities right in our own backyard!

Minnesota State Fair

Minnesota State Fair

Photographer: Deb Nystrom

PleasureLand RV is the place to be for any and all things related to recreational vehicle travel. Our RV dealership provides an extensive inventory of new and used travel trailers, truck campers, RVs, pop-ups, utility and cargo trailers, and more. As the premier RV dealership in Minnesota, you’ll find what you need to make your way to upcoming events like the Minnesota State Fair.

Time and Location

The fair is scheduled to begin August 22 and runs through Labor Day, September 2. The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are located at 1265 North Snelling Avenue N in St. Paul. Gates open at 6am with exhibit buildings, Midway, Kidway, food concessions, barns, Ag-Hort building, and other areas opening between 8am and 10am.

Attractions

The Midway and Kidway are star attractions as each provides thrilling rides and entertainment. Adventure Park keeps guests busy with bungy jumping or testing your stamina on the Sling Shot. Take the Skyride across the grounds or go upward 40 feet on the SkyGlider for spectacular views of the fair.

Kids will get a kick out of the Go Carts, Giant Slide, Carousel, and ice skating. For exotic fun, there’s Monty’s Traveling Reptile Show and Bob’s Snake Zoo, and, for those wanting something a little tamer, the Butterfly House is a nice respite for relaxing. The Luminarium is a visual treat where visitors are swathed in colorful light coming through stained glass windows three stories high.

Entertainment

There’s something going on everyday with free events, music, comedy shows, and more at designated areas that include the stages at Heritage Square, North Woods, Bazaar, Bandshell, Baldwin Park, and Ramberg Center.

Save some time to see the daily parade beginning at 2pm and plan time on your itinerary for the multi-breed horse shows that are included in the fair admission price. See English riding beginning August 21 and Western riding beginning August 30. For rodeo action, the High School Rodeo takes place August 28 through August 30.

Camping

The Minnesota State Fair Campground is available by reservation only. Contact the office at (651) 642-2379 to reserve your site.

Stop by PleasureLand RV today and let our experienced staff show you around to get a firsthand look at what we have in stock, from new RVs to used. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re sure to have something in stock that meets your needs.

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Mount Rushmore!

As the RV dealership Minnesota and the region has come to depend on, we love sharing ideas about RV road trips. If you have overlooked taking a trip to Mt. Rushmore, you are missing out on more than just a national memorial. You are missing some of visually stunning and most historic places in our country.

About Mt. Rushmore

Everyone knows that Mt. Rushmore is home to the bigger than life carvings, recognizing four American Presidents. The four are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It was dedicated in 1927 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What you may not know is that it was actually conceived to promote tourism in that part of the country. That it has. Each year over 2.5 million people visit the site. Construction was started in 1927 and continued through 1941 when World World II and the lack of funding stopped the process. It was originally designed to show the presidents to the waist, but today, the memorial remains as just the heads of the four leaders. Part of the site’s popularity is bolstered by the many other reasons there are to make the trek to the Black Hills. Let’s take a look at what else is within proximity of Mt. Rushmore.

The Corn Palace

If you are going to South Dakota and looking for the unusual, make a stop at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Every year the corn palace is completely decorated with 12 different colors of field corn. The decorating takes place from June through September, and the palace contains and educational center inside and offers tours.

The Badlands

There are parts of the Badlands that will take your breath away. Natural rock formations provide an up close and personal view of the power of Mother Nature. Roaming bighorn sheep, bison, antelope and other wildlife provide added visual entertainment.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Six years after the work on Mt. Rushmore ceased, work began on the Crazy Horse Memorial. The work of one man, Korczak Ziolkowski, from then until his death in 1982, is continued by his family to this day. When completed, it will be an impressive 640 feet high and also just as long. It is a site worth visiting and a story worth learning.

Deadwood

More than just an HBO series, Deadwood is a city whose entirety is a national historic landmark. Relive the wild west with a visit to this South Dakota town.

Much more than just Mt. Rushmore…

Driving through the Black Hills can be a challenge when towing a travel trailer or in a large motorhome, but if you plan well, it will be a trip you and your family will remember forever. The scenic roadways are spectacular and the Black Hills offer caves and a National Forest for exploration. Mt. Rushmore is also just about two hours away from Devils Tower, a natural wonder in Northeast Wyoming. Devils Tower gained notoriety from the film “Close Encounters”. Sand Creek on the Wyoming border has some great trout fishing and plenty of camping.

Those RVing will find National Parks, State Parks and a variety of private grounds to accommodate you along the way. It is called Big Sky Country for a reason and you can see it for yourself with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding area.

Looking for RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota? It is a great way to discover the RV lifestyle and PleasureLand RV Center can help. Contact us today! 120px-Mt_Rushmore

Stay Green While In Your RV

Screen Shot 2013-07-01 at 10.47.20 AM 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.

Itasca State Park

Screen Shot 2013-04-19 at 11.23.16 AM Summer heat is upon us and what better way to cool off than by visiting PleasureLand and taking a look at the new and used inventory. With an RV, travel trailer or pop up camper, traveling to one of Minnesota’s outstanding areas like Itasca State Park is a breeze. With your recreational vehicle packed, enjoy nature, over 100 lakes and all the park’s amenities in complete comfort.

Itasca State Park

Itasca has the distinction of being the oldest state park in Minnesota. The 32,000 acre park was created in 1891 and continues to be a popular location for camping, hiking, fishing and interesting historical areas. Visit the Mississippi Headwaters Center, Itasca Indian Cemetery and Wegmann’s Cabin or explore the Wilderness Sanctuary, a designated National Natural Landmark.

Events

The park has scheduled events throughout the summer including fishing, hiking, wildlife education and boat building for kids, the Animal Sounds Evening Stroll, Old Timers Cabin Tour, Music Under the Pines and the 7th Annual North Country Hiking Fest, just to name a few. There’s something of interest for everyone of all ages at Itasca State Park.

Hiking

If hiking is your favorite past time, Itasca will keep your feet busy. With 49 miles of hiking trails through beautiful flora and fauna, your eyes will have a continual feast of nature at its best whether you walk or bring a bike in your toy hauler to explore the 6 miles of off-road paved trail. For a leisurely stroll, the self-guided 3.25 miles of trail include the Landmark, Blowdown and Forestry Demonstration Trail along with the Doctor Roberts and Headwaters Trails ending at the Old Timer’s Cabin. The park also has a scenic wheelchair accessible boardwalk with stunning views of delicate orchids during the spring and summer months.

If you’re already planning ahead for a winter romp in the snow, pack up your RV for snowshoe excursions on several designated trails and roads, snowmobiling along 31 miles of trails circling the park or tackling 28 miles of easy to difficult trails for classic, skate or cross country skiing.

Camping

Itasca has two campgrounds; one with 223 drive-in sites, the other with 160 electric sites. RV sites allow 60-feet from the front of the RV to the rear of any towed vehicle. While camping, picnicking by the lake or a picnic shelter, swimming, volleyball and a children’s playground are easily accessible.

Don’t wait another minute to get your RV vacation plans fine-tuned, just like your RV. If you’re looking to purchase your first RV or travel trailer or need your current recreational vehicle serviced for your next adventure, PleasureLand can handle all of your needs from start to finish.

First Aid Kit Checklist

Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 9.59.58 AM When it comes to safe RV excursions, whether locally or for extended trips, PleasureLand’s inventory of well maintained recreational vehicles along with a selection of quality new vehicles make PleasureLand RV Center the “go-to” place for safety and comfort. While it’s important your transportation is serviced and capable of making a trip, it’s equally important to protect your family with their own first aid checklist.

Kit Preparation

You know the needs of your family, so start with vital items for those with mild allergies to insect stings or for those who have issues with pollen from flowering plants, trees and flowers. For anyone who has extreme allergic reactions to stings from bees, wasps or any other biting insect, check with your doctor before leaving so you’ll have enough medicine and needles for the duration of your vacation in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a new prescription to take along in case you need to refit the kit.

Basic Items

Band-aids are at the top of the list for blisters on heels and toes after a day of hiking or when someone cuts a finger or gets a splinter that needs removing. Bring along an assortment of band-aids in different sizes to fit most any minor situation. Waterproof band-aids are also a good idea for travelers planning water activities.

Add these items to your “must have” list:

  • Gauze pads and bandages
  • Gauze rolls
  • Adhesive tape
  • Elastic bandages for sprains
  • Clips to hold elastic bandages
  • Alcohol prep pads to clean the area
  • Cotton balls
  • Bottle of alcohol
  • Thermometer
  • Gloves and hand sanitizer
  • Tweezers to remove tiny splinters
  • Scissors
  • Splints

Along with band-aids and basic items, you’ll also need several useful medications along with a guide on how to administer first aid especially if you haven’t taken a first aid course.

  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Cold and hot packs
  • Eye wash
  • Calamine lotion
  • Poison oak and poison ivy cream
  • Iodine
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Anti diarrheal medication

Pets

Don’t forget to bring an ample supply of your pet’s prescribed medications along with the veterinarian’s name and contact information.

FYI

Keep your personal prescribed medications in a separate, water-proof bag along with over-the-counter medications so everything is in one convenient location. Also, put your doctor’s name, address and emergency contact information in this bag for each person on the trip. Make sure you refill your meds before leaving so you have more than enough in case you encounter any travel bumps along the way.

Make PleasureLand your first stop after putting together your first aid kit and schedule a tune up or service check then ride the highways knowing your family and your RV are a-okay for whatever adventures lie ahead.

Sand Creek Adventures

RV Service Minneapolis Minnesota Photo from SandCreekAdventures.com

We are pleased to finally be into full throttle mode at PleasureLand RV Center. We are the RV dealership Minnesota looks to for everything RV related. Today, we are going to tell you about a pulse pounding adventure that can bond your family or group. Today we are going to take a closer look at Sand Creek Adventures.

Sand Creek Adventures bills themselves as “The Twin Cities ultimate low ropes, high ropes and zip tour challenge course” and that is one long way to say fun! What is nice about Sand Creek Adventures is you can choose your own level of intensity. You should be in moderately healthy condition, be at least 8 years of age, and must weigh less than 275 pounds to participate in the activities at Sand Creek Adventures.

So what should you expect on your trip to Sand Creek? First, you should dress like you would if you were going to go for a walk in the woods. Comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes are best. You may also wish to pack some insect repellant, sunscreen and some snacks and bottled water. Alcohol is prohibited at Sand Creek Adventures, and you can understand why.

Once there, you will be fitted with a waist harness and helmet. A certified instructor will give you a short safety talk and answer your questions. Then it will be time for your day of adrenaline rushing fun.

The Low Ropes Connection is great for learning how to work as a team as you complete maneuvers that require each member to work in unison.

The High Ropes Challenge Course will test your determination and confidence. It starts with a cargo net entrance and ends with a zipline exit and in-between it is filled with a variety of maneuvers that will challenge you.

The Sand Creek Zipline Adventure is a real crowd pleaser. The zip travels over 1700 feet in total length, traversing Sand Creek bluffs, and reaching 100 feet above the water. It offers an exhilarating, breathtaking adventure that you and your family won’t soon forget.

If you believe part of the fun of having a recreational vehicle is seeing and doing new things, consider a trip to Sand Creek Adventures. You should be aware that all of their adventures are by appointment only, so call ahead. Their number is (952) 492-5333.

PleasureLand RV Center is a family owned RV dealership that Minneapolis has come to depend on for everything involving the RV lifestyle. You’ll find our selection and service superior, and you’ll find our people a pleasure to deal with. We look forward to seeing you!