June 30th, 2014 -
Part of planning for a road trip is making sure your RV is in good working order and packing clothing, groceries and other necessities to take along with you. You should also have a list for non-necessities – things to keep you busy while on the road if you are not driving – and things to do if the weather keeps you stuck inside for a day or two.
On the list of things to do before you leave, include a visit to Pleasure Land RV to have your RV serviced if you haven’t done it yet. On the list of non-necessities, you should have a couple of good books to bring with you while you are on the road. You can either buy a paper version of the books, or if they are available in digital format, download them to your Kindle or Nook. Consider all types of books from romance to historical accounts to travel books.
Kilingiri, by Janna Gray, combines mystery, drama and romance into one novel. It also touches on religion and redemption, loss and gain, and exotic locations.
Sleeping People Lie, by Jae De Wylde is about a young woman from Stamford, England who meets a writer from Boston, Massachusetts and their fixation with each other. But fate deals some nasty blows sometimes – and they face disaster.
Riptide, by Amber Lea Easton, is about an anchorwoman that becomes a lead story – instead of reporting the lead story. The anchorwoman tries to evade the spotlight by staying at her brother’s house in the Cayman Islands.
The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, is a good read if you haven’t already read this mystery. Paris, the Louvre, murder and a trail of clues left in Da Vinci’s works will keep you spellbound as the miles tick away – as long as you are not the one driving!
Of course, these are just a few suggestions. Don’t forget to grab some reading material before you hit the road!
Making lists so you won’t forget what you need and want on your trip makes getting ready – especially if you are taking a long road trip – less stressful and allows you to enjoy the trip more since you won’t have to worry about learning about something you forgot right when you need it. Stop by Pleasure Land RV to pick up any accessories or to have your RV serviced if needed.
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Image by Ben Babcock via Flickr Creative Commons
June 27th, 2014 -
When you take a long road trip, you may want to look at the scenery, especially if you’ve never been through the area. However, the kids will definitely be bored! It is good to have some activities planned to keep them occupied – or at least have something for them to do.
If you are traveling in a motorized coach, it’s a bit easier to keep the kids occupied – they can play games at the dinette or they can take a nap on the bunks. If you are hauling a travel trailer or fifth wheel, it’s not going to be that easy. Before you go, make sure you have something that will keep the kids occupied – that is as important as stopping at Pleasure Land RV before you leave so you can have the RV checked and so you can pick up accessories you may need.
- Play road games such as the alphabet game, the license plate game, yellow car or even a story-telling game where a person says a sentence, then another person has to add to it. You can also include I Spy and variations of any of these games to keep them interesting.
- Bring hand-held gaming modules such as the Nintendo 3DS or PlayStation Portable.
- If you have games on your tablet or phone, you can also keep the kids occupied with that if the games don’t require WiFi.
- Catch up on your reading. Kids can also catch up on reading. If they brought homework with them, they can also study.
- Be sure to pack a lunch – or stop someplace to eat. If the kids are getting grouchy, taking a break from driving – even if it’s eating a sandwich in the car – might calm them down. And, with a carbohydrate high, they just might crash for a couple hours!
Keeping everyone happy while on a trip is the key to sanity. Kids tend to get bored easily with one thing – be sure to bring several things for them to do or be prepared to play games with them.
As always, stop by Pleasure Land RV before you head out on your road trip to make sure the RV is working properly, to have the engine and transmission checked on a motorized coach, and to pick up any accessories you may need.
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Image by AnneCN via Flickr Creative Commons
June 19th, 2014 -
When you’re in an RV, sometimes you just can’t bake a full pan of brownies, you can’t bake a large pie or space is too confined to make any elaborate dishes for dinner. These recipes created for RV camping will come in handy in a pinch – and they are quick to make and easy to clean up.
When you walk through some of the floor plans at Pleasure Land RV, you’ll find that some don’t come with an oven, some have an oven but it’s smaller than the oven in your house, or some come with a convection/microwave oven. You can make these recipes in the microwave or on the grill.
Brownies in a Cup
- Coffee mug
- ¼ c. sugar
- ¼ c. flour
- 2 tbsp. cocoa
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 tbsp. water
- Ice cream (optional)
Add the dry ingredients to the cup and mix them well. Add the oil and water. Mix until the mixture is smooth.Microwave it for 1 minute and 40 seconds. Remove it – be careful, it will be hot. Add the ice cream.
Beer Butt Chicken – Boondock Style
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned and rinsed
- 1 can of your favorite beer
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Redfish blackening spice
- Poultry seasoning
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Prepare the chicken by sprinkling it liberally with the spices. Drink about a third of the beer. Add a teaspoon of each spice to the beer. Using a brush or folded paper towel, “paint” the chicken with barbecue sauce (optional).
Stick the beer can in the chicken’s “butt.” The can and the legs form a tripod so that the chicken will stand up.
Enclosed Grills: Turn on one or two burners on one end. If you have a four-burner grill, use two burners. If you have a three-burner grill, you can use two if they are far enough apart so that the chicken isn’t close to the flame. Watch the temperature – adjust the flame to keep the temperature between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stand the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Depending on the size of the chicken, this could take up to 3 to 4 hours.
Open/Charcoal Grills: You can still cook this on an open grill. However, you have to be able to keep adding charcoal. Lifting the chicken and the grill is a good way to lose your dinner to the ground. Make sure you can stabilize the chicken when you move the grill. Cooking Beer Butt Chicken this way will take a bit longer – closer to four to five hours, depending on the size of the chicken. Be sure to cook it until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut the chicken off the bones and serve on a platter. Discard the bones and the beer. Serve with your favorite potato or pasta salad.
Stop by Pleasure Land RV for any accessories you might need for grilling or baking, including a grill, mugs, storage helpers and more.
June 13th, 2014 -
Whether you’re planning your first long RV trip or you’ve been on several, you’ll appreciate some of these tips to save space or to make living in a smaller space easier. You can even decorate your RV without storing things that take up a ton of space.
Summer Décor
You don’t have to get super fancy and bring statues and fountains with you – wind spinners, windsocks and string lights do a fine job of decorating your RV awning and camp spot. Keep them in a small covered tub in the basement storage so they don’t get damaged and so that they are easy to get to. You can choose from many styles of wind spinners and windsocks. You can also find small figurines that stick in the ground to decorate the outside of your RV.
Organization
Choose any of these accessories, available at Pleasureland RV, to maximize the space in your RV and to make preparing meals easier. Camco Mfg. makes a coffee filter dispenser that mounts under the counter. You simply push the button to open the lid and remove one filter from the stack. This frees up valuable cabinet space in the galley.
Trash is always a problem, especially if you’re in an area with lots of wildlife – particularly raccoons. A collapsible trash can keeps your trash in one place and away from pesky animals – and it saves a ton of space. The can uses a heavy duty spring to support the shape and has tough carrying handles. The trash can uses 33-gallon leaf and lawn bags so you’ll have plenty of room for trash. The trash can collapses to 1½ inches so it doesn’t take a ton of valuable space.
Another issue is grease storage – if you put the grease in the trash can, it could leak out of the bottom of the bag if the bag has a hole, thus causing a complete mess. The smell also attracts unwanted visitors. The kitchen grease storage system puts an end to this, and allows you to dispose of grease without putting it into the black or gray water tanks. Simply pour the cooking grease into foil-lined bags and close the top. The top locks in odors so you don’t have to use it and immediately throw it away – wait until it’s full, then dispose of it in the trash receptacle.
Visit Pleasureland RV before your next trip to pick up any accessories you may need for your next trip.
June 10th, 2014 -
If you’re in the market for a travel trailer with a bunkhouse and you need something that is suitable for full-time living, tour the 2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail destination trailer. This RV is large enough for a family to live in without getting in the way of each other.
PleasureLand RV Center has a Dutchmen Aspen Trail ready and waiting for you to haul to your next destination. This RV features tons of residential appointments and high-quality finishes.
The galley features a residential microwave oven with a carousel, a three-burner range and oven with auto ignition, a 6.3 cubic-foot double door refrigerator that runs on gas or electric, a large double sink with a high rise faucet and a range hood with a light and exhaust fan.
Cabinets have full access and radius corners and the doors and drawer fronts are made of distressed maple hardwood.
The living area features residential furniture, radius corner overhead cabinets in the slide out, 12-volt dinette lights, mini blinds and designer window treatments, swivel chairs, a fold-down sofa, an 83-inch U-shaped dinette and wall switches for the overhead lights.
The bedroom features television hookups, under-bed storage, a designer bedding package including a bedspread, reading lights, and, in the bunk room, a privacy curtain for the bunks. The main bedroom features a queen bed and the bunkhouse features four bunks.
The bathroom features a shower/exhaust fan, an ABS tub and shower surround, a glass shower door, towel hooks, a porcelain foot flush toilet, 110-volt GFI outlet and a designer mirror.
Appliances include a six-gallon DSI water heater that runs on gas or electric, a water heater bypass, a 34,000 BTU furnace, a 13,500 BTU ducted air conditioning unit, a 12-volt water pump, a 55-amp electronic converter, monitor panel, a digital television antenna with a booster and the RV is wired for cable when you stop at places with cable hookup or if you want to purchase an RV satellite dish from one of the satellite television providers.
The RV also features smoke, LP leak and carbon monoxide detectors.
Stop by Pleasure Land RV Center today to walk through the 2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail destination trailer or any other models on the lot.
June 5th, 2014 -
If you are taking your vacation during the summer and have the time to drive, load up your RV and take a trip to Sevierville, Tennessee. The trip takes about 16 hours if you go through Chicago. If you want to skirt Chicago, it takes about 17 ½ hours. On the way down, take your time and visit some destinations on your way.
Before you leave, stop by PleasureLand RV to have your RV service or checked since this is quite a long drive. Also be sure to pick up any accessories you may need for your trip.
Once you get to Sevierville, you have numerous places to camp, including places in Pigeon Forge. Places include River Plantation RV Resort, Riverside RV Park and Resort, Up the Creek RV Camp and Riveredge RV Park. Since Sevierville and the surrounding area is a popular destination, it is advisable to make reservations before you leave.
Once there, you’ll find tons of shopping and activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming and more. Don’t forget to spend a couple of days at Dollywood, even if you don’t have children.
Other nearby places include Lynchburg, Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels Distillery. If you take I-40 West, you’ll pass close to Oak Ridge, America’s Secret City and Muddy Pond, which is just outside of Monterey. Muddy Pond is a Mennonite community that has a leather shop, outdoor furniture maker, general store, and, if you visit in the Fall, you can see how to make sorghum the “old-timey” way.
Also in the area – within a 1- to 3-hour drive from Monterey, you’ll find tons of state parks – some that offer RV camping – such as Burgess Falls, Sunset Marina, Caney Creek and more. If you want to go about 2 hours out of your way, you can take 101 out of Crossville to Fall Creek Falls State Park to see some of the best waterfalls in the area.
Dale Hollow Lake, accessible from many points including Sunset Marina and East Port Marina offers big fishing opportunities – the lake is huge. You can rent pontoon boats, bass boats, ski boats, house boats and jet skis at both marinas. Sunset Marina is about an hour from Monterey while East Port Marina is about 45 minutes from Monterey.
Before you leave for this large trip, stop by PleasureLand RV for service and accessories, and be sure to visit our Facebook page to tell us about your trip.
June 3rd, 2014 -
With Canada not far from any one of our RV centers, we can help Canadian buyers with their RV needs. Whether you want a motorized RV or a towable, PleasureLand RV Center, a family-owned RV center, can provide Canadian buyers with what they need.
Whether you need something that sleeps eight or more, a toy hauler or just want a luxurious RV for a small family, you’ll find the RV of your dreams at PleasureLand. And, we’re close to the border so you can combine a trip to the U.S. to pick up the RV and use it that very night.
Our RV center is the only rental company in the Upper Midwest that is recognized as a 5-star certified member; and we have the most 4-star RVs in the Midwest. If you want to do some traveling in the U.S., but don’t want to purchase an RV, you can rent one for a weekend or more of freedom. Or, if you can’t decide whether to buy an RV, you can rent one from us to see how you would like RV camping over staying in hotels.
You can choose from motorized RVs – gas or diesel; fifth wheels, fifth wheel toy haulers, travel trailers, travel trailer toy haulers, destination trailers, pop-up trailers, expandable trailers, truck campers, ice house campers, and park models.
If you find you love camping, but don’t have a vehicle to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel, choose a motorized floor plan. Our Class A RVs use gas or diesel – your choice.
The toy haulers have a spacious garage area. Many have one or more fuel tanks so you can fuel your toys right at the RV. Often, the garage areas feature electric bunks and dining areas so that you can bring more friends with you.
Choose from economy RVs to luxury RVs – if you think you can’t afford an RV, you might be surprised to learn that you could. We also have used RVs for purchase. Stop by PleasureLand RV Center today to walk through our inventory and find an RV that is perfect for you.
May 30th, 2014 -
If you are in the market for an RV – particularly a toy hauler – now is the time to start looking. One of the first toy haulers you should look at if you want a luxurious floor plan is the 2014 Dutchmen Voltage 3950.
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center in Brainerd, St. Cloud, Ramsey or Willmar to walk through the Voltage 3950 today. You’ll see that this 42-foot RV with three slides has plenty of room for the family and the toys.
Packages
This model features the Epic Series Package, Epic Package II, Luxury Interior Package, Exterior Package and Garage Package.
Interior Features
The interior features a central vacuum with tools and a dust pan, an Onan generator, a residential-style convection microwave oven, 12 cubic-foot refrigerator with four doors, residential bar stools, a second ducted air conditioning unit with a thermostat sensor, a third air conditioning unit featuring load management in the garage, carpet in the garage, and a Happi-Jac electric bed with a roll-over sofa system and table. The galley also features an island with a double sink, a three-burner stove, and a pantry.
Exterior Features
The exterior features 12-volt tank heaters with interior switches, an exterior entertainment center, a six-point hydraulic auto-leveling system, a second awning over the garage entrance, a backup camera and an aluminum ramp door patio system.
Floor Plan
The 3950 features a front bedroom, which means you have plenty of space. The queen bed features a hinged top and underbed storage with a safe. The bedroom also features nightstands, two wardrobes, a dresser, overhead storage and a television.
Moving toward the rear, you pass the full bath with a stand up shower. Step down into the living area with an island kitchen and plenty of room to relax when you need to be inside. As you walk toward the garage area, you pass a half bath. The garage features a queen loft bed and optional power bunks. Outside of the garage, you’ll find a handy fuel filling station.
Tour the Dutchmen Voltage 3950
Stop by Pleasureland RV Center today to tour the Voltage 3950 and learn more about all of the features this RV offers. Ask your salesperson about specials on 2014 models.
May 28th, 2014 -
Living the RV lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to eat at unhealthy fast-food restaurants every day. Try these delicious recipes while you’re out adventuring this spring, and you’ll realize just how good eating on the road can be.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
What You’ll Need:
- 1 quart strawberries (cleaned and sliced)
- 1/4 cup almonds (slivered)
- 10 ounces fresh spinach (torn into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix together the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, paprika, onion and Worcestershire sauce in a medium-size bowl.
- Cover the mixture and let it cool in the refrigerator for an hour.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach, strawberries and almonds together.
- Pour the dressing into the salad bowl, toss the entire salad, and enjoy.
Salmon with Caramelized Leeks
What You’ll Need:
- 4 leeks (trimmed, washed and sliced into matchstick-size pieces)
- 3 carrots (cut into matchstick-size pieces)
- 2 pounds salmon filets
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your RV oven to 425 degrees, then line a baking sheet with tin foil and brush it with oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet on medium-high heat, saute the leeks in butter until they’re soft (roughly 5 minutes).
- Sprinkle brown sugar on the leeks and continue to cook them until they’re browned (15 minutes). Stir in the carrots and saute them until they’re tender.
- Rub the salmon filets with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Roast the salmon until it flakes easily (roughly 10 minutes per 1-inch of filet thickness)
- Serve the cooked filets with caramelized leeks and carrots on top.
Don’t forget to pick up all of your RV cooking accessories and supplies right here at PleasureLand RV Center — your local Minnesota RV dealer. And if you’re in need of an RV with a more suitable kitchen for your cooking needs, we’ve got a huge selection of RVs for sale on our lots in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Willmar and Brainerd.
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Image by Emily Hill via Flickr Creative Commons
Recipes courtesy of allrecipes.com.
May 22nd, 2014 -
Tons of celebs have – and use – RVs, as they like to relax or use them to move from city to city. One – John Madden – even uses an RV as his home away from home when going back and forth across the country. He had a panic attack on a plane due to the confined space and the inability to “leave” when he wanted to.
It’s not just everyday people who have an RV – celebs love their RVs, too. Stop by PleasureLand RV to walk through some of the models – if you were on the fence about buying one, you will definitely have your mind changed for the better!
Jeff Daniels has a Gulf Stream Tour Master and has owned RVs for years. Matthew McConaughey travels in an International Ocean Breeze Airstream – and sometimes even sleeps in it in his driveway.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have an Airstream 245 – a vintage one at that – that they call the “Luv Sub.” Colin Farrell also has a classic Airstream. Dolly Parton and her husband travel in an RV. Mike Andretti prefers his RV to hotel rooms.
Sean Penn takes it to the limit – he lives in a 27 ½-foot Airstream on 50 acres, or he did, until his RV was destroyed in the Malibu fires. Jeff Gordon calls his RV his “home away from home,” while Paul Newman has reportedly said that his RV is the only place he can find peace and quiet.
Choose the type of RV and the floor plan that best fits your family’s needs. Visit PleasureLand RV in any of the cities or click the photo for information and pictures on inventory.
Dan Dierdorf has owned five different RVs over the years. He currently owns a Country Coach. Gary Burghoff calls his RV his home and says that it’s a “terrific way to live.” Rob Lowe goes RVing with his kids.
Even Clarence Thomas, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice likes to go RVing – he said that it helps him do his job better. And, no wonder, going RVing is relaxing and the longer you can stay in your RV in the middle of nowhere, the more relaxed you become.
Stop by PleasureLand RV to choose the best RV for your family, whether it’s a motorized RV, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or even a pop up camper or truck camper.
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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.
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By Dan Pearson