Keeping Your RV in Shape This Spring

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Your RV is your gateway to adventure, travel, family time, and fun, so taking proper care of your RV will allow you to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle year after year. Fortunately, we make taking care of your RV easy here at PleasureLand RV Center. Bring your RV to our PleasureLand service center, and we’ll ensure your home on wheels is in top shape for the summer camping season.

Our Service Center

PleasureLand RV Center offers one of the most complete RV repair and service facilities in the country. Our expert technicians give you the proper advice to help you handle all of your RV concerns, whether your recreational vehicle is in need of repair, maintenance, warranty work or upgrades. Our service center is equipped with 32 service bays and the most experienced technicians, so you can trust PleasureLand for your RV’s electrical work, appliance servicing, body work, engine maintenance and so much more.

RV Parts and Accessories

PleasureLand RV Center features two Camper’s General Stores; one in the Ramsey location and one in St. Cloud. The stores are the largest RV parts and accessory suppliers in the region, so when your RV calls for a part, you know exactly where to go. And if you’re not in reach of one of our Camper’s General Stores, you can log onto our online parts store and shop 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’ll ship your new RV parts, accessories or camping supplies to wherever you’re located, so your RV lifestyle can continue without a glitch.

Prepare Your RV Today

Prepare your RV for the spring camping season before it gets started, so you’re ready to hit the roads as soon as the warmer weather rolls around. Our service shop and Camper’s General Stores are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 1-800-862-8603 or send us an email to ask us any questions about your RV or to set up a service appointment today.

Why You Should Consider Renting an RV for Your Next Vacation

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You don’t have to be an RV owner to fall in love with the RV lifestyle. Renting an RV can give you a taste of the RV lifestyle before you decide to buy. It’s also one of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free family vacation without the hassle of hotel reservations, flights and costly restaurant meals. Transitioning from a traditional vacation to an RV vacation may seem odd at first, but you’ll quickly realize why RV travel is always preferred.

It’s More Affordable

Gas prices are plummeting, yet the cost of flights keeps rising. Forget about buying expensive plane tickets for your entire family and opt for an RV vacation instead. In addition to saving on flights, you’ll save even bigger on not having to book hotel rooms and cooking your favorite meals inside your RV.

It’s Less Stressful

Let’s face it — flying is no longer fun. Flights are delayed, security checks are annoying and you never make it to your destination exactly when you planned. When you travel in an RV, you can arrive at your destination whenever you want and see everything along the way. Stop for meals, sightseeing or simply to get out and go for a bike ride.

It’s Comfortable

You always feel right at home when traveling in an RV. Here at the PleasureLand RV Center, we offer a wide array of RV rental options to suit a variety of travelers. This means you can have as much sleeping space, living space and cooking space as you desire. Forget about cramming your whole family into one hotel room to save money, because you can have your own vacation home on wheels instead.

Rent From Us

PleasureLand RV Center offers some of the lowest rental rates on Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, pop-up campers and ice houses in the industry. Give us a call, log online or stop by one of our locations in St. Cloud, Ramsey or Brainerd to find out more.

Visit the Nation’s Capital for Spring Break

Beautiful early morning Jefferson Memorial

Washington, D.C., is a beautiful place to visit this spring break due to the cherry blossoms that will be in bloom at the time. If you’re less interested in crowded beaches and more interested in exploring the history and beauty of our nation’s capital, you’ll be surprised to learn that Washington, D.C., is actually very friendly to RVs, perhaps one of the friendliest cities for motorhomes, in fact. With the city’s rich history, free museums, campgrounds, and addictive restaurants, you’ll probably want to make D.C. one of your go-to camping destinations.

Motorhomes Welcome

If you’ve been avoiding taking your RV to D.C. because you’re afraid there’s no place to camp near the capital, think again.

Cherry Hill Park, the closest campground to D.C., is just 12 miles north of the city, and it’s an ideal place to park your RV. The campground even offers rides into the capital multiple times per day, so you never have to worry about maneuvering your motorhome in city traffic. Indulge in the sauna, hot tub, and free WIFI after a long day of sightseeing.

Free Museums and Attractions

Forget about breaking the bank with museum tickets for the entire family. D.C. offers hundreds of free museums and landmarks open to the public.

Botanic Gardens is located on the National Mall and is a gardener’s haven in the concrete city. With roughly 4,000 living plants, it’s hard not to spend an entire day wandering through the gardens.

What’s a trip to D.C. without paying homage to our country’s leaders? Take a free tour through the historic Ford Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. View exhibits honoring Lincoln’s life and hear the true story of the night he was tragically killed.

The U.S. Capitol Building offers free guided tours as well. Learn about the Senate and House of Representatives or just enjoy the architecture of one of our country’s most prominent landmarks.

Of course you can’t go to D.C. and not visit the numerous monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Then there’s the Smithsonian, a museum complex that hosts a variety of subjects, from natural history to aviation.

City Parking

Thinking of taking a day trip to D.C. in your motorhome, but fearing the nightmare of finding a parking space for your vehicle? The Union Station parking garage in downtown D.C. offers parking intended for tour buses, but motorhomes are permitted too. For $22, you can park your RV worry-free for 24 hours.

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center

What’s holding you back? Plan a trip in your RV to D.C. today. If you need an RV of your own to visit D.C., come see us today at PleasureLand RV Center.

Enjoy a Healthier Breakfast

sandwich with avocado and a fried egg on a white plate on a light rustic wood surface

Breakfast in an RV, like most meals, can feel somewhat limited simply due to the fact that you’re working with less space than you would be at home. This might lead to concessions at times, which translates to some less-than-healthy meals. But you can eat healthy anywhere if you know some simple recipes that are easy to make in your RV’s galley. Try this recipe for a healthier breakfast.

Guacamole and Egg Breakfast Bowls

Quick and simple, this filling recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can also serve this on wheat toast as an open-face sandwich or in a whole grain tortilla as a wrap.

Ingredients for the bowl:

  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • Cup full of baby spinach leaves
  • ⅛ red onion, peeled and finely sliced
  • 1 small piece toast, chopped into chunks
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tsp sweet chili sauce
  • Pinch black pepper

Ingredients for the guacamole:

  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, de-stoned and roughly chopped
  • ⅛ red onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of pepper
  • Juice of half a lime

Directions

  1. Place the egg in a pan of cold water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and drain off the water. Leave the egg to cool (you can put it in some cold water to speed up the process if you like). Peel the egg and slice in half.
  2. Now make the guacamole by mashing all of the guacamole ingredients together.
  3. Place the spinach in a bowl, top with the guacamole, egg, slices of red onion, cubes of toast, a blob of sour cream, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of pepper, then serve.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour some RV models and floorplans and to find the one that’s right for you. PleasureLand RV Center is here to help you find the motorhome or travel trailer of your dreams. If meal prep is important to you on the road, just ask your helpful sale associate to show you RVs with larger kitchen areas.

Celebrate Cherry Month with Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with cream and fresh cherry horizontal

February is National Cherry Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by preparing a fresh and delicious cherry dessert in the comfort of your RV. These rich and fruity chocolate cherry cupcakes are so tasty, you may want to bake two batches.

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

What you’ll need for 1 dozen cupcakes:

  • 3/4 cup cake flour
  • 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted fresh cherries (plus 12 cherries for garnish)
  • Cream cheese frosting

Preparation instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Whisk the cake flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, cocoa, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat the granulated sugar and oil together in a separate large mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Beat the egg and vanilla into the mixture until combined.
  4. Turn the mixer to low and alternately mix in the flour mixture and buttermilk. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture is combined.
  5. Fold the cherries into the mixture, then divide the batter into the cupcake pan.
  6. Bake the cupcakes for 22 to 26 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out clean. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and let them cool.
  7. Once cool, frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting. Top with a fresh cherry before serving.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Whether you’re searching for a travel trailer with a large kitchen or a truck camper to help you travel more in 2017, you can always find your dream RV at PleasureLand RV Center.

Visit Black Hills, South Dakota

Stormy skies over the Needles area in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

“Go west, young man, go west” was first used in 1851 by John B. L. Soule and later reprinted by Horace Greeley in 1865. It was a saying that many took to heart, at that time, and moved to the west to set up a home.

Since the days of the old west when the frontier was a place of new beginnings as well as excitement and adventure, it has retained that spirit drawing vacationers year after year.

A trip to the Black Hills and the Badlands is one of those destination locations not to be missed.

Black Hills

With more than 6,000 square miles to explore, you’re sure to discover plenty of activities to suit everyone of all ages.

Within the Black Hills and Badlands, enjoy hikes, off road biking, boating, fishing and wildlife observation at these parks:

  • Black Hills National Forest
  • Custer National Forest
  • Badlands National Park
  • Custer State Park
  • Bear Butte State Park
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Wind Cave National Park and Devils Tower Monument
  • Shade Hill Recreational Area
  • Bear Butte State park
  • Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
  • Jewel Cave National Monument

Attractions

Kids will get a kick out of Bear Country USA. Plan a zipline excursion at Rushmore Cave, take to the treetops at Rushmore Tramway Adventures or the Alpine Slide.

Sit back and enjoy the Dakotaride Summer Sled Dog Tours or settle in for a 20-mile ride on the 1880s steam train at the Black Hills Central Railroad.

For the adults, head to Deadwood for plenty of gaming action at one of many casinos including Miss Kitty’s Casino, Midnight Star, Mckennas Gold Casino, and the landmark Saloon No. 10 for more action.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Before you hit the road to the Black Hills of South Dakota, stop in at PleasureLand RV Center to ensure that your RV is in good shape for traveling. If you don’t own an RV yet and would like to make a trip to the Black Hills your inaugural trip, stop by and tour the inventory at PleasureLand RV Center and find the rig that’s right for you.

How About a Slice of Chocolate Cake?

Chocolate cake and coffee

There’s no better way to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day than baking a delectable chocolate cake in the comfort of your RV. National Chocolate Cake Day will be held on Friday, January 27, this year, so there’s no better time to brush up on your cake recipes than now.

This easy-to-make chocolate cake recipe will wow your friends and family and convince them that you’ve been in the kitchen baking all day.

One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

What you’ll need:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Your favorite chocolate frosting

Baking instructions:

  1. Preheat your RV oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
  2. Stir the sugar, flour, baking powder, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. Stir in the milk, eggs, oil and vanilla and mix for roughly 2 minutes with a mixer on medium speed.
  4. Stir the boiling water into the mixture last. The batter should be thin.
  5. Bake the cake for roughly 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Insert a toothpick into the cake. The cake is finished cooking when the toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cake pans for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes and place them on a wire rack to cool fully.
  7. Once cool, frost one cake with your favorite chocolate frosting, then place the other cake on top and frost them both.
  8. Allow the frosting to harden slightly, then slice and enjoy.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Don’t forget to stop and see us at PleasureLand RV Center when you’re cruising throughout the country in your RV this January. We’re stocked with all of the latest and greatest RV parts and camping supplies to help you enjoy 2017 to the fullest.

Visit Wild Mountain in Your RV

Looking for your next destination? If you’re not wanting to travel too far, head to Wild Mountain near Taylors Falls, Minnesota.

Open year round to families looking for outdoor fun, Wild Mountain is nestled in the scenic St. Croix Valley.

Winter Fun

It’s currently winter, and that means that it’s skiing and snowboarding season at Wild Mountain. With a mix of terrain to challenge any skill level, from novice to expert, there are 26 trails to try your hand at spread over 100 acres. The onsite school offers lessons to help learn the ropes of winter sports. Daily groundskeeping makes sure that conditions are always optimal for winter fun.

Other Seasons

If you can’t make it over to Wild Mountain this winter, plan to stop in later this year. There’s plenty to do every season, from sightseeing the spring blooms to the fun waterpark of the summer to the foliage of fall.

Stay at Wildwood RV Park and Campground

If you need a place to plant your rig, try the Wildwood RV Park and Campground located at 20078 Lake Blvd, Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The park has 70 sites, which include pull-thru access for big rigs, electric hookups for up to 50 amps, water and sewer, WiFi, and pool access.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you head out to Wild Mountain. Whether you need to make sure your RV is in good shape before a road trip by visiting our service center or you need to purchase an RV, PleasureLand RV Center is here to help.

Take the Kids to Disney World

Disney World Fireworks

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a great destination for families with children. It’s a bucket list item for most kids and offers a great opportunity to have some fun on their terms.

If you’re also an RVing family, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go there in your motorhome since there are plenty of good RV parks that are well-suited to visitors with Disney World in mind.

One of the better RV camping sites at Disney World is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It’s the only campground located at Walt Disney World Resort, and guests enjoy easy access to the park via shuttle.

There are four types of campsites available for visitors and which campsite you need depends on your rig.

Tent or Pop-Up campsites are available starting at $53.00 a night. They provide room for either a pop-up camper or van-type camper, plus a tent or two.

Full Hook-Up campsites are available starting from $71.00 per night; these offer room for an RV plus a few tents. You’ll want this site for sewage hook-up.

The Preferred campsite level starts from $85.00 a night and offers everything that a full hook-up sites offers plus a view of the woods.

The Premium is the best type of site and starts at $90.00 a night. There’s room for extra-large RVs and 8 more feet of room than the other sites.

Go here to check dates and availability.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Before you head out to Disney World, or any other destination, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to get your rig checked out and make sure it’s up for the journey. Want to stay at an RV resort near Disney World, but don’t have an RV? No problem! PleasureLand RV Center can help get you into the RV of your dreams. Come on by and tour any model on the lot.

Which RV is the Best Fit for You?

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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 the PleasureLand RV Centers, 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.