We all want to stay at the best RV campgrounds and campsites possible on our RVing travels.
And there are plenty of places to stay in this country. But not all are equal. Some are well maintained and a pleasure to stay at. But others are not.
So how do you find the camping spots that are good places to stay if you haven’t been there before?
Fortunately, there is plenty of information about RV campgrounds and campsites online. And if you know where to look you can get the information you need very quickly.
I like to use a few tools online to search for the best RV campgrounds and I’ll share them with you here.
Please keep in mind that I am not affiliated with these websites in any way. So my recommendation is based purely on my own personal experiences with them.
Watch my video about how to find the best campgrounds
The best resource that I have found overall for information about RV campgrounds in general is CampgroundReviews.com .
First of all, it’s completely free to sign up for and use. I like the fact that you don’t have to have another membership to get the information that you need. So this is a big plus.
I also like the fact that all of the reviews are submitted by people who have no vested interest in swaying your opinion about the campground one way or another.
And on top of that, all of the reviews go through a vetting process before they are published. This means that someone makes sure that it is a legitimate review first. Then it is posted after being approved.
Resource #2 For The Best RV Campgrounds
I honestly like to use CampgroundReviews.com for the vast majority of my campground searches.
But there is another site that also provides great information on campgrounds as well. In my book, it comes in a close second to my first resource.
That site is TheDyrt.com . There is plenty of information available about campgrounds throughout the country here too.
But overall, I have found that it has fewer reviews per campground in most cases. And that is the main reason why I give it the second place on my list of best RV campgrounds resources.
But I often find that I can get a very accurate picture about campgrounds I am considering when I use these first two resources together.
RV boondocking sites are sort of in a category by themselves. And most of what you want to know comes from those who have camped in those spots already.
Campground information like the kind of hookups available, site length, amenities and so forth, aren’t needed.
Instead, you need to know about things like the condition of access roads, how level the sites are, and what kind of internet access is found there.
So having previous campers share their experiences on these kind of matters is absolutely invaluable.
And the best resource I have found for this kind of information is Campendium.com .
A second resource that also provides great RV boondocking information is FreeCampsites.net . This resource is a little more clunky than Campendium.com, but it has a lot of useful information though.
When I am considering boondocking spots, I almost always use both of these online resources together. When I do, I find that I get a really good picture of the campsites I am interested in.
Your Part In Providing The Best RV Campgrounds
So far, I have covered some of the most useful online resources that I know of for finding the best RV campgrounds and campsites.
But none of the sites I have mentioned could provide this information without reviews from RV travelers. The key to getting accurate campground and campsite information is getting unbiased reviews from RVers themselves.
So I highly recommend that everyone who travels by RV resolve to contribute their own reviews to help other RV travelers.
The more information provided on RV campgrounds and campsites, the better overall picture we have about them.
Also, when RVers post reviews of RV campgrounds online, you can be sure that the campground management reads them too.
And when the reviews are becoming increasingly negative about certain issues in that campground, that often gets results.
In fact, unbiased word of mouth is the best and worst advertising that RV campgrounds can have. So they know that it is in their best interest to keep the reviews as positive as they can.
So I encourage you to accept the responsibility for posting your own online reviews as a way to help make RV travel better for everyone.
If you haven’t had RV mice problems so far, consider yourself very fortunate. Chances are that somewhere down the line you will face having to deal with these unwanted guests.
And it’s important to understand that having mice in your RV is not just irritating or a nuisance. No, they can really do some serious damage to your RV quickly.
This is because mice chew on almost everything in an RV. They love to chew on pipes, wood, clothing, furniture and paper goods of any kind.
But for some reason they seem very attracted to electrical wiring.
So just think about how much expensive damage to RV wiring can be done by mice behind your RV’s walls. Or even in your engine compartment if you have a motorhome.
Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means โ at no additional cost to you โ I earn a commission if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. I only link to products and companies I use and feel comfortable recommending. The income goes toward supporting the free content on this website
RV mice problems are most prevalent while an RV is in storage. This is because mice are looking for food and shelter. And your empty RV is just what they need to make a cozy home.
And since humans aren’t around, it seems to be the perfect place for them to set up shop for a while.
So the first action to take against having mice in your RV is to put prevention measures in place to keep them out. After all, it’s a lot easier to keep them out in the first place than have to remove them afterward.
Prevention Steps To Take
So here are the steps to take to prevent a mice infestation:
Look under your RV and try to plug up any holes or gaps that you can find where they might get entry. Remember they can get in with just a 1/4 inch gap. So push steel wool into the gap and then seal it further with expanding foam.
Remove all food when in storage other than canned food. They can even chew into plastic containers so remove anything other than what is in a can.
Many RVers have used strong scents and smells to keep them out. Scents like peppermint oil soaked cotton balls, Irish Spring soap bars, mothballs, and even dryer sheets. You may have to experiment to find the right combination for your area, but many have found these to be effective. Just remember to replenish and renew the scents often.
Predator pee has also been used to good effect by some RV owners. Especially bobcat and coyote pee. Mice recognize the scent of their predators and usually vacate the area.
LED rope lights under the RV at night has also been effective for some RVers. It’s well known that mice don’t like well lighted areas, so they seem to avoid RVs with lighted underbellies.
(These are affiliate links for the product on Amazon. It does not cost you any extra to buy the product using my affiliate link if you choose to do so)
Full-time Travel And RV Mice
If you are a full-time RV traveler, you are less likely to have to deal with mice in your RV.
This is because mice would rather be in an area where humans aren’t around. And since you are on the move, that can also be a deterrent to them setting up long-term living arrangements in your rig.
But that doesn’t mean that it can’t happen if you are a full-timer. We have had to deal with mice ourselves on one occasion.
So you need to have a plan not only to prevent RV mice, but also to remove them if necessary.
How To Remove RV Mice
Here are a few methods that have proven to be effective in getting rid of mice in your RV:
Mice killer or poison has proven to work against a mice infestation. The only caveat is to remember that mice can take the poison back to their nest behind the RV walls and die there. That means they are out of your reach, and the smell can be pretty bad for a while.
Glue traps have also been good mice control products. You put bait on the pad and when the mouse steps on the pad to get it he gets stuck there. He can’t go back to his home behind the walls. But you have to be vigilant about checking the glue traps regularly to dispose of them.
Humane mouse traps are another way to try to catch mice and remove them. And if done right, there is no real harm to the mouse. They are baited into a plastic container where they are trapped. They have food and air holes to breathe. But again, you must check the traps regularly to remove the mouse before he dies.
The good old-fashioned spring loaded mouse trap is by far the most effective way of eliminating an RV mice infestation. So if things start getting out of control because the mice are breeding rapidly, it may be your best choice overall.
(These are affiliate links for the product on Amazon. It does not cost you any extra to buy the product using my affiliate link if you choose to do so)
Conclusion
If you find that you start to have an RV mice problem, don’t panic. But don’t be complacent either.
You need a plan of action to get them out of your RV as soon as possible. And then, do your best to prevent them from coming back.
The suggestions in this article have been proven over time to be very effective. But some work better than others.
The key here is not to waste any time doing something to remove the mice from your RV. So choose your plan of action and start putting it in place as soon as possible!
Before you can think about buying a motorhome, let’s identify what a motorhome is. It’s an RV that has an engine and drivetrain built into the RV.
In other words, a motorhome does not need to be towed to go somewhere. It can travel down the road under its own power.
So what kind of RVs could be classified as a motorhome? Class A, Class B, Class C, and Super C RVs certainly meet those criteria.
That’s a lot of RVs to choose from. So how do you know which kind of RV will be best for you and the way you like to camp?
The tips I’m going to share with you will help you know whether or not the RV you are looking at is in good shape. Whether it has major issues that need attention or not.
But before you implement the 5 tips in this article you need to do some work in advance.
Watch my video about the top 5 tips for buying a motorhome
Yes, before you start getting serious about any one RV, get to know RVs in general. That means that you need to visit dealer lots and RV shows for a while.
Go through as many different kinds of RV motorhomes as possible. See what the differences are between the various motorhome classes.
Try to decide which class of motorhome will fit your needs and your budget. Then decide whether buying a motorhome that is new or used will be your best choice.
The more motorhomes that you walk through and investigate, the more knowledge you will gain about them. And pretty soon you will get a feel for the kind of motorhome that you feel fits your situation best.
Take your time in this stage. Don’t rush it. Even if it takes several months or even years, that’s OK. Getting to know the various motorhome classes is vital to making a good decision.
Tip #1 – Get To Know The RV Living Space
Once you have decided which motorhome class fits you, it’s time to look at individual RVs. And one of the most important considerations in any RV is – how does the living space work for you?
In general, there are only so many ways that the living area can be designed in an RV. And not everyone likes the sames layout.
So is the kitchen big enough for you? What is the location of the kitchen? Is the sitting area located in a logical place? How about the bedroom, is it laid out the way you like?
When it comes to the furniture in the motorhome, is it comfortable? It’s a good idea to lay on the bed, sit in the chairs and on the couch. See if you feel at home in that RV.
One big consideration is the bathroom. Is the toilet in a convenient place? When you sit on it, is it relatively comfortable? Is there enough storage space in the bathroom?
Then check out the shower too. Go ahead and stand in it to see if you have enough room to move around comfortably. Is it tall enough for you?
Note the position of the TV. Is it in a spot where it can easily be viewed from the sitting area? Or do you have to crane your neck to see it?
All of these considerations should be done before buying a motorhome. That way you will know whether that particular motorhome will meet your daily needs.
Tip #2 – Check For Water Intrusion
Water damage is the biggest threat to the life of a motorhome or any RV. It silently enters and weakens walls, ceilings, and floors.
If it goes on long enough, the motorhome will start crumbling from the inside. At that point, major repairs that are very expensive have to be made.
So it’s critical to try to stop water intrusion in its tracks as soon as it appears. Of course, prevention is the best course of action in this case. But you are looking at an RV that someone else has maintained now.
The best place to start to see how well the motorhome has been maintained is often on the roof. Look carefully at the roof material itself. Is there evidence of rips and tears that have not been repaired?
What about the sealant. Are there any gaps in the sealant that can be seen? Is the sealant old, brittle and cracked?
Now make the same examination on the sides, front and rear of the motorhome. Do you see areas where sealant is cracking, drying out, or even missing?
Now go inside the RV and look for water stains everywhere on the walls, ceilings and floors. Go inside the cabinets and closets and look all over for evidence of water intrusion.
Press against the walls and walk on the floors to see if you can detect any soft areas. That could be evidence of water intrusion that could be expensive to fix.
This is one of the most important inspections you can make on a motorhome. And you may be surprised to find that RVs that otherwise look fabulous may have these kind of issues.
Tip #3 – Inspect The Motorhome Tires
Another important area you need to examine closely is the tires before buying a motorhome. This is because replacement of tires is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for RV owners.
And the first thing you want to look for is the tire date of manufacture. It is stamped on the side of the tire and is represented by a four letter code.
The first two letters are the week that the tire was made and the second two letters are the year of manufacture. Why is this important to know?
The tire date of manufacture is stamped on the sidewall
Many RV tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires between 5 – 6 years after the date of manufacture. This is regardless of the tread wear. So follow the manufacturers recommendation about tire replacement.
The reason for this is that RV tires rarely wear out before they age out. They are simply not usually driven enough for major tire tread wear to take place.
Instead the sun’s UV rays and other elements often dry out the oils in the tire rubber first. Then they start to crack and there is the opportunity for a major blowout to happen.
So the best prevention for that scenario is to just replace them every 5 – 6 years. That way you are erring on the side of safety.
So if the motorhome tires you are examining are near the end of their useful life, note that. And realize that you will need to replace your motorhome tires soon after buying that RV.
It’s best to know about this kind of upcoming expense before buying a motorhome. You may even be able to adjust the price of the RV downward due to the condition of the tires.
Tip #4 – Get a Fluid Analysis Done
Motorhomes by definition have a motor and drivetrain somewhere. And many of them have permanently mounted generators too.
If the engine, transmission or generator requires a major repair, that is a huge expense. So how do you find out the condition of these components?
First, it wouldn’t hurt to have a qualified mechanic take a look for any signs of possible upcoming repairs. But there is an even better way to find out as much as you can about the mechanical parts of the motorhome.
In fact, the best way to learn about the condition of almost any mechanical engine or transmission is through fluid analysis.
This means that you simply extract some of the engine oil and coolant. Then do the same with the generator. And finally get a sample of the transmission fluid as well.
A fluid analysis kit
Then send the samples to a qualified lab to have them examined. They will send you back a complete breakdown of what the fluids indicate may be going on inside those mechanical components.
This is because long before major failure of an engine or transmission part, it starts to leave residue in the lubrication fluid. This residue is a clue to future probelms.
And a trained technician who examines that fluid can give you a warning before the failure happens. But the lab has to be familiar with RV components to be able to read the fluids correctly.
So be sure to have the motorhome fluids checked if you don’t have a complete history of the maintenance that has been done on these mechanical items.
Tip #5 – Get An RV Inspection Before Buying A Motorhome
You had to see this one coming, right? I mean, what else would a certified RV inspector recommend?
Seriously though, getting an inspection by an NRVIA certified inspector is one of the smartest things you can do before buying a motorhome.
The inspector will give you a complete report on the condition of the motorhome and all of its systems. You will have a full rundown on the RV from the roof to the tires.
And getting a motorhome inspection is a good idea whether it’s new or used. In fact, many new RV buyers are getting them inspected before taking delivery of the coach.
This is because so many newer RVs and motorhomes are coming from the factory with multiple defects. And the manufacturers are expecting the RV dealers to fix these issues for the customer.
When you have a certified inspector go over the RV, they can list all of those problems in their report. And then the issues can be handled under warranty all at one time.
The inspection is well worth the cost in my opinion as it can save you from major hidden repair costs if it is used. And the inspector can even perform the fluid analysis on the mechanical components as well.
Conclusion
Just to review, here are the top 5 tips for buying a motorhome:
Get to know the living space well. Try it out as much as you can and see if you feel comfortable with the motorhome layout and furnishings.
Look everywhere for evidence of water intrusion that has already occurred. And then check for sealant problems that could lead to water intrusion in the near future.
Carefully inspect the tires for the manufacture date and for signs of drying out and cracking. If they are beyond the recommended tire life from the manufacturer, replace them.
If you don’t have full maintenance records on all of the engine and drivetrain components, get a fluid analysis done. This will help you know whether major component failure may be looming or not.
