Are you new to the RV lifestyle? Not sure what the difference is between a fifth wheel and a conventional trailer? Start here! In this article, we explain the different types of RVs available.
Before starting your RV search, it’s time to brush up on your RV vocabulary! Learn the meanings of common RV terms frequently used on forums and blogs.
Are you searching for a different kind of camping experience? From awesome campground amenities to close-by wonders, we’ve gathered eight unique RV parks, campgrounds and resorts. There are many exceptional camping experiences that will give you great stories to come home with.
Located in Marianna near Tallahassee, the Florida Caverns State Park offers guided cave tours for a truly unique camping experience! Located on the campground, the cave tour offers a different experience in Florida through the gorgeous underground world. Cave tours are offered Thursday through Monday and costs $5 for 3-12 years old and $10.75 for anyone 13+ years old (as of October 2022). You will see the fascinating geological formations as you walk through the lighted cave path.
The pet-friendly state park is open 365 days a year and features thirty-two RV sites with full hookups. There are also three equestrian sites with electricity and water, as well as stables for your horse. You’ll also find a fire pit and picnic table at every site.
Within the state park, there are many trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to explore. This part of Florida is full of gorgeous floodplains, sinkholes and karst topography as well. Geocaching is also very popular for those looking to explore the trails in a unique way. And you can canoe, kayak or paddle board across the park’s peaceful rivers and lakes. In addition, the park features the Blue Hole swimming area, which is a 35 feet deep swimming hole that is fed from the Chipola River.
Photo credit: Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
For adventurous RVers looking for basecamp, Meteor Crater RV Park is only 20 miles west of Winslow, Arizona. Meteor Crater is a mile wide and 550 feet deep and is only five miles up the road from the park. Guided tours of the crater are available. While there, you can also explore the Barringer Space Museum, and discount tickets are available if you stay at the park.
The RV park features seventy-one pull-thru sites, as well as two dry camping spots. The RV sites have picnic tables and allow propane fires and grills for outdoor cooking. There is also cornhole, horseshoes and a basketball court. The RV park is pet friendly and has two dog runs with plenty of space to roam.
A great benefit of this RV park is that it also has a gas station on site. This is convenient if you’re planning on exploring the historic Route 66 or the city of Winslow. You can also explore the nearby petroglyphs in McHood Park or Rock Art Ranch and learn about the history of the area. And you won’t want to miss the stunning scenery that abounds; like the Painted Desert in Flagstaff.
Hauling a fifth wheel has never been easier with Keystone RV’s new Arcadia Super Lite series. Specifically designed for the latest half-ton tow vehicles, the all new Arcadia Super Lite floor plan features the style and innovation of a fifth wheel in a lighter and smaller model. First launched in early 2021, the Keystone RV Arcadia received widespread acclaim for its innovation and styling. Like Arcadia’s full-size floorplans, Super Lite models are engineered to feel more open and expansive than traditional RVs, therefore incorporating a unique front cap and LCI’s Space Saver upper deck chassis design.
General RV Center was the debut partner of Keystone RV for the reveal of its new Arcadia Super Lite models at the 2022 America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pa. The featured floor plan is the 293SL, which reflective of its name, measures at 29′ 3″ in length. If you’re looking for a family RV that combines lightweight design with luxury features, than the Keystone RV Arcadia Super Lite could be the perfect RV for you.
Take towing an RV to a new level with an Arcadia Super Lite fifth wheel
Keystone RV designs fifth wheels to be easier to haul without sacrificing space.
The Arcadia Super Lite RV features upgraded critical components for strength, durability and longevity. All axle hubs come with a heavy-duty 7,000 lb. bearing package and upgraded spring assembly. EquaFlex rubberized equalizer system absorbs road shock and reduces chucking for better stability. The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust forward self-adjusting brakes activate during every forward stop for 50% better braking distance. The Arcadia Super Lite fifth wheel even features a 2″ accessory hitch with 300 lb. storage capacity for those extra add-ons that might be needed.
Arcadia Super Lite RV goes heavy on comfort and storage
Utilizing the Arcadia’s unique forward leaning cap and Space Saver upper deck, the Super Lite offers an exceedingly livable space full of storage, upgraded features and superior comfort. The 293SL floor plan offers a spacious U-shaped dinette that doubles as extra sleeping space for up to two guests. The private master suite comes equipped with a Serta Series queen-size memory foam mattress with underbed storage and full wardrobe slide with drawers. Linen storage can be found in the full bathroom with a large shower. LED reading lights will help keep things a little brighter at night. Along the headboard and in the side end table are charging outlets to provide the power needed for your electronic devices.
Class and comfort in every luxurious detail
Stunning, bright and residential. The Arcadia Super Lite’s Bailey decor will turn heads at the campsite. Cognac-colored seating paired with soft plaid accents offer a very chic, trendy vibe. Light countertops, wallcoverings and wide-plank Hyperdeck laminated flooring provide a light and bright atmosphere, perfect for you to enjoy every second in this RV.
Theater-style seats in the living space provide maximum comfort across from the entertainment center that includes a 5,100 BTU electric fireplace with thermostat control and remote. The comfort continues into the U-shaped dinette, providing ample space for dining or entertaining.
Residential hardware and hidden hinges on the cabinetry produce a sleek and modern feel. The 10 cu. Ft. 12-volt “solar friendly” refrigerator with dent-resistant doors and 21″ Furrion range with Piezo ignition and glass stovetop cover provide the tools for any chef on the road. Also, the “On Demand” tankless RV water heater supplies the hot water you need, when you need it.
Revolutionary design in the Arcadia Super Lite fifth wheel
Next-Generation Crawlspace Chassis featuring two heated chambers and three layers of insulation: astrofoil, block foam, and Keystone’s HyperDeck.
The new Arcadia Super Lite RV has several captivating features, including the new Next-Generation Crawlspace Chassis. Dubbed “NGC2”, this new crawl space drops the cross members 3” below the two 10” I-beams that run the length of the frame. This creates a cavity that runs the length and width of the RV, much like the crawl space foundation of a home.
Keystone leverages its innovative NGC2 frame design with state-of-the-art heating and cooling to deliver seasonal camping confidence. The Arcadia Super Lite’s unique NGC2 chassis design has two chambers. These work as airlocks to protect the RV’s interior from extreme temperatures. Water lines, tanks, and HVAC components are located in these heated chambers surrounded by three layers of insulation for additional protection and peace-of-mind.
This new crawl space feature allows air ducts, plumbing and Keystone’s color-coded wiring to run freely throughout the underside of the RV. The result is fewer joints, bends, and elbows in those important RV systems, creating more durable connections and fewer failure points. This means your RV water, heat, and electricity will still work after thousands of miles of bone-jarring roads on your way to great destinations.
Stay comfortable in any conditions
Blade Pure high-performance air handling system
Keeping the Arcadia Super Lite warm in the colder months and cool during the summer is a breeze. The NGC2 chassis design introduces straight-run ducting from the RV furnace to vents. This maximizes efficiency and minimizing potential air leaks seen in most systems that have joints and flexible ductwork. The Arcadia Super Lite RV also features Keystone’s exclusive Blade Pure high-performance air handling system. Blade Pure technology increases RV A/C airflow by as much as 20%. It’s tested to provide stronger air filtration and sound dampening – all adding up to a cooler, cleaner and quieter coach.
All Arcadia RVs feature state-of-the-art HVAC equipment including:
A 35,000 BTU high output RV furnace
RV fireplace with 5,000 BTU heating element
Coleman Mach Q Series 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner with Merv 9 residential air filtration
An optional 13,500 BTU RV bedroom air conditioner ducted to provide additional cooling for that room and the rest of the RV
Convenience is king in the Arcadia Super Lite fifth wheel
The Arcadia Super Lite’s storage compartments are fully-lined and free from exposed wires, plumbing and other components. The front pass-through storage has equal-sized RV doors on both sides that feature d-ring tie-downs. To alleviate the need to unload the RV’s exterior storage to access controls, the Arcadia team moved all controls out of storage into separate, easy-to-access compartments. On every fifth wheel, the convenience center will be located behind the pass-through storage on the off-campsite side. Leveling controls also have been separated and pulled into their own housing at the front of the coach. Both control centers feature intuitive visual cues for operation.
The Arcadia Super Lite’s stand-alone convenience center consolidates all connections in one easy to access location. The all-in-one lighted convenience center includes:
Remote dump valve pull handles for easy access and operation
A combination city water fill and power fresh tank fill connection, eliminating slower gravity fill option
KeyTV connection center for cable and satellite hook-ups
Roof-mounted satellite connection with pass-through wiring
Black tank flush connection
Water heater bypass valves
Easy winterization connection
Outside shower with attachment hose
Valve settings from tank fills, drains and other operations
Tour the all-new 2023 Keystone RV Arcadia Super Lite at General RV today
Good things really can come in smaller packages. These stunning Super Lite models from Keystone RV offer all of the Arcadia’s signature design, but in lighter, easy-to-tow lengths. Visit your local General RV dealer today to see how impressive the Keystone RV Arcadia Super Lite is in person. Likewise, you can visit us at GeneralRV.com to learn more. Still looking for your perfect fifth wheel or travel trailer? Perhaps smaller towable RVs are better suited for you? The RV experts at General RV Center can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Also, subscribe to the General RV Blog for
If you long for warmer days during the dreary northern winter months, becoming a snowbird RVer is a great way to escape the bitter cold and spend more time RVing. Snowbirds have become an increasingly popular lifestyle for RV owners looking to retreat to warmer climates. It is a great time to relax or find work in more tolerable climates. A lot of snowbirds move around to different campgrounds and even different states. The possibilities are endless for any type of snowbird looking to escape the winter.
Photo credit: Go RVing
Fulltime RVers travel to kinder climates to protect their RV from inclement weather, while others are retirees who spend the winter away from unsavory conditions. There is also a growing community of young RVers and families embracing the lifestyle and flocking to warmer states. These RVers are seasonal workampers who work in exchange for free or discounted campsites or remote workers who have the flexibility to travel.
The differences between going east or west in the winter months
Snowbird RVers travel below the Sunbelt for the most desirable weather, going to western or eastern states. Heading west you are going to encounter desert, semi-desert and Mediterranean climates that offer many fun activities for adventurous RVers. These states include Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Texas. Even though the desert temperatures of Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico can dip pretty low at night, the warm days and scenic views make up for the chilly evenings (and no snow is always a plus!).
The eastern states within the Sunbelt are humid subtropical and tropical climates with lots of activities and beaches for miles. These eastern states include Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy sunny days throughout your stay. Of course, the most popular destinations for snowbirds are Florida and Georgia.
Did you know we’ve been helping RVers come home with a story for 60 years? It’s true. General RV is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year! To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’ve compiled 60 fun facts about General RV. Read on to learn more about our history. Or test your knowledge (or your friends) and see how many of these surprise you.
The Beginning
The Mobil gas station that would become the nation’s largest family-owned RV dealer
1. Nearly a decade before being inspired to create an RV company, Ambrose “Abe” Baidas operated a Mobil gas station on Eight Mile Road in Detroit, MI. This would become the future site of the first General RV Center location.
2. Abe Baidas founded General Trailer in 1962. He opened the small trailer manufacturing business adjacent to his gas station after returning from an RV trip out west with his family. He enjoyed the experience so much that he wanted to share it with others.
Photo from 1968 when General RV was called General Trailer
3. The original company name was General Trailer. Abe picked this name because some of the most prestigious companies in existence at the time had General in their names: General Motors, General Mills and General Electric.
4. Six years after opening, Abe moved General Trailer to Southfield, Michigan and expanded the business to the sale of new RVs, RV parts and accessories.
5. General Trailers expanded across Michigan throughout the 1970s and 80s. Dealerships were opened in Mt. Clemens, Flat Rock, Waterford and Grand Rapids. Most of these stores have undergone renovations or relocated since they originally opened, but each still operates today.
General Trailer officially became General RV Center in 1993
6. In 1993, 31 years after being founded, General Trailer officially changed its name to General RV Center. At the same time, the company began to adopt a supercenter format – offering new and used RVs for sale, RV parts and accessories, and state-of-the-art service centers.
7. Richard Baidas, son of founder Abe Baidas, was a chemistry and physics teacher before his father convinced him to join General Trailers. Richard played a huge role in the company’s growth and was active in the RV industry.
8. In 2009, Richard Baidas was posthumously inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame. He was a board member of the Michigan MH and RV Association and helped develop ten different RV and housing manufacturers.
9. Richard Baidas not only helped grow General RV, he was also an original investor in Four Winds Motorhomes, Keystone RV and Dutchmen RV. General RV continues to carry all of these brands today.
