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.
The demand for RVs is being described as unprecedented. More and more people are seeing the numerous advantages of all types of recreational vehicles – from affordable popup campers to luxury Class A motorhomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to re-evaluate how they travel, and RVs are proving to be mighty popular. With the U.S.-Canadian border restrictions beginning to ease, people are eager to hop in their RVs and head out on the highway. Motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers are in such high demand, industry experts do not foresee an off-season this winter.
In a recent interview, Geoff Radke, Sales Director of General RV, said the company is seeing constant demand instead of the usual seasonal swings. “Who would have thought that after being stuck (at) home, cooped up amongst family, that the wonderful byproduct would be people choosing to spend more time with their families on the road, creating lifelong memories?”
More affordable, family-friendly trailers and motorhomes were the most popular models early on in the pandemic. However, as 2021 has progressed, demand for RVs has equalized across the range of options. The RV Industry Association says approximately 300,000 RVs were shipped from factories in the first half of the year. This breaks the previous first half-year record set in 2018. 2021 RV sales are also on pace to shatter records for the full year.
Looking to join the RV lifestyle or tired of the complexity of your current RV? The 2022 Winnebago Solis Pocket is an entry-level Class B motorhome designed to make RVing simpler for first-time buyers, singles, couples, or those looking to trade in their larger RV for something easier to handle. The versatile Solis Pocket, Winnebago’s most affordable camper van, is well-equipped for backcountry excursions. It features a flexible interior, plenty of storage and extended-season camping capability. However, its compact design allows it to efficiently navigate urban areas equally well. Winnebago has packed a handful of unique features and creature comforts into the Solis Pocket, making it an attractive and affordable Class B RV that you will be proud to call yours.
Winnebago Solis Pocket Class B RV is built for durability
Built on the Ram ProMaster platform, the Solis Pocket camper van has a wheelbase of 136 inches. It’s as nimble and maneuverable as a standard van and more compact than a full size SUV or half-ton truck. At 17 feet and 10 inches in length, the smaller size of the Winnebago Solis Pocket makes it an ideal everyday vehicle, as well as the ultimate cross-country adventure mobile. Need to pick up groceries? Go tailgating at your alma mater? Want to take a daycation or a month-long adventure? The Solis Pocket can do it all.
You won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot either. The Solis Pocket’s compact stature means you no longer have to park in oversized spots while running errands during your trip. With a 3.6 liter V-6 gas engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Solis Pocket handles the road like a car but comes with comfortable living space.
A Versatile Class B RV for solo travelers, couples, or small families
The Winnebago Solis Pocket features a versatile living area that is customizable for your needs. Whether you are working from the road or need a comfortable place to lounge after a day of adventuring, you’ll appreciate this RV. The dinette, perfect for two, can easily transition into a daybed or sofa with a full length work center. This provides space for storing and charging electronics, as well as other needs, when working from the road.
Nature enthusiasts often cherish the time they get to spend around a campfire. While you don’t have to be a world-class chef to make delicious campfire recipes, a bit of preparation, the right equipment and little bit of innovation can go a long way. That could include using recipes and a cooking style that you already know and are familiar with making at home. Many meals are easily transferable to the outdoors, while others may require a few adaptations.
Paige Lackey, a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the DNR, is putting her campfire cooking skills and recipes to the test as part of Project Rustic, a statewide RV tour of Michigan’s rustic campgrounds. While living in and working from an RV provided by General RV, Paige put together a basic meal plan and some of her favorite campfire recipes that anyone can enjoy.
Paige’s favorite campfire recipes and daily meal plan
The last thing you want to do while camping is spend time inside your camper, slaving over a hot stove. You’re camping to enjoy the outdoors and mealtime should not take up hours of your day! Many of my favorite go-to meals while camping are one-pot meals that can be made over a fire. One-pot meals are easy to prep, cook and clean-up and honestly, what’s better than cooking over a fire?
Campfire cooking hacks can ensure your camping trips are successful and enjoyable
Enjoying a great meal around a campfire with friends is one of the best parts about camping. But the last thing you want to do while on vacation is spend hours cooking. Instead, use these campfire cooking hacks to learn how to make quick and tasty meals in the great outdoors.
S’mores and hot dogs probably come to mind when you think of campfire food, but don’t limit yourself! You can cook just about anything over a campfire with the right tools. Check out some of our many delicious recipes that will have everyone coming back for second helpings!
Tips for cooking outdoors or in your RV
Plan your campfire meals
Planning campfire meals can make your RV travels more enjoyable.
Meal planning takes a little work up front but it’s well worth the effort. The more prep work you do at home, the less chaotic your camping trip will be. After all, no one wants to tear down camp for an unexpected run to the store when you realize you’re out of a key ingredient. Plus, you’ll save money and waste less food by creating a meal plan.
Choose easy recipes over complicated or labor-intensive meals
While enjoying a hot meal prepared over a campfire is a cherished outdoor tradition, no one wants to spend their entire vacation cooking or washing dishes. Choose simple recipes that can be cooked in one pot or grilled together, and select foods that require less effort to prep like ears of corn or asparagus.
Prep as much as possible at home
Prepping food ahead of time can save time and effort at the campground.
Whether on a weekend getaway, or a week-long excursion, the less chopping and mixing that needs to happen on site the better off you’ll be. Less food prep at the campground also means less gear being hauled out, as well as fewer opportunities for cross contamination or foodborne illness. Stews and soups are easy to make beforehand and then reheat onsite, for example. Just be sure to keep prepared food chilled until it is cooked.
Only pack what you need
Aluminum foil is one of the most versatile products to stock in your RV.
Instead of bringing jars of spices, try filling a drinking straw with your desired spices and seal both ends.
A common household product that comes highly recommended for campfire cooking is aluminum foil. If you’re at all wary of campfire cooking, foil will be your saving grace. Simply pile ingredients into a square of foil, wrap them up, and let your campfire do the rest. In most cases, you’ll end up with a meal that’s comforting and concentrated in flavor. You can also use aluminum foil over your grate grill for less greasy grilling and to minimize dirty dishes. Need some spice in your life, but you don’t want to bring the whole spice rack? Use a lighter to seal the end of a drinking straw (or pinch, fold and tape it), then fill with your desired spice. Seal the other end of the straw, label it and snip it open when you’re ready to get cooking. It’s a simple and easy cooking hack that will save you time, space and money!
Practice food safety
Always keep your foods at a safe temperature to avoid illness.
Maintain food safety by keeping harmful bacteria at bay. If your RV does not have a working refrigerator, pack a cooler with both ice and bags of cold water for any meat, dairy or other items that must remain below 41 degrees F. The bags of water help keep the temperature cooler for longer. If you’re uncertain about the doneness of food, an instant read thermometer can help ensure that foods are cooked through to between 145–165 degrees F, as suggested by the FDA.
Keep things clean
A family enjoys a meal together inside their RV.
Make sure you have plenty of clean, potable water and soap for washing anything that touches raw foods. You might also consider packing sanitizing wipes or some bleach to help kill any harmful pathogens. Keep an eye on your fresh water tank levels or bring bottled water for longer trips and boondocking.
Store food properly
Thor Magnitude Class A motorhome includes plenty of storage for coolers and other outdoor cooking gear.
Be wary of outdoor critters both big and small. It’s best to keep food stored away inside your RV. If food has to be stored outdoors, make sure you pack it in tightly sealed containers. Whether you’re heading out for the weekend or longer, coolers are likely going to be part of your planning. Packing and using your coolers efficiently is important to keeping the contents from spoiling. If you’re camping in areas where bears are present, follow these additional tips from the National Park Service about storing food and bears.
Practice campfire safety
A family prepares hot dogs over a fire in front of their Forest River Ibex travel trailer.
Before you start cooking, choose a campfire site at least ten feet away from bushes or anything flammable, including tents or RVs. A general rule is to have three times the height of the fire in clear overhead space. Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to extinguish the campfire when you’re done. Once the flames die down, stir the ashes and pour more water or sand to cover the ashes completely. Always obey any burn bans and pay attention to the weather in areas where wild fires are common.
Start the day right with coffee while camping
A pour-over coffee maker is an easy way to brew great coffee at the campsite.
What’s a better way to greet the morning in the wilderness than to drink a hot cup of camp coffee? Craving for the drink is one thing; preparing for it is another. In the past, forcing down brutal instant coffee was the norm. But some simple ingenuity can easily raise the standards of your morning brew. A pour-over portable coffee maker allows you to use your favorite grounds in a paper filter, brewing the coffee directly over your cup. Another easy way to brew your coffee: coffee bags. Similar to tea bags, the coffee bags will steep in hot water and help you get your caffeine fix. To make your own coffee bags, simply pour grounds into a paper filter, and then tie it closed with some string or non-flavored dental floss. Dunk the newly-made filter bag into a cup of hot water, and watch the magic happen. Discard the bag when your coffee has finished steeping.
Bring the right equipment
Cast iron is a necessity if you are cooking over a campfire. You can cook anything on it and cleanup is a breeze. Cast iron cookware also lasts for generations if you season it well and care for it properly. Not to mention the flavor of cooking on cast iron is amazing!
Grabbing food from the campfire grill grate or from the coals with your bare hands is a bad idea. You’ll only make that mistake once, and then you’ll get yourself a good pair of grilling tongs. On a related note, the item most highly recommended by campfire cooking experts is an oven mitt, since the last thing you want on a camping trip is a bad burn.
A cast iron pan is a versatile campfire cooking tool you can use for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Make sure you have these items packed for your next camping trip:
Cast iron pan
Tongs
Oven mitt
Aluminum foil
Campfire forks
Grill grate
Washing-up kit
Helpful products for cooking while camping
For many, some of the best camping memories are made while enjoying a meal together. General RV has a huge selection of equipment and accessories to simplify your camp cooking experience – whether you’re feeding one or a crowd. Some of our favorite products from General RV’s Parts Department include:
Camco Sink Kit
It’s a universal truth that those who eat must also do dishes. Having a consolidated set for washing and drying dishes is a must. It helps you feel organized and makes dish washing efficient!
The Camco Galley Sink Kit includes a mini dishpan, mini dish drainer with tray and sink mat to make cleaning up easy.
Progressive Microwavable rice and pasta cooker
Hungry but too tired to cook over the campfire? Rice and pasta are simple and filling which makes them great for chow time after a long day of exploring. The Prep Solutions Microwave Rice and Pasta Cooker is designed specifically for cooking and reheating your favorite starchy dishes in the microwave. It features an easy-locking lid that secures tightly and prevents spills and messes while preparing your food.
Prep Solutions Microwave Rice and Pasta Cooker
Rome Extension Fork
Perfect for cooking brats, hotdogs and marshmallows over a roaring fire. The fork extends a good length so you’re not burning your hands by reaching too close to the flames.
Pudgy Pie Revolution cookbook
This cook book is filled with 81 unique pie iron camping recipes that will inspire campers and backyard cooks to bring their campfire cuisine to the next level.
Rome Double Pie Iron
It’s no secret that we love a good pie iron recipe, and this is the big daddy of pie irons. Perfect for cooking two pies at the same time over the fire. Get your creative juices flowing to make delicious sandwiches, pizzas, mountain pies and more!
Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill cooking rack
Some fire pits at campgrounds have a built-in rack, but they don’t reach far enough over the fire or they’re not positioned correctly once the fire is burning. This adjustable cooking rack solves that problem.
Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill cooking rack
Nesting bowls
These nesting bowls are great multi-taskers and can be used for preparing ingredients, serving meals, and storing leftovers. The space-saving design allows individual pieces to be stacked neatly together, making it a great addition to any camper or small kitchen.
Omelet maker
As much as we love breakfast over the campfire, sometimes the weather isn’t ideal for building a fire. That’s where microwave cookers become lifesavers. This Omelet Maker makes the perfect omelet, filled with all your favorite ingredients, quickly and easily! The pan does the hard part for you; simply flip the pan and your omelet is folded!
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating
Anyone can cook a great meal over a campfire. All it takes is a little know-how, the right tools, and a recipe. General RV is here to help. Stop by the Parts Department at your local General RV dealer before your next adventure and start enjoying mouth-watering meals wherever you go. Subscribe to the General RV Blog and check out more helpful advice to make RVing the relaxing, enjoyable experience it should be.
