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.
If you’re like us, you love the outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine. Lush, mature forests. Crystal clear streams. Awe-inspiring mountains. Beautiful sandy beaches. These are just a few of the things that draw us back to nature again and again.
As RVers and campers, we play an important role in protecting the environment we enjoy so much. Many of the park fees we pay when visiting help maintain those grounds for future generations. For those who want to do more, there are several other ways you can go green in your RV – from shopping secondhand gear to installing RV solar panels, you can be a hero for the planet while exploring and enjoying the natural world around us.
To help you make your own RV camping trips more green we spoke with an expert, Paige, a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She’s an avid camper and experienced RV who undertook a six-month long RV tour to gather data about rustic campgrounds across Michigan. Paige holds a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Michigan State and is passionate about protecting the outdoors. She took a break from her day job to help us compile this list of earth-friendly camping tips.
Here are 25+ ways to be more eco-friendly when you camp in your RV.
Think green before you hit the road to improve gas mileage in your RV
Check your tire pressure regularly to maximize your fuel efficiency.
Fuel-consuming vehicles are a major source of pollution so think green before you hit the road in your RV to reduce your carbon footprint.
Plan a fuel-efficient route to maximize your miles per gallon (MPG) and make the most of your adventures on the road. Trip planning apps can help you check all those must-see sites off your list without having to backtrack.
Also, make sure your vehicle/RV is road ready – check tire pressure, get an oil change, replace air filters, etc. Skipping routine maintenance can make your RV less fuel efficient and might also leave you stranded. Check your owner’s manual for recommended service schedules.
Pack what you need and leave the rest at home. Excess weight in your RV will decrease your MPG so leave the leather-bound books and those free weights at home. When possible, empty your RV’s holding tanks before heading to your next destination.
General RV debuts the all new East to West Entrada Class C motorhome
General RV is proud to introduce the brand new Entrada Class C motorhome from East to West RV! Each floorplan has been expertly crafted to provide you with high-class adventures, and we’ll be showcasing the Entrada 2200S floorplan for this overview. While we’re always pumped to share our latest RVs, this introduction is even more exciting because the Entrada is East to West’s first motorhome offering. On top of that, General RV is one of the first RV dealers to receive the Entrada!
Entrada 2200S Class C motorhome is family-friendly and feature-loaded
Class C motorhomes are a type of RV that have long been a great choice for camping families and for good reason. Their shorter length and multiple sleeping areas allow families to experience more of the outdoors in an RV that’s easy to drive and park. The Entrada 2200S from East to West RV is no exception. This well-equipped Class C gas motorhome sleeps 5 and features a modern décor for your family. It also has a 60 x 80-inch bunk-over-cab, galley kitchen, full bathroom, generous storage, and more for incredibly comfortable camping.
Who is East to West RV?
Before we dive into our overview of the Entrada, let’s talk about the manufacturer East to West RV. Founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 2017, East to West’s corporate philosophy revolves around people working together to create high-quality, value-added products. They offer a limited number of RV floor plans with quality components and long-term value. That strategy is paying off. East to West has already made a name for itself with award-winning travel trailers and fifth wheels. Entering the motorhome segment has been a company goal since day one. Now, with the debut of the Entrada, they have officially arrived!
East to West made the Entrada with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
The brand new Entrada Class C motorhome is East to West RV’s first motorhome offering.
The foundation of the Entrada 2200S is a Ford E350 chassis with a 7.3L V8 engine. A one-piece molded fiberglass front cap combined with the white, black and gray paint scheme gives the Entrada a polished look. This floorplan measures 23 ft. 10 in. from bumper to bumper and has one slide-out so it will fit into tight campsites with ease.
Few things are more exciting than planning your next RV adventure. But before you head out on the open road, there’s some legwork to be done – from mapping your route and deciding where to camp to packing and prepping your RV. And, if you’re planning to live in your RV (and maybe work in a travel trailer or motorhome) for an extended period of time, things can get even more complicated. Fortunately, we’ve got several tips for long term or full-time RV living.
Planning your route
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of embarking on an extended RV trip.
Start by planning your route. Knowing where you’re headed and which stops you’ll make along the way will help you stay on schedule, which is especially important if your long RV trip has a set end date. There are some great trip planning websites like gowandering.com and roadtrippers.com that can help you discover places to go, sites to see, and outdoor activities along your route.
Allow for
flexibility and re-routing, too. You might really enjoy a destination and not
want to leave on the day you planned to leave. Being flexible with your plan
allows for more serendipitous experiences and adventures!
Additionally, if you plan on traveling to remote areas, you’ll want to make note of the next gas station and bring an atlas. It’s convenient to use your phone’s GPS or an external GPS, but in areas with limited/restricted cell coverage, paper maps are a must-have. If you prefer to use your phone, Google Maps has a download feature so you can save maps without using data. Just note that it will still drain your battery so if you rely on this, you’ll need to make sure you have cords and can plug into your RV or a backup power source.
Meet the Winnebago EKKO. This adventure-ready RV combines the efficiencies of a B-Van with the capacity of a Class C motorhome. Designed to go where other RVs can’t, the EKKO has all wheel drive, a 455-watt solar power kit, extensive all-season insulation, and much more so you can go further and camp longer.
The massive, heated gear garage with its
L-track cargo tie down system allows you to store bikes, inflatable kayaks,
fishing rods, tackle boxes, and other outdoor gear. Inside, the living area
provides all the comforts of home, including Winnebago’s Flex Bed system, galley
kitchen and dry/wet bath with an innovative pivoting wall. Plus, an optional
pop-top provides extra sleeping space.
Let’s hop in and take a closer look at some
of the features that make the Winnebago EKKO the ultimate adventure RV!
All wheel drive. All weather. Off-grid ready. The Winnebago EKKO is made for adventure.
EKKO was built to camp almost anywhere
Winnebago built the EKKO on an all-wheel drive Ford Transit chassis paired with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The engine delivers 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for navigating steep terrain, while the 31-gallon fuel tank greatly extends the EKKO’s range. This agile motorhome measures just over 23 feet in length and is 7 ft. 2.5 inches wide, allowing the EKKO to fit into tight campsites with ease.
The cab is filled with conveniences like a
rearview monitoring system, 8-inch color touchscreen for navigation and
entertainment, and dual USB ports. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise
control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, driver alert and blind spot
monitoring. Both driver and co-pilot seats have fixed lumbar support and
multiple adjustments so you can stay comfortable while you travel to
destinations unknown.
The interior of the EKKO is efficiently designed and exceptionally functional.
No hookups? No problem for EKKO
The Winnebago EKKO is equipped with three
solar panels that pump out 455-watts of power. Standard lithium-ion batteries
provide extra energy for venturing off the grid. A second dedicated alternator charges
the batteries while driving. A 50-gallon freshwater tank plus proportionate
waste tanks make extended trips possible, too.
Additionally, the EKKO has been prepped for camping in any weather. All tanks and water lines inside the coach are above the floor. There’s also extensive all-season insulation in the roof, walls and floor, plus dual-pane acrylic windows to keep you comfortable. Add in multiple insulated exterior compartments, and your camping season doesn’t have to end when the temperature drops.
Enjoy the comforts of home wherever you roam
Efficiently designed, the EKKO’s interior
includes everything you need to enjoy your adventures more. The galley kitchen
has a stainless steel sink with cover, pantry, fridge/freezer, microwave oven,
and two-burner cooktop. An adjustable, flip-up counter extension provides extra
room for prepping meals. It’s also a great spot to work while you’re on the
road. You’ll find LED lights, USB
charging ports, and 110V/12V outlets throughout the coach for added
convenience.
One standout feature is the innovative dry/wet bath built with a pivoting wall. The wall pivots to separate the shower from the rest of the bathroom and makes washing up easy while keeping the rest of your RV dry. Other bathroom amenities include an Oxygenics® shower head, medicine cabinet, robe/towel hook, rounded sink, and swiveling cassette toilet.
When you’re ready to call it a day, settle in for a good night’s sleep with Winnebago’s Flex Bed system. Choose from two twin beds (32 in. x 76 in.) or one queen (60 in. x 80 in.) bed, perfect for solo travelers or couples. Drawer and wardrobe storage under bed and a night stand help keep things organized and clutter-free. If you need extra sleeping space for guests, the EKKO also has an optional pop-top. This sleeping space measures 52 in. x 79 in. and provides penthouse views. The pop-top bed is a great option for camping with kids and a very unique feature to find in a Class B motorhome.
Last but not least, we have to call out the
EKKO’s massive gear garage. It offers 54.6 cu.ft. of pass-through storage with
an L-track cargo tie down system for securing your gear. So bring your mountain
bikes, inflatable kayaks, and anything else you want! The gear garage is also
heated and has LED lighting as well as 110V/12V outlets, too. And just in case
that’s not enough room, the EKKO has a 5,000 lb. trailer hitch to haul even
more.
The EKKO offers an abundance of exterior storage.
Explore
the Winnebago EKKO at General RV
Combining the efficiency of a camper van and the capacity of a Class C coach, the Winnebago EKKO takes the phrase ‘big things in small packages’ to a whole new level. With its space-saving design, off-road capabilities and adventure-ready amenities, the EKKO is sure to become your favorite place away from home. Explore more about the Winnebago EKKO on our website. Or, check it out in person at a General RV Supercenter near you. Our RV experts are ready to help you begin your adventure.
