Starting with the bad news, as of January 1, 2026, Washington’s new Luxury Motor Vehicle Tax means RVs over $100,000 will be subject to an additional 8% tax.
The GOOD news is that you can avoid those thousands of dollars in extra cost by buying before the end of the year!
Time is running out to lock in the RV of your dreams at the best price of this year. And next year!
Buy now and enjoy the incredible savings with our End of Year Clearance Sale! You’ll save tens of thousands of dollars.
Don’t wait until next year! Upgrade your adventures now and keep that money in your pocket, not in taxes.
Growing up in Tooele, Utah, Jerry A. Edwards had little inclination that he’d spend nearly seven decades of his professional life in the RV industry. His dad was a deep shaft miner, and most of his days were spent hanging around the jobsite. It wasn’t until he was 15 that he landed a job sweeping factory floors at VistaLiner, a truck camper manufacturer that brought him across state lines to Idaho.
Within six months, he’d engineered a new method to build cabinets for the campers. VistaLiner’s owner then put him in the metal shop, where he thrived. By age 18, he was the plant supervisor for a new company, Freeway Campers, and in the early 1960s he moved to Oregon, where he became the manager for Aloha Trailers. He was only 21 when he launched his own service and repair shop, Vetro. “I’m not sure I even stepped inside an RV until I worked at VistaLiner,” says Edwards, who, at 82 years old, is still working. “But for not having planned it, I couldn’t have landed in a better industry.”
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Amidst the gas crisis of the 1970s, as many RV manufacturers struggled to keep their doors open, Edwards saw an opportunity. He purchased and sold repossessed RVs, scaling his business despite the headwinds of the marketplace. “You had to be a very good salesman to sell a 6-mpg motorhome when gas was rationed,” he recalls.
Edwards’ niche would ultimately be aftermarket accessories, a speciality that would lead to his next and most prolific enterprise: a company we know today as Roadmaster, Inc. Shortly after Edwards founded Roadmaster in Vancouver, Washington, he released a product that revolutionized flat towing. The Stowmaster Tow Bar, which debuted in 1984, was the world’s first self-aligning tow bar.
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
That product was the foundation of a business that, more than 40 years on, is still the leader in flat-towing products. But Edwards knows the industry is changing, that younger travelers seek out smaller rigs that don’t require tow bars. Even at age 82, he’s ready to meet that challenge. “Our roots are innovation and the ability to create things from scratch,” he says. “We’ll create products for the changing demographic and continue the Roadmaster legacy.”
Remember that visit to a Petting Farm your kids enjoyed on their school field trip, before you heard about agritourism? Or how about those visits to the pumpkin patch and corn maze that became an annual fall tradition? And those wine tastings, followed by sitting at a table next to the vineyard, sipping your favorite vintage, and listening to music?
At the time, those were just activities enjoyed by many families as part of their routines.
Photo: Meritt Thomas
But they all fall under the umbrella of an exploding category called Agritourism – a path many farms, dairies, food processors, breweries, and wineries have taken to bring in extra income and share their products and passion with visitors, many of whom travel from state to state seeking such experiences.
And a perfect way to explore? By RV, of course!
Roadside stands selling produce or eggs, Farmers Markets, Pick-Your-Own berries or peaches — all are ways for travelers to interact with the people who provide our food and help them supplement their incomes.
We can’t possibly cover every state and every option, so here’s a sampling of places we know personally:
Artisanal cheese. Photo: Lee Milo
Pacific Northwest Picks
In our RV travels, we were surprised — don’t know why — to find some of the best Farmers Markets we’d ever been to in Oregon, in the wine country and on the coast, especially McMinnville’s and Newport’s.
The Rogue Valley in Oregon is home to several artisanal cheese makers, as is the Willamette Valley, where you can sometimes greet the cheese source in the milking barn as you walk to the tasting room. The Willamette, of course, is famous for Pinot Noir, but we also found good wines in Roseburg and the Umpqua River Valley.
Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Photo: Hiroko Nishimura
In neighboring Washington, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is famous and fun, but the neighborhood Farmer’s Markets — especially in the University District — were so much more intimate and engaging. Washington wine deserves your attention. On your way to the southeastern wine regions, drive through the Yakima Valley to see fields and fields of hops and orchards full of the famous Washington apples.
A wine event in Northern California. Photo: Oleksandr Gamaniuk
California Bounty
California is a mecca for wine, cheese — especially in the coastal hills north of San Francisco — and five-pound apple pies in Apple Valley east of Sacramento. Be sure to try some of the lesser-known wine regions near the coast and in the Sierra Nevada foothills, as well as Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Paso Robles. And the San Joaquin Valley is known for its peaches, apricots, almonds, olive oil, and fantastic Farmers Markets. Date lovers can head to Southern California and sample multiple varieties.
Arizona: Land of Plenty
In Tempe, Arizona, Hayden Flour Mills grows non-GMO ancient and heritage grains. They sell flours, pancake and cake mixes, and much, much more. They also hold classes and events.
In Apache Junction, Queen Creek Olive Mill produces and sells multiple flavors of olive oil and related gift items.
Generic potato chips with a key ingredient. Photo: Generica
Great Grains in VA
The Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia is not only home to distilleries, breweries, and wineries, but also to grain mills where visitors can take home freshly milled grain.
And, while it’s not exactly agritourism since it’s a producer, the Route 11 Potato Chip company Kettle cooks small-batch chips and offers tours, tastings, and sales of multiple flavors and sizes of bags. The factory was built to be green and uses the kettle heat for building heat and recycles its peelings into cattle feed. And, with the generous amounts of samples, the company hands out to visitors. It’s a very popular stop just off Interstate 81 in Mt. Jackson.
Photo: Charles Deluvio
Louisiana Yields Flavor
In New Iberia, Louisiana, the Conrad Rice Mill — on the National Register of Historic Places — is the oldest rice mill in the country and still produces rice that is sold in hand-tied burlap bags. You can take a tour and see the wooden mill parts working away, as they have for more than 100 years, watch a video about rice and rice milling, and buy rice and Cajun gift items.
Nearby, visit Avery Island and learn the story behind Tabasco Sauce — created by Edward McIlhenny in 1868. Tabasco still is family-owned, with the fifth generation carefully guarding the secret sauce recipe. And judging the peppers’ color to make sure they are at the perfect stage for harvesting. Tour the factory, watch the famous sauce come off the line with labels in 50-some languages, sample multiple flavors, and dine in the café. Drive the grounds and be careful of the gators sunning by the waterways.
Pumpkins for sale. Photo: Ginger Jordan
Agritourism, USA
And to states not mentioned, our apologies. There’s a space limit. But just about every state in the U.S. offers agritourism of some sort — from Florida to Maine and west along the Gulf Coast and up through the Midwest, Great Lakes region, and the Prairies. You can eat and drink your way across the country, having fun and helping the growers. You’ll meet a lot of interesting people along the way — we sure did.
Many agritourism stops offer RV parking, and you can also find a Good Sam park nearby to make multiple visits from a home base. Hours of operation can be found online. And,if you are staying at a park, ask the staff for help in finding nearby agritourism destinations.
Tiffin’s GH1 has been a top-of-the-line Off-Road Class B Van. It’s been a success from the first ones that arrived on our lots. But some adventurers need a bit – more.
The Mercedes-Benz® 2500 Sprinter Chassis great. But imagine extending that out to the Mercedes-Benz® 2500 Extended Sprinter Cargo Van Chassis. Add in more solar power, a longer galley kitchen with movable induction cooktop, and more rugged powder-coated aluminum storage built in than we’ve ever seen in a Class B, and you have the New Tiffin GH2.
The Tiffin GH2 is designed to offer a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and compact livability. Its compact size and all-terrain capabilities allow you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without worrying about accessibility or maneuverability. Inside, it’s equipped with high-quality amenities like a functional kitchen, comfortable sleeping area, and smart storage solutions, so you can enjoy the comforts of home wherever you go. It’s the perfect travel companion for those who crave freedom, flexibility, and a touch of style on the road.
Designed to be rugged, inside and out, the interior is constructed with durable composite materials for less wear and tear and superior insulation to withstand hot and cold temperatures. The marine-grade flooring material by Lonseal® is designed with surface
embossing for enhanced traction.
This RV expects you to get dirty.
Like it’s sibling, the GH2 has a Class B with a 49”x79” gear garage and a powerlift bed. While you’re out there in the wild, you can bring your best toys, too! Then, with just the touch of a button, your bed lowers down to get the best night’s sleep after an active day.
Now garage area is all powder-coated aluminum and ready for customization. Even better, the New GH2 is now Owl-Ready Certified. The Specifically, this means that the GH2 has been verified to be compatible with all of Owl Van’s most popular modifications for the Mercedes Sprinter platform including:
Improved Expanded Fuel Tank Compatibility
Wolfbox Camera Pre-Wiring
Owl-Ready Rear Door Mounting Plates
Improved Suspension Engineering
Floor Anchor Points
Upgraded Metal Components from Van Essential
Starlink Mini Pre-Wire & Preinstallation
And much more!
Plus it all up with Fox Tuned Shocks, Vision® Off-road Wheels, Hill-start assist, cassette toilet, exterior LED lighting, and all-terrain BFG KO2 tires, and you can go where few RVs have gone before.
Between the original Tiffin GH1 and the New GH2, Van Off-Roading is looking better than ever. So stop waiting! Time to knock off a few items from that bucket list! Give us a call and get ready to get wild!
You can wander from coast to coast, and you’ll never find another place quite like Montana. Wild and beautiful, the state is home to epic mountain ranges, sweeping plains, and rugged badlands just waiting to be explored. It is a destination where the history dates back for millennia, yet still holds meaning today. But most of all, Montana is a place defined by its communities and the people that call them home, welcoming visitors with a healthy dose of Western hospitality and an undeniable charm.
There is no question that a good-old-fashioned road trip is the best way to experience Montana. The legendary Beartooth Highway is probably the best-known road in the state, but there are plenty of others to discover. Like the 400-mile Montana Scenic Loop, which circumnavigates the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and passes through 15 amazing towns and cities en route. Or the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, a 49-mile drive that follows in the footsteps of the first explorers, trappers, and traders that made their way west. Like those early adventurers, you’ll gaze in wonder at the snowcapped peaks, mountain meadows, and expansive willow bottoms, while topping out above 7,800 feet along the way.
Photo Credit: Montana Department of Commerce
Montana’s historic and enchanting small towns make an excellent base camp for all of your adventures. Places like Red Lodge, where the mountain scenery isn’t the only thing that will stick with, so will the the welcoming spirit you’ll get from the locals. Or Emigrant, where the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed. Want to ski, hike, or mountain bike? Point your vehicle towards Phillipsburg. And when you’re ready to relax and unwind, soak in the hot springs in Norris or grab a burger at the Pony Bar.
All of these experiences and so much more are waiting for you in Montana. To get a taste of this beautiful, unforgettable, and wild place, check out the video above. It will have you planning your own Montana getaway, where you’ll have enough adventures and make enough memories to last a lifetime.
Once you’re settled into a campground—leveled your rig, put out the awning and hooked up with power, water and sewer, extended the steps, covered the windshield and whatever else—the last thing you want to do is break camp. But you just found out you don’t have a key ingredient for dinner and need to go into town. Or you discovered the tourist attraction you want to visit doesn’t allow RV parking.
Some folks find bicycles or lightweight motorcycles sufficient for running errands and local visiting. But a lot of motorhome owners prefer to tow a vehicle along with them, a practice called “dinghy towing.” Millions of travelers do this, availing themselves of the convenience of an extra set of wheels. Some affectionately call the towed vehicle a “toad.”
Photo Credit: Getty
Before you run out and impulse-buy a vehicle to tow, whether it’s used or new, it’s essential to determine a few things. First: How much weight is your motorhome rated to tow? You can often find the motorhome’s tow rating in the manufacturer’s specifications (or check with them). If the info is not available, start with the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). This should be on a label in the door jamb. Subtract the actual weight (fully fueled and loaded RV weight, including water and passengers) from the GCWR. For example, if the GCWR is 25,000 pounds and the actual fully loaded scale weight is 20,000 pounds, you have 5,000 pounds left available for towing. Do a Google search for “truck scales near me” for scale locations.
You will need a hitch. Many motorhomes come with a trailer hitch, which is rated for up to 5,000 pounds. That’s enough for towing most cars, but not sufficient for all pickups and SUVs. Check to ensure that your prospective hitch has sufficient rating for what you will be towing. Look up the manufacturer’s curb weight for an estimate of what your proposed dinghy vehicle may weigh, and add for any cargo.
Photo Credit: Curt
Next, is the vehicle you are considering designed and manufacturer-approved to be towed long distances? Many vehicles are not. Towing them can lead to extremely expensive mechanical damage. Read the towing section of your prospective toad’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to tow it.
There are several Dinghy Towing Guides available online, with listings organized by model year. These can be helpful in narrowing down what vehicle to use or to determine if one you already have is towable. These are found at Roadmasterinc.com, CampingWorld.com and others. (Wildsam’s sister website, RV.com, also has an extensive archive of dinghy-related material.)
There are three basic methods for bringing a vehicle along: on a trailer; on a tow dolly; or “flat towing,” with all four wheels on the ground. Most folks prefer flat towing for its simplicity and convenience. But the paradox here is, the majority of vehicles are not flat towable, so be very cautious and make sure of what’s possible. If your towed vehicle has front-wheel drive and is thus not flat towable, you may need a tow dolly. If it is electric, has all-wheel drive or is otherwise not designed to be flat-towed, it may need to be hauled on a trailer.
Illustration by Todd Detwiler
In order to flat tow, you’ll need a mount to connect the tow bar to the towed vehicle. These are called baseplates and mount to the front structure of the vehicle, providing a solid place to attach a tow bar. Most baseplates are made by a few companies, including Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco. You’ll also need a tow bar, and these are made by the above-mentioned companies as well as NSA RV Products and some others. Make sure the tow bar is rated for the actual loaded weight of your dinghy vehicle, and that it’s compatible with the model baseplate you are using. Many folks prefer the type of tow bar that is left attached to the motorhome when the dinghy vehicle is detached.
Now that you have the basics, in our next issue we will cover the various accessories and widgets that make dinghy towing safer and easier. Stay tuned!
You may have been to Florida in the past, but you really haven’t truly visited Florida until you’ve experienced Authentic Walton. Located in the state’s panhandle region, this historic and charming community is perfect for travelers searching for a tranquil and rejuvenating escape. But don’t let Walton County’s laidback and welcoming vibe fool you; there is still plenty to see and do, allowing visitors to be as active or relaxed as they like.
A delightful blend of pastoral landscapes and modern attractions, Authentic Walton encompasses the communities of Freeport, Paxton, and DeFuniak Springs. There you’ll find unique neighborhoods filled with historic architecture, an array of enchanting shops and delicious restaurants, and plenty of friendly locals.
Photo Credit: Authentic Walton
Active visitors will find plenty to love in Walton County, too. Options for outdoor adventures abound, including hiking the trails in Gaskin Park and Lakewood Park, the latter of which is home to Britton Hill—Florida’s highest point at 345 feet. And if aquatic activities are more your speed, head to Morrison Springs to cool off in the spring-fed natural pool or go kayaking and paddleboarding on Choctawhatchee Bay, where the sunsets have to be seen to be believed.
History buffs will appreciate Walton County’s Veterans Memorial located in Casey Park. This monument honors all veterans, including active servicemen and women, retired military, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Nearby, the Grace Project is dedicated to the brave women who serve in the military, while the Freedom Flame is an eternal reminder to stay vigilant. Other historical sites include buildings and homes near Lake DeFuniak that were built in the Victorian era and the Walton-DeFuniak Public Library, home to 800 historically significant books, including a first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird signed by author Harper Lee.
Photo Credit: Authentic Walton
If you’re traveling to Authentic Walton by RV, you’ll find some amazing places to park your rig while there. Local favorites include Sapphire Island and Twin Lakes Camp Resort, both of which offer amazing views of DeFuniak Lake. The campground at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has 156 RV sites with full hookups, while nearby Grayton Beach State Park offers 59 campsites with electricity and water. Be sure to book your reservations well ahead of your stay.
As you can see, there is a lot to love in Authentic Walton. To learn more about this beautiful and intriguing destination, and to start planning your visit, go to AuthenticWalton.com.
Friday brings the end of another busy week, with plenty of RV news to cover. So before we all get started with our weekend, here are the biggest headlines from the past few days:
Photo Credit: Winnebago
RV Pro Reveals the Best New Models for 2026: Looking for a new RV, but not sure which models are worth checking out? Our friends at RV Pro are here to help, as the website has just revealed its top picks for the Best New Models of 2026. As usual, the line-up is diverse and interesting, with options from Forest, River, Thor, Winnebago, REV Group, and a host of independent brands. It also includes some of our favorites, too, like the Winnebago Thrive 26FKD, the Keystone Walkabout, and the Bontrager Outdoors Comfor 21PD. Check out the full list here.
Photo Credit: Ember RV
Ember Introduces Two New Models at Toronto RV Show: If you’re heading to the Toronto Fall RV Show this weekend, you’ll have a chance to scout out two new towables from Ember RV. The company is using the show to introduce the new Touring Edition 2300MLL and the compact E-Series LE 12FK. Both rigs exhibit the brand’s exceptional build quality, with the Touring Edition offering a more comfortable and luxurious experience, while the E-Series model targets first-time buyers and minimalist outdoor explorers. Visit EmberRV.com for more information.
Photo Credit: Coachmen RV
Coachmen is Bringing Back the Freedom Express Liberty Edition Travel Trailer: This week, Coachmen RV announced that it is reviving its Freedom Express Liberty Edition towable. Initially, the travel trailer will come with two floor plans, including the 330BHJJ bunkhouse model, along with the 330RKS couples camper. Two additional models will be announced at a later date. Features include a queen-size bed, electric stabilizing jacks, a tankless water heater, an automotive-style front cap, and washer/dryer prep. Find out more at coachmenrv.com.
Photo Credit: Suburban
Suburban Launches Innovative Water Heater/Furnace Combo: Airxcel sub-brand Suburban has launched a new product designed to keep RVers more comfortable in their rigs. The company’s new RV One device is an all-in-one solution that serves as an on-demand water heater and furnace. In addition to being highly efficient, the component is smaller and lighter than two separate heating units, making this a great option for RV manufacturers looking to save space in small travel trailers, Class B and C motorhomes, and other vehicles.
Photo Credit: Coleman-Mach
Coleman-Mach Debuts New Energy-Efficient A/C:Coleman-Mach, which is also a subsidiary of Airxcel, unveiled a new energy-efficient air conditioner this week. The rooftop-mounted IntelliCool A/C unit cranks out 18,000 BTUs of power, offers 360º multi-directional airflow, and built-in soft-start technology. The device is reportedly very quiet and offers variable speed settings. RV Business has the skinny here.
Photo Credit: Battle Born
Dragonfly Awarded Patent on Battery Communication Tech:Dragonfly Energy, which makes the popular Battle Born line of lithium batteries, was given a patent this week for its battery communication system. The InteLigence comms technology uses a mesh network to allow for various components—including batteries, controllers, and wireless devices—to more efficiently share information with each other.RV News has more details here.
That’s all of the important news from across the RV industry this week. See you next Friday for another round-up of the biggest and most interesting stories from this space.
If you’re not traveling to see family this Thanksgiving, hosting an RV Friendsgiving is a great alternative for a stress-free celebration. For those of you staying in RV parks or campgrounds near friends, you should know how to host a Friendsgiving gathering in your RV.
How Many Friends Can You Host in Your RV?
First, you need to decide how many friends you’re comfortable hosting. This will largely be dictated by the size of your RV and the weather in your region.
If you’re hosting a warm-weather Friendsgiving, we recommend popping out your RV awning and setting up for an outdoor dinner. That way, you’ll keep your RV kitchen dedicated to meal prep and cooking instead of trying to make enough space to cook, eat and entertain inside.
Image source: Getty Images
For those hosting Friendsgiving in a colder location, you may be more limited to hosting a smaller group. As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend keeping your gathering to a maximum of 5 to 6 friends if hosting inside your RV.
If you have a slide-out, you may add a couple more friends to that total. Pick up a camping table to provide your guests with more comfortable indoor seating for your Friendsgiving gathering if this is the case.
Tips For Safe and Efficient Friendsgiving Cooking
Every year around this time, we hear at least one story about a mismanaged turkey. To keep your Friendsgiving safe and reduce the stress of preparing an excellent meal, follow these tips for efficient, stress-free Friendsgiving cooking.
Image source: Getty Images
Clean Your RV Oven Before Cooking
If you’ve got any buildup in your RV oven, clean it out before cooking your Friendsgiving meal. Turn your oven off and take the oven racks out to soak in warm water for about 30 minutes.
Then use your RV vacuum to remove loose debris. From there, warm water and dish soap will suffice as a cleaning solution, but consider using a vinegar soak and the rough side of your sponge to remove any burnt residue.
Wipe everything dry with a clean microfiber cloth (racks included) and then replace the racks inside your oven. Properly cleaning your RV oven will help you avoid setting off your RV’s smoke alarm while cooking your Friendsgiving meal.
Prep as Much as You Can In Advance
Image source: Getty Images
If you plan and prep in advance, cooking your Friendsgiving bird will be the only thing you do on the actual day of your gathering. Even that can be prepped and seasoned in advance, so you just pop it in the oven a few hours before you want to serve dinner.
If you’re providing dishes like mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole, there’s no reason why you can’t cook those dishes the day before and reheat them when the time comes. Your guests won’t be the wiser and you’ll enjoy more freedom to enjoy hosting rather than spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Utilize Additional Kitchen Appliances
Your RV probably came with a microwave, stovetop and oven, but you may need additional cooking ability. That’s why adding small portable kitchen appliances like air fryers and pressure cookers make a lot of sense when cooking for large groups.
Of course, you’ll need additional counter space for these appliances, which suggests setting up your dining table outside. You’ll also need to consider the wattage requirements for these appliances, and you may need to stagger their use to avoid tripping a circuit breaker by running too many at once.
Image source: Getty Images
Keep it Vented
Because you’ll most likely be cooking in your oven, on your stovetop, and in one or more of those smaller kitchen appliances, open at least one window and turn on one of yourroof vent fans to let smoke escape and fresh air circulate back in.
This will help you avoid setting off your smoke alarm and will keep your RV from overheating while you’re cooking. As an added safety precaution, make sure you know where your RV’s fire extinguisher is located just in case you run into a cooking emergency.
Clean As You Go and Ask For Help
Sometimes we forget about the cleaning requirements that come with Friendsgiving gatherings. We get excited about the eating and the socializing and then realize we have an overloaded sink once all our guests are gone.
Because RVs tend to have smaller sinks, it really behooves you to clean as you go as much as possible. You also shouldn’t hesitate to ask your guests for help on this front (or with meal prep in general). Sharing is caring during the holiday season and you should be able to relax a little and enjoy your party as well!
Image source: Getty Images
The Benefits of a Friendsgiving Potluck
RV kitchens generally have less space than residential kitchens. If you have one of the more spacious Class A motorhomes or fifth-wheel trailers, you may not have an issue, but if you have a smaller rig, consider organizing a Friendsgiving potluck.
Here are a few good reasons to go the potluck route when hosting Friendsgiving in an RV:
You’ll spend less time cooking and more time socializing
It’s easier to have all your dishes ready at the same time
Everyone gets a sense of pride in bringing one of their favorite Thanksgiving dishes
You might discover new Thanksgiving dishes that your family never makes
It minimizes clean-up time because you can send everyone home with their dirty dishes
How To Organize a Friendsgiving Potluck?
Getting everyone on the same page is one of the most challenging aspects of organizing any potluck, regardless of the occasion. So here are a few tips that will help you avoid duplicate dishes and other communication issues for your Friendsgiving potluck:
Image source: Getty Images
Create Your Menu
As the host, it’s your responsibility to create a structure for friends to pick the dishes they want to bring. Come up with a menu of all the dishes you’d like to have for your gathering.
It’s a good idea for the host to pick the menu because you’ll have the best vision of how much space you really have in your RV. You’ll need to consider how you’ll set out all these dishes so it’s as smooth as possible for everyone to serve themselves when the time comes.
Share Your Menu
Next, put that menu into a spreadsheet or email it to all your friends. We like the spreadsheet approach because guests can easily add their names next to their preferred dishes, rather than filling up your email inbox.
It also makes it easy for your procrastinating friends to avoid duplicating any dishes. Plus, it makes it easier for you to remember what you need to prep and it helps your friends keep track of what they’re bringing so they won’t reach out to confirm at the last minute.
Within your spreadsheet, create a column (or a separate page) for your guests to add suggestions. If they have family Thanksgiving recipes they really want to bring, it’s healthy to leave a little room for your menu to adapt.
If you’re going to have a Thanksgiving bird at your gathering, we feel that it’s customary for the host to cook it. So, exclude this item from your spreadsheet, as well as anything else you plan to prepare yourself.
Plan to Minimize Cleanup
To minimize cleanup, ask your friends to bring food storage containers so you can send everyone home with leftovers. Everyone loves holiday leftovers and the smaller size of RV refrigerators limits what you can keep anyway.
Also, request that everyone pack their dishes in recyclable cookware for disposal after your meal. That way, you won’t have a massive pile of dishes in your sink after everyone heads home.
Friendsgiving Entertainment Ideas
While the meal is the focal point of your gathering, it’s a good idea to have a few entertainment ideas in your back pocket. One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is catching up on what’s going on in everyone’s lives, but a good host provides several options to keep their guests entertained.
Image source: Getty Images
Indoor Games
If you’re hosting a small gathering or the weather outside is frightful, indoor games might be your entertainment of choice. After everyone’s bellies are full, pull out your favorite board games or puzzles to pick the energy back up.
Outdoor Games
For larger, warm-weather gatherings, set up your portable fire pit or light a campfire as dinner is winding down. In advance, set out your preferred outdoor games like cornhole or bocce ball.
If you do host outdoor games before or after dinner, put up adequate outdoor lighting to create a safe environment. You can also impress your friends by setting up an outdoor mini bar and serving your favorite camping cocktails.
Utilizing Your RV’s Entertainment Center
If your crew is passionate about keeping up with NFL action during your gathering, this is where your RV’s outdoor entertainment center will come in handy. If your RV doesn’t have one, you can always put the games on your inside TVs and have them running in the background.
Keeping It Fun (and Delicious)
We hope these suggestions help you organize an amazing Friendsgiving this year. From all of us here at Good Sam, we wish everyone a Happy Friendsgiving and a joyous holiday season!
Did you know that the multitool dates back as far as 200 CE? Roman soldiers and pilgrims carried rudimentary versions that included a fork, knife and other utensils to eat while on the road. Even ancient travelers valued utility, convenience and a MacGyver-esque knack for getting things done. The best multitools are a wonder of design and engineering, often condensing an entire toolbox to fit in a pocket. They often pack in a dozen tools or more, including multiple knife blades, bottle and can openers, screwdrivers and pliers. And because they are usually made out of stainless steel, they manage to be very durable, without getting overly bulky or heavy.
Whether you’re looking for a multitool for everyday carry or want one to keep around your house or in your RV, the options can be overwhelming. But the models listed below are some of the best currently available, delivering outstanding utility at affordable prices.
Photo Credit: Leatherman
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal is the perfect example of a modern multitool. At 4.5 inches in length and weighing just 7.5 ounces, it fits neatly in a pocket while providing plenty of functionality. The Signal comes with 19 tools, including a knife, a pliers, a wire cutter and both a can and bottle opener. Available in nine different colors, it ships with a nylon sheath, a safety whistle, a blade sharpener and a ferrite rod for starting a fire. $140 leatherman.com
Photo Credit: Gerber
Gerber Center Drive
While the Gerber Center Drive features 14 individual tools—including pliers, multiple knife blades, and an awl—its primary purpose is to serve as a compact and versatile screwdriver. The multitool ships with a set of 12 interchangeable bits that, when locked into place, provide the grip, torque and rotation of a traditional screwdriver. For added convenience, the Center Drive opens with the fl ick of a thumb, allowing for one-handed use in tight quarters. $145 gerbergear.com
Photo Credit: Victorinox
Victorinox Huntsman
Thanks to the famed Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox is practically synonymous with multitools. That legacy continues with the Huntsman, a modern version of the original model that started it all. Just 3.6 inches in length and weighing 3.4 ounces, this model offers 15 different functions, including two knife blades, two screwdrivers, a corkscrew, scissors, tweezers and a toothpick. Elegant and well crafted, the Huntsman looks and feels great, a testament to its years of ref nement. $52 victorinox.com
Photo Credit: Leatherman
Leatherman Wave Plus
A no-frills alternative to the Leatherman Signal, the Wave Plus manages to pack a lot of functionality into an even smaller form factor. Available in matte black and stainless-steel variants, this 18-tool model includes three unique blades, a scissors, a diamond-coated file and not one but two pliers (traditional and needlenose). An excellent price makes this a very attractive option for those who place a high value on reliability and durability. $120 leatherman.com
Don’t let the spirits of October catch you by surprise. To help you plan a fun and spooky Halloween road trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the spookiest destinations and events in North America. Many of these spots stay open long past October 31, giving you a chance to get your fright on well into autumn.
Find a Good Sam Park near each scary stop on this list.
Gunfighter Ghost Tour, Tombstone, Arizona
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If the town’s name and wild past doesn’t convince you that this place is haunted, then a tour through its neighborhoods might turn you into a believer. The Tombstone Gunfighter and Ghost Tour starts at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, once the elegant Grand Hotel. A stroll down Allen’s street takes tourgoers to sites of some of the bloodiest Old West gunfights; guests are advised to be vigilant for spirit sightings. Of course, the tour includes a stop at the infamous O.K. Corral, the place where lawmen led by Virgil Earp gunned down three outlaws in 30 seconds in 1881. Whet your whistle at Doc Holliday’s Saloon after a day spent walking with ghosts.
Stay:CT RV Resort in Benson offers luxury living with spectacular views just minutes from Tombstone.
Whaley House, San Diego, California
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Sitting in the Old Town district of San Diego, a pleasant-looking, 1800s-era house hides a troubled past. According to local history, a thief named James “Yankee Jim” Robinson was hanged on the site in 1852 for the charge of grand larceny. A few years later, a couple named Thomas and Ana Whaley built a brick house in Greek Revival style on the spot. In the subsequent years, occupants of the house have reported hearing the footsteps of Yankee Jim. Others have reported sightings of a little girl and a dog. Were these real or imagined? Find out for yourself with a tour of the house, and explore the other spooky destinations in beautiful Old Town.
The family-friendly Sea Witch Festival puts a nautical twist on Halloween. Events here include a costume parade, dog parade, trick or treating, and hayrides. One of the event’s highlights is the Sea Witch Hunt, in which revelers try to find the dreaded witch for prizes. The event was featured in HGTV’s list of the “21 Great Fall Festivals.”
Stay:Massey’s Landing in Millsboro sits in the heart of the First State’s Shore.
Haunted Road, Orlando, Florida
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Florida’s theme park capital is home to the scariest stretch of road in the mortal realm. The Haunted Road leads motorists on a 40-minute drive past terrifying specters and eerie lights. Tune in to the radio broadcast to get the whole experience. Designated parking spots along this spooky destination give motorists a chance to experience the total shock of the route. Every motorist must wear a seatbelt and vehicles must not exceed 7.5 feet tall and 17 feet in length. The road is open well into November, so don’t rush to get there — the ghosts will be waiting.
Stay:Encore Southern Palms in Eustis features guest activities and is just a short drive from Orlando.
Haunted New Orleans, Louisiana
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The town that gave us Mardi Gras puts on an equally spectacular Halloween show. History buffs can take tours through some of the many haunted sites throughout the town’s French Quarter or walk through one of the town’s famed above-ground cemeteries. During Halloween, street parties rage on Bourbon and St. Ann streets in the heart of the French Quarter. If you’re visiting earlier in the week, watch the Krew of Boo Parade on October 23. Marvel at the floats that pass by, and catch the prizes thrown out by the float-riding ghouls and goblins. This family-friendly event features plenty of candy and toys.
The historical Cortlandt Manor in New York’s Hudson Valley is a spooky destination featuring eerie displays of orange light. More than 7,000 pumpkins are lit up for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze held through November 21. Synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack make this a Halloween celebration like no other. See these glowing gourds arranged in towering sculptures that will make you rethink Halloween.
Gettysburg has been considered one of the spookiest spots in the United States. Much of that reputation can be attributed to the bloody Civil War battle that raged here in 1863, which saw more than 50,000 men die in combat, most buried in nearby graves. Take a ghost tour through town to learn about the spirits of soldiers and locals who purportedly haunt Gettysburg’s streets to this day. For something a bit more whimsical, watch the Annual Olde Getty Place Gettysburg Halloween Parade. Floats, marching bands and some scary ghouls highlight this event.
Stay: The Drummer Boy Camping Resort in Gettysburg has modern amenities and is close to ghost walks and battlefield tours.
Universal Horror Unleashed, Nevada
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Las Vegas terrifies visitors at Universal Horror Unleashes, a spot with hair-raising experiences located in the heart of the city. Dodge good ole boys wielding pitchforks and axes and come face-to-face with a circus of nightmares in the. Universal Horror Unleashed is one of the most terrifying experiences in the country.
Stay:Las Vegas RV Resort offers luxury amenities situated close to the legendary Strip.
Deadwood, South Dakota
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During its heyday as a mining town in the Black Hills, the city of Deadwood was a magnet for outlaws. Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny and other gunslingers helped fill the plots of Mount Moriah Cemetery on the edge of town. Today, ghosts from the town’s colorful past are said to haunt many of the buildings from the 1800s that line the town’s streets. Sign up with a Haunted History Walking Tour and visit places like the Historic Bullock Hotel; some say it reeks of cigar smoke produced by the ghost of the town’s first sheriff, who built the hotel in 1895.
Visiting during Halloween? Have fun at Deadweird, the town’s annual celebration with a Monster Ball, Costume Contest and music.
Stay:Chris’ Camp & RV Park is located in beautiful Spearfish, just minutes from Deadwood.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a spooky destination occupying 10,000 feet of scary space inhabited by creepy occupants — actors in makeup — who spook visitors at every twist and turn. Part of the Ripley’s Believe it Or Not complex of attractions in Gatlinburg, this haunted house is open 365 days a year, giving guests a taste of Halloween long beyond fall. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates its 20th annual Fright Nights with a special show each weekend in October, with no extra charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, plus Halloween night.
Stay:Greenbrier Campground sits on the Little Pigeon River and is only six miles from downtown Gatlinburg.
USS Lexington, Corpus Christi, Texas
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On the Gulf Coast, a decommissioned World War II aircraft carrier harbors ghostly crew members, according to spirit watchers. Visitors to the USS Lexington have reported a sailor in uniform helping lost tourists navigate the ship’s passageways as well as a sailor talking to guests in the engine room before vanishing. The high numbers of incidences have put the ship, which is now a museum, high on the list of America’s haunted places. The USS Lexington Museum has embraced the ghostly spirit with the LEX Haunted House, a tour through 80 compartments in the ship, including spaces never before seen by the public. Tourgoers should be able to handle steep ladders, dark corridors, and spine-tingling frights. The haunted house runs through the first week of November.
Thomas Family Farm Pumpkins & Corn Maze, Seattle, Washington
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North of Seattle, Thomas Family Farm is a spooky destination offering the perfect Halloween events for families seeking autumn fun. Visitors can take a wild ride in a Monster Truck, take aim at the Kids’ Paintball Blast or get lost in the 8-acre corn Maze. The Zombie Safari Paintball Hayride is as scary as it sounds, while the Nightmare on 9 Haunted house is bound to raise some hairs. Missed Halloween? The farm puts on plenty of Holiday events.
Stay:Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell situates guests close to all that Seattle has to offer.
There might be no better slogan for outdoorsy typesthan Saskatchewan’s provincial motto: “Land of living skies.” It’s on T-shirts, it’s on license plates and it’s tied to a place that seems to sprout just as many homegrown businesses as it does bushels of wheat. One of those businesses is Pleasure-Way Industries, a Saskatoon-based producer of premium Class B motorhomes.
Now led by CEO Dean Rumpel, whose kids also work within the business, the company was founded by his father, Merv, who still comes in a few times a week at the age of 92, mostly to drink coffee and talk business. The way Dean tells it, the company’s origin story began with one of Merv’s simple business decisions in 1986.
Photo Credit: Amber Bracken
“During that time, he was selling trailers and other RVs,” Dean Rumpel recounts. “Another manufacturer came by trying to establish a dealership to sell a product. And my dad thought, ‘This was a good idea; sure, I’ll sign up.’ But they couldn’t supply for six months. So at that point, my dad thought, ‘Well, hey, I could probably build a van in six months.’”
Turns out, he could. In 1986, Merv built 10 Class B motorhomes. And close to 40 years—and more than 20,000 units later—Pleasure-Way has grown from an original team of 10 to one that now stands around 170.
The years have seen product and manufacturing changes, shifts in consumer dynamics and a growing dealer network that stretches across the U.S. and Canada. Still, when Dean Rumpel reflects, he feels that commitment to people and quality is the factor that has kept Pleasure-Way independent and thriving.
Photo Credit: Amber Bracken
Q: What makes your product distinctive?
A: We are one of the oldest producers of camper vans, also known as Class B motorhomes, in North America. When you’re working in such a small space, there’s limited opportunity for new designs. But we have always transitioned, over the years, from different chassis to offering different floor plans. And our biggest thing that we are known for is the quality of what we build. We will build a unit from start to finish, and instead of it going down an assembly line, it’s run in what we call a stall. So, one person will build all the cabinetry in that unit. And then, instead of it running down a line and people jumping in and doing separate things, everybody comes to the van.
Q: Can you talk about how customer sensibilities have changed over the years and how the company has adapted to the market?
A: One of the biggest changes in probably the last seven, eight years has been the introduction of lithium-based house batteries. When they first came out, some manufacturers were offering them as very expensive options, which they were. We were the first manufacturer to make lithium batteries standard, and that has evolved into more complex, sophisticated systems that are still user friendly. We are also one of the first manufacturers to adopt and make standard multiplex wiring, so that it eliminates all the types of switches and controls and puts them on two panels. So from two panels, you can control all your lights, your air conditioning, hot water, furnace, thermostats. Everything is done.
Photo Credit: Amber Bracken
Q: Being based in Saskatchewan, what advantage and or disadvantage do you feel that gives you in the market?
A: We have an advantage because there is no other RV manufacturing competition here. So, we tend to have staff who stay a little bit longer, for sure. The disadvantage is a lot of the components and everything we buy, we have to truck in from Elkhart, Indiana—where much of the RV industry is based—so that’s an added expense.
Q: Every unit is trailered to the customer. Is that a unique selling point?
A: When you purchase it, you’re breaking the motor in, you’re breaking the coach in yourself. It’s not being driven across the country and dropped off. That’s the real basis of it, and it’s just easier for us to ship a couple, two or three, units on a flat deck truck and aim them in a direction and drop them off and have that customer be the first person to drive the coach.
Photo Credit: Amber Bracken
Q: As one of the older companies in the space, how do you think about legacy building as a company and as a family?
A: I hope it continues, for sure. The RV industry was originally built on family RV dealerships and family manufacturing. There’s been a lot of consolidation over the years. There’s only a handful of us left. So, I hope to continue, this goes on into the next generation. I think we have a solid reputation and a niche in the market for what we do, and I think we can hold our own with the big, big players.
Shop: Pleasure-Way
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Founded: 1986
Specialty: Class B RVs
Photo Credit: Pleasure-Way
Pick Your Chassis
Pleasure-Way offers 10 models across three different chassis: the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, and the Ram ProMaster. The Plateau XLTS, built atop the Sprinter, offers a roomy interior with a full-size shower, 500 watts of solar power and a flexible living space for $237,672.
The Process
The construction of a Pleasure-Way Class B is a 13-step process that begins with welding and metal fabrication, literally forming the structure of the walls, floors, and ceiling. From there, technicians move onto painting, fiberglass, electrical, and more.
Border Crossings
Prospective buyers should note that due to policies in Canada and the United States, you must purchase a new Pleasure-Way from a dealer in the country where you intend to register it. While there are plenty of dealers in both countries, cross-border sales are typically prohibited.