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Tech Spotlight: Auxiliary Braking Systems
The stakes are high enough when you drive a motorhome. And with your several-thousand-pound daily driver behind it, they’re even higher. Cruising the highway, you wouldn’t be the first person to worry: Is my car still back there? What if we hit a bump? And what happens if I have to slam the brakes? That’s where auxiliary braking systems come in.
Dinghy towing has evolved over decades to put many such worries to rest. And when it comes to that last question—stopping power—auxiliary braking systems are designed to slow your tow vehicle at the same speed as your coach, which when combined with a tow bar, prevents your car from blasting through the back of your rig in an emergency. “From a very high level, auxiliary braking is the safest thing you can do aside from the tow bar,” says Doug Northcutt, RV towing products sales manager at Demco. “It makes the coach stop much quicker, and it helps people come to a stop 35 to 45 percent faster in a panic zone.”
Auxiliary braking systems are required in most states, but the technology varies based on the manufacturer, the type of rig you drive, and whether or not you want the system permanently mounted in your tow vehicle. Here, we look at the most common systems and the brands behind them.
Photo Credit: Demco
The Air Force One and the Stay-IN-Play DUO from Demco
Demco has been a leader in towed-vehicle technology since the company was founded in 1964. And these days, coach manufacturers like Freightliner, Tiffin, and Spartan build chassis specifically to be compatible with Demco’s auxiliary braking systems.
For diesel rigs, the Air Force One uses a pilot signal connected to the coach’s air brakes that delivers a proportional response to the towed vehicle, ensuring the dinghy brakes at exactly the same speed as the motorhome. “You just have to hook up the air hose and you’re off to the races,” Northcutt says. For gas motorhomes (without air brakes), Demco’s Stay-IN-Play DUO system uses the inertia from the towed vehicle, combined with the coach’s brake light signal, to create a proportional response in the dinghy’s brakes.
Photo Credit: NSA
NSA RV Products ReadyBrake
While some systems rely on electronics and air to trigger the brakes, the Ready Brake system from NSA is fully mechanical. So, when you slow your motorhome, the weight of the dinghy vehicle pushes forward on the hitch-mounted ReadyBrake system, triggering an actuating arm that is connected to the towed-vehicles brakes.
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Roadmaster Brakemaster System
The Brakemaster system from Roadmaster connects and disconnects from a towed vehicle in less than one minute, which means the system is not always in place. Instead, one end of the Brakemaster connects to the air or hydraulic lines of your coach, while the other is installed on the floor in front of the towed-vehicle’s driver seat. When you hit the brakes of your motorhome, a proportional response is applied to the dinghy brakes.
Photo Credit: Blue Ox
Blue Ox Patriot 3
Like the Brakemaster system, the Blue Ox Patriot series is not permanently mounted in the towed vehicle; rather, it attaches to the brake pedal and sits on the floor. What makes it different, though, is that it’s entirely electric, relying on an actuator that senses the braking force of the coach.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-23
West Coast Wine and Food: Flavor Along the Pacific
Make a toast to the Pacific Coast!
Wine is produced in so many states in the U.S. — New York, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, and more. But say U.S. wine, and California and Oregon come to mind. And deservedly so.
California, of course, is the leading wine producer in the country and a giant in the international world of wine. In the north Coastal and inland areas, you’ll find Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties, all producing stellar vintages.
A Pinot Noir in a West Coast vineyard. Photo: Kym Ellis
Amazing wines, world-renowned restaurants, luxurious spas, and resorts — all can be found in Northern California wine country.
Central Coast Cool
The Coastal area of Santa Barbara also features cool area wines such as pinot noir and chardonnay, while Paso Robles is an up-and-coming but increasingly acclaimed region set inland on the east side of the Coastal Range of mountains. Warm weather prevails, and vineyards and olive groves sit side by side. Before it was known for wine, Paso Robles was celebrated for its hot springs.
Further inland and north are the wineries of the Central Valley and the Sierra foothills. Lodi in the north Central Valley has become known for its Zinfandels. The foothill wineries also produce Zins and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also many Spanish and Italian varietals. Foothill wineries tend to be smaller, family-owned and operated, and the towns date to the Gold Rush — so expect a fun, often quirky atmosphere and events.
Enjoying a Chardonnay in a West Coast vineyard. Photo: Ales Maze
All of the wine regions feature restaurants serving locally grown ingredients and locally sourced meats and seafood — plus local wine, of course. It is not hard to find a good meal almost anywhere in California and it doesn’t have to be fine dining.
Oregon Is for Oenophiles
One state north, Oregon is known for its Pinot Noirs. The Willamette Valley is at the center of the Pinot Noir production, with more than 80% of Oregon’s Pinot Noir grapes grown there. But, because of its cool climate, white wine lovers can find luscious Chardonnays and crisp Pinot Gris wines. And, since the Willamette is home to more than 700 wineries, there should be a wine to suit every wine drinker’s taste buds.
Sweet Cheeks Winery in Eugene, Oregon. Photo: Another Believer
McMinnville is a beautiful little town with great restaurants and an evening Farmers Market. Newberg is also in the heart of Pinot country and offers lots of wine tasting and dining options.
The Willamette Valley runs from Portland in the north to Eugene in the south along both sides of Interstate 5.
Further south, the Umpqua Valley and the Rogue Valley wine regions tend to have more varied climates due to a combination of mountainous, valley, and coastal areas. So, wine lovers can find wines from both cool- and warm-weather loving grapes and sample Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Syrah. (We’ve even had delicious Barbera, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah in Southern Oregon wineries.)
Washington Wines
And at the north end of the Pacific Coast wine states, sits Washington. While Washington may be the lesser-known Pacific Coast wine state, it actually is the second-largest producer of premium wine in the U.S. It boasts 21 unique growing regions that run from the eastern foothills of the Cascades into the high desert of Washington’s east. The area runs from Lake Chelan on the north and follows the Columbia River Valley south to the Oregon border, taking in Yakima Valley, Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, the Columbia Gorge, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Walla Walla Valley, among others.
Casks containing aging wine in Seven Hills Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. Photo: Joe Mabel
Cities in the area include Wenatchee, Yakima, Prosserlla, Walla, and the Tri-Cities of Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, plus smaller cities such as West Richland and Benton. A visit to the Tri-Cities area, Prosser and Walla Walla, followed by a drive west along the Columbia River, will bring RVers to hundreds of wineries — producing Merlot, Syrah, and numerous highly-rated red blends.
In the far eastern corner of the Statella Walla, an old Western town, the charming downtown is full of good restaurants. It seems odd, sitting in an Old West town eating escargot and steak tartare but the food was delicious and spot on — as was the wine.
Prosser alone is home to dozens of wineries with welcoming tasting rooms and some with restaurants. The annual Spring Barrel Wine Tasting draws thousands of visitors the last weekend in April. It is crowded and noisy but fun – with numerous bands, food vendors, and lots of wine. It helps to be parked in an RV park and walk or use Lyft or Uber to get home from the festival. A hint: many of the wineries offer the same pricing and tasting the weekend before the festival, and you can talk to the vintners and barrel taste without the lines.
J. Bookwalter Winery in Richland, Washington. Photo: Dieter F.
Some of the tasting rooms at the wineries in the Tri-Cities are set in the hills above Richland. Many have good restaurants with outdoor seating, giving diners panoramic views over the valley and beautiful sunsets.
For wine lovers not wanting to venture far from the I-5 Corridor on the west side of the Cascades, the town of Woodinville near Bothell boasts more than 110 tasting rooms clustered into four “districts.” Some of the tasting rooms are at wineries, but many are just that – tasting rooms for wineries located elsewhere in the state, such as from Walla Walla, the Columbia River Valley, Prosser, and the Tri-Cities.
These RV parks and others will welcome wine tourists and have information on hand to help their guests discover their area’s best dining as well as wineries:
California
Rancho Los Coches RV Park, Lakeside
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach
Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort, Niland
Pala Casino RV Resort, Pala
Campland On the Bay, San Diego
Mission Bay RV Resort, San Diego
Village Camp Truckee-Tahoe, Truckee
Oregon
Mill Casino RV Park, Coos Bay
Washington
Northern Quest RV Resort, Airway Heights
Angel of the Winds RV Resort, Arlington
Lake Pleasant RV Park, Bothell
Grant County Fairgrounds & RV Park, Moses Lake
Horn Rapids RV Resort, Richland

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2025-10-23
Is the Coachmen RVEX Electric RV Already Cancelled?
It has only been a month since Forest River first announced the Coachmen RVEX electric camper van, but it now looks like this promising Class B model might not even make it to market. That’s because yesterday General Motors announced that it is cancelling its BrightDrop electric van project, eliminating the platform that the RVEX is built on. The question now is, will Coachmen look for another partner or just give up on electric RVs altogether?
Photo Credit: Coachmen RV
As a reminder, the Coachmen RVEX is the first commercial all-electric camper van to be announced by a major RV manufacturer. Sure, Winnebago has shown off prototypes of its eRV in the past and even gave us the chance to spend a week with the vehicle a few years back. But that model has yet to go on sale and may never become a real product. And yes, Detroit-based Grounded has been building electric Class B models for more than two years, but those efforts are on a much smaller scale than what Forest River has planned. In fact, Grounded also uses the BrightDrop chassis, and with its cancellation, is looking to switch to gas-powered platforms, too.
When Forest River introduced the Coachmen RVEX in September, it touted the vehicle’s 270-mile range, spacious interior, and long list of amenities. Those included dual power sofas that convert into a single king-size bed, a modern kitchen with sleek and efficient appliances, and a large rear tailgate that makes loading and unloading gear and supplies a breeze. There was even a lot of hype around the materials used in the van’s construction. The RV manufacturer partnered with Genesis Products to use lightweight—yet high-quality—woods and fabrics to deliver an upscale experience that didn’t impact the vehicle’s performance. Add in a starting price point in the $150,000 area, and it seemed like the RVEX was on the fast track for success.
Photo Credit: Coachmen RV
Fast forward just a few short weeks, and GM’s announcement of BrightDrop’s cancellation seems to have caught many industry observers off guard. But it was simple economics that killed off the promising platform, which was originally designed to compete in the electric delivery van space—a market that is currently dominated by Ford and Rivian. GM CEO Mary Barra says the company is currently assessing its facility in Ontario, Canada, where the vans were built, to find future opportunities there.
As of this writing, Forest River has yet to weigh in on the fate of the Coachmen RVEX. It is possible that the RV manufacturer has enough BrightDrop chassis to begin building its first-generation electric camper van, and could be sourcing more from GM. Reports indicate that the automaker has a lot of unsold inventory on hand, which also played a role in the decision to cancel the project. Perhaps Forest River will buy up some of that inventory, and the RVEX will forge ahead, while a suitable replacement for future iterations is found. On the other hand, it could cancel the RV altogether and send its engineers back to the drawing board to work on a new version.
Photo Credit: Coachmen
For now, the fate of the RVEX is up in the air. Hopefully, we’ll see this unique new Class B model come to market sometime in the future, as the idea of an all-electric camper van, especially at an affordable price, is still an intriguing and exciting prospect. Stay tuned for updates on this story.
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2025-10-23
Buyer’s Guide: Cute Couples Campers
Compact but well-appointed, these couples campers are built for two, making them the ideal escape pods for weekend getaways and extended adventures.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Winnebago Thrive 24RKS
The latest addition to the Winnebago towable line-up, the Thrive delivers a lot of value in a sleek, modern package. The 24RKS floor plan is especially attractive for couples, offering a primary bedroom suite that includes a queen-size bed, built-in wardrobes, a spacious closet and a private entrance. The rest of the rig is impressive, too, with a large bathroom, a well-equipped rear kitchen and theater seating for two. Should you want to bring a few friends along, the dinette converts to a second bed, providing room for four in a pinch. And with an overall length of 29′ 4” and a GVWR of 8,800 pounds, this camper delivers a residential feel that remains easy to tow. MSRP: $55,230 winnebago.com
Photo Credit: Coachmen
Coachmen Euro 25EU
All three of the Coachmen Euro’s floor plans seem custom-made for couples, but the 25EU model is especially appealing. This Class A comes with a king bed, a modern RV kitchen and a living area with a couch and versatile dining space. The motorhome also features a roomy bathroom and washer/dryer prep, along with multiple closets, a pantry and overhead cabinets. Best of all, thanks to its small size, the coach is very easy to drive, even for beginner RVers. MSRP: $159,999 coachmenrv.com
Photo Credit: Jayco
Jayco Granite Ridge 22T
Designed with far-roaming couples in mind, the Granite Ridge 22T rides on an AWD Ford Transit chassis with all-terrain tires, allowing it to safely venture off-road. A 2,800W self-starting generator and 360W of solar come standard, making this a boondocking beast. Inside, you’ll find twin beds, a roomy wet bath and a dinette/lounge combo. This rig only sleeps two, though, so guests will have to settle for a tent outside. MSRP: $226,043
Photo Credit: Keystone Cougar
Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 22MLS
This travel trailer is the quintessential couples camper, offering everything you need in a compact—yet comfortable—space. Standard features include a king-size bed, a booth dinette, theater seating and an open kitchen complete with a microwave, 12V refrigerator and a Furrion stove with a three-burner cooktop. The 26′ 10” towable comes with a surprising amount of storage, including a pullout pantry, exterior cargo bays, and drawers under the bed. MSRP: $47,760
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-22
SAVE NOW! At Poulsbo RV’s End of Year Clearance Sale!
Well, we have good news and bad news.
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.
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2025-10-21
Meet the Maker: RoadMaster is King of the Road
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.”
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-21
Agritourism and RVing: A Match Made on the Road
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.
Among the parks welcoming you are:
River Bend Resort in Forestville, California
Shenandoah Valley Campgrounds, Mt Jackson, Virginia (Very near Route 11 Potato Chips)
Angel of the Winds RV Resort in Arlington, Washington
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2025-10-21
Now at Poulsbo RV – The Tiffin GH2
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!
The post Now at Poulsbo RV – The Tiffin GH2 appeared first on Poulsbo RV.
2025-10-21
Find Adventure, History, and Local Hospitality in Montana
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.
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2025-10-20
How to Tow a Dingy
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!
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-20
Discover Scenic and Historic Wonders in Florida’s Authentic Walton
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.
The post Discover Scenic and Historic Wonders in Florida’s Authentic Walton appeared first on RV.com.
2025-10-20
RV News: Best RVs of 2026, New Ember RV Models, and More
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.
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2025-10-17