Category: Wildsam

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
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
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.”
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2025-10-21
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!
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2025-10-20
The Gear: The Best Multitools Have It All
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
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2025-10-16
Shop Talk: Coach Craft with Pleasure-Way
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.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-15
Road Icon: The Balboa Motorhome — Surf & Turf
In 1969, the renowned boat manufacturer Jensen Marine, of Costa Mesa, California, decided to get into the booming RV scene. Their designers imagined a rig tough enough for seafaring, but made for the road. The Balboa Motorhome debuted as the first B+ van of its kind, promising not to “squeak, leak, rattle, or rust.” The manufacturer installed a solid piece of fiberglass, as on a sailboat, atop Chevy, Ford and Dodge chassis, creating a stylish family van that fit into a parking spot just like a station wagon.
The boxy open floor plan highlighted ample storage, a wet bath, a kitchenette, a classic rear entry and expansive windows that brought the outdoors inside. About 14 dealers—mainly on the West Coast—sold the Balboa. Though a relative success, the camper ultimately fell victim to the energy crisis of the early ’70s. Only about 1,000 vans ever reached the market.
Nowadays, these rigs are uncommon in the wild. Unless you’re in the tight-knit coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. On any given beach day, several head-turning Balboas join the lineup of Sprinters, Westfalias and creeper-vans-turned-surf-mobiles at the intimate Cardiff State Beach lot. Back doors open to reveal a sea-green playground where long and short boarders wax poetic from sunrise to sunset. Salty kids draped in towels crunch on Doritos while seagulls lurk around the edges in envy.
Photo Credit: Balboa Motorhome
The Balboa phenomenon here in Cardiff is powered by Paul Tralka, who started the one-man, backyard van restoration shop known as Freedom Vessel. Paul bought his first Balboa from a 90-year-old former pilot over a landline. “It worked all the time, had power, space, and big windows so I didn’t feel trapped or guilty if I was inside of it while camping,” says Tralka.
From there, curious, gull-like bystanders and friends inquired about where to get one, so he started restoring and selling Balboas one by one, saving these relics from junkyards and “Grandpa’s backyard” around the country. The demand for Balboas runs year-round in this sweet spot home base, where the van complements the town’s nostalgic hippie culture and amplifies the outdoor lifestyle.
Paul has since renovated over 40 Balboas, including the first one ever made, named the Surveyor after a lunar vehicle of that era. Each van has a story and distinct personality, costing a quarter of the price of a new van, but with a 50-year-old caveat: it may or may not make it to Alaska.
“Our Balboa’s name is Loretta,” says local owner Agatha Borrelli, “and she is absolutely a Loretta.” More than a recreational vehicle, their van serves as a spotlight in brand photo shoots for Borrelli’s production company and a post-surf therapy lounge for her husband’s clients.
From the wisdom of the sea came a short-lived but longstanding van, a pioneer for others in its class. Now transforming a beach town, the Balboa community and Freedom Vessel are making good on Jensen Marine’s original adage: Getting there is all the fun.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-14
The Ride: Just Toying Around in the Cruiser RV Stryker
While not as well-known as some of the more prominent brands in the RV space, Cruiser RV has been around for nearly four decades. Over that time, the company has earned a reputation for build quality, craftsmanship and innovative design. No where is this more evident than with the Cruiser RV Stryker toy hauler, a towable that defies industry conventions to chart its own course.
Photo Credit: Cruiser RV
Unlike most toy haulers, the Stryker is a travel trailer rather than a fifth-wheel. That alone makes it more accessible to a wider audience. And with a weight of just 7,334 pounds and a 29′ 4” length, the entry-level ST2314 floor plan further reinforces the rig’s accessibility. But don’t think you’re sacrificing anything with this model. It still comes with a 14′ 2” garage and a rear ramp that converts into a patio.
“Our models are ‘open concepts’, which works very well for the western United States,” Cruiser general manager Kyle Miller tells us. “This allows owners to bring their large toys without towing a 43-foot fthwheel, making them more agile in and out of the mountains.”
Need something with more space? Cruiser has you covered. The Stryker is available in eight floor plans, each with its own distinct identity. One model comes with an 18′ garage with added space for an ATV, motorcycles, ebikes, kayaks and more. Another features a side patio to complement the rear deck, while a third offers a living space separate from the garage and room to comfortably sleep nine.
Photo Credit: Cruiser RV
Floor-plan diversity is one of the Stryker’s greatest strengths. While other manufacturers are content to make minor interior changes to their rigs, Cruiser gives each model its own personality. So much so, that RVers may have a hard time deciding which option to go with, balancing the size of the toy garage against living space and other distinctions.
No matter which floor plan you choose, all models include a king-size bed, residential-style appliances, and 190 watts of solar. The trailers offer generator prep with a 30-gallon fuel tank and a built-in pump for gassing up motorized toys. An E-Z Flex rubberized suspension and 16” wheels provide a smoother and quieter ride, while a 15K BTU ducted air conditioner and on-demand water heater keep you comfortable at the campsite.
Moving beyond its list of specs and collection of features, the Stryker cuts—well, a striking profile. The trailer is sleek and modern looking, with an aerodynamic fiberglass front cap and laminated sidewalls. An understated exterior graphics package adds flair without getting overly flashy. Deploying the rear deck only enhances its campsite appeal.
Photo Credit: Cruiser RV
“Our taller ceilings make the living space feel so much bigger, even in our smaller models,” Miller say. “We also trim out the Styker with solid surface countertops and larger microwaves, giving it a more residential feel.”
Conventional RV wisdom says toy haulers aren’t for everyone. But the Stryker may be an exception. Its blend of utility, versatility, and use of space gives it a broader appeal, even if you aren’t bringing any toys along on your camping adventures. And with a starting price of $55,407, it delivers a lot of bang for your buck, too. That’s something everyone can appreciate.
Dimensions
GVWR: 11,334 lbs. Hitch Weight: 943 lbs. Overall Length: 29′ 4″ Exterior Height: 12′ 9″
Illustration by Dee Duncan
1. Painted and molded aerodynamic fiberglass front cap.
2. Heavy-duty suspension for a smoother ride.
3. 190W solar panels installed on roof.
4. Broad 30” main entry door with telescoping handrail.
5. Power tongue for easy hitching and unhitching.
6. Reinforced axles with self-adjusting brakes.
7. Large tinted windows help maintain interior temperatures.
8. Rear cargo ramp converts to patio.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-10-13
Wildsam Road Ready: October, 2025 — Prevent Flat Spots with Park Smart Tire Savers
Preventing flat spots during RV storage doesn’t have to be hard.
Photo Credit: GaragePros
Long-term RV storage is part of the deal, which can result in flat spots on your tires when they sit on flat surfaces where the rubber meets the ground without moving. According to Edmunds, “…if conditions are right, a month of being stationary might be enough to cause problems.”
Park Smart Tire Savers cradle your tires to help prevent flat spots during storage. Made of solid heavy-duty vinyl, these ramps won’t crush, crack or slip, unlike those made of hollow plastic. These Tire Savers have no weight limit, come in multiple sizes and have a lifetime warranty. Uniquely designed with the driver in mind, you can drive up and over the ramps, which is particularly useful for RVs with multiple axles, making it easy to come and go as needed.
Photo Credit: GaragePros
Protect your investment and save 20% now with code Wild1025 at YourGaragePro.com. 800-992-2018 Visit yourgaragepro.com
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2025-10-06
Going Remote — Boondocking Basics
Many years ago, I converted a vintage 1961 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD for camping, with curtains, a fold-up bunk along one wall which could double as seating, a portable sink and washbasin and a propane stove with folding stand. I used a tarp connected to the roof rack for a canopy and put wide oversize tires on it, and used it extensively all over the country. It was my introduction to the boondocking basics.
Some of my favorite memories revolve around nights camped just above the surf line (just don’t underestimate how high the water comes up on high tide), in places where ocean beach camping was allowed. The cool fresh air and sound of the waves breaking are better than anything to lull one to sleep. I enjoyed the simplicity of this life more than all the expensive rigs I used later on.
Dispersed camping—bunking down in the wild, away from organized campgrounds—can provide exactly this kind of quiet relaxation and low-cost nature experience. You don’t have to build out your own rig. But to prepare properly, you do have to plan for self-sufficiency, safety and minimizing environmental impact.
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire/Getty
Research your route, and be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Look into road conditions, fuel stops and campsites. Check for any late-breaking detours or road closures, forest fires, flooding or other changes. Sēkr is a website and an app that helps you find dispersed campsites, with emphasis on van life. Campnado is another site geared to identifying dispersed camping sites everywhere in the United States. And, just a humble note, Wildsam published our picks for stand-out dispersed destinations in just about every state last autumn; find that story on wildsam.com.
Prior to traveling on private lands, obtain written permission from the landowner. When traveling on public lands, check for jurisdiction, such as Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service or state or national parks. Obtain official maps and permits, follow all regulations and pay any required fees. Be aware that cell service may be limited or nonexistent in remote areas, so download offline maps and carry paper maps and a compass or portable GPS as a backup. Consider having a satellite phone or emergency SOS beacon. If possible, when visiting remote areas, use the buddy system and travel with another vehicle. Let a responsible party know your route and itinerary, and check in periodically.
Make a checklist and refer to it before starting out. Perform all recommended scheduled maintenance, and do a thorough inspection of your vehicle, checking tires and inflation, brakes, suspension, heating and air conditioning, electrical, lighting, and freshwater, gray-water and black-water systems. Make sure your propane and freshwater tanks are full, and wastewater has been dumped.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
Bring the vehicle owner’s manual, registration, insurance card and driver’s license. Take essential supplies, fire starters, extra fuel, food and water. Carry a breakdown kit with jumper cables, tow strap, a tire-repair kit, small air compressor, along with the right tools. Make
sure you have a jack, lug wrench, wheel chocks, wooden blocks, and a spare tire(s) for tow vehicles and trailers. Safety items should include a first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, a whistle, signaling mirror, warning triangles and flashlights. Carry leveling blocks, a dump hose, fresh-water hose, extension cord, electrical adapters and surge protector. To run the air conditioner, you’ll need a generator (bring fuel and consider noise) or solar panels to recharge batteries.
Bring everything you need because there are no amenities in remote areas. Extra water can be carried in sturdy water containers. Pack cookware, utensils, and durable plates, cups and glasses. Plan all meals and bring enough food, including non-perishable items, drinks and snacks.
Check weather forecasts often, and avoid camping in low areas or washes that can suddenly become flooded. Pack accordingly, with clothing and footwear for all conditions, including rain gear and layers. Bring bedding, pillows and camp chairs. Don’t forget a toiletry kit, medicines, insect repellent, sunscreen, hair needs and device chargers. You will need a 12-volt DC charger or a small 120-Volt AC output inverter to power device chargers.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
Use existing roads, set up camp on an existing site, minimize your impact, and carry out all trash. Bring firewood if allowed, be aware of fire restrictions and have appropriate equipment, including a shovel and fire extinguishers. Be aware of wildlife and avoid attracting them to your campsite. If you’re in bear country, store your food in bear-proof containers; bears can rip a vehicle apart. Carry bear spray and other defensive protection as allowed by law. Leave no trace.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-09-22
The Annual Wildsam Photo Contest is Back!
Attention amateur photographers, aspiring photo journalists, and all other shutterbugs! The annual Wildsam photo contest is back with more opportunities than ever to share your favorite images from the open road. The 2025 edition of the contest is now underway, bringing more categories to the mix and the chance to win a gift card from MBP.com, which also happens to be our presenting sponsor.
This year, the Wildsam photography team has expanded the scope of the contest, giving professional and amateur photogs the chance to compete in four categories. Those include the Photo Essay category, which is dedicated to a sequence of 5-10 images that tell a story from the open road. Whether it’s capturing life at the campground, sharing a journey through a favorite national park, or chronicling a visit to a favorite destination, we want to see the story through your lens. Get creative and show us your broad set of skills.
Photo Credit: Hans Isaacson via Unsplash
If creating a photo essay sounds a bit too daunting, or you’re just looking for other options to share your photographic skills, there are three other categories that you can submit your images for. Those include Classic Americana (think classic diner or a drive-in theater), Road Life (road trip stops, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks), and the Natural World, which is all about the nature and landscapes you see along the way. Each of these three categories requires three images to provide a selection of your work.
The contest runs through the next few weeks and will be overseen by a panel of judges that includes Wildsam Photo Editor Samantha Shanahan and a respected group of professionals. Winners will be announced in October, with the top images featured in an upcoming Wildsam publication.
The entry form and contest guidelines can be found online here. They include exact instructions for how to share your photos, which will be judged based on composition, technical execution, concept, and visual impact. As noted above, winners will receive a gift card from MBP.com. Click here to find out more.
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2025-09-20
Buyer’s Guide: Budget Towables That Don’t Break the Bank
Shopping for a well-appointed and reliable travel trailer that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Believe it or not, there are some excellent options available. These budget towables deliver a lot of value for less than $25,000.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Winnebago Access
The Access is Winnebago’s most affordable travel trailer, offering the brand’s renowned build quality and customer service at a nice price. Available in nine floor plans, all versions of the Access include bright, modern interiors with well-equipped galley kitchens, a multifunctional dinette and a bathroom with surprisingly roomy showers. The rig sleeps up to seven people, with the 26BH bunkhouse model standing out as an especially nice choice for families. Pricing starts at $20,277.
Photo Credit: Jayco
Jayco Jay Flight SLX
With standard features like queen-size beds, hardwood cabinetry, vinyl flooring and spacious tub/showers, the Jayco Jay Flight is a compelling entrant in the budget-trailer battle. Dozens of floor plans address the needs of many types of traveler: couples, families, first-time buyers (among others). Trailer lengths start at 21’ 3”, with a dry weight of 2,920 pounds, which eliminates the need for a large tow vehicle. A starting price of $17,243 only adds to the appeal.
Photo Credit: Starcraft
Starcraft Autumn Ridge
This well-equipped travel trailer’s notable features include a fully walkable roof, a power tongue jack and 200 watts of solar. Inside, it is no less impressive, with a three-burner stove, energy-efficient 12V fridge and membrane countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom. Depending on which of the 14 floor plans you choose, this rig will sleep up to 12 people, making it easy to bring your whole crew. Pricing starts at $15,743.
Photo Credit: Keystone
Keystone Coleman
Keystone took over production of the Coleman line of travel trailers in 2025, bringing improved build quality and refreshed interiors to this venerable brand. The line now includes seven floor plans with room to sleep up to eight people. All models come with an induction cooktop, a microwave and a minifridge. Multiple bunkhouse models in varying sizes make this a convenient, flexible, and affordable option for RVing families. Pricing starts at $12,632.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-09-17