Camping is a fun time for the whole family.

Camping is a fun time for the whole family. It is a time to leave all of your troubles behind and reconnect with family and friends. Campfires, roasting marshmallows and sing-a-longs are the memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. That’s why it is essential to make your campsite a safe place for everyone.

The campsite you choose is your home away from home. It should be a clean, safe place that is devoid of any debris or low-hanging limbs. And, choosing a site that is flat and level makes it easier to set up camp and park your RV.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect campsite, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind while setting up camp. The following tips can go a long way to ensure that you and your family have a memorable camping experience.

• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.

• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.

• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.

• Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically – a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.

• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle – use the proper recycling bins if available.

• Watch out for bugs. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes.

• Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable – never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night – many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.

• Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion, such as calamine, to the affected area.

Good Sam VIP cares about your safety — before, during and after your camping trip! Plus, we want to make sure that your RV has the best coverage both on and off the road. That’s why we are pleased to recommend Good Sam VIP for all of your RV and auto insurance needs. With features, such as full replacement cost coverage and personal effects coverage, you’ll have the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your vacation. Plus, by taking advantage of your exclusive Good Sam VIP rates, you could even save a little money along the way (new customers that have switched save more that $300 a year, on average!).

To find out more about the outstanding coverage and generous savings Good Sam VIP has to offer, please call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or visit their website for a free, no-obligation quote.

Camping Safety

Camping Safety

Camping out is fun and a great custom for many households, still, camping out can be hazardous and particular safety precautions need to be made. Safety should be the most essential facet of your camping out trip here are a few things to think about on your next camping out excursion.

When you initially get to your camping spot, spend a while and look the area over. Particular care needs to be taken and you will also have to look out for broken glass and few other trash materials that could creat problems for you and your family. While you should always leave your camping site better than when you found it, not all people live up to that standard and you may be caught with the the consequences. Take a while to tidy the camping site before you set up your tent. You also want to ensure that there are no projecting sticks or sharp rocks around that could cause an accident if someone were to excursion on them or onto them. To avoid confusion and prospective accidents, prepare and clean your camp site when you first get there.

Before you go camping make sure that you check to see if the location you are going to be camping in has any limitations on campfires. During unusually dry weather limitations may be placed on campers to prevent forest fires. When it’s windy you may select to avoid a fire in the camp as the wind can cause the fire to spread fast to different areas of your camping area. To be safe constantly keep a bucket of water on hand to put out the fire and always completely blow out the flames before going to bed or your camping excursion could have a deadly outcome.

When you go camping out, make sure you have a first aid kit with you and drink lots of water. This way you and your immediate family will stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to find out if there is anything you’re allergic to, such as bee stings. You don’t want to discover that you’re susceptible to a bee sting when you’re hours away from the nearest infirmary. If you do have any allergies or allergic reactions, such as those to bee stings for example, be sure to always carry your medicine with you. Before you leave home check to see what types of poisonous plants and animals are in the area and be prepared to deal with them on your camping out excursion should the need arise.

Camping out enables a great time for having enjoyment and generating memories. While most trips go swimmingly, it is normally due to preventative safety measures. To make sure you excursion is successful, make sure that safety is always on the forefront of your mind.

Camping and animals

Camping and animals

Camping out is the greatest place to observe animals in there regular home ground. National and state parks have been setup to help conserve nature and animals that are threatened by modern civilization. Numerous wildlife species can only be seen by camping out and this can be one of the best parts of this open-air venture.

In order to know what you will be encountering, you should research the types of creatures in the place before you go camping. Make sure you know what animals may present a danger to you or your family, also find out if carrying a firearm is permitted where you will be camping out, if so, be sure to bring one. Fire a shot in the air to scare away any threatening creatures.

Read about the creatures that you expect to see, and teach your children about the possible dangers of the animals in the location. Camping can be not only fantastic, but educational as well so you’ll also want to make sure and get a nice set of binoculars to take with you. If you are ready, your camping excursion can be a great educational opportunity to see creatures in the wild.

Once you are on your camping excursion it’s time to see what there is to see but be smart when choosing where and when to look for animals, refer back to the study you did before leaving for your camping excursion. When the weather condition is at its coolest, animals can be located easily near ponds as they will come to get their drinking water. It can be life-threatening to approach animals in the wild; it is better to view them through field glasses When camping, try to leave only footprints, and take only pictures – try to have as little impact on nature as possible, and not to interfere with the animals. Above all you should never try and feed any wild creatures that you find while camping out. Hurt creatures should never be approached but you should tell a park ranger about them and he will know what to do.

When it comes to viewing animals, patience is the ultimate virtue. You must keep very still. Animals rarely come out when they sense people about. Explain to your children that, in order to see beautiful birds or animals, it is important to be as quiet as possible. Be sure that youngsters know that they cannot play with or pet the creatures.

Camping is an opportunity to learn about all the hidden wonders mother nature has in store for us. When kids see animals in the wild for the first time, it is an experience they will never forget. A fun activity is to scout out animals that are normally not seem on camping trips, for example beavers. The keys to having a pleasant animal viewing experience during your camping vacation are: facts, patience, and safety.

A Friendly Voice in the Wilderness

A Friendly Voice in the Wilderness

“You get what you pay for!” That was Fred’s response when I let slip at dinner that we were paying $335 less than he and Kate were for RV insurance. Iris and I have known the Smiths for years. Now full-time RVers, Good Sam VIP seemed perfect for our new lifestyle.

The first 97 miles to our Vermont campsite that evening were uneventful. Iris said, “There’s the park entrance. Turn here.” Now we were on a dark, winding, forested lane. I glanced down to check our speed and Iris shouted a warning.
There was no stopping in time. Thick, low-hanging branches whacked the coach hard as I struggled to get her back on the road. We shuddered to a stop. Silence.

As we pulled into the campground, Iris called Good Sam VIP about our broken satellite dish. The friendly claims agent promised us a full replacement under our permanent attachments coverage.

We certainly got what we paid for!

–Bob & Iris Jones

Get a free quote from Good Sam VIP today!

Camping Safety

Camping Safety

Camping out is fun and a great custom for many households, still, camping out can be hazardous and particular safety precautions need to be made. Safety should be the most essential facet of your camping out trip here are a few things to think about on your next camping out excursion.

When you initially get to your camping spot, spend a while and look the area over. Particular care needs to be taken and you will also have to look out for broken glass and few other trash materials that could creat problems for you and your family. While you should always leave your camping site better than when you found it, not all people live up to that standard and you may be caught with the the consequences. Take a while to tidy the camping site before you set up your tent. You also want to ensure that there are no projecting sticks or sharp rocks around that could cause an accident if someone were to excursion on them or onto them. To avoid confusion and prospective accidents, prepare and clean your camp site when you first get there.

Before you go camping make sure that you check to see if the location you are going to be camping in has any limitations on campfires. During unusually dry weather limitations may be placed on campers to prevent forest fires. When it’s windy you may select to avoid a fire in the camp as the wind can cause the fire to spread fast to different areas of your camping area. To be safe constantly keep a bucket of water on hand to put out the fire and always completely blow out the flames before going to bed or your camping excursion could have a deadly outcome.

When you go camping out, make sure you have a first aid kit with you and drink lots of water. This way you and your immediate family will stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to find out if there is anything you’re allergic to, such as bee stings. You don’t want to discover that you’re susceptible to a bee sting when you’re hours away from the nearest infirmary. If you do have any allergies or allergic reactions, such as those to bee stings for example, be sure to always carry your medicine with you. Before you leave home check to see what types of poisonous plants and animals are in the area and be prepared to deal with them on your camping out excursion should the need arise.

Camping out enables a great time for having enjoyment and generating memories. While most trips go swimmingly, it is normally due to preventative safety measures. To make sure you excursion is successful, make sure that safety is always on the forefront of your mind.

Outdoors

Good Sam Club – Going Green Article

Going Green Is Easy With the Good Sam Club

Everyone is talking about going green like it’s the hottest new trend. Yet the Good Sam Club, providing services to RVers for more than 40 years, has long been offering benefits that encourage members to preserve the environment.Join the Good Sam Club today and join other RVers who are dedicated to becoming better global citizens.

Along with money-saving benefits like 10% discounts on camping, Good Sam Club members make a difference in the environment. Here’s how you can do your part:

Pick up Litter. Good Sam Club offers members many opportunities to volunteer and contribute to your community and environment. One of the Club’s largest cleanup efforts is the Good Sam National Cleanup Day. For the past 12 years, Club members across the country join in a shared effort to improve the appearance of our public lands before the summer travel season begins. Interested in participating in this year’s cleanup effort that clears our highways, parks, beaches and mountains? Become a Good Sam Club member today!

Think Global, Act Local. With more than 2,000 local Good Sam Chapters, many of them have implemented Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt-a-Park Programs. Chapters have adopted more than 600 miles of byways and 126 federal, state and municipal parks across the United States and Canada. When you join the Good Sam Club, you have the chance to join a dedicated group of RVers who make a positive impact on your local community.

Plan Your Trips. Plan your trip and avoid getting lost, which wastes fuel. Tools like the Good Sam Club’s online trip routing can help you prepare. This service is simple to use. Type in your origination and destination, and you’ll get RV-specific routing that includes bridge and tunnel restrictions and state towing laws. You can also get road advisories, an estimate on fuel costs and map out locations that offer Good Sam member discounts.Good Sam Club benefits like these are good for the environment; Plus, they save you time and money.

Drive Smarter. How? Keep your RV and towed vehicle well tuned, the tires inflated properly; avoid overloading your RV; use the cruise control as often as possible; and drive smoothly. Driving smarter means less fuel consumption.

Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. Before throwing anything out, consider whether it can be reused, repaired or recycled. And before you make a new purchase, consider purchasing something used – that includes RV parts.Good Sam members get the members-only monthly magazine – Highways – packed with RV maintenance and technical tips to keep your RV running smoothly. Plus, you’ll get the Good Sam e-newsletter, CyberSam, which delivers helpful tips directly to your in-box.

The Good Sam Club offers many resources to help members save the planet – while saving money. Join today and start saving money with member benefits like these: 10% Discount at the network of more than 1,700 Good Sam Parks Free subscription to Highways magazine, the official publication of the Good Sam Club RV Emergency Road Service Enrollment Discount Members-Only Rates on RV and Auto Insurance Discounts on Trailer Life Directory and RV related books & publications Good Sam Continued Service Plan (CSP) can save you thousands on RV repairs

Get Your RV Ready for Spring

Get Your RV Ready for Spring
Author – Ken Freund
Brought to you by Good Sam Club RV Road Service

Get Your RV Ready for Spring
Coming out of Hibernation

Winter elements can take a toll on stored RVs. If your coach has been in storage, now is the time to start preparing for those spring getaways. Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.

Before hitting the road complete this RV spring-prep checklist: Begin with a thorough exterior inspection. Examine the outside, including the body and roof, for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks. Look beneath the coach and/or or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks.

Once you’ve determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior. Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove spots and streaks. Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.

An RV that’s been stored all winter needs to be aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floors and other surfaces as needed.

Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check. Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses. Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.

Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of capacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity, leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach to mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the bleach through the water heater. Then drain the freshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the water, run the hot water, then drain and refill with fresh water. Test the water pump and water system, including the water heater.

On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner’s and maintenance manuals.

Batteries should be check for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and after re-assembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.

Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures. Trailers should have the wheel bearings repacked.

Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the gauges on fire extinguishers. Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits. An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.

Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Review kitchen equipment and the inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.

To have peace of mind when you hit the road, get Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

It’s essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.

The days are long and the sun is hot. This can only mean one thing – summer is here! Summer is the season that you and your family look forward to all year long. It’s a time where family bonds are strengthened and lifetime memories are made. That’s why it is essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.

To get the most out of your vacation time this summer, a pre-trip RV check is your best bet for a hassle-free trip. However, before you even begin to look over your rig, a good starting point would be to make sure everything you need is packed and ready to go.

As for what to pack, a lot depends on where you are going, what time of year and for how long. Start by allowing every passenger one suitcase for clothing, toiletries, medication, and “must-have” items. As for the rest of the provisions, here are a few suggestions on what to take: food and drinks, skillet, garbage bags, silverware, plates and dishes, cups, toilet paper, towels, cell phone and lawn chairs.

Once you’ve taken inventory of all the items you’ll need for your trip, you can begin to inspect the most vital component for a safe and smooth vacation – your RV!

Prior to each trip, try to get in the habit of walking around the outside of your RV to see if anything is out of place. How do your tires look? Are they low on air? Have all slide-out rooms been retracted? Are all of your items and accessories properly secured? Other areas to check or adjust include: engine oil and fluids, trailer attachment to hitch, awnings, signal and brake lights, side mirrors and seatbelts.

And last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure your RV is fully insured just in case the unexpected happens. Fully insured means getting the full value of what you paid for your rig – not a depreciated amount! If your current insurer doesn’t offer this kind of protection, or if you are in search of an insurer that specializes in RV coverage, look no further than Good Sam VIP Insurance – America’s #1 RV Insurance Specialist.*

Contact Good Sam VIP Insurance today and get the coverage you deserve for a lot less than you probably would expect. As a matter of fact, Good Sam VIP members that have switched save $300 a year, on average!

To receive a free, no obligation rate quote, call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or get a quote online by clicking here.

* Based on the results from an independent study conducted by URI Information Services and Dr. James E. Fisher, St. Louis University.

Deal of the Day

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