SmartCentres, which owns the Kamloops, British Columbia shopping centre, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers there is no overnight parking for RVs or trucks. (Credit: bcnews.ca)

Besides being a big-box retail store, Walmart parking lots across North America have generally been hospitable to the traveling camper.

But, anyone hoping to stay in the Kamloops, British Columbia, Walmart parking lot for an extended period of time can expect to be turned away, reports Kamloops This Week.

This past summer the company SmartCentres, which owns the shopping center, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers that overnight parking for RVs or trucks is not permitted.

Sandra Kaiser, vice-president of corporate affairs for SmartCentres, told KTW the no-overnight rules were always in place, but not enforced stringently until recently.

She said the measure is not meant to crack down on someone staying a few hours or even a night, but is intended to address RV owners staying for days and weeks.

“More and more campers were coming and staying for longer periods of time, to the point where we were losing parking spaces that we have to provide to our tenants,” Kaiser said, adding the company had received complaints from tenants in the shopping center.

She noted overnight stays made it difficult for maintenance crews to clean up the lot.

Kaiser said maintenance crews are politely reminding campers they can’t park in the lot long term.

Walmart manager Tim Labermeyer said he’s heard from some customers who expected to park at the store overnight.

However, he pointed out many of the Walmart lots that allow overnight parking are owned by the retail giant.

The Kamloops Walmart leases the property so, in this case, it is not a decision made by the store.

“We have to abide by their (SmartCentres) rules,” Labermeyer said.

Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: rvonthego.blogspot.com)

He suggested Thompson Rivers University students using the lot during store hours for free parking was a bigger issue than RV parking.

The Kamloops location isn’t alone in banning overnight stays, as a growing number of Walmarts in the U.S. are starting to turn away RVs.

For a list of Walmarts where overnight parking is prohibited, click here.

Ask the local IGA store in Hinton, Alberta, how to treat visitors. That IGA invites RVers to camp overnight free on their parking lot and places large signs along the highway to make sure RVers know they are welcome.

Overnight Parking Etiquette

Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined together to support your right to park on private businesses’ parking lots overnight under the following code of conduct. The code pertains to establishments that permit “dry camping” on their lots. Dry camping means camping without the use of external hookups for electricity, water supply, or waste disposal.

Industry-Sanctioned Code of Conduct (RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)

Stay one night only!

Obtain permission from a qualified individual.

Obey posted regulations.

No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.

Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).

Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)

Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)
Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.

Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It’s the right thing to do!

Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, this Code of Conduct is nothing more than an RVers’ “Good Neighbor” policy.

Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers. Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property overnight.

The above Code of Conduct is also available in PDF format from the Walmart Atlas website.

You’re encouraged to print this letter and share it with others to promote these etiquette standards.

Worth Pondering…Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.

While we have always homeschooled our children, now that we are full-time RVers, we have found that Roadschooling (homeschooling on the road) presents some unique challenges as compared to when we homeschooled in a sticks & bricks.

Being on the road has given us a chance to visit some wonderful historic locations that we would not have been able to otherwise afford to go to without our RV.  We love to tailor our curriculum to where we are visiting; especially for history, writing, and science, but traveling full-time makes it difficult to always have, on-hand, the learning tools that we enjoyed in our house.  We have found having a laptop and printer on-board indispensable to our destination tutoring!

Of course, if you are going for a short trip, it would be very easy to find applicable information before you leave home, print it out there, and take it along.  There are some great websites that provide details and worksheets about states, historical destinations, and elementary hands-on science.  My children, for the most part, enjoy worksheets, so in addition to downloading interesting online worksheets, I also watch out for fun workbooks about where we are visiting.

History of Texas Museum

Last month when we were in Texas, I found a great workbook at the Bob Bullock History of Texas Museum gift shop.  Because I have multiple ages, I went through the workbook and marked each page that I thought the kids might enjoy with a post-it flag.  On the flag, I wrote how many copies of that page I wanted depending on which children it was age appropriate for.  A quick trip to Staples, and we were set for some fun (and inexpensive) learning about a new-to-us area.

Many students use the Internet for classroom research, and travelers use it to find out about a possible destination.  Roadschooling brings both of these together.  In addition to finding out about the surrounding tourist sights and searching for campgrounds, we like to find factual information on the historical places that we are interested in touring.  Last week we visited Tombstone, AZ, the sight of the legendary gunfight between the Earp brothers with Doc Holiday, and the lawless Clanton Gang at the OK Corral.  On our way to Tombstone, we searched for a website about the deadly match, and read about the gunfight aloud; we also learned a lot about the founding of the town, including the source of it’s name.  The kids had more interest in the location knowing a bit of it’s history, we had a better idea of how to prioritize our time there based on what details we found intriguing, and the kids had a jump-start on what they would need to know to earn their Jr. Ranger badges.

Homeschoolers tend to be bookworms (and we are!) but now that we are schooling out of an rv, we are greatly limited as to both space and weight.  We don’t have much room for books, but even if we did, the weight factor of hauling them around would be detrimental to our GVW!   I have never been a big library fan – I felt that if a book was worth reading, it was worth owning - unfortunately, this mind-set  just doesn’t fit in well with the r.v. lifestyle!  But how could we school without our books?  One solution was that we bought the older kids e-readers for Christmas.

There are over a dozen different manufacturers; we chose Sony.  (the following info is based on our experience with them, so it may differ if you choose Kindle, nook, or any of the others…)  If you tend to purchase a lot of books anyway, a digital reader can pay for itself very quickly.  Our family prefers classics, and many of these books can be downloaded for free.  In fact, you don’t have to have an e-reader to take advantage of free downloads; they can be read on your computer/laptop also!  It is easy to find books based on location or historic event with literally millions of books available for download!

magazine racks work best for our workbooks

For storing our traditional school books, we have found that it works best for us to have a container for each child’s books.  At first we used horizontal plastic boxes with lids, but we have found that, in the area we have set aside for school in this coach, magazine holders work best.  Each child has their own holders, and since the containers are vertical, the kids don’t have to dig theirs out from under others, and the remaining holders stay upright (instead of a row of slumping books), making it easier to keep those cupboards tidy.   We also use magazine holders for coloring books and info that we send away for from each state like tourist guides.

We do enjoy a certain amount of educational DVDs.  One of our favorites is Drive Thru History; they are generally location specific or about a certain person (thus you might want to watch about Benjamin Franklin when you are visiting Boston, his birthplace, or Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed).  My boys especially enjoy these as Dave is usually driving some cool or unusual vehicle, and he is rather comical.

We also have found other ways to impart learning into our ‘camping’ routine.  We tend to lean towards games that have some, however small :), educational value.  My kids like the game bananagrams, which is somewhat similar to Scrabble but without a board; great for spelling, and is very compact.  Math games, like Math Dice, are small, lightweight, and easy to adapt and play with multiple ages.

We have really been enjoying our roadschooling adventure.  At first it was a challenge for this bookworm mom to adapt to life without a library on board, but we have found some great alternatives that are making our journey a lot of fun and still educational.  We are also finding that learning can be extra rewarding when we take advantage of the educational opportunities that each of our travel destinations offer.  If you have some other roadschooling ideas, I would love to hear from you!

Safe Travels and Happy Learning!

Dana

In the other article, “Entrepreneurs take niche goods, services to road for customers’ convenience,” three entrepreneurs are featured: an RV mobile repair business, a mobile car detailing service, and a mobile custom tanning and salon. The last does custom air-brush tanning. According to the article, what helps a mobile business succeed is finding the right niche or having high quality if you’re providing service in a broader specialty. Maybe the party bus in the first article is a niche that doesn’t jive with the market.

How does this apply to RVers who want to travel in their RVs rather than be based in one community? Having a mobile business isn’t as easy. For professions such as cosmetology that requires a license in each state, a mobile business would not work as well. Plus, a beautician relies on developing a clientele. Moving around frequently would not allow that to happen unless you came each year during a certain season. For example, some who cuts hair and spends each winter in the same snowbird park would be able to develop a clientele over time.

Another restriction is getting the word out. If you travel constantly, people may not see you enough to get familiar with you. Often customers need to see you or hear about you several times before feeling comfortable enough to buy from you. If you were parked at an RV park for a while, you would need permission from the owner, who might want a cut. And, you probably will need a local business license or at least a tax ID to run a business there.

The mobile businesses I’ve seen work provide services for RVs, such as mobile repair, repairing windshields, computer repair, and cleaning carpets. They may have a sign on their RV or their tow or toad, letting RVers know about their business. Some set up at RV events or at RV gathering places like Quartzsite, AZ in January. I’ve also met RVers who cut hair and give massages, but they do it by word of mouth since they are not licensed. Keep in mind if you offer services at RV rallies, you may be required to get a booth. There are always costs of doing business!

If you tow a cargo trailer or even have a toy hauler converted into some sort of workshop, there are more possibilities. Just pick a business that doesn’t need a state license and make sure you follow the state and local regulations for paying business license fees and taxes. Knowing lots of RVers or going to rallies or where they gather also helps. It could be a viable way to make a living on the road.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

reprinted with permission

While sales of traditional motor homes have grown at a respectable 6.2% rate for the first six months of the year, two smaller classes encompassing large van conversions have grown nearly twice as fast, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports.

“The era of bigger-is-better and more ostentatious” is over, declares RVIA President Richard Coon. Now, “The trend is toned down quite a bit.”

Blame the economy and gas prices, but also retirees who have decided they don’t need rolling McMansions for status in otherwise hard times.

“Fuel prices are driving it, but this is a cultural shift,” says Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream, which converts delivery-van-style Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into low-key motor homes. “There’s a shift away from conspicuous consumption.”

Though these units are priced upwards of $125,000, Wheeler says they typically don’t have the fancy paint and graphics of larger units. “No flashy paint job,” he says. Rather, it’s “understated elegance” — and up to 18 miles a gallon from the modest diesel engine, triple the gas mileage of some big gasoline-powered motor homes.

Even in the bigger vehicle classes, some RVers are downsizing. RV-maker Fleetwood says many buyers of more traditional motor homes, who formerly would have opted for 36-footers or bigger, today are buying downsizing to its 28- to 32-foot Storm line, which starts at about $92,000, says Lenny Razo, eastern regional sales director.

Those RVs are being fitted with more space-maximizing features, such as bunks that drop from the ceiling. Many buyers “are getting older, and they don’t need as much” space, Razo says.

Winnebago, too, has introduced more lower-priced motor homes and fuel-saving diesels. “In the last couple of years, people are wanting value products, not necessarily all the bells and whistles like in 2004,” says spokeswoman Sheila Davis.

Smaller motor homes also can be more versatile, such as serving as a base camp for little leaguers at games, as well as a home away from home on vacation, she says.

The Trailer Life Directory announced that its new RV Park  Finder app is now available for iPhone, iPad and iTouch in the iTunes App Store.

The RV Park Finder application provides RVers with the  same comprehensive and accurate campground information  that they have grown to expect from Trailer Life Directory, according to a news release.

Users can search by  city, state or province to find all of the 11,800 RV parks, campgrounds, attractions and travel services that are listed  in the Trailer Life Directory. Listing information includes location, park amenities, site information, photos and website link.

All of the Good Sam discount locations are marked by red icons on the map and have the Good Sam logo in the listing.

The RV Park Finder app is also equipped with RV friendly routes and Google maps to make getting to each of the campgrounds even easier.

What all dads really want on Father’s Day is quality time with their families. And what better quality time is there than a weekend of camping in the great outdoors, says Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) in a Father’s Day promotional news release

With fuel prices falling and temperatures finally rising for the first time in 2011, there has never been a better time to plan an affordable camping trip for Dad’s big day. With thousands of campgrounds nearby (including more than 470 Kampgrounds of America parks in North America) campers won’t have to go far to spend time roasting marshmallows and making memories.

Campgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada may have changed a lot since the last time many people ventured out. While the more than 8,000 public and privately operated campgrounds in North America still have great spots to pitch a tent or set up a recreational vehicle, many (including KOAs) now offer camping with all of the comforts of home.

KOAs have rustic Kamping Kabins that offer electricity and beds for four. Just bring your cooler and sleeping bags and you’re in business.

For campers looking for a few more comforts, many Kampgrounds of America facilities now have Lodges, complete with full bathrooms and kitchens.

Plan to start your new Father’s Day tradition this June 17-19 by taking your dad camping. Make your reservations today at www.KOA.com. There are many discount Hot Deals available for Fathers Day Weekend at KOA too at www.KOA.com. Share your favorite Father’s Day memory on KOA’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KOAKampgrounds and you just might win two free nights of camping and a $200 Coleman gift card.

An electronic copy of the 2011-2012 KOA Directory can be downloaded at http://www.koa-directory.com/koadirectory/201112#pg1.

Recreation vehicle industry analyst and economist Richard Curtin presented new demographic data on Monday (June 6) showing that the number of RV-owning households has grown to a new peak of 8.9 million households, up from 7.9 million in 2005.

Speaking during the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s annual Committee Week in Washington, D.C., Curtin told Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) members that new research reveals 8.5% of U.S. households now own RVs, up from 8.0% in 2005, 7.6% in 2001, 7.3% in 1997, and 6.8% in 1993.

“Today’s record RV ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle despite economic challenges,” Curtin told RVIA members.

Curtin, who is director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, is a leading economist who also publishes a closely watched monthly consumer confidence report.

RV ownership rates have surged among adults aged 35-54 and 55 and over, according to Curtin. In the 35-54 demographic, RV ownership went from 9.0% in 2005 to 11.2% today. Among those 55 and older, ownership rates grew from 8.6% to 9.4%. Ownership rates among young people 34 and under fell slightly from 5.0% to 4.7%.

“Growth among the 35-to-54 year old age group is impressive,” said Curtin. “I believe the industry’s Go RVing outreach campaign had a lot to do with this growth. This is a strong finding for the industry’s future.”

Travel trailer ownership rates grew fastest, going from 4.1% in 2005 to 4.8% in 2011. Motorhomes experienced growth as well, from 1.9% to 2.1%. Rates among truck campers and folding camping trailers were nearly identical. Truck camper ownership rates are 1.7% today vs. 1.8% in 2005. Folding camping trailers are owned by 0.5% of households today compared to 0.4% in 2005.

Curtin’s remarks were based on preliminary analysis of RV consumer surveys. A complete report on his findings is anticipated later this year.

RVIA is the national association representing approximately 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing 98% of all RVs made in the United States.

That comes as no surprise for us because camping is easy on the toddlers and the grandparents, too, as long as families are realistic in their planning and expectations. But as gas prices top $4/gallon many camping families are forced to become resourceful in their search for affordable, wholesome family entertainment.

Where do smart families start when it comes to saving money while camping?

1. Consider off- season, off-weekend pricing if your work schedule permits. Many campgrounds are deeply discounted if you camp between Sunday and Wednesdays. Families save upwards of 40% and they have wide open site selection, not to mention easy use of amenities. If you are not using the swimming pool, but like to fish, the weeks prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day can offer ideal pricing and recreation tailored to filling these less occupied weeks.

2. Park it where you’ll use it. If you visit your favorite campground three or more times a season, consider why you keep returning. It may be the year to seek seasonal/permanent membership. Haul it once, stock it for the summer and return to the woods without factoring in high fuel costs.

3. Set a summer outdoor education goal and measure your progress. Have you been putting off learning about the hardwoods, flora and fauna of your region, identifying the wildflowers and wild mushrooms that grow under the pines? Use a library card to access book resources or stop at a used book store or thrift shop. You can tuck a reference book in the corner of your car’s trunk and have instant “edu-tainment” and an outdoor learning lab for learners of all ages.  Offer incentives for families being “on the move.” Hiking is good for the heart –literally and figuratively.

4. Plan, plan, plan. Teachers will tell you which parents give children decision making responsibility during summer months. What better way to save money than to have your pre-teen make a packing list, a meal plan and associated grocery list. Teach organization where there are real world consequences, then reward kids with the money you saved because you remembered to pack the pancake syrup.

5. Look for fuel saver specials. Some campgrounds offer discounted packages for campers returning two weekends in a row. Many have safe weekday storage and incentives NOT to haul goodies home on Sunday afternoon. Check now, as often these specials are first come, first serve and dependent on storage space available.

6. Think of hidden vacation costs that camping vacations avoid. Have you checked into the cost of kenneling a pet lately? Keep them with you and not only will they be happier, you will, too.

7. Let the campground reservation folks know your wants and needs. If you tell whomever answers the phone that you are seeking inexpensive quality entertainment for your family, then not only can they tell you when the campground’s free fire truck rides are offered, but they might point you toward charming local festivals, celebrations and local attractions within minutes of the campground. Build a full vacation experience by being aware of “out of the tent” opportunities.

8. Summer birthday? In this day of over-the-top birthday celebrations, consider how you can make a lifelong magical memory by taking two or three of the birthday boy or girl’s best friends camping. Rather than 4 hours of noise, sugar and stressful planning, invite partiers to a camping overnight. You’ll get to know them and they’ll get introduced to a wholesome alternative.

Happy camping,

Karen and the Lock 30 Woodlands Crew

About the Author:

Karen Brucoli Anesi, along with her husband, Frank, own Lock 30 Woodlands, Ohio’s only Best Park in America and the highest-rated campground in the tri state area of Ohio, PA and W. VA. She is a member of the Board of Regents and an instructor for The National School of RV Parks and Campground Management. Karen has a home in Durango, Colorado, where she’s a contributor, former columnist and special assignment reporter for the Durango Herald.

Mark your calendars now so if your RV travels take you near a national park on one of these days, you can take advantage of free admission.

The first ones coming up are January 15-17 for Martin Luther King’s birthday. Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, announced the free days a few days ago in a press release. The other days are:

• National Park Week (April 16-24)
• the first day of summer (June 21)
• National Public Lands Day (September 24)
• the weekend of Veterans Day (November 11-13)

Camping in an NPS campground with tent or RV is not included however some concessionaires will have special offers and discounts. You can find them listed here. Check back. More will be added as the year progresses.

Many smaller national parks never have a fee. Or, obtain an America the Beautiful Pass and, for one fee, visit any national park on any day for 12 months from the day you bought it. It also gives you free admissions at other federal recreation areas. The Pass is a great value if you plan to visit many in the coming year. With 394 national parks there is a tremendous variety. Include them in your RV travels.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

reprinted with permission

Rev. Don Marienthal of Sky Valley Ministries begins Bible study at Sky Valley Resort mobile home park in Sky Valley with about 40 members on Jan. 5. Sky Valley Ministries serves residents who have second homes in the Coachella Valley or come to the desert in winter in their Recreational Vehicles. During winter Sunday services attendance can be as high as 600 members. (Wade Byars, The Desert Sun)

Out of the estimated 27,000 campgrounds in the United States, about 125 have embraced the trend.

Two are in the Coachella Valley.

“They love not having to leave their campground to go into town for a church service,” said Duane Careb, who created RVchurchesUSA.org in 2008. “Plus, people really enjoy learning about God in the setting of nature.”

More RVs are owned by Baby Boomers than any other group, according to a 2001 University of Michigan study commissioned by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. The generation also makes up the fastest-growing segment of the RV market.

Robert Ruesch, who founded Christian Resort Ministries in 2002, said RV’ers want “the peace of mind knowing they have a church-based support system waiting for them at their destination.”

Force Hall at at Sky Valley Resorts serves as a chapel for Rev. Don Marienthal and Sky Valley Ministries which serve as many as 600 residents on Sundays during winter. (Wade Byars, The Desert Sun)

Both men started their organizations to help out Baby Boomers who take to the road and want religion to come with them. They hook up RV resorts with pastors and musicians for church services.

“We’re a networking RV ministry,” said Careb.

At Sky Valley and Caliente Springs Resorts in Desert Hot Springs, attendance at Sunday services can be as high as 600 during winter months. Both have chapels, which is rare, Careb said.

Reverend Don Marienthal, 64, of Indio, is the senior chaplain of Sky Valley Ministry and oversees church services at both locations.

“My call to ministry is seniors; it’s where my heart is. They could be at the bottom of a coal mine or at an RV park, I just want to minister to seniors. It just so happens, there are a lot at RV parks,” Marienthal said.

Bible studies are on Wednesdays, hymn sings are regularly scheduled and Marienthal — along with three chaplains under his leadership — plan and conduct weddings and memorials.

Both chapels are nondenominational.

“In a park, you have a whole range of denominations, a blending of different positive influences in people’s lives,” said Roger Weber, who along with his wife, Wanda, lives at Sky Valley Resort six months a year.

“Having a nondenominational service every Sunday meets the needs of all the campers,” Weber said.

In 1997, the Webers bought an RV and began traveling throughout the United States.

They reserved space at the resort for one week.

They stayed for five months.

A retired accountant, Roger Weber now is treasurer of the Sky Valley Ministries board.

“The atmosphere is wonderful,” said Roger Weber, 78. “Having a church here is important to us.”