Four Awesome Custom Motorhomes

Anyone who owns an RV takes road tripping seriously, but there are some that take it to the next level with decked out custom RVs. From restored classic campers to souped-up rolling yachts, there is an RV out there that will make just about any RV owner jealous. Almost every day we get posts on our Facebook page about cool custom RVs from around the United States and the world, so we thought we would share a few of those and some others that have caught our eye over the years.

Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van

One of our Facebook fans, Ron Tanner, recently posted a picture of his customized camper van and we really like the idea for a compact camper that can easily get from place to place. The camper is made from a Mercedes Sprinter and features just about anything you could need in a camper including a bed, sink, and toilet.

Volkner Mobil Performance

On the other end of the spectrum is Volkner—a German custom RV manufacturer and the Performance VIP model is one of the more unique models we’ve seen. With a patented middle garage that can fit a car up to 16 feet long (such as a Mercedes SLK), the Volkner is a luxury RV that will make yacht owners jealous. The interior rivals 5 star hotels and the vehicle is so impressive it was actually featured on Top Gear.

Terra Wind Amphibious RV

Speaking of yachts, the Terra Wind Amphibious RV can handle boating just as well as driving. This RV is perfect for getting the most out of a camping trip to the lake and manufacturer Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International offers a wide variety of customizations including the entire interior from floor plans to furniture to entertainment systems and even dashboard controls and instruments.

Steve McQueen’s 1952 Chevy 3800 Camper

In an article about cool vehicles, it’s hard to leave one out that was owned by Steve McQueen. His 1952 camper, which was recently auctioned off in July, is made from a Chevrolet 3800 series pickup truck and includes a custom aluminum camper. The camper is nicknamed “Dust Tite” and includes a bed, cabinets, drawers, and a diamond plated bumper.

What other cool custom campers have you seen? Leave a comment or post on our Facebook wall with your favorites!

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A KOA Camping Weekend

Harpers Ferry, WV

Recently we visited Harpers Ferry, WV and stayed at the Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA. Just the term "KOA" uttered in a RV forum can conjure up a debate that can go on for days. "They are to expensive", "it's not camping" and "sites are to small" will be just a few of the complaints you may read. On the other side of the fence you normally get that "they are good for an overnight layover" or "you know what your going to get".  One thing you cannot debate is that KOA campgrounds are not going away and I have seen the franchise continue to grow over the years. There is a consistency in services you will find at every KOA even though the actual campground itself may differ drastically.

When we arrived at the Harpers Ferry KOA we where greeted by an employee in a guard house. They

RV lined up to check in

check to see if your name is on a list and then tell you to move on to the main parking lot located at the bottom of the hill. There must be a reason for having this person there, but I am not sure what it is. We found that they are only there during the day and there is no gate so they are not keeping non KOA campers out during off hours. During our time there an elderly women was manning the post and she always waved and had a big smile which was nice. I don't recall any of the other KOA's we have visited having a greeter, so this was a bit different.

One of the wider pull through site

Since Harpers Ferry is a tourist destination with it's historic Civil War lineage, this KOA is quite busy on the weekends, actually really busy.  The full hookup pull through section were we stayed was extremely tight and there was no way we could actually pull through the site we where on.  Actually, only very small RV's could pull through without unhooking towed vehicles or special maneuvering of their trailer.  I would imagine this KOA gets very low marks for advertising pull through sites that really cannot not be used in that manner.  One thing I like about KOA's is the recent addition of deluxe campsites.  They usually have a nice patio, maybe outdoor furniture and are quite large.  These are good for that occasional camping weekend when you may have visitors or your looking for a relaxing weekend out of the grass and dirt.  The Harpers Ferry KOA looks like they made an attempt to add these to the section we where in, but it went horribly wrong.  The sites are very unlevel as where the stamped concrete pads which had a pretty steep grade in them. In other sections of the campground the site where every bit as cramped and some even more so, but I will say the place was packed (literally) so people must not mind all that much. I know what we do is not considered camping, but I think most RV'ers are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and would also like a little space to do it in.  Unfortunately in my experience, KOA campgrounds are not the place that you will find this and this one is no exception.

Plenty to do for the family

Outside of the feeling like a sardine and the Wifi not working, this KOA was not all bad.  It had a very well stocked RV accessory store, movie theater, huge pool, mini golf, tons of toys for the kids to play on, a wine & coffee shop and even a small Civil War museum. They also had a large number cabins and I could not believe how many tenters. The staff was super friendly and I found myself up bright and early for a couple of free pancakes that they served every morning.  The place was also very clean and well maintained.

Maybe those RV forum discussion are not to far off in their arguments for and against KOA camping.  And I would say this place fit that criteria. Small sites, but good service and facilities.

Oh and since they don't tell you, there is an amazing 2 to 3 mile hike (you can make it shorter if needed) right out the back of the campground into the National Park.  There are some restored cannons in the field along with the Murphy Farm which was a strategic battle location for the Confederate Army and some great views of the Shenandoah river valley.

Shenandoah River from the Murphy Farm trail overlook

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Hold Up, Step Up and Cover Up!

When you take delivery of your new RV, there will be quite a few things that you will considering to improve your ownership experience. The list goes on for quite some length however I would like to focus attention on; "What's the first thing you are going touch before you are able to get into your RV?" The simple answer is, your entry steps.

We all have 1 of two types of steps, powered or manual. I have a triple step unit that's automatic. When I open the door there's a magnetic switch that calls for the step motor to activate and it pushes the steps out. When you close the door the magnetic switch latches and this activates the motor to rotate backwards which pulls and raises the stairs. Like me, you will have a manual switch that will turn the stairs off so that you can close the door without the stairs coming in. This is important after your parked. On my rig the step motor is a unit adapted from an automotive power window application. Over the many years of ownership, I have had structural problems with the stairs as it will in time break a weld up on the frame from constantly being leveraged when you
step on the stair. Yet another point of failure are the rivets that hold the folding frame together and allows the mechanism to pivot and operate.

The solution I found and apply is a "Step Stabilizer" or "Step Saver." As soon as the steps come out the step

Adjustable RV Step Stabilizer

stabilizer goes under the stair. This device offers 2 benefits, it supports the stairs at its maximum point of leverage and it takes the vertical movement you will feel as a mushiness out of the stair. I will try to position the stabilizer just to the left of center since we both lead with our left foot. We all have found terrain features to be different from one place to another and although the stabilizer is adjustable, you may need a "jack pad" to raise the stabilizer if it's too short. If for some reason the stabilizer is too long, I will simply build up as many stack-able jack pads as I need to take up the space.

Presto-O-Fit Step Covers

Your RV steps are probably just like mine, flat black and bare metal. In order to dress up your stairs, improve traction and provide a method to wipe your feet, I obtained the Prest-O-Fit Wraparound +Plus RV Step Rug 20" Wide I have 3 steps so I purchased 3 "Wraparound Rugs" The rugs fit perfectly and they are provided with a double row of eyelets and a pair of springs. The rug is wrapped around the step and using the springs, they are stretched to the first available hole and that's all there is to installing the rug. Once completed, it dresses up your stairs quite nicely. Although the carpet is available in 8 different colors, I went with the black.  

Safety Step Folding RV Entry Step

Finishing up, if your bottom stair is too high off the ground for any reason you can always option to get a "Safety Step." I know that my wife does not like to have too high of a step so a device like a safety step make all the difference. The safety step folds practically flat and it doesn't take up much room in storage.
Thanks for reading!  Mike P

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Top 5 College Football Schools for Tailgating

College football season is upon us and with it massive tailgate parties before and after the games. No vehicle is better equipped for serious tailgating more than an RV. When you have your own electricity and appliances on hand (not to mention a private bathroom), tailgating with an RV brings the football experience to the next level.

Of course there’s tailgating in the NFL, but college football is entirely different animal. With some schools boasting tailgating crowds that exceed the capacity of their stadiums, college football has professional fans. Check out our list of the top 5 tailgating schools and be sure to let us know where your favorite spot is in the comments.

5. Michigan

Michigan is one of the most storied college football programs in the country and the tailgating scene isn’t much different. With a stadium that seats more people than the population of Ann Arbor itself, tailgating for a Michigan game is one of the more intense college football experiences.

4. Texas

If there are two things that Texas takes seriously, it’s football and barbecue. Roaming through the Texas tailgating scene, you’ll see plenty of oversized barbecue grills serving up everything from brisket to sausage to ribs. Add in the fact Austin is one of most lively cities in the country, and you’re sure to have a great time both before and after the game.

3. Auburn

If there’s one place you want to tailgate with your RV, it’s Auburn. Auburn invented marathon tailgating—fans show up as much as 2 days before kickoff to start the festivities, blatantly breaking the rules outlined on the Auburn Athletics website for tailgating. In fact, the rules were instituted because of the marathon tailgating parties.

2. Wisconsin

If you like beer, you’ll like tailgating in Wisconsin. With over 85 breweries in the state, Wisconsin tailgates often feature a beer menu that rivals most bars. With the temperatures dropping low during the latter half of the season, you’ll certainly need a few beers and maybe a brat and some cheese to stay warm.

1. Ole Miss

Ole Miss tailgating revolves around “The Grove”—a 10 acre plot of land in the middle of the University of Mississippi’s campus that gets its name from the oak, magnolia, and elm trees throughout the area. With shady areas to protect you from the southern heat and enough room for as many as 25,000 fans, the Grove is second to none.

RVUpgrades.com supplies a wide range of tailgating supplies for your next college football tailgating experience. Check out our camping supplies section for the full selection of grills, furniture, and accessories for tailgating.

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