RV Funtimes

Top 10 RVer Gifts From Facebook

hshoem1, Leave a comment
Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Requested Gifts, that RVers are asking for on Facebook.  I sure hope I get some of these for the 2017 camping season.

10. The Cuisinart Griddler Gourmet.

Cuisinart Griddler Gourmet
  • Multiple cooking options: One set of reversible nonstick plates – Grill and Griddle
  • Open it to use as regular grill or griddle. Close it and it’s a panini press or contact grill
  • Extra-large, nonstick grill plates and griddle plates let you cook more servings of a wide variety of foods in less time.
  • Pop-out plates are easy to remove and dishwasher-safe. Housing wipes clean with a damp cloth
  • Includes: scraper for cleaning grill and griddle plates, two removable drip cups, and instruction/recipe book.
BBQ Accessory Organizer
  • The BBQ Accessory Organizer will have you cooking like a pro with all your accessories grill-side and close at hand.
  • Features four double-sided hooks for holding your most important barbecue tools.
  • Includes a mounted paper towel holder, a must have when grilling up your favorite messy sauce or marinated recipes.
  • Attached shelf to hold spices, food, and all your cooking gadgets; shelf also functions as a cover for the paper towels against the weather.
  • Large 3-1/2-Inch screw clamp mounts to any grill or table; made of painted steel for strength and durability.
Gerber Multi-Tool
  • Suspension Multi-Plier multi-tool with 12 integrated components
  • Saf.T.Plus component locking system guarantees safety
  • Lightweight open-frame stainless steel handle
  • Includes a ballistic nylon sheath
  • Weighs 9.6 oz; Closed Length: 4 inches; limited lifetime warranty.
RV Heated Hose
  • Thermostatically controlled2
  • Solid brass couplings.
  • Quality, double walled hose.
  • Turns itself off during warmer weather.
  • MET Listed
Heavy Duty X-Chocks
  • Provides added stabilization and prevents tire shifts by applying opposing force to tandem, tire applications.
  • As opposed to other chocks, the X-Chock works with the tires natural movement instead of against them.
  • Rust inhibitive coating.
  • Plated ratchet wrench with comfort bumper included.
  • Lightweight and easy to store.
Anderson Levelers
  • Level your trailer on the first try!
  • Precise leveling at any increment between 1/2 inch and 4 inches
  • Lifts up to 4 inches
  • Works great on trailers up to 30,000 lbs
  • Made in the USA
Hand Operated Can Opener
  • Manual can opener safely and efficiently opens cans of all sizes.
  • Powerful stainless-steel cutting mechanism; ergonomic rubberized handles.
  • Magnetic lid lifter eliminates handling sharp edges and releases lids with the touch of a button.
  • Hinged design opens wide for easy cleanup by hand; compact size stores efficiently.
  • Measures approximately 7 by 2 by 3 inches; 5-year limited warranty.
Oxygenics Shower Head
  • Put jet engine power in your shower with this attractive handheld shower head.
  • Patented technology increases oxygen content in your water and self-pressurizes for the best shower experience possible.
  • Comfort control adjusts from soft to stimulating.
  • No clogging guaranteed. Includes a wand, 60-inch hose, wand holder, comfort regulator, washers, Teflon tape and easy installation instructions.
  • Limited lifetime warranty. Oxygenics BodySpa Kit has shutoff valve; water-saving, self-pressurizing, handheld shower, WaterSense 2.0 GPM, White or Brushed Nickel.
Portable Ice Maker
  • Convenient, compact design is ideal for use in small kitchens & other compact spaces like RVs, boats & more.
  • Produces 26 pounds of ice a day – never run to the store for a bag of ice again.
  • Offers an easy-to-use LED control panel that allows you to choose from 2 ice size settings.
  • Portable ice maker requires no installation – just plug in unit, add water & wait up to 15 minutes to enjoy the fresh ice.
  • A flawless design boasts an excellent reputation, offering consistent & dependable ice production that has been continually perfected.
And the number one request RVer Christmas Give this year is……………..
1. The  Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Maker

  • Brew using single-serve packs, coffee grounds or soft pods
  • Compatible with K-cup packs
  • Better coffee extraction than the leading competitor
  • Adjustable cup rest allows for standard-size cups or travel mugs
  • All removable parts are dishwasher safe
Here are a couple more items that just missed the Top 10 but are just great gift items for the RVer in your family.
NuWave Induction Burner 2
  • The PIC2 has 6 different pre-programmed temperature settings but has the flexibility to cook at 52 different temperatures between 100F and 575F, adjustable in 10-degree increments.
  • The PIC2 is equipped with programmable stage cooking functionality with up to 100 hours of program memory and performance.
  • Versatility to boil, simmer, deep-fry, stir-fry, saute, steam and sear, slow cook, barbecue, melt, and grill.
  • Uses up to 70% less energy than conventional gas or electric ranges. Lightweight and portable.
  • The PIC2 boasts state-of-the-art safety features such as automatic shut-off when an induction-ready pan, (pan sold separately) is removed from the base.

B. Halogen, Infrared & Convection Oven

Halogen, Infrared & Convection Oven
  • 16-quart countertop oven bakes, boils, broils, air fries, steams, grills, and roasts.
  • Cooks up to 3 times faster than a conventional oven; no need to defrost frozen foods first.
  • Uses halogen, infrared, and convection heat; food stays moist on the inside and browned and crispy on the outside.
  • Adjustable temperature; 60-minute timer; stay-cool handles; 2 stainless-steel cooking racks included.
  • Measures approximately 15-4/5 by 13 by 12-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty.

C. Cordless Ultra-Compact Vacuum Cleaner

Cordless Ultra-Compact Vacuum Cleaner
  •  Ultra-compact, a cordless vacuum cleaner with a high-performance motor.
  • 4-foot flexible hose, long crevice tool, nozzle/brush tool, and pet-hair cleaning tool.
  • 3-stage filtration system for clean air exhaust; easy-empty dirt canister.
  • Charger, storage caddy, and dishwasher-safe filter included; Energy Star approved.
  • Measures approximately 12-1/5 by 6-2/5 by 10 inches; 2-year warranty.
Well, there it is the Top 10 most requested Holiday Gift items currently on the RV Facebook pages.

Until Next Time

And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.
Top 10 RVer Gifts From Facebook

Well, What Did You Forget This Time?

hshoem1Leave a comment

Whether you are a new Full Timer, a Newbie, a Part Timer, or a Weekender we all seem to forget something vital to our RVing enjoyment or safety at the beginning of each season.  What do you really need to have to hook up your RV and have a safe but fun RVing experience? To find out I asked a bunch of Facebook RVers to give me a list of their most important, not to be forgotten, “must haves” for the RV before you pull out.  Here is the list in no particular order.




1. Power Cord to hook up the RV along with an extension cord. You need enough to go to either end of your RV.

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15 Ft 50 Amp Extension Cable
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25-Ft 30 Amp Extension Cord

2.  An extension drinking water hose is a must.  You should have a 25-foot regular hose and a 25-foot extension.

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25 Foot Drinking Water Hose

I make the assumption  that you already have a drinking hose with you.  If not, you are going to need one.  Get a 25 foot one for everyday use and another 25 foot as the extension. (I once stayed at a park where the water was on one side of the TT and the electric was on the other side of the TT.)

3. Another good thing to have is a Water Hose Splitter for the park supply line. That way if you  need some additional outside water you will not need to unhook the water supply to the rig.

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Plastic Water Hose Splitter

4. Extra sewer hose is a must these days.  With longer rigs you can’t leave home without it.

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10 Foot Sewer Hose Extension

5. In addition, to the hose extension you should also have a short clear section of sewer pipe to keep an eye on what is coming out of the sewer and to know when it is done draining.

45 Degree Clear Fitting

With the above fitting you can really see if that new RV TP really is quick dissolving.

6. In some States and in some RV Parks you must raise the sewer line off the ground.  It is the law.  There are lots of idea floating around but here is one of the simplest.  Remember in some States this is required.

7. If the park you are staying at has Cable TV you will need some TV cable to go from the Utility Box to the rig.

25 Ft RG6 Cable TV Wire

8. How about better tasting water?  Please read the Blog Post on “Water Out Of The Campground Faucet, YUCK!!” for all the best options but, here is just one.

RV Water Filter

9. A good tire pressure gauge is vital for any RVer.  A cheap one is not an option.  As always check your RV tires when Cold.

Good Digital Tire Gauge

10. Wheel Chocks are the next must have item.  Oh, the Horror Stories I could tell.  Get some Chocks.

RV Wheel Chocks for Pull Behind RVs.

11.  For reasons of safety and anti-theft I also recommend an X-Chock.

Locking Chock

12. A spare set of water hose washers is a good idea.

Water Hose Washers

13. And by all means an RV 30 or 50 amp (depending on your RV’s power requirement) Power Management Protector (Surge Protector).

30 Amp Surge Protector
50 Amp Surge Protector

Just be sure to get one that works with your Rig.

14. A Water Pressure Flow Manager would be a good thing as well.  This limits the water pressure to your Rig to no more than 50 psi of water pressure in your RV’s plastic water pipe system.  Much more than that and you might start to blow water fittings.

Water Pressure Regulator
Water Pressure Regulator With Meter

14.5 If you use a Water Hose Splitter, like number 3 above for cleaning out your RV sewer hose then you should have a water Back Flow Preventer like

Water Back Flow Preventer

This little unit attaches to the hose splitter and prevents and water hose connected to the open side of the hose splitter from leaking water back into the water source and contaminating it.  Like when you wash out the sewer hose or the spare hose falls into a puddle.

15. Often times people will suggest that you take boards with you to level the Rig in a campsite that is not level.  While boards may work they add weight and can absorb water when left on the ground during rain.  Here is an alternative.

RV Ramp/Leveler

16. You will not want to forget some RV Dog Bones.  These adapters change your electrical hookups from one type to another.  For example from 50amp to 30amp.  Why because the campground only has 30amps. Please read “RV Dog Bones What Are They and How Are They Used” further down in this Blog for more details.

Adapt 50amp Plug to 30amp Plug

17. You should also carry a water hose for everything but drinking.  Wash the kids feet, flush the sewer hose, etc.  You get the picture.

General Duty Water Hose

18. You should also have a spray bottle of disinfectant to use on park water taps.

Spray Disinfectant

Feel free to add your Can’t Be Left Behind” items to the comments area.

Until next time.

The Weekend RVers is a Facebook Group on RVing with Hints & Tips. A group for the Full-timer as well as the Newbie or Wanna B. In case U can’t find us “Facebook.com/groups/Weekend.RVers” we are here hoping you will join us!


And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.

Well, What Did You Forget This Time?

Campfire Safety

hshoem1Leave a comment

As we all get ready to start camping or have already started.  I am reminded that in many parts of the USA you can not have a campfire do to outdoor burning restrictions.  So many of us remember the nights spent by the fire watching the sparks work their way up into the air from the burning logs and hearing the original snap, crackle, and pop. (sorry Kellogg)  Well, things have changed that’s for sure.  First in many states now you can not bring firewood from one state to another or even from one part of a state to another do to bugs, worms, and what have you.  You must use the firewood that is at the park store or Ranger station.

How far is too far to move firewood? And what is meant by “local” firewood?  When discussing local firewood, I am referring to the closest convenient source of wood that you can find. That might be from down the street, or a state forest in your county. As a general rule of thumb, 50 miles is too far to move firewood, and 10 miles or less is the max firewood should be moved.  In many, states there are rules, regulations, and quarantines that clearly state how far is too far. Always acquaint yourself with local rules and regulations when transporting firewood from one jurisdiction to another.  Find out more here Don’t Move Firewood .

So you buy some firewood from the Ranger’s supply at the park and you can burn it during the time you are in the park but you should leave what you do not burn behind.

You have firewood from the local area and you have piled it up in the fire pit and you get ready to light it, but how do you get the green wood, high in moisture content, to burn without dumping a bottle of charcoal starter one it.  One fun idea is to use to get the wood burning is InstaFire .

InstaFire Fire Starter

These little fire starter pouches can get a fire going almost anywhere and burn hot enough to get not so great firewood started.

How can you make a campfire fun and exciting?  Well, S’mores are fun to make S’mores.

When you are done making the S’mores you might want to be amazed by the camp fire northern light show.  Camp Fire Northern Light Show .

Now sit back and enjoy the rest of the evening and watch the light show from your camp fire.

What happens when you can not burn wood but you still want to sit around a campfire.  Well, the solution for that is the gas campfire.  Most RV camping areas do not have a problem with the gas campfire even if there is a burn ban because the fire does not give off sparks and with the turn of the gas valve, the fire is off.  You can still make those S’mores the kids want and you can still enjoy sitting outside of the RV around the campfire.  See Portable Gas Campfire for what I am talking about.

This portable gas campfire runs off of LP gas either the little 1lb green cylinders (runs for 2hrs) or the 10lb gas tanks.  It runs for hours and the red cover is used for storage and to elevate the gas campfire off the ground.  Also, the red cover has the carry handle attached.  With an extra accessory, you can even cook on the campfire just like a fire log one.

With any fire outside you need to have a fire extinguisher at the ready just in case.  Not just for grass fires. Fire Gone White/Red Fire Extinguisher – 16 oz

Until next time.

Don’t forget to join the Weekend RVers group on Facebook a no DRAMA place with Hints, Tips, Free Stuff, Recipes, for every kind of RVer.


And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.

Campfire Safety