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Announcing the Best in Show at the Tampa RV Show: the Barclay RV “Travel Home”

We have our best in-show rv from the florida rv supershow and it's in a brand new category its creators call a “travel home.”.

• 1 We have our Best in-Show RV from the Florida RV Supershow and it's in a brand new category its creators call a “Travel Home.”
• 2 There are over 1,000 new RVs at the 2024 Tampa show. We think the Barclay is the Best In Show.

And the RV just showed up on Friday after snafus with the show's organizers kept them outside the gates for the first two days.

But they were finally assigned a space Friday, and we're glad they are here. Their Barclay Travel Home is the most unique RV we've seen, so unique that we have immediately named it our Best In Show winner.

It's 35 feet long, loaded with super high-end finishes, advanced plumbing, heating and power systems, and every deluxe appliance system you could ask for. The decor includes shiplap walls, floating shelves, luxury custom kitchen refrigeration, a dishwasher, a washer and dryer, and an amazing articulating “robotic TV” that raises, lowers, and turns around.

There's a loft bedroom, rooftop sun deck, and true four-season compatibility, complete with a wood-burning stove and built-in pizza oven.

For us, visiting this unique travel home was a follow-up story. We met Robert and Julia Barclay almost five years ago, when their idea to combine true home design and amenities with an RV was just taking shape, we had them on the podcast back then as they explained their design ideas.

Now, after hitting the road and living fulltime in it, they're hauled it across America and are now showing it at the Florida RV Supershow as the centerpiece of a new company that will custom-build these travel homes for those who also want a similar lifestyle.

We spent much of the morning with them, shooting an extended-length video and tour that we will have in a new podcast episode in a couple of weeks.

But we also did a livestream for our RV Lifestyle Community , which shows some of the features. Click below to see:

“The thing about this is when you're done traveling, you can put in anywhere, and you have a home,” said Robert Barclay as we toured the home. “We absolutely love this, and as we travel, it has gathered lots of attention. Often, when we are in a campground, the park managers want to put it upfront because once people see it, they bring their friends for a look.”

The most striking thing about the home is the panoramic deck made out of composite decking for easy maintenance. When being towed, the decking can be put away in special storage boxes under the frame. When set up, they turn into a spacious patio area that opens to a bar and serving area right off the kitchen.

A bifold window door entertainment wall folds in on itself and is out of the way off to the side. It has screens that keep the open look in the summer but keep bugs out. In colder temperatures, triple-paned Anderson Window door panels unfold to keep the cold out but still provide panoramic views.

The unit's roof is covered by a huge 1,800-watt array of solar panels that charge 21.5 KW of lithium batteries.

“We spend most of our time off-grid,” said Juia. “Usually, days at a time. And we've never run out of power.”

Between the solar panels is a rooftop sundeck perfectly sized for two chairs.

“We do a lot of Harvest Hosts sites at vineyards,” said Robert. “We love the view up there. It's also great for stargazing.”

The Barclays are taking orders and beginning the design process with their first customers, hoping to bring in more buyers at the show. The units start at about $350,000, which is comparable to many Class A motorhomes. Build time is about six to nine months.

After Tampa, the Barclays will haul it to Colorado, where they'll live in it as they enjoy their favorite outdoor activity – skiing. Robert is a ski instructor.

At the Tampa show, they are located at the far northwest end of the Fairgrounds, right next to the Tiffin Motorhome display.

There are over 1,000 new RVs at the 2024 Tampa show. We think the Barclay is the Best In Show.

Published on 2024-01-19

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

6 Responses to “Announcing the Best in Show at the Tampa RV Show: the Barclay RV “Travel Home””

January 21, 2024at9:53 pm , Peter Donaldson said:

25,000 lbs fully loaded. What is the hitch weight? Are you pulling it with a Semi tractor?

January 20, 2024at10:57 am , Peter Kehoe said:

I beg to differ. Aren’t Recreation Vehicles supposed to take us to recreational activities, such as Robert’s love of skiing?

January 20, 2024at8:47 pm , Robert Barclay said:

Peter, agree whole heartedly and that is what we do. We stay in parks and resorts near the ski areas and a couple of years ago did seven across New Mexico, Colorado, UT, and California. In the summer we love hiking, mountain biking, and paddle, so look for opportunities for this across the country as well.

January 23, 2024at12:38 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Hi Peter, Good to hear from you! Mike and Jen really liked this one because it was so innovative – the owners of the company HAD traveled everywhere with it (to all sorts of outside recreational activities), so it really is mobile. Mike found it very interesting, which is why it was the choice. But that said, it is certainly not for everyone. Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle

January 20, 2024at8:33 am , Raymond Bauman said:

I have been a fan of “Tiny Homes” for a long time and the Barclay Travel Home is really a Tiny Home, NOT an RV.

January 20, 2024at8:54 pm , Robert Barclay said:

Raymond, Tiny Homes was what inspired us, but they are not built for full time road travel. By focusing on structural integrity, hurricane and high performance building principles, a state of the art suspension system, and including RV hookups and storage tanks, we truly created a new breed of RV. We traveled more than 55,000 miles in ours and models will be fully RVIA certified. We love Tiny homes on wheels and we certainly can build those as well.

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14 RV Travel Tips From Seasoned RVers

• RV Lifestyle

These RV travel tips will improve your camping experience. Photo via Shutterstock

Do You Know About These RV Travel Tips From Seasoned RVers?

If you’re new to RVing, these RV travel tips will make a huge difference in your camping experience. If you’re a seasoned RVer, you may have already learned some of these things the hard way, but there may be some tips you had not yet considered.

1. Plan ahead

It is always less stressful when you have a plan and you are executing it.  When we first started RVing, the only tools we had were large paper maps, a notebook, and the Woodall’s Campground Directory. These were crude and ineffective trip planning tools, but it was all we had. 

Now you can use RV LIFE Trip Wizard , RV LIFE Campgrounds , and the RV LIFE App with RV-Safe GPS  to help you plan everything from how far you can travel comfortably in one day, to where to get gas, how to find RV camping resources that are part of your membership clubs, and what route to take to avoid unsafe roadways.

2. Shorten your travel distance to a comfortable drive

There was a time, many years ago, when we would drive our 33’ motorhome for 12 hours straight. We were weekend warriors then and were only able to cobble together a few extra days for a bit longer trip on rare occasions.  

When the 4 th of July fell on a Wednesday, we celebrated because we generally would expand that into a 5-day weekend. On those occasions we’d try to get as far away as possible, but that meant we were driving long distances over many consecutive hours. 

Fortunately, I was younger then and I found driving the RV to be about as relaxing as driving a car, but looking back on it now, I have to admit, there were many times I should not have done that because it just wasn’t safe.

Everyone has their own threshold of driving tolerance. For some who can get on the road early, it may be 400 miles. For others, it may only be 200 miles or maybe you want to limit your day by drive time, not miles.

RV LIFE Trip Wizard lets you do just that.  You can plan your drive time by distance or hours and set distance rings radiating out from your current campsite, so you know about where you’ll be at the end of any travel day.  You can download the maps and info so even if you’re high in the mountains with no cell service you still have your trip information. 

Regardless of what your personal preferences are, you should limit the time you spend behind the wheel on travel days.

3. Get your chores done early to get an earlier start

When you know you have a travel day coming up, get as many of your chores done ahead of time as you can. Get the laundry washed, folded and put away, the refrigerator stocked up, boil some eggs, make your sandwiches, get your truck gassed up before you hook-up to the trailer, and pick-up and stow the gear around your campsite, so on travel days you can get as early of a start as possible.

4. Watch the weather

One of our top RV travel tips is to watch the weather on your travel days. If the temperature plummets and the roads are icy or frosty, you may need to alter your travel plans. 

Don’t take chances on snowy, icy, or frosty roads. It’s hard enough to drive a car in these conditions, but having the extra weight of an RV can make those conditions extremely dangerous. 

Don’t be caught off-guard. Even heavy rain and wind can be dangerous when driving an RV or pulling one.  Get several good weather apps and study each one to see which one most reliably predicts the weather wherever you are.  

One app may say the winds will be mild while two other apps report high wind warnings.  After using these apps for some time, you’ll get a sense of which ones are typically more accurate.

One of our top RV travel tips: Watch the weather! It can sneak up on you. This was a bright sunny day, 20 minutes before this storm overran the RV park in Eastern Oregon. Photo by P. Dent

5. Stay south of the snow zone

By planning your travels using RV LIFE’s RV LIFE Trip Wizard , you can plan to be south of the snow zone year-round.  If you’re a full-time RVer, then being a snowbird (going south in the winter and north in the summer) makes sense.  You may want to spend your summers up north to enjoy the milder temperatures and lovely places to camp, but even birds know when it’s time to head south.

Don’t wait too long and get caught in snowy conditions. It makes it much harder to travel after the weather turns cold and it can be hazardous and uncomfortable to be in an RV in extremely cold weather.  

6. Know when to postpone your travel plans

Driving an RV or pulling a trailer or 5 th wheel in extremely windy conditions can be both stressful and dangerous. In our travels, we have seen several rigs on their side because of the wind. 

Recently, a truck pulling a trailer was forced off the side of a bridge over a 200-foot canyon on I-84 in Idaho. The trailer was lying on its side near the edge but still on the bridge. The truck and its occupants were completely off the bridge and were dangling precariously with only the safety chain between the truck and trailer holding them there. 

The couple and their two dogs were successfully rescued after the longest hour of their lives, as they dangled helplessly hundreds of feet above the river and wondered if the safety chain would hold. This accident was the result of the strong winds blowing across the bridge. 

I’ve driven our motorhome in heavy winds and frankly it’s exhausting. It feels like you’re continually fighting to maintain lane control and every overpass and passing truck creates more challenges.  If you can postpone your travel plans and let the heavy winds blow on by, I’d recommend it.  At the very least, if you must drive in strong winds, think about shortening your trip, and at the very least….slow down.

7. Know your RV dimensions

The new online apps, especially the ones from RV LIFE , have taken most of the stress out of planning, navigating, and locating suitable stopping points in your journey. Now with RV-Safe GPS , your specific RV dimensions are calculated into your route planning. You get turn-by-turn real time navigational information which will get you exactly where you want to go. 

If you want to experience the frustration of just using paper maps, turn all your apps off and just reference whatever paper maps you happen to have in your rig. You’ll quickly discover that paper maps don’t have all the roads, just the major roads, and figuring out what exit to take is more of a guessing game than a certainty. 

I’ve done it both ways, and frankly I can’t figure out how we ever got to our destination before the creation of RV LIFE Trip Wizard and the RV LIFE App . These aren’t just handy in an RV, they are a necessity.

8. Read campground reviews

The same thing can be said for RV LIFE Campgrounds . This RV LIFE website goes hand in hand with RV LIFE Trip Wizard .  You can see all the campgrounds along your route near your next stopping point, which is calculated by either distance or drive time.  

You can even sort these parks by your preference for memberships, amenities, or park types, etc. Then by referencing the integrated RV LIFE Campgrounds, you can see what other RVers have experienced in these campgrounds.  Before all this was available, we used the big Woodall’s Campground Directory as our only guide to finding a campground in an unfamiliar location. 

The problem was the ads were about ½” high and 3” long.  All that could be listed was the name, address, and phone number for the campground.  But back then, cell phone hadn’t yet been invented, so calling a campground from the road while you were driving to that stopping point was not practical. 

We would pick a likely campground based on nothing more than its name, try to find it by using our paper map, which often turned into a frustrating exchange between the navigator and the driver.  When we finally arrived at a campground, we learned quickly to park the motorhome on the outside of the campground and walk into (and sometimes through) the park to see if our 33’ motorhome would fit and if there was room enough to turn around without removing the toad. 

Now with RV LIFE Campgrounds , you can read all about the park, amenities, interior roads, any surprises on the road as you approach the park, and so much more. With one-touch dialing on your cell phone, you can call ahead and reserve a space, and then navigate right to the park without any battles between the navigator and the driver.

9. Travel in the daylight

This one RV travel tip will eliminate so much stress on travel days and if you’ll make it a habit, you’ll also be much safer as you travel. Just make it a rule: Always drive in the daylight.  It’s easier, safer, and more enjoyable. 

If you need to cover more distance, then leave earlier.  Driving in the daylight will greatly reduce the likelihood that you’ll hit an animal in the roadway, or encounter a drunk in your lane. If you have trouble with your rig and you’re broken down on the side of the road, it’s much safer in the daylight, and you’re more likely to find the help you need quicker during business hours.

We used to drive long into the night, and I am amazed that we did not get in wreck doing so. Limited visibility, animals in the road, tired distracted drivers, and fatigue, all add up to an accident waiting to happen. 

Do yourself and your family a favor and make the commitment to drive your RV only during daylight hours. When you arrive at your destination, it’s easier to navigate within the park and it’s easier to set-up your rig if you can see.

10. Take breaks from driving

Another travel tip many seasoned RVers employ is to take breaks often during your drive time.  Just a 10-minute break to stretch your legs, go to the restroom, and get a snack, will make the drive time more relaxing.  

Additionally, I would advise you to eat a light lunch. Don’t skip it.  The extra fuel will keep you alert, but don’t eat a large heavy lunch because the blood in your body will flow more to your stomach than your brain and that can make you a little groggy. Eat a wholesome light lunch to be as alert as possible.

11. Have a Plan B

Use RV LIFE Trip Wizard to plan your trip, but don’t be too rigid.  Have a Plan B.  Maybe you experience engine trouble or can’t get all the way to your desired destination before sunset. Maybe you encounter strong winds and need to tuck in somewhere to wait it out.  By being flexible and having a Plan B, you will reduce your travel stress.

Everything doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would, and knowing that you’re flexible enough to adapt to whatever challenge you confront will help you enjoy your journey.

12. Keep vehicles in excellent repair

This seems obvious but when you follow RVers on Instagram or Facebook, you’re constantly reading about people who have some difficulty with their rigs, from blown-out tires , to worn-out wheel bearings, to broken hoses, and onboard fires. The more you invest in preventative maintenance , the better off you’ll be out on the highway. 

Don’t ignore the basics of oil changes, brake jobs, battery replacement, and certainly get all those malfunctions that just pop up fixed as quickly as possible. The more confidence you have in your vehicles, the less stress you’ll feel on the road.

This goes for both the vehicle you drive and the vehicles you tow. Keep track of all your RV and vehicle maintenance with an online tool like RV LIFE Maintenance , which also sends timely reminders when important maintenance is due.

13. Keep distractions (pets/kids/radio) under control

Driving requires a high degree of attention, but driving an RV or pulling one requires even more attention, so you need to control the internal distractions in order to focus on your driving. Pets wandering around inside your motorhome or kids crying or fighting with one another can be very distracting. Even the radio pulls your attention from outside to inside your vehicle and all of that can diminish your perception of dangerous conditions that are developing in the traffic flow. 

If you travel with pets, confine them. If you have children, give them things to keep them busy, and tune the radio to something that you can relegate to a less active level of attention. 

There’s a time and place for pets and kids to play, but not while you’re driving. Keep distractions to a minimum. Photo by P. Dent

14. Don’t drive drunk or drowsy

Some people think a little alcohol won’t affect them. Many think RV driving on pharmaceutical drugs will be okay. But that is not always true. Any amount of alcohol will alter your vision. Some prescription drugs are as bad as illegal narcotics. All of them can slow your reaction time and dull your perception. Both can render you unfit for driving. 

If you need prescription drugs, can someone else in your party do the driving? Or can you drive for a short time before taking your drugs? Can your doctor prescribe a drug that is safe for travel days?

Conclusion 

All these RV travel tips may seem obvious, but remember to follow these simple guidelines faithfully. If you compromise on drive time, or drive after dark on rare occasions, or let the dogs bark and bounce around while you’re driving, you may be putting yourself and everyone else in danger.

For more RV travel tips, check out this video from EnjoyTheJourney.Life :

The many RV forums online are also full of useful RV travel tips. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more. There are also RV-specific forums such as Air Forums , Jayco Owners , and Forest River Forums .

RV Toilet Paper…Do You Really Need It?

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on May 26, 2024

We give a lot of love and care to our RV’s. We wash and wax them to keep them new and shiny. Shouldn’t we do the same when it comes to caring for our RV sewage tanks?

They are just as delicate, if not more, than our backsides. If that’s the case then, we should be asking ourselves one very important question when it comes to handling RV sewage tanks: What’s the real difference with RV toilet paper?

What is RV Toilet Paper? 

RV toilet paper is made from biodegradable material that breaks down quickly. This allows easy entry into the sewage system from the RV toilet, and an easy exit out of the sewage system when draining the black tank. 

Benefits of Using RV-Specific Toilet Paper

The biggest benefit of using RV toilet paper is to ensure that your black tank doesn’t clog and back up. RV toilet paper is made to disintegrate preventing possible clogging.

Using the appropriate toilet paper also plays a part in keeping your monitors accurate, so you know how full your black tank actually is.  Playing a guessing game is not fun when it comes to your black tank. 

RV Toilet Paper vs Household Toilet Paper

Is there really a difference with RV toilet paper compared to household toilet paper?  Aren’t they all made to disintegrate?

Ok, yes, toilet paper is made to break down in the toilet. That’s the purpose of flushing only toilet paper down a toilet and not all of your trash and recyclables.

But toilet paper is made a bit differently, some meant to disintegrate faster and easier than others, such as RV toilet paper.

While there are some household toilet papers that you could technically flush down an RV toilet, and all will be good in the hood (or the tank), you have to decide if the risk is worth taking.

After all, there are definitely bigger risks in life than possibly clogging up your black tank.  Are there, really?  Definitely cleaner ones!

What Happens If You Use Household TP in Your RV?

Is it really necessary to use specialized toilet paper? Why not just use an everyday household toilet paper?

I get it.  Specialized anything generally comes with an increased cost, and RV toilet paper is no exception. 

Ultimately, you get to be the one who decides what goes into your RV sewage system. 

If you use an RV composting toilet , these basic principals still apply.

How about a quick science experiment to test out some household TP?

You’ll need a small clear jar or cup with a lid. 

Place about 5 ounces of water in the cup along with two or three sheets of clean toilet paper. Cover the jar and shake vigorously two times.

Keep the jar on a level surface. 

Wait for about 30 seconds.

If after about a minute, you still see large pieces of toilet paper floating in the water…Beware! 

This household TP is not good enough for your delicate RV sewage system. Try again with another brand if you so desire, you may find a brand that works for you and your RV toilet.

So what does happen if you decide to use household TP instead of RV toilet paper?

If you handled the experiment properly and are confident in your TP choices, then probably nothing.

Keep in mind, though, while there are no guarantees of never having a plugged-up black tank if you only use RV toilet paper.

It does decrease your chances of becoming a YouTube star for exploding black tanks.

Where to Buy RV Toilet Paper? 

RV toilet paper can be found in most chain camping stores and most large chains such as Walmart. Like shopping online, instead? Amazon and many other online stores will have a variety of options for RV toilet paper.

PRO TIP : Here’s the current price of RV Toilet Paper .

Let Common Sense Prevail

Common sense dictates you won’t want to use a quadruple-ply toilet paper. However, after running our simple experiment, you may quickly realize household TP isn’t all that bad.

Nobody wants to deal with a clogged toilet, in an RV or otherwise.

The real difference with RV toilet paper disintegrates down to, well…how do you want to breakdown? 

If we’re talking TP, then quickly, please.

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

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I would have liked to see you compare with septic tank safe TP. Septic safe TP has similar requirements of RV but costs a lot less than TV TP.

I see your point but if you really want to avoid black tank problems use baby wipes abd dispose of them in the trash can. Keep a dryer towel in the bottom of the can and take the trash out daily. I have been a full-time for 4 years and it only took one time having a clogged toilet to change my mind. The other plus is baby wipes leave you feeling fresher and you can make your own .

We use regular one ply Scott, the one labeled Safe for Septic systems. Did the water in a glass test to be sure. The Scott became one with the water practically instantly. We’ve also had the experience of having to empty our black water into a bucket to haul to a privy when dry camping at a federal campground. Disgusting color, of course, and gross odor but absolutely no remnants of TP. I worry more about grease not breaking down in the gray water.

On the other hand, some folks new to RV-ing are so clueless they need to be told not to use quilted multiple ply ordinary household TP. I also know plumbing can be more complicated on newer RVs (our current travel trailer is so old it’s eligible to run for President) so it does pay to be careful.

We have been full timing for 15 years and don’t put the paper down the toilet just bag it in a Ziploc and put it in the trash . If you use a mascerator it will be way less app to clog.

We’ve lived in our 5th wheel RV for more than 10 years and only once had a problem—our black tank valve stuck solid and had to be replaced. We had always used Scot one ply until that happened. And coincidentally, the valve stuck after we had been gone from the RV for a week (on a vacation). So, we began bagging our TP daily and throwing in the trash and have continued to do this for 3 years.

We have used 1 ply toilet paper from Walgreens @ $2 a pk of 4 for years in 5 different rvs. No problem at all. We spray the bowl with 409 cleaner..use a few squares and flush…

Sounds wonderful

We’ve been bagging our toilet paper for almost 20 years, the first 18 living on a sailboat, and the past 2 in our RV. We’ve never had a clog problem because it gets bagged! Our house rule is simple: if you didn’t eat it, it doesn’t go in the toilet. Works every time. 🙂

I prefer to just toss our TP into the garbage can. Only pee and poop go down in the “Black Tank” for me.

Use a bigger, portable or installed. Use 1/4 section of paper towel to dry. Can save (only water) or depose in waste basket..save a clog & a tree.

We have trained friends and family to the three sheets rule. We drive the rv places and I always dump immediately after driving home. if the tank isn’t full before travelling home, I always add 3-5 gallons of water.

It is well stirred and dumps easily. Even one time when I saw the dreaded mountain of TP from above…

The only time we had a problem is when the black tank froze, lol…

The Wayward Home

Peek Inside These 10 Fifth Wheel Campers with Stunning Kitchens

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Upgrading from a travel trailer to a fifth-wheel RV brings several advantages, particularly if you’re considering full-time RV living. Many fifth-wheel owners enjoy easier towing, more living space, and enhanced luxurious amenities. One popular layout is the rear kitchen fifth wheel, which optimizes the floor plan by placing the kitchen at the back of the unit. But is this layout the best fit for your camping needs?

Let’s explore some of the top rear kitchen fifth wheels on the market!

1. The Riverstone 39RKFB from Forest River RV

We begin with this dreamy rear kitchen floor plan in the Riverstone model. It features a dual bowl sink made of stainless steel, plenty of shelf storage for camp kitchen essentials, and more counter space than you’ll find in most RV kitchens.

The huge French-door refrigerator boasts 18 cubic feet of perishable food storage. Plus, you get a dishwasher designed by Fischer and a 30-inch stainless steel microwave.

It sleeps 4 comfortably, but you can squeeze up to 6 if you upgrade to the second E-Z Glode sofa bed in place of the desk that comes as a standard feature. If you keep the desk, this 5th wheel is ideal for working remotely during your RV trips.

2. The North Point 380RGKS from Jayco

The North Point 380RGKS boasts a whopping five slide-outs to really increase the square footage of the interior living space when you get to camp. Features like a walk-in closet and walk-in shower really make the master suite luxurious too.

But in the kitchen, they’ve recently added a 24″ x 24″ butcher block that flips up to create a countertop extension for meal prep. You’ll also love the reimagined wooden pull-out spice rack above the microwave.

Some of the other eye-catching features of this Jayco 5th wheel include an electric fireplace, a new 4K Smart TV, three-way adjustable headrests on the theater seats, and a built-in pop-up wireless charger in the dining area.

3. The Alpine 3910RK from Keystone RV

Two entrances, an outdoor kitchen, and dual tri-fold sofa sleepers in the living room make the Alpine 5th wheel an ideal choice for family RV camping. The living area also boasts two slideouts, theater seating, and a free-standing dinette.

A direct entrance into the kitchen makes it easy to host holiday gatherings in your RV, especially if you upgrade from the standard 18-cubic-foot gas/electric refrigerator to the residential refrigerator with an ice maker.

Some of the other noticeable features we love about this model include a king bed in the master suite, washer-dryer prep in the front bath, dual Quiet Cool A/C units, and 4G LTE and Wi-Fi prep.

4. The Brookstone 374RK from Coachmen RV

We come to the first model on our list with a kitchen island, a wonderful feature for any rear kitchen fifth wheel. Solving the issue of limited counter space in RVs is a big part of why designers put kitchens in the back versus having a rear entertainment center.

But a kitchen island steps things up further. In this floor plan, the island is also accompanied by a large transom window behind the cooktop, a deep single-basin stainless steel sink, and solid surface countertops with a granite/marble-style finish.

Setting this 5th wheel up is easy with a six-point auto-leveling system, four slide-outs, and an electric awning with an LED light strip and one-hand pitch adjustment. You can also opt for a second awning if you need extra shade for designing your ideal outdoor lounge space.

5. The Big Country 3703RK from Heartland RV

Heartland RV makes a wonderful rear kitchen model in the Big Country 3703RK. This 50-amp coach boasts four slide-outs, two sofas, a free-standing dinette, and a luxurious front master suite.

The kitchen slide-out features a refrigerator, counter space, and microwave. You’ll have the option of choosing upgrades like a 21-cubic-foot residential refrigerator or an upgraded 12-gallon quick-recovery DSI water heater.

The master suite boasts a king bed and a stackable washer-dryer in the closet. In the kitchen, the designer kitchen island creates more counter space and better flow while stainless steel appliances provide a sleek, beautiful finish.

6. The Volante VL326RK from Crossroads RV

The Crossroads Volante model boasts two exterior awnings, three slide-outs, and an extremely open floor plan that blends the rear kitchen right into the living and lounging space seamlessly.

This transition is highlighted by a large kitchen island with two bar stools so folks can relax or sit as they help you with meal prep. There’s plenty of other seating in the living area too, theater seating, a tri-fold sofa, and a U-shaped dinette.

Ideal for boondocking , this 5th wheel is equipped with a 60-gallon fresh water tank, an outdoor shower, nitro-filled radial tires, and a solar power prep. Another optional upgrade to consider is the addition of a second 13,500-BTU A/C unit to keep the bedroom cool.

7. The Cherokee Arctic Wolf 261RK from Forest River RV

This Arctic Wolf model is one of the lightest rear kitchen floor plans you’ll find out there if your truck doesn’t have the highest towing capacity. It’s an ideal RV for couples and it boasts plentiful interior storage, a residential queen bed, and a dinette table with two fixed and two folding chairs.

It’s one of the few RVs where you’ll enjoy a walk-in pantry for all your dry goods storage. The kitchen is also equipped with a 12-volt residential refrigerator that offers plentiful storage for your perishable groceries.

The other outstanding features of the 261RK include a pet-friendly floor design without heat vents, tire pressure safety sensors, a commercial-grade kitchen faucet, an automatic leveling system, and a rear observation camera with Bluetooth connectivity.

8. The Cougar Half Ton 29RKS from Keystone RV

Explicitly designed for half-ton pickups, the Cougar boasts towing innovations, luxury amenities, and a Bluetooth-enabled inCommand control system. Inside, beautifully upholstered seating and window valances give this RV a wonderful look.

The kitchen is designed with a large kitchen island that features stainless steel under mount sink. That island also gives you the extra counter space you’ll need when prepping delicious meals for your family.

When meal time is over, enjoy your favorite movies or shows on the large LED TV in the living area. Whether you want to relax on the tri-fold sofa sleeper, recline in the theater seats, or post up in the booth dinette, there’s no shortage of seating in this RV.

9. The Flagstaff Super Lite 529RKB – DSO from Forest River RV

The Flagstaff Classic was a light RV, but the Super Lite outpaces it, giving you another excellent choice if your truck can’t tow some of the heavier models on our list. But in spite of its smaller dimensions and lighter weight, it’s the perfect RV if you like to entertain guests.

Inside, there’s bar-top seating at a mini bar that’s complete with a wine refrigerator. For those that can’t find room at the bar, there’s a luxurious hide-a-bed sofa across from the RV’s electric fireplace and LED TV. Plus, there’s an upgraded speaker system and subwoofer when you want to crank the tunes.

Outside, a power awning with an LED light strip provides sun protection by day and ambiance by night. There are also outdoor speakers, an outdoor griddle with an LP quick-connect, and extended 76″ entry doors so you don’t knock your head when going back and forth from the inside of your RV to your outdoor camping area.

10. The Solitude 390RK from Grand Design RV

The Grand Design Solitude might be the last RV on our list, but it’s certainly not the least. It’s an incredibly spacious floor plan with five slide-outs, a pull-out outdoor kitchen, and a super spacious rear kitchen.

The rear kitchen island is one of the biggest we’ve seen and the kitchen is prepped with a dishwasher to make cleaning up after large family gatherings so much easier. The 24-inch residential oven in the kitchen also gives you baking options you won’t get with most other RVs.

Two tri-fold sofas in the living room provide plenty of extra sleeping space if you need it. But if you work remotely from your RV, you can substitute a desk for one of the sofas to give you a dedicated work zone to be productive between your outdoor adventures.

8 Must-See Cheap Truck Campers for Thrifty Explorers

For those interested in getting into truck camping on a budget, starting your search with the best cheap truck campers is natural. I started my truck camping journey by installing a camper shell on a Tacoma and sleeping in the bed, but I couldn’t help but feel a little envy every time I passed a true truck camper on the road. 

• Read More: 8 Must-See Truck Campers for Thrifty Explorers

7 Hardy 4×4 Motorhomes To Get You Off-Grid

Part of the appeal of having an RV is to get away from modern life. However, while standard RVs allow you to explore the road less traveled, what if you want to get off the road entirely? 

In those instances, you need a rig that can handle more than just the pavement. A 4×4 motorhome ensures you can easily reach new places, even if they’re wild and untamed.

• Read More: 7 Hardy 4×4 Motorhomes To Get You Off-Grid

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• Home Energy & Utilities

Solar Panel Buying Guide for RVs and Travel Trailers: What You Need to Know

Whether you're living that mobile, off-grid lifestyle or just want power for the occasional camping trip, solar panels on your RV can keep you powered up and comfortable.

Interested in outfitting your camper with solar panels? Start here.

In recent years, more people seem to be living and working from the road than ever before, whether it's in a large RV, travel trailer or camper van. To maximize the freedom of such a lifestyle, having a reliable source of electricity is imperative, and few sources are better than the massive ball of fire that rises in the east each morning. 

Adding a solar energy system to your home office on wheels has become markedly easier and cheaper, but there are still plenty of choices, questions and considerations that aren't always so straightforward. We've put together this quick guide with the help of a pair of seasoned pros to determine if solar is right for your ride. 

What are RV solar panels?

RV solar panels work just like residential and commercial solar panels except on a smaller, more transportable scale. Once they're installed on your RV, motor home or camper, solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into usable electricity for your vehicle. In turn, you can use this electricity to power the appliances, lights and sockets in your RV.

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

There are a number of reasons to add solar panels to an RV, travel trailer or camper. The most obvious is that traveling around often means spending the night in places where there's no easy access to the electrical grid. The most adventurous among us today manage to live and work full time from the road, making solar all but a requirement. 

"We knew we wanted to go solar to save money, be off grid and live the lifestyle we wanted and live more sustainably," Shari Galiardi told CNET via Zoom from an off-grid campground in British Columbia. 

Galiardi and her partner, Dave Hutchison, have lived and worked full-time from a restored 1957 camper trailer since 2012 with the help of a 300-watt solar system. They told me that while the lifestyle is certainly different from that of the average person, they don't feel as though they're sacrificing very much.

The couple rarely camp places that have power hook-ups, preferring to be off-grid. Hutchison estimated that once in a year they'll plug into an electric outlet at a campsite. 

"Usually, that's because it's all that's available," he said.

Can RVs use residential solar panels?

It is possible to mount regular rectangular rooftop solar panels on an RV, trailer or van. This author has done so twice. However, it isn't the most aerodynamic arrangement.

Considering Solar Panels?

Galiardi and Hutchison use flexible, lightweight panels that can contour to a vehicle's roof and also add less weight to the top of a trailer. There are a number of products that can work with RVs, including portable panels that can be set up on the ground at your destination.

Read more : Best Portable Power Stations for 2023

How many RV solar panels do you need? 

Unlike residential and commercial solar systems, which are designed to power an entire home or business, RV solar systems typically deliver a more modest output. This usually isn't an issue, since you don't use as many lights and appliances in your RV as you would in a brick-and-mortar property.

So how many solar panels will you need for an RV? It depends on a few factors, including your energy consumption habits, the efficiency of the panels and the amount of sunshine your home receives each day.

The energy demand of a camper van like this is likely to be met with fewer solar panels than a typical home.

Determining the ideal size and wattage of a mobile solar system works the same way it does in a stationary residential setting. Calculate how much power you'll need during peak usage scenarios and plan your panels accordingly. 

If anything, it should be easier to figure out your requirements, since you'll likely have fewer appliances to consider in an RV. However, an important consideration is the unpredictability of the sunlight your RV will receive while traveling. Unlike a house, your RV's location and orientation will always be changing, so you may want to design your system with this in mind. 

Installing an RV solar panel system

Initially, Galiardi and Hutchison had a friend with experience in the solar industry help them build a small, rudimentary solar system. After a few years, they upgraded their system and even earned a sponsorship deal with a solar panel company.

There are three main  kinds of solar panels for RVs: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. 

• Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient of the three, so they'll generate the most energy in the least amount of time. 
• Polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient, but they're a durable and reliable option.
• Amorphous panels  aren't as efficient as their counterparts, but the thin and bendable construction makes them easy to install and a lighter-weight option.

In addition to solar panels, you'll need several other components to complete your RV solar system, including the following: 

• Solar inverter , which converts the solar energy from DC to AC power.
• Charge controller , which protects the storage system from overcharging.
• Solar battery , which stores the generated energy.

Portable solar panels present another option for RVers.

Because it can be difficult to keep batteries topped up solely by using solar, a backup source of power is also a good idea. Many travelers use some sort of gas or propane generator. Galiardi and Hutchison are equipped to charge up their lithium batteries using their truck while driving. 

"Self heating batteries are fantastic if you're camping in any sort of colder climates," Galiardi says. 

This is typically more of a need with lithium batteries, which can be more efficient, lower maintenance and longer-lasting than flooded lead-acid batteries, but are also more sensitive to cold. 

Finally, a cord to plug into the grid to recharge when it's available is also a must for most. 

RV solar panel maintenance

There's little maintenance to worry about with solar panels. If you're traveling in very dusty or windy conditions, you may need to wipe off or clean your panels to ensure they're working at maximum efficiency.

Traveling may also add a bit more wear to a panel's connectors. Standard solar panel connections are quite weatherproof, but it's worth inspecting your system periodically for signs of deterioration, loose connections or rust. 

It's not recommended to service these parts on your own without the guidance of an experienced electrician. Remember that a panel can be generating energy any time the sun is up, even when it's cloudy, so always treat any connections as live circuits. 

Here Are 23 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bills Right Now

Cost and rebates

The overall cost of your system will depend on factors including the type of panels you choose and how much electricity you need to generate. If you need lots of power, you'll need to buy more equipment, driving up the price.

Galiardi and Hutchison said their 300-watt system with batteries, inverter and other components cost about $3,000, while larger systems for bigger RVs can easily run more than twice as much. 

The good news, according to Galiardi, is that incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit for home solar systems, can apply. 

"It includes second homes. And RVs and boats and off-grid cabins are in that second home realm," Galiardi said.

Are RV solar panels right for you?

It's difficult to argue with the benefits of solar energy, but RV solar panels might not be right for everyone. If you live in your RV and often take it off-grid (where there are no campground hookups), then solar can be a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered generators.

Portable and flexible solar panels better suited to RVs may be more expensive than standard rooftop residential panels, but they're still remarkably cheap compared with past eras. 

There's little reason not to boost your freedom by adding a solar system to your rig if you can afford it, though if you use your RV infrequently, it may not be worth the investment.

Hutchison noted that there might be no need for panels if you only ever park your RV at developed campgrounds with provided power.

However, he added it's worthwhile to consider a system with panels and batteries, even "if you plan to spend even one night off-grid between those sites." 

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Article updated on July 30, 2023 at 5:00 AM PDT

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29'11"

14'2"

27'5"

13'9"

28'7"

26'8"

28'8"

19'9"

32'9"

31'11"

21'5"

28'11"

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Travelhome Park

Welcome to Travelhome Park

*** important notice ***.

Our park is BOOKED FULL for the season. * We are not accepting reservations. * We cannot accommodate overnight stays. * Sorry, no tent camping available.

The Park is a pleasant, shady, and quiet oasis amid the hustle-bustle of the largest populated area between Sacramento and Chico. Overnight RVers are always welcome.

Travelhome RV Park owners David and Susan Franklin purchased the property in 1989 and have been making improvements ever since. David & Susan are RVers with a lot of miles on their rig, so they know what RVers want in an RV park.

We hope you will take some time to look at our web site. As you view the different pages, you’ll not only learn more about Travelhome RV Park, but you see photos of the park too.