May 18th, 2012 - Visit Explore USA to choose from the various models of fifth wheel toy haulers, including the 2012 Dutchmen RV Voltage V3200. The Voltage is 35 feet long, giving you plenty of room for the family or a group of friends and the toys.
The Voltage features double slides and sleeps eight, so the entire family or group of friends will have plenty of room. If you decide to take the ATVs out for the weekend instead of going to a campground where water hookups are provided, you won’t have to worry about getting a refill for several days. The fresh water tank holds 162 gallons. You won’t have to worry about looking for a dump station, either, as the gray water tank holds 78 gallons and the black water tank holds 48 gallons.
Walk in through the glass sliding doors so you don’t have to go back out into the elements if you were working in the garage.
If you decide to go out in the winter with the snowmobiles, the 40,000 BTU furnace will quickly warm you up after a day of skiing and snowmobiling. You can pull your toys right into the garage via the rear spring-assist ramp door. Don’t go back out into the cold — simply walk through the sliding doors into the living area. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, coffee or tea and plop yourself in front of the 32-inch television so you can warm up.
The galley features a pantry and large refrigerator, so you have plenty of room for food for several days. The three-burner range and double kitchen sink, make cooking and cleanup a breeze. The U-sofa converts into a dinette with an extension.
When it’s time to crash for the night, step up into the bedroom area. As you step up, you pass the side bath, which features a 34-inch neo-angle shower. The bedroom features a queen bed with a hinged top, nightstands, wardrobe, dresser and television hookups.
May 16th, 2012 - If you’re planning to do a lot of camping in your RV this summer, think of creative ways to beat the heat. While running your AC is one way to do that, there are also a few products you can purchase to keep your RV cooler and also protect it from sun damage, and I will discuss some here. Don’t hesitate to call or stop in to your favorite Texas RV dealer for more tips and information about keeping your RV cool during the dog days of summer. 
Awnings
If you don’t already have them, consider purchasing some awnings for your RV windows. Not only do awnings protect your RV from sun damage and heat, but they’re also quite attractive. I think they can really add visual appeal to your RV, and it also allows you to personalize your RV to make it feel more like home. We carry several types of awnings in the Explore USA online store, as well as all the accessories you need to repair and maintain your product.
Covers and Shades
If you plan to park your RV for a while, don’t forget to bring your windshield cover. Windshield covers block out UV rays and keep the glass on your windshield from the heat. In addition to awnings, you can also protect your windows with RV shades and screens. We carry screens for your windows, skylights, screen doors, and even ceiling vents.
Air Conditioning
Of course, AC is the easiest way to stay cool in your RV. Make sure you service your AC regularly to keep it working properly. Clean the AC before you leave, and clean all the vents about once a month during high usage season. To give your AC a break, use fans in the cooler morning and evening hours.
With a few simple items and good maintenance practices, your RV will be an oasis during the hot summer months. If you have any questions about your RV’s cooling system, stop at one of our many Texas locations in Austin, Boerne, Canton, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Seguin. Hope to see you soon!
May 9th, 2012 - The 2012 Thor Redwood 36FB fifth wheel can be found here at many of our ExploreUSA RV Supercenter location’s. This particular almost-39-foot fifth wheel sleeps four people, and it’s three slides opens the RV up so you feel like you’re in a house. The fresh water tank holds 104 gallons. The gray water tank holds 90 gallons and the black water tank holds 45 gallons, which means that without hookups, you can spend several days camping without worrying about locating a dump station or refilling the fresh water tank. My family really loves this aspect of fifth wheels.
If you like camping in the cooler months or want to go hunting with your buddies, the 40,000 BTU furnace keeps everyone warm. The living area features a rear sofa and overhead storage. The slide out has recliners and a free-standing dinette. The area features more overhead storage above the chairs. For those who like to bring work with them or just want a computer for fun and games, the Thor Redwood features a pull-out desk with a chair, plus an overhead above the desk for storage. Enjoy the space while relaxing in front of the flat screen television encased in its own entertainment center.
The Thor Redwood features plenty of space for the entire family to relax.
The galley features a kitchen island with a pull-out waste basket. The double kitchen sink, three-burner range and microwave make cooking and cleaning up a breeze. The refrigerator and pantry provide plenty of room for food storage. This is a big must because it’s important to have a good inventory of food so you aren’t having to stop so frequently to get more groceries. This is also good because I think it’s simple to pre- prepare food when your on the road and store it in the refrigerator. This way when your gang gets hungry, it’s easy to throw something in the oven or microwave and go.
The shower and tub combination are on one side as you step up into the front bedroom. The toilet has its own room. The sink with a medicine cabinet is in the front bedroom. The Thor Redwood also has washer and dryer hookups so you don’t need to hunt down a laundry. The front bedroom features a queen bed, closet, shelf slide, a full front wardrobe and a dresser.
To me, the Redwood 36FB Fifth Wheel is a great deal for the price. It has so much to offer and will be an asset on any vacation. Come by if you have any questions or want to come take a look!
May 9th, 2012 - When hooking up your travel trailer or toy hauler, unless you’re careful, you may end up with dents or scratches on the back of your truck or your truck’s bumper. Even if you have someone helping, if that person doesn’t tell you to stop quickly enough — BAM!
You can avoid the hassles of hitching up your RV by adding a backup camera system to your truck. The VisionStat Portable Camera and Monitor uses a magnet to mount to your tailgate so that you can move the camera anywhere you want it, then remove it to travel.
Use a camera or other backup system to help keep your truck from getting dented or scratched with a trailer hitch.
When you are not using the camera to hitch up your toy hauler or travel trailer, you can use it to monitor valuable cargo in your vehicles or as a temporary security camera. The VisionStat uses a 2.4-inch LCD color screen as its wireless handheld monitor. The screen can toggle between reverse image or a normal image, making it easier to back up to your RV. The VisionStat also has night vision capabilities so that you can hitch up after dark if you decide to drive throughout the night. The night vision capabilities also allow you to monitor your stuff at night.
If you don’t feel you need a camera to help you hook up your trailer, but would feel safer with some sort of guide, especially if you have to hook up by yourself, consider the magnetic hitch alignment kit. The kit has two brightly colored ball on top of telescoping guides. You can place the guides directly on the trailer hitch ball and receiver so that you can see where to line up the trailer with the truck. You’ll be able to hook the RV up to the truck the first time by yourself. When you’re hooked up, remove the guides and store them in the RV so that you have them next time you need to hook up.
May 7th, 2012 - Summer is fast approaching and it’s time to start planning your summer itinerary for some Texas RV fun camping activities. While choosing a place to camp is fun, the adventure of getting to your destination location can be chock full of excitement, too. If this is your first over-the-road camping excursion, stop by ExploreUSA RV and take a look at their inventory. As a Texas RV dealer who specializes in trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheels, the professional staff can help you select, upgrade, or find just the right accessories to make your camping trip the perfect vacation.
ExploreUSA has eight convenient locations with experienced staff on-hand to guide you every step of the way. Visit their locations in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Canton, Kyle, Seguin, Boerne and Denton for top-notch new and used equipment.
Driving Tours
While making your way across the great state of Texas, take time to explore the many interesting places along the way from the comfort of your RV and learn about the history of the state. From the comfort of your travel trailer, explore the cities along the Chisholm Trail, stop in at museums and memorials, visit a cattle ranch, or savor the flavor of Texas grapes by taking a tour at a winery in places like Johnson City, Frisco, Burleson, Rusk and Dallas.
Fishing
Once you have your travel trailer situated at your camping destination, it is time to drop a line and maybe catch your evening meal. Rivers in Texas are brimming with the catch of the day and once you have caught enough, head back to your RV and light up the grill. One of the best things about camping is being in the great outdoors to enjoy not only fishing, but also hiking the trails, horseback riding, swimming, and sightseeing.
Canoeing
Another fun-filled day while RV camping is to go canoeing or kayaking down a meandering Texas stream and get up-close to nature. Utilizing the cargo space of your toy hauler, pack up your water sport equipment, including lifejackets, and hit the road knowing you have your toys and necessary equipment and gear along with your home-away-from-home destined for a memorable vacation.
April 25th, 2012 - One of the best ways to add flavor to any meal is to cook it over a wood fire or even charcoal. You can add the woody flavor to a traditional surf ‘n turf for a great meal for your family and friends, and enjoy doing it at the same time — even for those who don’t care for cooking. This meal could be prepared in your fifth wheel or toy hauler, but it’s best cooked outside.
Prepare the Cooking Area
If you are using charcoal, line the bottom of the grill with at least 5 inches of charcoal. If you are using a wood fire, get a blazing hot fire going with dry wood that burns fast. Let the wood burn out until it is mostly coals. There should be a little flame left. Add small sticks of green wood — about the thickness of a small wrist. Leave the cooking grill off for now, if you are using a shallow grill. If you are using a fireplace, you can put the grill over the fire.
Prepare the Food
Soak an ear of sweet corn for each person in water for 5 minutes, with the husks on. Stab baking potatoes with a fork to give the skins room to breathe. Wrap them in foil and lay them in the coals. Put the sweet corn on the grill — leave the husks on, but cut the silk at the top off. Turn the corn and potatoes after one-half hour.
Season the steaks with salt, pepper, powdered onion, powdered garlic and blackening spice. Rub the spices into the steak on both sides. Put the steaks on the grill once the potatoes and corn have cooked for 30 to 45 minutes. The timing depends on how you like your steak — rare or well done.
Prepare the lobster tails by wrapping them in foil. Add a dab of butter and one-half teaspoon crushed garlic to each foil pack. Close the foil over the top of the tail and fold it to make a small pocket around the tail.
Depending on the size of the lobster tails, they will take 10 to 20 minutes to cook. Put them on the grill with the steaks.
Get Ready to Enjoy!
Peel the husks off the corn. Slather the ears with butter and salt. Remove the steaks and lobster. You can leave the lobster right in the foil — just open the foil packs — so that you can dip the meat into the hot butter and garlic.
Remove the potatoes. Take them out of the foil and cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop the potato out of the skin. Add toppings to the potato and the potato skins. You can use butter, sour cream, fresh chives, bacon bits, cheese or any other favorite toppings you have.
Cook the surf ‘n turf meal inside or outside your new toy hauler — but it’s better when you cook it outside, over an open flame or charcoal.
April 23rd, 2012 - When planning to purchase a new RV for a cross country trip, choose which type best fits you: a fifth wheel, travel trailer or toy hauler. If you plan on going places with lots of ATV trails or you want to ride your motorcycle around the area, a toy hauler would be the best choice. If you don’t need a toy hauler, pick the style RV that best fits your family and lifestyle.
RVs come in many sizes and sleep from four up to seven or eight people. If you prefer a lot of space or have children traveling with you, you want to be sure to choose an RV with plenty of room. An RV with three or four slides opens up the living area, so it is more comfortable for the family. Once you’ve chosen an RV, it’s time to plan the trip.
Pick up your new RV at ExploreUSA, then work your way across the country. Plan at least a week in each area you choose to visit, including sites in San Antonio or Dallas. If you drive west to California, you can visit other areas in Texas, New Mexico and California, the drive north through California. Make your way east through the northern or middle states.
The 2012 Heartland Cyclone 4014 Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel features a 14-foot garage and three slides. It sleeps up to eight people.
When you get to the east coast, be sure to visit the Green Mountains in New England, historical Boston, and drive along the beaches of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Head south along the coast and visit the nation’s capital and the beaches in the Carolinas. Head west through the southern states, unless you’d like to visit the Everglades, the Keys and beaches of Florida. From there, head north into the middle states, then head west, back to Texas.
Each state has something to see — be sure to pick two or three things in each state, or, if you prefer to sightsee, choose an area to visit, and plan to stay a week or two in each area. On the east coast, the Blue Ridge mountains and the Smokey mountains offer breathtaking views — from some areas, you can see across three states. In the west, you can visit the Rocky Mountains, and don’t forget Yellowstone Park. While you’re on your way east, make sure you see the Grand Canyon and the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
April 20th, 2012 - Purchasing an RV from an RV dealer in Texas is partially predetermined by the type of towing vehicle you have, unless you are willing to buy a truck large enough to tow the RV you want. Each vehicle has its own towing capacity. If the RV is heavier than the truck’s towing capacity, you could cause significant mechanical issues with your truck, such as transmission issues and other engine issues. Your Texas RV dealer can help you determine how much RV you can tow. The towing capacity for your vehicle is listed in your owner’s manual.
Hitches
A bumper hitch isn’t good for much — maybe a small garden trailer that is not hauling too much weight. Before you can tow an RV, make sure your truck’s hitch matches your truck’s towing capacity. It must also be the right type of hitch for the RV you want to tow. For a load as heavy as an RV, you need a hitch that distribute weight to help reduce sway.
Driving Tips
Before you leave on the trip, be sure all mechanical functions are working properly. This includes brakes, lights and signals. Stop every 80 to 100 miles to check the tires, make sure the lights are still working and make sure the load didn’t shift. Load shifting applies more to toy haulers if you are towing ATVs or motorcycles in your RV. Always check the tie straps to ensure they are still tight.
Always check your vehicle’s fluid before you leave. Check them again every 500 miles to ensure that everything is still full. Carry extra jugs of antifreeze, bottles of brake fluid, quarts of oil, and transmission and power steering fluids with you. You may need to top off at an area where there are no service stations or at a service station that doesn’t carry the type of fluid your vehicle requires.
The 2012 Dutchmen Rubicon is perfect for the couple or young family who wants to travel with ATVs or motorcycles.
While you are towing an RV, drive slower than normal. Be sure to keep extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. It takes longer to stop while you are towing something heavy. If you stop too quickly, the trailer could slide sideways, push the truck into a skid, jackknife or tip over.
April 18th, 2012 - Whether you own a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy hauler, regular service is a crucial part of keeping your RV in mint condition. Many RV service steps are quick and easy to complete. Here at Explore USA, we want to ensure that our clients have all the tools they need to care for their RV and get the most out of their new product. We have stores in Boerne, Canton, Dallas, Denton, Kyle, San Antonio, and Seguin, so don’t hesitate to call or come in if you need additional RV service tips.
Exterior Service Tips
Keeping the exterior of your RV clean not only enhances its appearance, but it also increases the life of your home away from home. To clean the outside, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Don’t forget to clean your awnings, tires, windshield wiper blades, the windshield, and the windows, as well as the top of your RV, which can become pretty dirty from dust and dirt.
Interior Service
Keeping a clean RV interior will help avoid pest and mold problems. You should also be sure to check all your electrical appliances and lights to make sure they’re all in working order. Clean your AC vents to ensure maximum efficiency, and don’t forget about your water heater, generator, and battery terminals to ensure that they are clean and in good working order. Inspect all the cabinets and closets in your RV, and make sure that entry points are well-sealed.
Cleaning and Service Supplies
A power washer is a easy and quick way to clean your RV exterior, and you don’t even need to use soap since the pressure will remove dirt and debris. You can also find special RV cleaning products, like tire cleaners, window products, and awning cleaners, here at Explore USA.
RV maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you stay consistent. Feel free to contact your Texas RV dealer with any additional questions or concerns, and happy camping!
April 16th, 2012 - When shopping for a new RV, consider a 2013 Landmark fifth wheel from a Texas RV dealer. The 2012 Heartland Landmark San Antonio is a luxury RV that sleeps four people. It features four slides and is over 40 feet long.
This RV is perfect for long distance traveling or for those who want to travel cross country, spending weeks at certain locations. The San Antonio features a spacious rear living area. It has two recliners with a table between them so you have a place to set your coffee or drink while watching the large 42-inch LCD television. Or, you can lounge around on the large sofa. The sofa folds out into a bed with an air mattress for ultimate comfort.
The round dinette table is free standing, instead of a booth, giving the RVer more comfort for dining after cooking a great meal in the large kitchen. The kitchen features an L-shaped counter to give you more room to prepare your favorite meals. The sink is a double sink so you have room to wash and drip-dry dishes or rinse vegetables.
The three-burner range allows for plenty of room to cook larger meals if you do not want to cook outside or if the weather is too nasty to cook outside. The large pantry holds plenty of food so you can stock up and not have to go to town every other day.
Enjoy the spacious San Antonio while traveling cross country or going camping for a weekend.
The bathroom features a private toilet and sink area, separate from the shower. Walk through the small hallway into the front bedroom, which features a king-size bed. The king bed is in a slide so there is plenty of room to walk around the bed. The bedroom also features a sink, a television and a wall closet with sliding doors.
The fresh water tanks — should you not have a hook up where you are camping — holds 104 gallons. The gray water tank holds 90 gallons and the black water tank holds 45 gallons. For those colder nights, the 40,000 BTU furnace puts out some heat to keep you toasty warm while you enjoy a movie and popcorn.
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About Me
Howdy! I am Travis, the Texas RV Traveler! I love to travel around the Lone Star State in my RV with my family. I am going to post tips, experiences, news and more on my blog to share with everyone! If you ever have any questions, feel free to comment in a post! Thanks!
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