Whether you’re looking for a family RV or something to help you enjoy your weekends away at the campground, these class super C diesel motorhomes for sale near you will help you get there. Learn about six of our favorite floorplans available today and find your perfect RV in this class C diesel motorhomes review.
Take home a class C motorhome today and enjoy stress-free vacations.
This Thor Motor Coach Delano Sprinter 24SB class super C diesel motorhome is on sale today. This RV features a Murphy bed to give you plenty of space in the living room and a built-in skylight for plenty of natural light. You’ll love this RV is fully equipped to give your family all the space they need for family vacations.
Another excellent option for families is the Winnebago Navion 24D class super C diesel motorhome. This RV has a Murphy bed that easily folds up during the day to accommodate guests and friends. The rear bathroom allows you to burn dark on your way to your destination.
If you’re looking for an RV with plenty of space for your whole family, this Tiffin Motorhomes Wayfarer 25JW class super C diesel motorhome is an excellent option. The fully equipped kitchen will help you make delicious meals for your entire crew. And you’ll love that there’s plenty of wardrobe space for everyone to keep their clothes and gear tidy.
Additional Features:
Queen-Size Murphy Bed
Convection Microwave
Wardrobe
Updated Overhead Bunk
Updated Valances
Countertop Extension
Another beautiful interior space for your camping adventures.
If you love a comfortable ride and easy controls, the Dynamax isata 3 24FW class super C diesel motorhome is an excellent option. You’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable ride. Thanks to the captain’s seats and the in-dash navigation. The Bluetooth exterior speakers also allow you to play your favorite song all day.
Additional Features:
Queen Bed
Booth Dinette
Rear Corner Bathroom
Exterior Speakers
A removable coffee table makes it easy to convert the space once you’ve arrived at the campground.
The Coachmen Prism 24CB class super C diesel motorhome is another great adventure option. You’ll love that the kitchen space has a countertop extension to give you more room for prep. Additionally, there’s a private toilet and shower so you can get cleaned up after a long drive.
Additional Features:
Large Slide
54″ x 80″ Bed
Countertop Extension
U-Shaped Dinette
Private Toilet & Shower
An excellent space for entertaining as a campground.
This Forest River Forester MBS 2 401B class C motorhome with a high-powered diesel engine will ensure you always easily get to the campground. There’s a cab over funk to give the kids plenty of sleep in space or to provide additional storage space if you’re taking a couples vacation. There’s a TV in the bedroom so you can watch your favorite shows before drifting off to sleep.
Additional Features:
Cab Over Bunk
U-Shaped Dinette
Convection Microwave
12V TV in Bedroom
The U-shaped dinette in the Forest River Forester class super C diesel motorhome is perfect preceding your whole family.
If you are looking for the best way to start your RVing life, these pop-up campers with outdoor kitchens are an excellent option. You’ll love that these units offer plenty of space for your family and give you the ability to make food around the campfire with ease. Learn more in this pop-up campers with outdoor kitchens review.
This folding pop-up camper is the ideal size for a family of five.
One of the most popular options for families just starting their RVing journey is the Forest River Flagstaff High Wall HW27KS pop-up camper. This unit offers a set of bed tents to give you sleeping for up to five and features an outdoor kitchen and a 13′ awning. You’ll enjoy having a slide-out U-shaped dinette that gives you plenty of space to have meals together or enjoy a game of cards.
Additional Features:
Tent End Beds
U-Shaped Dinette
Outside Kitchen w/ Griddle
Exterior Storage
A spacious kitchen for making quick lunches for your crew.
If you’re looking for a compact solution that offers sleeping for up to six, this Opus Camper OPUS OP4 folding pop-up camper is the perfect fit. The two double-sized bed tents provide plenty of space for your family. Additionally, there’s a kitchen slide-out to help you make incredible meals with ease and a slide-out refrigerator to keep your cold drinks within easy reach.
Additional Features:
Double-Size Tent Beds
U-Shaped Dinette
Exterior Kitchen Slide
Exterior Refrigerator Slide
Four-Day Off-Grid Capability
This pull-out range is great for making breakfast for your crew.
Take home one of the most popular folding campers when you order a Forest River Rockwood Extreme Sports 1910ESP folding pop-up camper today. This unit offers a carry-out range so that you can make dinners around the campfire and offers plenty of interior space for entertaining. You’ll love that it offers two large bed tents and sleeps up to four comfortably.
Additional Features:
Carry Out Range
Pull-Out Gaucho
Stereo w/ Bluetooth
LED Lights
There’s plenty of seating for your guests inside this pop-up camper.
Get a great deal on the OBi Graveler pop-up camper, which is one of the easiest RVs to store and tow. This unit folds down into a 67″ box, so it’s super easy to tow and doesn’t take much space to store when it’s not in use. The rooftop bed tent gives you a more comfortable place to rest while camping, so you won’t have to bother picking a place to pitch your tent that doesn’t have roots, rocks, or an uneven surface.
This Opus Camper OPUS OP LITE folding pop-up camper is the perfect couple’s coach for traveling with your partner. In addition to offering a spacious queen bed tent, this unit is ideal for entertaining guests at your campsite for the evening thanks to the large U-shaped dinette. There’s a removable table that gives you the space you need for dinners together and an outdoor kitchen to help you cook around the campfire.
Additional Features:
RV Queen Tent Bed
U-Shaped Dinette
Removable Table
12V Fridge Slide Out
DVD/USB/AUX/Bluetooth Stereo
Two-Day Off-Grid Capability
This seating space is great for fitting your whole family.
Find more folding pop-up campers for sale at RVingPlanet.com today!
Being able to build a reliable, strong fire at the campground is a must! Whether you’re a veteran camper or you’re just starting your RVing lifestyle, learning how to make the perfect fire in no time is a great way to improve your camping experience. Get these east RV tips for building a great campfire below.
Use the Fire Pit
If you’re staying at a campground, you’ll likely have a firepit as a part of your campsite. This is where you should build your fire every time. It’s designed to be a safe spot that is far enough from your camper to prevent potential problems, and it will already be set up to keep the fire contained safely. If you are boondocking, you’ll need to either skip the fire for the night or find a safe place that is clear of debris and build a fire ring from stones to keep the fire contained.
Make Sure You Have Tinder
Tinder is the smallest part of your campfire. It’s what you’ll want to put in the base of your firepit. It’s easy to catch fire, but it burns quickly. Some good options for tinder are:
Saw dust
Cardboard
Dry leaves
Cardboard
Dryer lint
Pine needles
Scrap paper
Gather Kindling
Kindling is the next step up from tinder. It’s slightly larger, takes a little longer to catch fire, and burns a bit longer. Having the right amount of kindling helps you to build a strong enough flame to catch the firewood before the flame dies.
Kindling Options:
Bark
Larger twigs
Small branches
Wood shavings
Stock Up on Firewood
Most campgrounds require you to purchase your firewood at their store. You’ll want to make sure you have more firewood than you think you’ll need before you start your fire because you’ll burn through the firewood pretty quickly.
A Way to Start Your Fire
Whether you’re going to use matches, a lighter, or flint and steel, you’ll want to have it ready to go before you start building your fire. Flint and steel is a great way to make a flame, but it requires some practice, while the other methods are quick and easy.
How to Build a Fire:
The first thing you’ll need to do is to clean out the firepit, so there is no leftover ash to suffocate your flame.
Next, set up a bit of tinder and layer the kindling over the top so that you can easily light the tinder, but the flames will catch the kindling. The kindling should be layered by placing two twigs on either side of the tinder, parallel to each other.
Next, set four twigs across the two to create a box-like shape with the twigs cross over the tinder.
Next, layer thicker twigs going in the opposite direction again.
Set two of the large pieces of firewood along the edges of the firepit, but close enough to be moved into the flames when they are strong enough.
Carefully light the tinder. Continue to feed tinder to the flame until the kindling catches.
Once the kindling catches, start adding more kindling, increasing the size of the kindling as the flame grows.
When the kindling is burning strongly, add the firewood in the same cross-way pattern.
Continue to add firewood until the fire is burning to your desired level, and lower the firepit’s protective grate.
Fire Safety Tips:
A few things to remember to ensure you keep yourself and others safe while enjoying your campfire:
Never leave your fire unattended.
Douse it completely before heading to bed.
Remove anything that could catch fire from the area before starting your fire.
Do not leave flammable things near the firepit even when there is no fire.
Pay attention to wind and weather conditions to ensure you won’t lose control of the flames.
Getting the perfect fifth wheel for your family vacations is easy when you have one of the Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheels in tow. These luxurious RVs are packed with features that will help you make the most of your time at the campground. Learn more in this Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheel review.
Save over $15,000 on this Highland Ridge Open Range 284RLS fifth wheel today and take home an RV that offers plenty of space for your whole family. You’ll love that the kitchen island gives you additional counter space to serve your crew delicious meals. Additionally, there’s a desk in the bedroom to help you bring work on the road so that you can stay at the campground longer.
Additional Features:
Rear Living Area
Fireplace
Kitchen Island
Bedroom Desk
Double Entry Bath
Outside Kitchen
This outdoor kitchen offers a slide-out range for grilling around the fire.
Take home this bunkhouse RV, and you’ll have all the space you need for up to seven campers. There are two bedrooms in this unit, with the mid-bunkhouse acting as a multi-purpose room. You can easily transform the space into an office or give your guests the privacy they need to get a great night’s sleep.
Additional Features:
Office/Extra Room
Loft
Kitchen Island
Fireplace
Outside Kitchen
Exterior Storage
The dual opposing slides in the living room have theater seating and an entertainment center.
If luxury vacations are what you’re all about, this Highland Ridge Open Range 373RBS fifth wheel is what you need. There’s a master bedroom with an en suite bath and spacious wardrobe for all your things. In the kitchen, you’ll find a half-bath and plenty of storage space. The front living room is ideal for watching the big game together.
Additional Features:
Front Entertainment Center
Rear Full Bath
Separate Kitchen
Half Bath
Five Slides
Outside Kitchen
Exterior Storage
Find more features you’ll love about this Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheel when you order today.
This Highland Ridge Open Range 376FBH fifth wheel features a front living room that’s great for entertaining and also provides a half-bath for easy access. The dual opposing slides give you plenty of living space, while the rear private bedroom gives you a place to retreat to at the end of the day for some peace and quiet.
Additional Features:
Unique Front Room
Bath and a Half
U-Lounge
Five Slides
Kitchen Island
Exterior Storage
The master bathroom offers a large, radial shower.
If you’re looking for a couple’s coach with luxury amenities, this Highland Ridge Open Range 379FBS fifth wheel is the way to go. You’ll find that the front master suite offers a large bedroom with a slide-out queen bed, a full bathroom with a walk-in shoulder, and a spacious walk-in closet. The kitchen offers a four-burner range and stainless steel appliances to give you a clean, modern finish.
Additional Features:
Front Full Bath
Half Bath
Bedroom Desk
Theater Seats
Tri-Fold Sofa
50″ LED HDTV/Fireplace
Get a great night’s sleep in this slide-out queen bed.
Traveling with your family just got easier! The Highland Ridge Open Range 395BHS fifth wheel offers a private bunkhouse that’s perfect for your kids or teenagers. There’s plenty of space for your entire crew and a half-bath to give them a place to get ready for bed. The living area is great for gathering together and enjoying a movie or a game.
Additional Features:
Bunkhouse Suite
Dual Recliners
U-Lounge
Kitchen Island
Dual Entry
Outside Kitchen
This massive bunkhouse will give the kids the space they need to feel right at home.
Find more RVs that are built to ensure you have the best vacation possible when you shop at RVingPlanet.com.
If you dream of getting out to the campground without a worry or care, these Entegra Coach Ethos class B motorhomes are the perfect choice. These RVs are built to make the drive to the campground comfortable and easy to make sure you start your adventure off right. Below, we’ll show you three of our favorite floorplans to help you start planning your next big escape.
Save big on your next adventure with this Entegra Coach Ethos 20A class B motorhome on sale today. You can take $34,000 off this incredible RV for two and put those incredible savings into your next camping trip instead! Inside this RV, you’ll find enough seating to bring along your camping buddies. The rear sofa extends into a comfortable bed for two, giving you a great space to rest after a day on the road.
This pre-owned RV is available now, but it won’t last long! Take it home today!
Additional Features:
Two Additional Cab Seats
Sofa
Pantry
Convection Microwave
13′ Thule Armless Awning
Plenty of space to relax and watch a movie with your loved one.
If you’re looking for something that offers versatility, the Entegra Coach Ethos 20D class B motorhome is the way to go. This unit offers a spacious pop-top to give you additional sleeping and storage space. You’ll love that the kitchen is equipped with a pantry for all your drinks, snacks, and more. There’s sleeping for four inside this motorhome, so you’ll be able to travel comfortably with your family.
Additional Features:
48″ x 75″ Pop-Top
Two Additional Cab Seats
Sofa
Pantry
Convection Microwave
This compact kitchen offers everything you need to make quick lunches for your crew.
Get an RV that will help you take romantic vacations with your loved one or enjoy a friendly fishing weekend with your buddy. This Entegra Coach Ethos 20T class B motorhome offers a set of twin beds that convert into a king bed, so you can create the space that suits your needs. Additionally, there’s a 24″ TV to ensure you can keep up with your favorite sports teams or TV shows no matter where you go. Learn more about the features and amenities you’ll love when you take the 360-degree tour!
Additional Features:
Bathroom Wardrobe
Twin Beds with King Conversion
Two Burner Cooktop
24″ TV
Underbed Storage
The rear bathroom makes it easy to clean up before bed.
If you’re looking for a great way to get your family vacations started off on the right foot in 2023, these Forest River Georgetown 7 Series class C motorhomes are perfect. You’ll absolutely love how each of these floorplans gives you the space you need in a luxury design that makes camping feel like a stay at a resort. Learn more about our three favorite floorplans in this Forest River Georgetown 7 Series class A motorhome review.
Save big on this incredible Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 32J7 class A motorhome on sale now. This unit offers a large slide-out to maximize your living space while also providing you with plenty of storage for your things. You’ll love that the passenger seat features a workstation, which makes it easy for your partner to bring work on the road. Additionally, there’s an outdoor entertainment center, so you never miss a moment of your favorite shows or games.
Take this unit home for just $190,629!
Additional Features:
Large Slide
Rear Private Bedroom
Fireplace
Passenger Workstation
Outside Entertainment
The kitchen features a residential refrigerator and stainless steel appliances.
Get sleeping for five and enjoy a spacious living area in the Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 36D7 class A motorhome. The king bed in the master bedroom ensures you always get a great night’s sleep, and the wardrobe offers plenty of room for all your clothing and more. This design has a bath and a half to give you the privacy you need for multi-family vacations or entertaining guests at the campground.
Additional Features:
Bath and a Half
Private Bedroom
Theater Seating
Passenger Workstation
Outside Entertainment
There’s plenty of space for your things on the bedside tables.
If you’re looking for something that offers plenty of space to get ready in the mornings, this Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 36K7 class A motorhome is right for you. You’ll love that this bunkhouse RV features sleeping for up to six and gives you two full bathrooms for your family. The bunks provide a cozy place for your kids, teens, or a guest to get a great night’s sleep. Order yours today and save over $73,000!
Additional Features:
Bunk Beds
Two Full Bathrooms
Passenger Workstation
Master Suite
Outside Entertainment
There’s storage under the bunks for everyone’s things.
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How To Travel With Prescription Medicine In Your RV
Everyone needs to take medication at some point in their lives, and sometimes you need something a bit stronger than over-the-counter drugs. Prescriptions from medical professionals can help you access important medication that will help you stay healthy. But many RVers have questions about how to travel with prescription medicine.
This is a fair concern because many prescriptions have to be taken every day and there can be consequences if you miss a dose. Running out of medicine while you’re on the road is a scary situation, but you can avoid it if you plan ahead and understand your options for receiving medication when you’re away from home.
So whether you’re a snowbird, a casual road tripper, or a full-time RVer, there are ways to travel with prescription medicine. Everyone’s situation is unique though, so read along with the tips below and consult with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your needs. There may be other options available to you in addition to the ones we’ll explore below!
Stock up before a trip
First things first, you can start off a trip on the right foot by refilling as many of your prescriptions as possible before you leave. Depending on the type of medication you take, refills may be limited, so you’ll need to be aware of the specific rules for each type.
But generally, you can get enough medication to last you for a few weeks/months at a time. If you explain your circumstances to your healthcare provider, they may be able to give you a larger supply to accommodate your travel needs.
Keep all of your medications in a safe and secure area within the RV. You might want to keep them in a safe for added security (especially if they are particularly strong). Make sure everything is properly labeled as well.
How to contact doctors while you’re away
Next up, you need to figure out how you will contact your doctor or get refills while you’re on the road. There are a few options you could try, depending on your travel plans.
Have records with separate doctors in different states
This first solution mainly applies to snowbirds who split their time between different states throughout the year. If you tend to stay in one place once you arrive, you might want to think about attending different doctor’s offices in each state. That way, you have access to in-person medical care when you need it and can build rapport with them. It’s also pretty easy to obtain and refill prescriptions with this approach.
Try telehealth options
If it’s not possible to meet up with a doctor in person, you can opt for a telehealth appointment instead. A lot of insurance providers and medical offices offer video calls to patients. If you have an unexpected problem on the road and need to get a new medication prescribed or refilled, you may want to call a professional and talk to them.
In some cases, they can send a new prescription information to a nearby pharmacy where you can pick it up. Telehealth is a good option, but it might not always work if you need particularly powerful medicine. Doctors need to be careful about when/why they give these out, so you may need to find a walk-in clinic where you can plead your case. Be ready to share your healthcare provider’s contact information if they ask for it.
Visit an urgent care facility
Finally, you can always go into a local urgent care facility if you have a pressing issue on your hands. The service at these locations may be hit or miss, but they can usually give you short-term prescriptions if you have a real problem. It may cost you some extra time and money, but this avenue is always open to you if everything else falls through.
Pick up medication at a national chain pharmacy
If you want to know how to travel with prescription medicine, you should know about national chain pharmacies. These institutions are all over the country, and you’re likely to be within reach of at least one of them no matter where you go. Some popular examples include Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.
For those of you who have long-standing prescriptions, your information is probably already on-record with national chain pharmacies. They are authorized to refill prescriptions that come in from insurance companies and medical offices across the country.
Once you get approval from your healthcare provider, you can call them and have your prescription sent to a local pharmacy. Then you just need to come in and pick it up! This is the simplest solution, but there are some situations where it doesn’t always work.
Use mail forwarding services
If you’re a full-time RVer, you may want to look into mail-order options so you can get your medications delivered directly to you. Because your address is always changing, it’s reasonable to worry about how to travel with prescription medicine.
But fortunately, there are lots of mail forwarding services that can receive your mail/packages/medications then send them on to your specified location. Make sure your doctor is aware of your lifestyle before you choose this method because they might become suspicious if they see your medications being delivered all around the country.
You can also set up some pre-determined locations for pickup, such as a mail locker or a PO box. Some third-party companies also specialize in delivering medications to your doorstep, so you should look into alternative options for delivery as well.
The rules and regulations may vary, but some good mail forwarding services for RVers include:
There are a few other things you should be aware of when it comes to knowing how to travel with prescription medicine. Once you have the medication in hand, you still need to take some precautions and plan ahead.
Follow specific medication directions
First of all, you should always follow the directions of your doctor when it comes to taking prescription medicine. There will always be information about the proper dosage, so make sure you follow it to a tee.
In addition, be aware of any warnings or risks that might occur. For instance, some medications might warn you not to drive when you take them. In this case, you’ll need to take yourself out of the driving rotation for a few hours (or altogether).
Travel with your important medical information
RVers should always travel with important personal documents because you never know when you’ll need it! Keep a folder of your personal information, including prescription details and medical documents.
If you need to refill your medicine in an emergency, this kind of information can help move things along more quickly. Keep this information in a safe and secure place, such as a fireproof folder and/or a safe.
Ask about state/travel restrictions
You will also need to be aware of the restrictions and rules that come with each of your medications. Generally you’ll be okay to travel with them, but there are some controlled substances that cannot be carried across state lines. Ask your doctor about your prescriptions and let them know the different states you plan to travel to.
If there’s an issue, you may need to leave some medications at home and get a refill once you’re in the new state. This can be a hassle, but it will help you avoid legal trouble.
Plan refills in advance
Sometimes your prescriptions run out at different times, so you need to juggle different schedules for each of them. This can be tricky, but it’s essential to stay on top of it.
Keep a journal or log of each medicine so you can see when they’ll run out. If you’ll be on the road during those days, plan out your refills in advance and let your doctor know about your situation.
Get tips from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
Mokwheel Basalt Electric Bike Offers “Wow Factor” At Every Turn
I was recently afforded an opportunity to test the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike from start to finish, including delivery and assembly to various test drive scenarios. This was my first chance to really dig into the ebike world. I had only ridden an electric bike once before, at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and it was only for a minute or two.
RVers have toted bicycles with them for decades. They provide an easy and practical way to get around large campgrounds, explore a trail, and get a little exercise. With the advent of the electric bike, however, RVers now have a plausible alternative to pulling a tow vehicle as a means for alternate transportation.
Being able to ride into that small town that’s only 10 minutes away by car is not quite so daunting with an electric bike. In fact, I found my first ebike experience to be almost moped-esque, and I can recall a dozen times where having one would have been a game changer when we first started RVing and did not have a tow vehicle at the time.
Delivery
FedEx showed up with the Mokwheel electric bike just a couple of days after I confirmed that I was available to review it. Their website advertises they will ship within 48 business hours after ordering, and that seemed to be the case. Fortunately I was home, and available to receive it! Lesson learned, when Mokwheel says it’s on the way…it’s on the way.
The box was clearly labeled and quite large. Having assembled and built bicycles professionally in a previous life, I noted that the box was almost as thick as two standard bike boxes, a tad bit longer, and of course, significantly heavier. While the Basalt weighs in at a hefty 79 lbs, the carefully constructed packing system and cardboard easily accounted for another 20 lbs.
A couple of important notes about the unpacking process. Save any and all of the foam pieces used for packing; they will be very handy during assembly. I initially used one piece to go under the front forks during the beginning steps and later to protect the electric bike when flipping it over to install the front fender and front wheel.
Early stages of assembly – Photo: Author
Assembly
Despite my history of extensive bike assembly, I made sure to go slow, take my time, and read the instructions carefully. The instructions are pretty good, not great. They have good pictures and seem well written.
Don’t be in a rush. Give yourself about an hour to unpack and assemble the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike. The tips here will help, and there is simply no need to hurry.
Find a clean, dry area where you can spread out. Take your time cutting the big zip ties and pulling away the cardboard. The only zip ties you need to clip are the heavy white ones. Do not get overzealous and start nipping at the carefully placed black zip ties that might be wrangling a brake or derailleur cable.
RVers are handy, so this should not be an overly daunting task. I do recommend having a second person around to steady the bike if you are at all nervous about how much weight you can lift and manage. Who can pull the largest muscle is not a game you need to play right now. If you are reasonably handy and patient, you will be fine.
Tools
Mokwheel provides some really decent tools to help you with assembly, which will be your first glimpse at the overall quality of the product you have in front of you. A couple of nice 15mm and 18mm open end/box wrenches are included, as are a pretty decent set of allen wrenches. A serviceable 10mm wrench-like item is included as well, which I only needed once, fortunately.
Power tools
For this assembly, you will not need your power tools. Don’t be tempted to help make things easier or faster by adding more power (queue Tim Allen). You need the tactile feedback to make sure you don’t overtighten and potentially strip any threads, especially where any aluminum is concerned.
About the only substitute I would make, if so inclined, would be adding allen head bits to a screwdriver-like hand tool to simply get away from those L-shaped allen wrenches. Here again, however, you must exercise restraint when tightening.
Note that this is true with any bicycle assembly–and frankly any type of assembly for that matter. The tool should match the materials and the torque needed.
Assembly tips for the Mokwheel Basalt Electric Bike
A couple of assembly tips that will save you time:
First, when installing the front wheel, there is a plastic shim/spacer between the front disk pads that will need to be removed before installing the front wheel.
With regard to the handlebar stem, which seems to angle up and down quite liberally, the bolt to secure that at the desired angle is under the front of the stem itself.
You can ignore the 6mm hex holes on either side of the rotating portion. Neither of these two items are addressed sufficiently in the manual.
Quality
The overall quality of the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike is pretty obvious everywhere you look. The welding on the frame looks exceptional, and the Shimano gearing speaks for itself. My test Basalt came with the fender kit and rear rack, both seemingly engineered properly for the purpose. The rear rack looks especially nice.
Having seen all levels of quality in bicycle construction during my years, the build quality here was definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. Other nods to quality can be seen in the hand grips, the way the wires are bundled together, and the detail given to fittings and wire termination.
Once I got this electric bike fully assembled and took a long hard look at it overall, it almost didn’t feel like a bicycle anymore. It was more like a machine. From the sturdy looking electric motor assembly near the crank to the massive downtube that holds the battery, the Basalt invoked images of those early motorcycles from the 1920s or 1930s.
It’s essentially a motorized machine in a bicycle skin. Lightweight and strong, aluminum is used throughout the Mokwheel Basalt’s construction. Both the frame and kickstand are a 6061 aluminum alloy, which help support aluminum wheels, stem, crankset, and handlebars.
Electric bike initial test drive
While I generally like to charge electronic things up all the way before I do anything, I was dying to try this ebike out. The set of keys that come with this electric bike are NOT for starting it, but rather releasing the battery. After doing so, you can then press a button on the battery to check its charge level.
Fortunately, the battery was full, so I didn’t have to wait. I didn’t plan on doing anything beyond riding it to the end of the block and back, but I wanted to at least try it.
Press and HOLD
Note to the impatient: When the manual says to press and HOLD the power button down, give it several seconds. In my impatience, I was holding maybe two seconds and that wasn’t cutting it. Give it five seconds or so. When the computer on the handlebars says “Welcome”, you are ready to go.
First ride
Note that at this point I had only just completed the rudimentary by-the-book assembly of the Mokwheel electric bike. I didn’t give it my typical check every bolt before you do anything analysis. I planned to, but I wanted to just see what it could do. Getting started, I didn’t even bother with the pedals, other than for a place to put my feet. I just hit the throttle and off I went, and it was amazing.
I’ll cover more in the Long Term section below, but essentially the throttle is controlled with the left thumb. The buttons on the Power / Up / Down / Headlight stalk are to set the pedal-assist cadence. I just hit the throttle and didn’t even go full speed before bailing.
Suffice to say that between the bike and myself, we had 300 lbs of mass moving faster than I was comfortable with without a helmet or a double-check of all systems. Finding out what it will really do comes next!
Before we dive into the specifications of the Basalt electric bike, we should note that this model’s twin is the Basalt ST, which is essentially the same ebike but with the step-through frame.
In the old days, we would call this a “girl” bike, but it is suitable for anyone needing the convenience of being able to step through the frame to get on the bicycle, or perhaps for a couple that wants to share one bike. As I mentioned, this is a good size bike, so any advantage is welcome.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase is stated at 46 inches. I measured the same and then compared this to my standard mountain bike, which measured out at a 40-inch wheelbase.
As in almost anything from cars to skateboards, the longer wheelbase gives you a smoother ride and easier steering. With the available seat and handlebar adjustments and the Normal and Large frame options, the official human accommodation range is 5’6” to 6’4”. Pay attention to frame size when purchasing.
For additional comparison, I found the seat height from the ground to be comparable at roughly 36 inches when adjusted for my ride, while the handlebars on the Mokwheel were a full 12-inches higher, settling in at 48 inches versus the 36 inches of my standard mountain bike.
As mentioned, this bike is a fat-tire cruiser, so those dimensions are not unusual. Putting the two side-by-side, the electric bike was clearly larger than its power-free cousin.
The Mokwheel eBike and a standard mountain bike side by side – Photo: Author
Weight
As mentioned, the stated weight of the Basalt was 79 lbs. This puts it at the higher end of the typical 40-80 lb range of an electric bike.
With the monstrous 26×4 tires on this ebike, it’s definitely a cruiser, and that extra heft means the payload capacity is a whopping 450 lbs.
Electrics
The 48V 960Wh lithium-ion battery will give you a range of 60-80 miles at speeds up to 28 mph, depending on the terrain and how much you assist the massive 750W brushless motor with your pedaling.
Throttle-only speed with no pedal-assist is rated at 20 mph. Charging it back up from an empty state will take five to six hours with the included charger. The integrated headlight and taillight will get you safely to the campground showers at night.
Adjustable bits
The Basalt features a flexible and adaptive hydraulic front fork that helps smooth bumps and improves off-road performance. In addition, the fork has a lockout lever to allow for quick adjustments while riding to stiffen or soften the fork, depending on your weight and riding style.
The good sized, comfortable seat features a quick-release lever to easily raise and lower to suit your needs. The 7-speed Shimano derailleur gives you enough adjustment and variation when pedaling. If you get going too fast, stopping is handled by hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. No rubber pads chattering on the edge of the rim for this electric bike.
Long-term ride
I mentioned that this was my first real, long-term experience testing an ebike. I was curious to see the interaction between the electronic power-assist functionality and the standard seven-speed bicycle gearing.
On a non-electric bike, you change gears to keep a steady cadence. You switch to lower gears when the going is hard to keep your cadence up, and you switch to higher gears when the going is easy to keep your cadence down. The mechanical gearing on this electric bike is no different.
The variable comes into play when you add the electronic pedal assist. Between the Power and Headlight buttons on the control stalk (on the left handlebar) are the Up & Down buttons to control at what point the electronic assist kicks in. Increase it, and the electronic power-assist will kick in to help you at slower pedal revolutions. Decrease it, and the Mokwheel Basalt feels more like a regular bike, with the electric bike mode assisting at higher pedal revolutions.
Finally, when all else fails and you run out of steam, hit a big hill, or just want to have fun, you only need to press down on the throttle with your left thumb and the ride really begins. Mokwheel upgraded the Basalt to a thumb throttle versus a twist grip, which is more comfortable and safer than the half-twist throttle, and it can reduce wrist strain and eliminate the fatigue brought by long-time riding.
The LCD Odometer Display
All of this information is clearly tracked with the large bike computer on the handlebars that Mokwheel modestly calls their LCD Odometer Display. In addition to your speed, you’ll find battery levels, power-assist levels, a trip odometer, ride time and more.
The LCD computer display on the Basalt – Photo: Mokwheel
Riding the electric bike
Watch any cyclist and within minutes you can see if they understand how to use gears on a multispeed bicycle. The objective with any bike is to enjoy a consistent, comfortable pedal cadence regardless of terrain. It should not look or feel like you are holding a spinning class out on the trail, nor should it seem like you are trying to cycle up Mount Everest.
For decades, the typical derailleur gear system has been an incredibly functional and reliable way to achieve those goals. It should be no different with the electric bike.
For general cruising on pavement and other smooth surfaces, I found that second or third gear allowed for a nice, easy pedaling cadence. Rather than changing gears when going up a slight incline, adding a touch of power-assist kept me from having to change gears or my pedal cadence. For very long, flat rides, you could dial in the power-assist a tad more as you begin to tire.
When changing terrain or the distance of your journey, choosing the right gear and the right amount of power-assist means you can comfortably travel farther and faster than you ever dreamed with the same amount of effort. You can also throw all that to the wind and hit the throttle for some serious “Weeee” time.
What is the speed of an ebike?
Without pedaling at all, the Mokwheel Basalt easily reached the 20 mph throttle-only speed that it claims. Even more impressive, all 300 lbs of bike and rider hit a sturdy 17 mph going uphill, against the wind, at a spot near my home where I consistently see folks hop off their bikes and walk the rest of the way up.
Speed at full pedaling can vary greatly of course, depending on your ability, stamina, and the gear you choose, but suffice it to say, you can get going very fast. I did not attempt to reach the full 28 mph on the Basalt.
I also turned off the power completely to see how the electric bike performed just being a “regular” bicycle. My concern is that it would feel like a car that lost its power steering. This was not the case. It felt very normal, like a typical Cruiser-style bike would feel, albeit an 80 lb version of that Cruiser. If you lost power on a ride, suffice to say you could get home. You would just want to hope it wasn’t uphill.
Braking was exceptional, with the dual disc brakes doing their part properly. The ride was as good as advertised. With the overall heft, long wheelbase, big tires, comfortable seat, and upright handlebars, the ride is every bit as good as you might imagine.
The seemingly infinite speed adjustments don’t take long to get used to and can be tailored for any rider. It’s also just plain fun to ride. One of my sons happed to come by the house briefly, and he gave it a quick try, efficiently summarizing his thoughts with, “Wow….that’s fun!”
Interesting accessories like this inverter make the Mokwheel unique. Photo: Mokwheel
Unique accessories
There are several accessories available for the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike. A couple that I already mentioned, the fender set and the rear rack, were included with this build, but they are also sold separately. You’ll also find other standard bicycle accessories, such as a top bag for the aforementioned rack, a front basket, a rear basket, phone mount, bike lock, and other such accessories.
Other accessories more unique to this electric bike include an inverter that plugs into a special port built into the Basalt. The 1000W modified sine wave inverter with no less than six built-in protection mechanisms features USB-A, USB-C, and AC output ports to give you power on the road. Mokwheel bills the Basalt as the world’s first all-terrain electric bike with integrated power station technology that allows you to charge your devices whenever you want.
“What really sets the Mokwheel Basalt apart is its massive 940Wh battery that can power a 100W power inverter that has the ability to run such essentials as phone chargers, coffee makers, electric grills and laptops. Planning to be gone more than a day or two? Mokwheel also offers a solar charger to keep the juice running to those essentials.”
Electric Bike Report – Mokwheel Basalt voted The Best Camping Electric Bike, 2023
A spare battery is available, as well as solar panels that deliver a charge directly to the ebike and any handy devices you might be carrying such as a phone or tablet. You’ll also find a strong selection of spare parts available, should you ever need them.
Warranty
The Mokwheel Basalt electric bike comes with a comforting two-year warranty. You can read those details in their entirety on their warranty page.
Why buy an electric bike?
There are plenty of reasons for a person to own an electric bike. The primary reason of course is to take advantage of the portability of a bicycle, while increasing the available range. Others may simply use it as a way to get out and keep up with others if they are physically unable to meet the demands of their bike-mates.
As we mentioned, RVers might opt to use electric bikes in lieu of a toad or simply as an easier way to get around large campgrounds. An ebike is a lot easier to bring along than a golf cart. Like a regular bicycle, an electric bike is a great way to get out in the fresh air and see the sights. The ebike just makes it a little easier or gives you more range…or both.
RVers looking to make the most of light trails and beach sand in or near their campgrounds will appreciate the MokWheel’s fat tires. RVing mecca’s like Quartzite or Burning Man are just begging for an electric bike like this. The fact that you can charge it with folding solar panels that you can store on the rear rack makes it hard to pass up.
Hauling your electric bike
Remember, in order to take your ebike with you, you’ll need a back rack of some kind. There are several designed specifically for ebikes, in that they can accept the additional weight and often have some sort of ramp to make getting those heavy ebikes loaded.
Find a rack that fits your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel, or one that can mount on the back of your tow vehicle. I like this rack from Thule that folds and has a small loading ramp.
Conclusion
Priced around $2,000, depending on the size, model, and accessories, the Mokwheel Basalt sits squarely in the right price range for a fat-tire Class 3 ebike capable of going anywhere. Quality construction, insane battery power, and power storage capability should be of interest to any camping enthusiast.
In a world with a lot of ebike choices, campers and RVers just got one designed exclusively for them. Visit Mokwheel.com for more information.
We Visited Boulder Creek RV Resort In Our Huge Fifth Wheel
In 2022, we began our Pacific Northwest RV Tour, starting about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles in Lone Pine, California. As an enthusiastic photographer, Pleshette had always wanted to drive U.S. 395, which runs all the way up through Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border.
We’d planned to be in this area for a month or so, and we made our way up to our first stop, Boulder Creek RV Resort. We’re both I.T. folks and we work full time, so we always seek out campgrounds that are big rig friendly with proper amenities that can accommodate our RV and our needs as remote workers.
Where is Boulder Creek RV Resort?
This is one of the first RV parks along U.S. 395 in California, just north of Los Angeles. It’s situated in the Owens River Valley, just south of Bishop, California and west of Death Valley.
With the Sierras to the west, low desert scenery, and wide open spaces, Boulder Creek RV Resort is right next to the open area of the Owens River Dust Mitigation Project. In addition, our site was sand and gravel. Yes, you can imagine how much dust there was!
Resort amenities
This park is billed as a resort because they have a pool, jacuzzi, a great store, a great dog area, and seasonal events and activities for all.
When we aren’t slaying digital giants full time, we do like to get out and see the sights. A few nearby attractions include:
Eastern California Museum
Alabama Hills
Death Valley
Bishop
Mount Whitney
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Plenty of room for big rigs at Boulder Creek RV Resort. Photo by Roy Houston
Campground reviews
Boulder Creek RV Resort is highly rated on RV LIFE Campgrounds, with an 8.3/10 average rating and over 288 reviews at the time of this writing. It’s in a beautiful area with great amenities, and it’s reasonably priced. We would definitely stay here again.
As part-time Content Creators, we review campgrounds from our perspective. There is a huge difference between a Class A and a fifth wheel over 35′. When campgrounds say they are big rig friendly, is that for all RVs or just Class As? How “friendly” is their campground with respect to big rigs, maneuvering in the campground, backing in or pulling through?
We strive to find and review those campgrounds that are indeed big rig friendly and have the amenities needed for today’s remote workers and digital nomads. Boulder Creek RV Resort lived up to our expectations.
Find more campgrounds near you
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
Finding a last minute camping reservation can be a problem. With campgrounds filled to the brim, you are likely better off planning your trip way ahead of the game. Sometimes, however, life just doesn’t work that way and you need somewhere to stay.
Check out these pro tips for finding and booking a last minute camping reservation.
Make phone calls
I know it seems counterintuitive to use your phone to make an actual phone call, but talking to someone could get you into that park you want. As I have been that person on the other end of the line, I know that there are often a few sites held back for a variety of reasons. Some parks save a few just for one or two-night stays, and some people cancel at the last minute as well. A phone call could mean it’s your lucky day.
If you find an opening, don’t hesitate to make the booking, as there are probably plenty of people behind you that would like that site as well.
Get on a waiting list
If you have a busy RV resort on your bucket list, you could get on a waiting list for a last minute reservation. As those who handle reservations know, we call from the top of the list, and some have already secured a reservation elsewhere, and others don’t answer the call. Most reserve from the wait list on a first called, first answered basis.
Show up early for first come, first served sites
Many parks have a small set of first come, first served sites. Check the park’s website to see if they list typical fill times so you know how early to arrive.
Be flexible in your timing
If you can, be flexible in your timing. Instead of arriving on the weekend, you might be able to arrive on a weekday and have a better chance of securing a site.
Be flexible in your location
If you can’t get into the park you want, you might try a location nearby. Sometimes other, lesser-known campgrounds have more openings or more flexibility and are still close to the sites that you want to see. Who knows, you might find yourself a new favorite campground.
Use campground availability checkers
Campground availability checkers like RVSpotDrop allow you to scan for sites at campgrounds and RV parks. You sign up and indicate your preferences; the checkers monitor openings, and you get an alert when the park you are interested in has a cancellation so you can get in and grab your site. You still book your site on the campground website.
For the more adventurous campers
Change your format
This might not be for everyone, but you could ditch the RV for a weekend and choose to tent camp. Tent camping sites are often more readily available. If you have a family, kids love this. These days, tents are super easy and quick to set up, and there are plenty of comfortable sleeping pads, air mattresses, or cots to satisfy mom and dad or even grandma and grandpa.
Boondock
Avoid the reservations altogether and choose to boondock. Dry camping is all the rage these days, and with the right equipment, boondocking can be a lot of fun and very freeing. Camping on BLM land is free; you just need to find the right spot and enjoy your time away.
Get RV-safe directions
You don’t have to miss out on a great RV park or resort if you have a few simple solutions in your back pocket for getting a last minute reservation.
Flexibility is always key when you plan a last-minute trip. A little bit of tenacity, some research, and patience are needed. If you don’t get what you want, pivot and you might just have an adventure you can talk about for years to come.
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
The OGO composting toilet is one of the latest composting toilets on the market. It touts some great features and a great design to boot. If you’ve seen it, you might be wondering if the OGO is an option to upgrade your current RV toilet.
Today, we’re going to go in-depth on the OGO composting toilet and how it stacks up as an RV toilet. We’ll tell you the features and how to set it up and use it. Plus, check out the legit review of this toilet and find out if it’s everything it’s cracked up to be.
Top features
The OGO composting toilet is the latest in portable composting toilets. Instead of piping waste to a tank or sewer, composting toilets contain a substrate like coco coir. Over time, microorganisms break down the waste, after which it can then be used as compost or simply buried to dispose of it.
So, what sets the OGO RV toilet apart from other composting toilets?
The OGO is one of the most compact composting toilets on the market. It measures only 16”x15”x18.375”. That means it’s super easy to find space for it in your RV (or camper van).
The work is done for you. An electric agitator in the OGO moves your solid waste around, facilitating better composting. Increased agitation means your waste is composted and ready to dispose of faster. It also helps reduce smells.
Features a patented urine diverter. This moves urine away from the main composting space, reducing moisture and improving the composting process. Even better, despite its small size, the OGO’s urine bottle is larger than in competing composting toilets.
Never overflows. The OGO also has a urine level light indicator. When the urine bottle is almost full, the side button lights up red. That way, you’ll always know when to empty the bottle out.
All of these great features are packed into a sleek, well-designed package that’s made right in the USA.
We took the OGO Composting Toilet on a camper van trip. Photo by DashboardDrifters.
Can you install the OGO Toilet in your RV?
Yes, you can definitely install the OGO toilet in your RV! Easily replace your current RV toilet and simply remove the spent coco coir medium when it’s time.
Alternatively, this composting toilet can also be connected directly to your RV’s black tank using the included drain kit. Simply cut out the circle in the bottom plate of the toilet, and attach the flange and coupling included with the kit. Once connected, urine will go directly to your tanks instead of the bottle, so you don’t have to worry about emptying it.
The drain kit can also be easily removed if your needs change. Simply remove the drain kit and replace the urine bottle.
Does the OGO RV Toilet smell?
With proper use, the OGO toilet will produce no more foul smells than a normal RV toilet.
Thanks to the urine diverter, the OGO separates solid and liquid waste. Mixing these two is one of the biggest sources of smells, so by keeping them separate, the OGO majorly cuts down on foul odors.
The agitator reduces smells as well by moving waste away from the top of the pile where it’s not exposed to air. This also speeds up composting, so that any smells that are present don’t linger.
The OGO RV toilet can also be connected directly to your ventilation system using an included hose. Any smells that are produced are vented outside and away from you. Alternatively, charcoal filters are also available that are placed in the toilet and absorb excess odors from the air.
How to use the OGO Composting RV Toilet
Installation and set-up of the OGO composting toilet are easy. The toilet has four mounting holes in the base. To install the unit into your RV, simply use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the four screws and attach the base to your RV floor.
The OGO needs a power source to power the ventilation fan and agitator. The included power cord can be attached to your RV’s power system or even directly to a battery. (Note that you will need to strip and connect some wires to do so.)
Before you can use your new RV toilet, you need to fill it with your compost medium; OGO recommends coco coir. You’ll fill the tank a bit less than halfway with the coco coir and add a small amount of moisture, then let the agitator run.
Is the OGO Composting Toilet an option for your RV?
How to “go”
At this point, the toilet is ready to use and you’re ready to “go”. Keep in mind that the OGO, like most composting toilets, has to be used sitting down for the urine diverter to work properly.
The “trap door” in the OGO should be kept closed for liquid waste and opened for solid waste. The door is opened by pulling a handle on the side forward and should be closed after you’re done. As long as the trap door is kept shut, liquid waste will still filter to the urine bottle, even if you miss the collector.
For solid waste, you also need to press the button on the side when you’re done. This turns on the agitator, which runs for two minutes.
Another tip for keeping things fresh is that OGO recommends spraying down the bowl with a gentle cleaner, like water and vinegar, after each use. This keeps things clean and reduces bad smells.
When it’s time to dispose of your waste, lift your toilet bowl slightly and rotate the drawer latches to pull out the drawer. From here, you can remove the urine bottle or waste bin and dispose of the contents.
Reviewing the OGO Composting Toilet: Is it any good?
The OGO composting toilet is a great product, with a lot of great qualities. But, it has some drawbacks too.
What we like about the OGO Toilet
Here’s everything we love about the OGO toilet:
We love the OGO for its sleek, compact design.
This RV toilet can easily be vented outside. That means zero chance of any foul smells in your RV or camper.
Being able to send urine straight to a waste tank is also super convenient. Not having to change the way you “go” is a plus.
What we’d improve on the OGO Toilet
Like everything, there are some things that can be improved. Here’s what we didn’t love about the OGO:
It’s a bit heavy and awkward to move, so it’s not super portable.
The OGO functions great as a composting toilet, and the electric agitator does its job well. However, due to the agitator and fan in the toilet, it needs electricity to function. There is no manual function option, like in some other composting toilets.
Is the OGO worth the money?
Overall, we loved the OGO toilet for its great features and design. But if you need a no-electricity option, you may want to look elsewhere.
Learn more about the OGO Composting Toilet
The OGO is a great and very compact composting toilet that’s perfect for RVers. To learn more about the OGO composting toilets, visit their website.
How do you find work camping jobs for couples? It’s not difficult. In fact, work camping is a great way to earn money for both partners as you full-time RV and see this beautiful country.
These jobs are not difficult to find or get hired for. Generally, you don’t need to worry about your skills because even in your first position, you can learn on the job.
Places that look for seasonal help understand that there are often two people that need to be employed, so couples are welcome. The employer gets two people to hire and only has to tie up one RV site. The ads will generally specify if the employer will hire single individuals.
As you work, you will gather the skills that you need to be indispensable to the work camping world. Soft skills such as showing up on time, arriving and leaving on the agreed-upon dates, and having a great attitude go a long way toward making you a sought-after work camping couple.
A work camper is someone who takes a seasonal position filling in the workforce at a resort, park, or campground during the busy summer or winter season. They usually live in their RV and are provided a site with hookups for the time they are working.
You might want to consider your physical abilities for your work camper job. At a traditional campground or RV resort, usually one of the pair will work outside cleaning sites and performing minor maintenance work. The other half will work in the office greeting customers, taking reservations, and providing general office-type work. Just be aware of the tasks your work camping job will require.
We were between RVs last summer but still found campground positions and were provided an apartment for the season.
Mowing will likely be a part of your campground work camper position.
Types of work camping jobs for couples
Work camping jobs can include taking reservations, working in a retail shop or restaurant, escorting guests, cleaning sites, cleaning bathrooms, and much more.
As work campers, my husband and I have done all of the above, along with putting up high-end Christmas decorations, working maintenance and shuttle for a fishing and rafting resort, providing kitchen assistance in an activities department for a 55-plus resort, and helping with a new campground and camp store.
Work camping jobs can also include being an Amazon warehouse worker, a campground host, a beet harvest worker, or even a gate guard in the Texas oil fields.
Work camper couples might also choose a job working in a kitchen.
What do work camping jobs pay?
Work camping jobs can pay well, depending on your situation. During a busy summer season, you will likely get $15-$20 per hour, as well as your full hookup site for free.
Many of them require that you work up to 40 hours per week, but some are flexible on that point. Arrival and departure dates are important when you work a seasonal job, so make sure you are available for the time that is required. Unless you have a solid reason, leaving early will make it more difficult to obtain work for another season.
Be aware that some jobs will pay for all your hours worked, and others will be considered “volunteer” and only provide a site with a certain number of hours worked. If you are retired and don’t need an income, these volunteer jobs are perfect. You get first dibs at a site, you don’t have to work a lot of hours (20 is typical), and can spend time exploring a specific area.
Work campers can also work a certain number of hours for their site and then get any other hours paid outright. Some campgrounds only require you to work your site hours, while others do have money to pay for more.
A nice site with full hookups is a great perk for a work-camping couple.
Pay close attention to your pay
If you are working for your site, do this little formula to calculate how much you are receiving based on the worth of your site. Take the number of hours you are required to work and divide that by the site’s monthly rate to get an hourly rate you would be paid instead of working for your site.
Some campgrounds pay for all hours worked, provide your site for free, and provide other amenities such as electricity, free laundry, and more. The actual payment can be minimum wage and up. Do your homework, as some states’ minimum wage is much better than others.
I’ve also heard of campgrounds paying work campers but also requiring them to pay for their site. This is different from getting a “free” site. Once they pay you, then take out all required taxes, are you then using that entire paycheck (and more) to pay for your site? Do the math to make sure you are getting everything you need from the position.
Pay raises during the season and bonuses aren’t unheard of in the work camping world. Some owners/managers pay bonuses to couples who stay until the end of the season. Some offer a bonus should you choose to come back for another season.
When should I begin looking for a work camping job?
You need to begin seeking employment several months in advance. At this time, campgrounds are having difficulty finding people to work, so the demand is high and the pay is good. They are pulling out all the stops to recruit workers.
Even if you haven’t started yet, there always seems to be ads for places that are still looking for workers even a few weeks or months into the season. If a couple leaves early, for example, they will need to fill those positions.
Gate guarding at the oil fields in Texas is a lucrative job. Couples have to divide the work with 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Resources for work camping jobs for couples
Workamper News
Workamper News is one of the best and most popular places to find work camping positions. This organization requires a membership to get the most up-to-date job listings, but it is worth the $20 per year you will pay. You will have to pay more for some of their online tools. Check out the site for more information. You can search for volunteer positions here.
Cool Works
Cool Works has job listings all around the US, as well as work-from-home jobs and more. There is no cost to pursue jobs in a state or area of your choosing. The website also has positions to apply for if you don’t have an RV and require housing. Go to the website to get started.
Workers on Wheels
Workers on Wheels lists jobs available throughout the US. Various positions are posted regularly including paid employment, work-for-site jobs, and volunteer positions.
We enjoyed stocking a campstore from the ground up.
Amazon Work Camping
While Amazon no longer has its Amazon CamperForce, you can still apply for seasonal positions at one of the many Amazon fulfillment centers across the country.
Peak season, which includes the holidays, typically runs from September to Christmas. There is also a post-holiday season from after Christmas until March.
Working at Amazon is a great way to make money during your RV travels. Just be aware that because of the physical aspect of the job, it might not be suitable for everyone.
State and National Parks
Although many of the state and national parks positions are volunteer, there are still some that pay a wage, and of course, RVing couples are a great resource for them. You could take tickets at a park entrance or be a campground host who greets visitors, maintains sites, and assists with other job duties.
Campground hosts might also answer questions about local attractions, activities, and trails, or local services such as gas stations, stores, or medical facilities. They might even refer visitors to forestry officials or other park administrators.
National parks also have campground host volunteer positions available. You can start your search by visiting http://bit.ly/NPScampgroundHost.
Working in a state or national park can be a volunteer position.
CamperGigs.com
CamperGigs is a relatively new but great way to find all sorts of jobs that you can do while taking your RV all over the US. The website and app are created by RVers for RVers.
All you need to do is sign up. Subscriptions are $29.99 per year. The website and app use a map-searchable interface to connect travelers with opportunities.
You can find jobs such as helping with the beet harvest in Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, or Minnesota. Jobs with private campgrounds, camp hosting positions, and much more are posted regularly.
Putting up high-end Christmas lights was hard work but a lot of fun.
Find your next seasonal position
Finding work camping jobs for couples isn’t difficult. No matter how long you have been work camping, it’s always exciting to go somewhere new. Make sure you take time to see sites and explore areas that you have never visited.
Just keep in mind a few things when you look for your next seasonal position. Make sure you are getting what you want from the pay and amenities.
Don’t worry so much about your skills in the beginning. Most tasks are easy to learn, and employers expect there will be some on-the-job training involved.
Have fun, and build your work camping resume, even if the situation isn’t all that you want. The season will go by fast, and you can hone in on your work preferences for the next assignment.
Get tips from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
How To Travel With Prescription Medicine In Your RV
Everyone needs to take medication at some point in their lives, and sometimes you need something a bit stronger than over-the-counter drugs. Prescriptions from medical professionals can help you access important medication that will help you stay healthy. But many RVers have questions about how to travel with prescription medicine.
This is a fair concern because many prescriptions have to be taken every day and there can be consequences if you miss a dose. Running out of medicine while you’re on the road is a scary situation, but you can avoid it if you plan ahead and understand your options for receiving medication when you’re away from home.
So whether you’re a snowbird, a casual road tripper, or a full-time RVer, there are ways to travel with prescription medicine. Everyone’s situation is unique though, so read along with the tips below and consult with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your needs. There may be other options available to you in addition to the ones we’ll explore below!
Stock up before a trip
First things first, you can start off a trip on the right foot by refilling as many of your prescriptions as possible before you leave. Depending on the type of medication you take, refills may be limited, so you’ll need to be aware of the specific rules for each type.
But generally, you can get enough medication to last you for a few weeks/months at a time. If you explain your circumstances to your healthcare provider, they may be able to give you a larger supply to accommodate your travel needs.
Keep all of your medications in a safe and secure area within the RV. You might want to keep them in a safe for added security (especially if they are particularly strong). Make sure everything is properly labeled as well.
How to contact doctors while you’re away
Next up, you need to figure out how you will contact your doctor or get refills while you’re on the road. There are a few options you could try, depending on your travel plans.
Have records with separate doctors in different states
This first solution mainly applies to snowbirds who split their time between different states throughout the year. If you tend to stay in one place once you arrive, you might want to think about attending different doctor’s offices in each state. That way, you have access to in-person medical care when you need it and can build rapport with them. It’s also pretty easy to obtain and refill prescriptions with this approach.
Try telehealth options
If it’s not possible to meet up with a doctor in person, you can opt for a telehealth appointment instead. A lot of insurance providers and medical offices offer video calls to patients. If you have an unexpected problem on the road and need to get a new medication prescribed or refilled, you may want to call a professional and talk to them.
In some cases, they can send a new prescription information to a nearby pharmacy where you can pick it up. Telehealth is a good option, but it might not always work if you need particularly powerful medicine. Doctors need to be careful about when/why they give these out, so you may need to find a walk-in clinic where you can plead your case. Be ready to share your healthcare provider’s contact information if they ask for it.
Visit an urgent care facility
Finally, you can always go into a local urgent care facility if you have a pressing issue on your hands. The service at these locations may be hit or miss, but they can usually give you short-term prescriptions if you have a real problem. It may cost you some extra time and money, but this avenue is always open to you if everything else falls through.
Pick up medication at a national chain pharmacy
If you want to know how to travel with prescription medicine, you should know about national chain pharmacies. These institutions are all over the country, and you’re likely to be within reach of at least one of them no matter where you go. Some popular examples include Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.
For those of you who have long-standing prescriptions, your information is probably already on-record with national chain pharmacies. They are authorized to refill prescriptions that come in from insurance companies and medical offices across the country.
Once you get approval from your healthcare provider, you can call them and have your prescription sent to a local pharmacy. Then you just need to come in and pick it up! This is the simplest solution, but there are some situations where it doesn’t always work.
Use mail forwarding services
If you’re a full-time RVer, you may want to look into mail-order options so you can get your medications delivered directly to you. Because your address is always changing, it’s reasonable to worry about how to travel with prescription medicine.
But fortunately, there are lots of mail forwarding services that can receive your mail/packages/medications then send them on to your specified location. Make sure your doctor is aware of your lifestyle before you choose this method because they might become suspicious if they see your medications being delivered all around the country.
You can also set up some pre-determined locations for pickup, such as a mail locker or a PO box. Some third-party companies also specialize in delivering medications to your doorstep, so you should look into alternative options for delivery as well.
The rules and regulations may vary, but some good mail forwarding services for RVers include:
There are a few other things you should be aware of when it comes to knowing how to travel with prescription medicine. Once you have the medication in hand, you still need to take some precautions and plan ahead.
Follow specific medication directions
First of all, you should always follow the directions of your doctor when it comes to taking prescription medicine. There will always be information about the proper dosage, so make sure you follow it to a tee.
In addition, be aware of any warnings or risks that might occur. For instance, some medications might warn you not to drive when you take them. In this case, you’ll need to take yourself out of the driving rotation for a few hours (or altogether).
Travel with your important medical information
RVers should always travel with important personal documents because you never know when you’ll need it! Keep a folder of your personal information, including prescription details and medical documents.
If you need to refill your medicine in an emergency, this kind of information can help move things along more quickly. Keep this information in a safe and secure place, such as a fireproof folder and/or a safe.
Ask about state/travel restrictions
You will also need to be aware of the restrictions and rules that come with each of your medications. Generally you’ll be okay to travel with them, but there are some controlled substances that cannot be carried across state lines. Ask your doctor about your prescriptions and let them know the different states you plan to travel to.
If there’s an issue, you may need to leave some medications at home and get a refill once you’re in the new state. This can be a hassle, but it will help you avoid legal trouble.
Plan refills in advance
Sometimes your prescriptions run out at different times, so you need to juggle different schedules for each of them. This can be tricky, but it’s essential to stay on top of it.
Keep a journal or log of each medicine so you can see when they’ll run out. If you’ll be on the road during those days, plan out your refills in advance and let your doctor know about your situation.
Get tips from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
Mokwheel Basalt Electric Bike Offers “Wow Factor” At Every Turn
I was recently afforded an opportunity to test the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike from start to finish, including delivery and assembly to various test drive scenarios. This was my first chance to really dig into the ebike world. I had only ridden an electric bike once before, at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and it was only for a minute or two.
RVers have toted bicycles with them for decades. They provide an easy and practical way to get around large campgrounds, explore a trail, and get a little exercise. With the advent of the electric bike, however, RVers now have a plausible alternative to pulling a tow vehicle as a means for alternate transportation.
Being able to ride into that small town that’s only 10 minutes away by car is not quite so daunting with an electric bike. In fact, I found my first ebike experience to be almost moped-esque, and I can recall a dozen times where having one would have been a game changer when we first started RVing and did not have a tow vehicle at the time.
Delivery
FedEx showed up with the Mokwheel electric bike just a couple of days after I confirmed that I was available to review it. Their website advertises they will ship within 48 business hours after ordering, and that seemed to be the case. Fortunately I was home, and available to receive it! Lesson learned, when Mokwheel says it’s on the way…it’s on the way.
The box was clearly labeled and quite large. Having assembled and built bicycles professionally in a previous life, I noted that the box was almost as thick as two standard bike boxes, a tad bit longer, and of course, significantly heavier. While the Basalt weighs in at a hefty 79 lbs, the carefully constructed packing system and cardboard easily accounted for another 20 lbs.
A couple of important notes about the unpacking process. Save any and all of the foam pieces used for packing; they will be very handy during assembly. I initially used one piece to go under the front forks during the beginning steps and later to protect the electric bike when flipping it over to install the front fender and front wheel.
Early stages of assembly – Photo: Author
Assembly
Despite my history of extensive bike assembly, I made sure to go slow, take my time, and read the instructions carefully. The instructions are pretty good, not great. They have good pictures and seem well written.
Don’t be in a rush. Give yourself about an hour to unpack and assemble the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike. The tips here will help, and there is simply no need to hurry.
Find a clean, dry area where you can spread out. Take your time cutting the big zip ties and pulling away the cardboard. The only zip ties you need to clip are the heavy white ones. Do not get overzealous and start nipping at the carefully placed black zip ties that might be wrangling a brake or derailleur cable.
RVers are handy, so this should not be an overly daunting task. I do recommend having a second person around to steady the bike if you are at all nervous about how much weight you can lift and manage. Who can pull the largest muscle is not a game you need to play right now. If you are reasonably handy and patient, you will be fine.
Tools
Mokwheel provides some really decent tools to help you with assembly, which will be your first glimpse at the overall quality of the product you have in front of you. A couple of nice 15mm and 18mm open end/box wrenches are included, as are a pretty decent set of allen wrenches. A serviceable 10mm wrench-like item is included as well, which I only needed once, fortunately.
Power tools
For this assembly, you will not need your power tools. Don’t be tempted to help make things easier or faster by adding more power (queue Tim Allen). You need the tactile feedback to make sure you don’t overtighten and potentially strip any threads, especially where any aluminum is concerned.
About the only substitute I would make, if so inclined, would be adding allen head bits to a screwdriver-like hand tool to simply get away from those L-shaped allen wrenches. Here again, however, you must exercise restraint when tightening.
Note that this is true with any bicycle assembly–and frankly any type of assembly for that matter. The tool should match the materials and the torque needed.
Assembly tips for the Mokwheel Basalt Electric Bike
A couple of assembly tips that will save you time:
First, when installing the front wheel, there is a plastic shim/spacer between the front disk pads that will need to be removed before installing the front wheel.
With regard to the handlebar stem, which seems to angle up and down quite liberally, the bolt to secure that at the desired angle is under the front of the stem itself.
You can ignore the 6mm hex holes on either side of the rotating portion. Neither of these two items are addressed sufficiently in the manual.
Quality
The overall quality of the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike is pretty obvious everywhere you look. The welding on the frame looks exceptional, and the Shimano gearing speaks for itself. My test Basalt came with the fender kit and rear rack, both seemingly engineered properly for the purpose. The rear rack looks especially nice.
Having seen all levels of quality in bicycle construction during my years, the build quality here was definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. Other nods to quality can be seen in the hand grips, the way the wires are bundled together, and the detail given to fittings and wire termination.
Once I got this electric bike fully assembled and took a long hard look at it overall, it almost didn’t feel like a bicycle anymore. It was more like a machine. From the sturdy looking electric motor assembly near the crank to the massive downtube that holds the battery, the Basalt invoked images of those early motorcycles from the 1920s or 1930s.
It’s essentially a motorized machine in a bicycle skin. Lightweight and strong, aluminum is used throughout the Mokwheel Basalt’s construction. Both the frame and kickstand are a 6061 aluminum alloy, which help support aluminum wheels, stem, crankset, and handlebars.
Electric bike initial test drive
While I generally like to charge electronic things up all the way before I do anything, I was dying to try this ebike out. The set of keys that come with this electric bike are NOT for starting it, but rather releasing the battery. After doing so, you can then press a button on the battery to check its charge level.
Fortunately, the battery was full, so I didn’t have to wait. I didn’t plan on doing anything beyond riding it to the end of the block and back, but I wanted to at least try it.
Press and HOLD
Note to the impatient: When the manual says to press and HOLD the power button down, give it several seconds. In my impatience, I was holding maybe two seconds and that wasn’t cutting it. Give it five seconds or so. When the computer on the handlebars says “Welcome”, you are ready to go.
First ride
Note that at this point I had only just completed the rudimentary by-the-book assembly of the Mokwheel electric bike. I didn’t give it my typical check every bolt before you do anything analysis. I planned to, but I wanted to just see what it could do. Getting started, I didn’t even bother with the pedals, other than for a place to put my feet. I just hit the throttle and off I went, and it was amazing.
I’ll cover more in the Long Term section below, but essentially the throttle is controlled with the left thumb. The buttons on the Power / Up / Down / Headlight stalk are to set the pedal-assist cadence. I just hit the throttle and didn’t even go full speed before bailing.
Suffice to say that between the bike and myself, we had 300 lbs of mass moving faster than I was comfortable with without a helmet or a double-check of all systems. Finding out what it will really do comes next!
Before we dive into the specifications of the Basalt electric bike, we should note that this model’s twin is the Basalt ST, which is essentially the same ebike but with the step-through frame.
In the old days, we would call this a “girl” bike, but it is suitable for anyone needing the convenience of being able to step through the frame to get on the bicycle, or perhaps for a couple that wants to share one bike. As I mentioned, this is a good size bike, so any advantage is welcome.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase is stated at 46 inches. I measured the same and then compared this to my standard mountain bike, which measured out at a 40-inch wheelbase.
As in almost anything from cars to skateboards, the longer wheelbase gives you a smoother ride and easier steering. With the available seat and handlebar adjustments and the Normal and Large frame options, the official human accommodation range is 5’6” to 6’4”. Pay attention to frame size when purchasing.
For additional comparison, I found the seat height from the ground to be comparable at roughly 36 inches when adjusted for my ride, while the handlebars on the Mokwheel were a full 12-inches higher, settling in at 48 inches versus the 36 inches of my standard mountain bike.
As mentioned, this bike is a fat-tire cruiser, so those dimensions are not unusual. Putting the two side-by-side, the electric bike was clearly larger than its power-free cousin.
The Mokwheel eBike and a standard mountain bike side by side – Photo: Author
Weight
As mentioned, the stated weight of the Basalt was 79 lbs. This puts it at the higher end of the typical 40-80 lb range of an electric bike.
With the monstrous 26×4 tires on this ebike, it’s definitely a cruiser, and that extra heft means the payload capacity is a whopping 450 lbs.
Electrics
The 48V 960Wh lithium-ion battery will give you a range of 60-80 miles at speeds up to 28 mph, depending on the terrain and how much you assist the massive 750W brushless motor with your pedaling.
Throttle-only speed with no pedal-assist is rated at 20 mph. Charging it back up from an empty state will take five to six hours with the included charger. The integrated headlight and taillight will get you safely to the campground showers at night.
Adjustable bits
The Basalt features a flexible and adaptive hydraulic front fork that helps smooth bumps and improves off-road performance. In addition, the fork has a lockout lever to allow for quick adjustments while riding to stiffen or soften the fork, depending on your weight and riding style.
The good sized, comfortable seat features a quick-release lever to easily raise and lower to suit your needs. The 7-speed Shimano derailleur gives you enough adjustment and variation when pedaling. If you get going too fast, stopping is handled by hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. No rubber pads chattering on the edge of the rim for this electric bike.
Long-term ride
I mentioned that this was my first real, long-term experience testing an ebike. I was curious to see the interaction between the electronic power-assist functionality and the standard seven-speed bicycle gearing.
On a non-electric bike, you change gears to keep a steady cadence. You switch to lower gears when the going is hard to keep your cadence up, and you switch to higher gears when the going is easy to keep your cadence down. The mechanical gearing on this electric bike is no different.
The variable comes into play when you add the electronic pedal assist. Between the Power and Headlight buttons on the control stalk (on the left handlebar) are the Up & Down buttons to control at what point the electronic assist kicks in. Increase it, and the electronic power-assist will kick in to help you at slower pedal revolutions. Decrease it, and the Mokwheel Basalt feels more like a regular bike, with the electric bike mode assisting at higher pedal revolutions.
Finally, when all else fails and you run out of steam, hit a big hill, or just want to have fun, you only need to press down on the throttle with your left thumb and the ride really begins. Mokwheel upgraded the Basalt to a thumb throttle versus a twist grip, which is more comfortable and safer than the half-twist throttle, and it can reduce wrist strain and eliminate the fatigue brought by long-time riding.
The LCD Odometer Display
All of this information is clearly tracked with the large bike computer on the handlebars that Mokwheel modestly calls their LCD Odometer Display. In addition to your speed, you’ll find battery levels, power-assist levels, a trip odometer, ride time and more.
The LCD computer display on the Basalt – Photo: Mokwheel
Riding the electric bike
Watch any cyclist and within minutes you can see if they understand how to use gears on a multispeed bicycle. The objective with any bike is to enjoy a consistent, comfortable pedal cadence regardless of terrain. It should not look or feel like you are holding a spinning class out on the trail, nor should it seem like you are trying to cycle up Mount Everest.
For decades, the typical derailleur gear system has been an incredibly functional and reliable way to achieve those goals. It should be no different with the electric bike.
For general cruising on pavement and other smooth surfaces, I found that second or third gear allowed for a nice, easy pedaling cadence. Rather than changing gears when going up a slight incline, adding a touch of power-assist kept me from having to change gears or my pedal cadence. For very long, flat rides, you could dial in the power-assist a tad more as you begin to tire.
When changing terrain or the distance of your journey, choosing the right gear and the right amount of power-assist means you can comfortably travel farther and faster than you ever dreamed with the same amount of effort. You can also throw all that to the wind and hit the throttle for some serious “Weeee” time.
What is the speed of an ebike?
Without pedaling at all, the Mokwheel Basalt easily reached the 20 mph throttle-only speed that it claims. Even more impressive, all 300 lbs of bike and rider hit a sturdy 17 mph going uphill, against the wind, at a spot near my home where I consistently see folks hop off their bikes and walk the rest of the way up.
Speed at full pedaling can vary greatly of course, depending on your ability, stamina, and the gear you choose, but suffice it to say, you can get going very fast. I did not attempt to reach the full 28 mph on the Basalt.
I also turned off the power completely to see how the electric bike performed just being a “regular” bicycle. My concern is that it would feel like a car that lost its power steering. This was not the case. It felt very normal, like a typical Cruiser-style bike would feel, albeit an 80 lb version of that Cruiser. If you lost power on a ride, suffice to say you could get home. You would just want to hope it wasn’t uphill.
Braking was exceptional, with the dual disc brakes doing their part properly. The ride was as good as advertised. With the overall heft, long wheelbase, big tires, comfortable seat, and upright handlebars, the ride is every bit as good as you might imagine.
The seemingly infinite speed adjustments don’t take long to get used to and can be tailored for any rider. It’s also just plain fun to ride. One of my sons happed to come by the house briefly, and he gave it a quick try, efficiently summarizing his thoughts with, “Wow….that’s fun!”
Interesting accessories like this inverter make the Mokwheel unique. Photo: Mokwheel
Unique accessories
There are several accessories available for the Mokwheel Basalt electric bike. A couple that I already mentioned, the fender set and the rear rack, were included with this build, but they are also sold separately. You’ll also find other standard bicycle accessories, such as a top bag for the aforementioned rack, a front basket, a rear basket, phone mount, bike lock, and other such accessories.
Other accessories more unique to this electric bike include an inverter that plugs into a special port built into the Basalt. The 1000W modified sine wave inverter with no less than six built-in protection mechanisms features USB-A, USB-C, and AC output ports to give you power on the road. Mokwheel bills the Basalt as the world’s first all-terrain electric bike with integrated power station technology that allows you to charge your devices whenever you want.
“What really sets the Mokwheel Basalt apart is its massive 940Wh battery that can power a 100W power inverter that has the ability to run such essentials as phone chargers, coffee makers, electric grills and laptops. Planning to be gone more than a day or two? Mokwheel also offers a solar charger to keep the juice running to those essentials.”
Electric Bike Report – Mokwheel Basalt voted The Best Camping Electric Bike, 2023
A spare battery is available, as well as solar panels that deliver a charge directly to the ebike and any handy devices you might be carrying such as a phone or tablet. You’ll also find a strong selection of spare parts available, should you ever need them.
Warranty
The Mokwheel Basalt electric bike comes with a comforting two-year warranty. You can read those details in their entirety on their warranty page.
Why buy an electric bike?
There are plenty of reasons for a person to own an electric bike. The primary reason of course is to take advantage of the portability of a bicycle, while increasing the available range. Others may simply use it as a way to get out and keep up with others if they are physically unable to meet the demands of their bike-mates.
As we mentioned, RVers might opt to use electric bikes in lieu of a toad or simply as an easier way to get around large campgrounds. An ebike is a lot easier to bring along than a golf cart. Like a regular bicycle, an electric bike is a great way to get out in the fresh air and see the sights. The ebike just makes it a little easier or gives you more range…or both.
RVers looking to make the most of light trails and beach sand in or near their campgrounds will appreciate the MokWheel’s fat tires. RVing mecca’s like Quartzite or Burning Man are just begging for an electric bike like this. The fact that you can charge it with folding solar panels that you can store on the rear rack makes it hard to pass up.
Hauling your electric bike
Remember, in order to take your ebike with you, you’ll need a back rack of some kind. There are several designed specifically for ebikes, in that they can accept the additional weight and often have some sort of ramp to make getting those heavy ebikes loaded.
Find a rack that fits your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel, or one that can mount on the back of your tow vehicle. I like this rack from Thule that folds and has a small loading ramp.
Conclusion
Priced around $2,000, depending on the size, model, and accessories, the Mokwheel Basalt sits squarely in the right price range for a fat-tire Class 3 ebike capable of going anywhere. Quality construction, insane battery power, and power storage capability should be of interest to any camping enthusiast.
In a world with a lot of ebike choices, campers and RVers just got one designed exclusively for them. Visit Mokwheel.com for more information.
We Visited Boulder Creek RV Resort In Our Huge Fifth Wheel
In 2022, we began our Pacific Northwest RV Tour, starting about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles in Lone Pine, California. As an enthusiastic photographer, Pleshette had always wanted to drive U.S. 395, which runs all the way up through Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border.
We’d planned to be in this area for a month or so, and we made our way up to our first stop, Boulder Creek RV Resort. We’re both I.T. folks and we work full time, so we always seek out campgrounds that are big rig friendly with proper amenities that can accommodate our RV and our needs as remote workers.
Where is Boulder Creek RV Resort?
This is one of the first RV parks along U.S. 395 in California, just north of Los Angeles. It’s situated in the Owens River Valley, just south of Bishop, California and west of Death Valley.
With the Sierras to the west, low desert scenery, and wide open spaces, Boulder Creek RV Resort is right next to the open area of the Owens River Dust Mitigation Project. In addition, our site was sand and gravel. Yes, you can imagine how much dust there was!
Resort amenities
This park is billed as a resort because they have a pool, jacuzzi, a great store, a great dog area, and seasonal events and activities for all.
When we aren’t slaying digital giants full time, we do like to get out and see the sights. A few nearby attractions include:
Eastern California Museum
Alabama Hills
Death Valley
Bishop
Mount Whitney
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Plenty of room for big rigs at Boulder Creek RV Resort. Photo by Roy Houston
Campground reviews
Boulder Creek RV Resort is highly rated on RV LIFE Campgrounds, with an 8.3/10 average rating and over 288 reviews at the time of this writing. It’s in a beautiful area with great amenities, and it’s reasonably priced. We would definitely stay here again.
As part-time Content Creators, we review campgrounds from our perspective. There is a huge difference between a Class A and a fifth wheel over 35′. When campgrounds say they are big rig friendly, is that for all RVs or just Class As? How “friendly” is their campground with respect to big rigs, maneuvering in the campground, backing in or pulling through?
We strive to find and review those campgrounds that are indeed big rig friendly and have the amenities needed for today’s remote workers and digital nomads. Boulder Creek RV Resort lived up to our expectations.
Find more campgrounds near you
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
Finding a last minute camping reservation can be a problem. With campgrounds filled to the brim, you are likely better off planning your trip way ahead of the game. Sometimes, however, life just doesn’t work that way and you need somewhere to stay.
Check out these pro tips for finding and booking a last minute camping reservation.
Make phone calls
I know it seems counterintuitive to use your phone to make an actual phone call, but talking to someone could get you into that park you want. As I have been that person on the other end of the line, I know that there are often a few sites held back for a variety of reasons. Some parks save a few just for one or two-night stays, and some people cancel at the last minute as well. A phone call could mean it’s your lucky day.
If you find an opening, don’t hesitate to make the booking, as there are probably plenty of people behind you that would like that site as well.
Get on a waiting list
If you have a busy RV resort on your bucket list, you could get on a waiting list for a last minute reservation. As those who handle reservations know, we call from the top of the list, and some have already secured a reservation elsewhere, and others don’t answer the call. Most reserve from the wait list on a first called, first answered basis.
Show up early for first come, first served sites
Many parks have a small set of first come, first served sites. Check the park’s website to see if they list typical fill times so you know how early to arrive.
Be flexible in your timing
If you can, be flexible in your timing. Instead of arriving on the weekend, you might be able to arrive on a weekday and have a better chance of securing a site.
Be flexible in your location
If you can’t get into the park you want, you might try a location nearby. Sometimes other, lesser-known campgrounds have more openings or more flexibility and are still close to the sites that you want to see. Who knows, you might find yourself a new favorite campground.
Use campground availability checkers
Campground availability checkers like RVSpotDrop allow you to scan for sites at campgrounds and RV parks. You sign up and indicate your preferences; the checkers monitor openings, and you get an alert when the park you are interested in has a cancellation so you can get in and grab your site. You still book your site on the campground website.
For the more adventurous campers
Change your format
This might not be for everyone, but you could ditch the RV for a weekend and choose to tent camp. Tent camping sites are often more readily available. If you have a family, kids love this. These days, tents are super easy and quick to set up, and there are plenty of comfortable sleeping pads, air mattresses, or cots to satisfy mom and dad or even grandma and grandpa.
Boondock
Avoid the reservations altogether and choose to boondock. Dry camping is all the rage these days, and with the right equipment, boondocking can be a lot of fun and very freeing. Camping on BLM land is free; you just need to find the right spot and enjoy your time away.
Get RV-safe directions
You don’t have to miss out on a great RV park or resort if you have a few simple solutions in your back pocket for getting a last minute reservation.
Flexibility is always key when you plan a last-minute trip. A little bit of tenacity, some research, and patience are needed. If you don’t get what you want, pivot and you might just have an adventure you can talk about for years to come.
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
The OGO composting toilet is one of the latest composting toilets on the market. It touts some great features and a great design to boot. If you’ve seen it, you might be wondering if the OGO is an option to upgrade your current RV toilet.
Today, we’re going to go in-depth on the OGO composting toilet and how it stacks up as an RV toilet. We’ll tell you the features and how to set it up and use it. Plus, check out the legit review of this toilet and find out if it’s everything it’s cracked up to be.
Top features
The OGO composting toilet is the latest in portable composting toilets. Instead of piping waste to a tank or sewer, composting toilets contain a substrate like coco coir. Over time, microorganisms break down the waste, after which it can then be used as compost or simply buried to dispose of it.
So, what sets the OGO RV toilet apart from other composting toilets?
The OGO is one of the most compact composting toilets on the market. It measures only 16”x15”x18.375”. That means it’s super easy to find space for it in your RV (or camper van).
The work is done for you. An electric agitator in the OGO moves your solid waste around, facilitating better composting. Increased agitation means your waste is composted and ready to dispose of faster. It also helps reduce smells.
Features a patented urine diverter. This moves urine away from the main composting space, reducing moisture and improving the composting process. Even better, despite its small size, the OGO’s urine bottle is larger than in competing composting toilets.
Never overflows. The OGO also has a urine level light indicator. When the urine bottle is almost full, the side button lights up red. That way, you’ll always know when to empty the bottle out.
All of these great features are packed into a sleek, well-designed package that’s made right in the USA.
We took the OGO Composting Toilet on a camper van trip. Photo by DashboardDrifters.
Can you install the OGO Toilet in your RV?
Yes, you can definitely install the OGO toilet in your RV! Easily replace your current RV toilet and simply remove the spent coco coir medium when it’s time.
Alternatively, this composting toilet can also be connected directly to your RV’s black tank using the included drain kit. Simply cut out the circle in the bottom plate of the toilet, and attach the flange and coupling included with the kit. Once connected, urine will go directly to your tanks instead of the bottle, so you don’t have to worry about emptying it.
The drain kit can also be easily removed if your needs change. Simply remove the drain kit and replace the urine bottle.
Does the OGO RV Toilet smell?
With proper use, the OGO toilet will produce no more foul smells than a normal RV toilet.
Thanks to the urine diverter, the OGO separates solid and liquid waste. Mixing these two is one of the biggest sources of smells, so by keeping them separate, the OGO majorly cuts down on foul odors.
The agitator reduces smells as well by moving waste away from the top of the pile where it’s not exposed to air. This also speeds up composting, so that any smells that are present don’t linger.
The OGO RV toilet can also be connected directly to your ventilation system using an included hose. Any smells that are produced are vented outside and away from you. Alternatively, charcoal filters are also available that are placed in the toilet and absorb excess odors from the air.
How to use the OGO Composting RV Toilet
Installation and set-up of the OGO composting toilet are easy. The toilet has four mounting holes in the base. To install the unit into your RV, simply use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the four screws and attach the base to your RV floor.
The OGO needs a power source to power the ventilation fan and agitator. The included power cord can be attached to your RV’s power system or even directly to a battery. (Note that you will need to strip and connect some wires to do so.)
Before you can use your new RV toilet, you need to fill it with your compost medium; OGO recommends coco coir. You’ll fill the tank a bit less than halfway with the coco coir and add a small amount of moisture, then let the agitator run.
Is the OGO Composting Toilet an option for your RV?
How to “go”
At this point, the toilet is ready to use and you’re ready to “go”. Keep in mind that the OGO, like most composting toilets, has to be used sitting down for the urine diverter to work properly.
The “trap door” in the OGO should be kept closed for liquid waste and opened for solid waste. The door is opened by pulling a handle on the side forward and should be closed after you’re done. As long as the trap door is kept shut, liquid waste will still filter to the urine bottle, even if you miss the collector.
For solid waste, you also need to press the button on the side when you’re done. This turns on the agitator, which runs for two minutes.
Another tip for keeping things fresh is that OGO recommends spraying down the bowl with a gentle cleaner, like water and vinegar, after each use. This keeps things clean and reduces bad smells.
When it’s time to dispose of your waste, lift your toilet bowl slightly and rotate the drawer latches to pull out the drawer. From here, you can remove the urine bottle or waste bin and dispose of the contents.
Reviewing the OGO Composting Toilet: Is it any good?
The OGO composting toilet is a great product, with a lot of great qualities. But, it has some drawbacks too.
What we like about the OGO Toilet
Here’s everything we love about the OGO toilet:
We love the OGO for its sleek, compact design.
This RV toilet can easily be vented outside. That means zero chance of any foul smells in your RV or camper.
Being able to send urine straight to a waste tank is also super convenient. Not having to change the way you “go” is a plus.
What we’d improve on the OGO Toilet
Like everything, there are some things that can be improved. Here’s what we didn’t love about the OGO:
It’s a bit heavy and awkward to move, so it’s not super portable.
The OGO functions great as a composting toilet, and the electric agitator does its job well. However, due to the agitator and fan in the toilet, it needs electricity to function. There is no manual function option, like in some other composting toilets.
Is the OGO worth the money?
Overall, we loved the OGO toilet for its great features and design. But if you need a no-electricity option, you may want to look elsewhere.
Learn more about the OGO Composting Toilet
The OGO is a great and very compact composting toilet that’s perfect for RVers. To learn more about the OGO composting toilets, visit their website.
How do you find work camping jobs for couples? It’s not difficult. In fact, work camping is a great way to earn money for both partners as you full-time RV and see this beautiful country.
These jobs are not difficult to find or get hired for. Generally, you don’t need to worry about your skills because even in your first position, you can learn on the job.
Places that look for seasonal help understand that there are often two people that need to be employed, so couples are welcome. The employer gets two people to hire and only has to tie up one RV site. The ads will generally specify if the employer will hire single individuals.
As you work, you will gather the skills that you need to be indispensable to the work camping world. Soft skills such as showing up on time, arriving and leaving on the agreed-upon dates, and having a great attitude go a long way toward making you a sought-after work camping couple.
A work camper is someone who takes a seasonal position filling in the workforce at a resort, park, or campground during the busy summer or winter season. They usually live in their RV and are provided a site with hookups for the time they are working.
You might want to consider your physical abilities for your work camper job. At a traditional campground or RV resort, usually one of the pair will work outside cleaning sites and performing minor maintenance work. The other half will work in the office greeting customers, taking reservations, and providing general office-type work. Just be aware of the tasks your work camping job will require.
We were between RVs last summer but still found campground positions and were provided an apartment for the season.
Mowing will likely be a part of your campground work camper position.
Types of work camping jobs for couples
Work camping jobs can include taking reservations, working in a retail shop or restaurant, escorting guests, cleaning sites, cleaning bathrooms, and much more.
As work campers, my husband and I have done all of the above, along with putting up high-end Christmas decorations, working maintenance and shuttle for a fishing and rafting resort, providing kitchen assistance in an activities department for a 55-plus resort, and helping with a new campground and camp store.
Work camping jobs can also include being an Amazon warehouse worker, a campground host, a beet harvest worker, or even a gate guard in the Texas oil fields.
Work camper couples might also choose a job working in a kitchen.
What do work camping jobs pay?
Work camping jobs can pay well, depending on your situation. During a busy summer season, you will likely get $15-$20 per hour, as well as your full hookup site for free.
Many of them require that you work up to 40 hours per week, but some are flexible on that point. Arrival and departure dates are important when you work a seasonal job, so make sure you are available for the time that is required. Unless you have a solid reason, leaving early will make it more difficult to obtain work for another season.
Be aware that some jobs will pay for all your hours worked, and others will be considered “volunteer” and only provide a site with a certain number of hours worked. If you are retired and don’t need an income, these volunteer jobs are perfect. You get first dibs at a site, you don’t have to work a lot of hours (20 is typical), and can spend time exploring a specific area.
Work campers can also work a certain number of hours for their site and then get any other hours paid outright. Some campgrounds only require you to work your site hours, while others do have money to pay for more.
A nice site with full hookups is a great perk for a work-camping couple.
Pay close attention to your pay
If you are working for your site, do this little formula to calculate how much you are receiving based on the worth of your site. Take the number of hours you are required to work and divide that by the site’s monthly rate to get an hourly rate you would be paid instead of working for your site.
Some campgrounds pay for all hours worked, provide your site for free, and provide other amenities such as electricity, free laundry, and more. The actual payment can be minimum wage and up. Do your homework, as some states’ minimum wage is much better than others.
I’ve also heard of campgrounds paying work campers but also requiring them to pay for their site. This is different from getting a “free” site. Once they pay you, then take out all required taxes, are you then using that entire paycheck (and more) to pay for your site? Do the math to make sure you are getting everything you need from the position.
Pay raises during the season and bonuses aren’t unheard of in the work camping world. Some owners/managers pay bonuses to couples who stay until the end of the season. Some offer a bonus should you choose to come back for another season.
When should I begin looking for a work camping job?
You need to begin seeking employment several months in advance. At this time, campgrounds are having difficulty finding people to work, so the demand is high and the pay is good. They are pulling out all the stops to recruit workers.
Even if you haven’t started yet, there always seems to be ads for places that are still looking for workers even a few weeks or months into the season. If a couple leaves early, for example, they will need to fill those positions.
Gate guarding at the oil fields in Texas is a lucrative job. Couples have to divide the work with 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Resources for work camping jobs for couples
Workamper News
Workamper News is one of the best and most popular places to find work camping positions. This organization requires a membership to get the most up-to-date job listings, but it is worth the $20 per year you will pay. You will have to pay more for some of their online tools. Check out the site for more information. You can search for volunteer positions here.
Cool Works
Cool Works has job listings all around the US, as well as work-from-home jobs and more. There is no cost to pursue jobs in a state or area of your choosing. The website also has positions to apply for if you don’t have an RV and require housing. Go to the website to get started.
Workers on Wheels
Workers on Wheels lists jobs available throughout the US. Various positions are posted regularly including paid employment, work-for-site jobs, and volunteer positions.
We enjoyed stocking a campstore from the ground up.
Amazon Work Camping
While Amazon no longer has its Amazon CamperForce, you can still apply for seasonal positions at one of the many Amazon fulfillment centers across the country.
Peak season, which includes the holidays, typically runs from September to Christmas. There is also a post-holiday season from after Christmas until March.
Working at Amazon is a great way to make money during your RV travels. Just be aware that because of the physical aspect of the job, it might not be suitable for everyone.
State and National Parks
Although many of the state and national parks positions are volunteer, there are still some that pay a wage, and of course, RVing couples are a great resource for them. You could take tickets at a park entrance or be a campground host who greets visitors, maintains sites, and assists with other job duties.
Campground hosts might also answer questions about local attractions, activities, and trails, or local services such as gas stations, stores, or medical facilities. They might even refer visitors to forestry officials or other park administrators.
National parks also have campground host volunteer positions available. You can start your search by visiting http://bit.ly/NPScampgroundHost.
Working in a state or national park can be a volunteer position.
CamperGigs.com
CamperGigs is a relatively new but great way to find all sorts of jobs that you can do while taking your RV all over the US. The website and app are created by RVers for RVers.
All you need to do is sign up. Subscriptions are $29.99 per year. The website and app use a map-searchable interface to connect travelers with opportunities.
You can find jobs such as helping with the beet harvest in Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, or Minnesota. Jobs with private campgrounds, camp hosting positions, and much more are posted regularly.
Putting up high-end Christmas lights was hard work but a lot of fun.
Find your next seasonal position
Finding work camping jobs for couples isn’t difficult. No matter how long you have been work camping, it’s always exciting to go somewhere new. Make sure you take time to see sites and explore areas that you have never visited.
Just keep in mind a few things when you look for your next seasonal position. Make sure you are getting what you want from the pay and amenities.
Don’t worry so much about your skills in the beginning. Most tasks are easy to learn, and employers expect there will be some on-the-job training involved.
Have fun, and build your work camping resume, even if the situation isn’t all that you want. The season will go by fast, and you can hone in on your work preferences for the next assignment.
Get tips from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
