Lynx Living Blog — happyholidays

Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping. For RVers, this means it's time to think about putting their trailers away until next season. 

We already shared a checklist for winterizing an RV that includes the more technical aspects of storing your RV for the winter. In this month’s blog, we will expand on that checklist by listing some helpful tips and tricks that will help you store your RV more efficiently. 

Tire Care

Tires are one of the most important parts of the RV and you must pay extra attention to them, especially when the RV is in storage. To keep your tires intact, you’ll want to ensure that the weight of the RV is evenly distributed so that the tires do not deflate or get damaged. One way to even out weight distribution is to utilize leveling blocks to level out your trailer.

Additionally, to ensure that you are protecting the tires from the elements, you should:

• Use tire covers to protect them from UV rays or rain/snow
• Keep your RV rested on leaving blocks so that the tires are protected from anything on the ground (like water or animals) that could damage them. 

Clean Before Storing 

Cleaning your RV before storing it may sound like a given, but it is one of the most important tips on this list. The last thing you want to do is not clean your RV before putting it away, this is for two main reasons:

One– Not deep-cleaning your RV before storing it means you may miss some food that may be hiding in the nooks and crannies of your RV. If forgotten about for a long period of time, this could lead the RV to develop a bad smell, grow mold or be infested with insects. Make sure to clean all the hard-to-reach places, like behind the couch or at the bottom of drawers. 

Two– Why would you want to leave your future self to have to deal with a dirty RV? When it’s finally time to take out the trailer next season, how nice would it be to find it already clean and ready to go? Now, imagine how annoying it would be if you had to spend days cleaning it before you could set off on the road. So, do your future self a favor and deep-clean your RV before storing it away.

Maintenance 

Once you have done all that work to winterize your RV, you may be tempted to basically forget about it until you take it out in the spring. However, it’s important to still check up on it even while it's in storage. This could include looking for any signs of damage or readjusting the storage cover to ensure that the RV isn’t exposed to the elements. Remember to keep an eye out for mold, which can develop easily in an enclosed space that is not being used. When doing your maintenance checks, leave a window or the door open and let some air in to keep the RV fresh and prevent condensation. 

Other tips 

• Keep all cabinets, drawers, and closets open to prevent moisture
• Especially if your RV is old, you'll want to lubricate the hinges and locks and any other moving parts of your RV before storing it so that they don’t get stiffer while not in use
• Take off any bedding or couch coverings before storage so that they don’t get dusty 
• Start the engine every few weeks
• You may want to cover the windows and vents with insulation to keep the cold out of the RV

We hope these tips will be helpful… If you have any other tips and tricks that we missed, leave them in the comments below!

Camping with kids is a great way to spend quality time together while creating a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. However, it can be challenging and chaotic, especially if you're not well prepared. This is why we have created a list of some helpful tips for organizing a fun, but most importantly safe, RVing trip with kids. 

1. Pack appropriately 

We suggest making a separate packing list for everything your kids will need for the trip. This will help make sure that you pack enough clothes, snacks, and activities. Don't forget to bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid supplies, flashlights and extra batteries.

2. Choose a family-friendly campground 

When choosing a campground, keep in mind your kids' needs and look for sites that will keep them entertained. Look for family-friendly campgrounds with amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and hiking trails. It's also essential to check reviews if available to ensure that the campground is safe, clean and well-maintained. 

3. Set up camp safely

When setting up camp, look for a flat and stable spot in order to ensure maximum safety. If there are no available flat spots, no worries! That’s where Lynx Levelers come in handy. We recommend always having a pack of lelevers stored in your trunk for the times when you can’t find level ground.

4. Plan your activities 

As you are planning activities for your trip, pick ones that will be suitable (and fun) for children, such as hiking, swimming, or roasting marshmallows. Try to involve your kids in the planning process as well, so they feel more invested in the trip.

Remember– Although it’s important to have a good plan, also make sure to leave enough time for relaxation, exploration, impromptu activities, and unplanned adventures!

5. Talk about safety

Before setting off on the road, educate your children on the proper safety measures to take when camping, such as keeping a safe distance from a fire, never wandering off on their own, and wearing life jackets when swimming.

6. Keep your kids entertained

Kids can get bored easily, so it's essential to keep them entertained as much as possible. Bring along some board games, cards, books, and movies so that they are kept busy even in-between all the activities you have planned for the trip. 

Bringing these extra activities along will also come in handy if there is bad weather and your kids are forced to stay inside.

7. Plan Your Meals

When planning your camping meals, make sure to pack plenty of quick snacks that you can throw in your bag. This will ensure that your kids (and yourself) keep energy levels up throughout the day and do not get drained quickly. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and beverages to keep everyone hydrated. 

Taking your kids on a camping trip can be a wonderful experience that creates lasting memories for the whole family. With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that your camping trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Happy camping!

Valentine’s day is right around the corner, which means all you lovers out there are starting to think about what gift to get for your significant other. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of ten unique and creative gift ideas that any RV enthusiast would love. If you and your partner enjoy RVing together, these are the perfect gift ideas!

1. RV Books

If your partner loves to read, a book is an obvious but fool-proof choice for a gift. If they love RVing, consider grabbing one of the books on this list, which are all RV-related. You can find a book for every RV-topic imaginable, from guides about buying your first RV, to the best RV recipes book. 

2. Cutting board 

This RV-themed cutting board is so fun and perfect for your significant other that enjoys cooking on the road. You can also pair it with other cooking-related items on this list, like the RV recipe book, or the two-people breakfast maker. 

3. Tumblr mug

If your significant other is one to always have a drink on the go, even while RVing, then this tumblr mug is the perfect gift for them! 

4. RV Lego Set

This RV lego set is an amazing Valentine’s day gift because it’s an activity that you and your partner can do together. The great thing about this, is that once it’s done, you can use it as decoration for your RV!

5. Camping Murder Mystery Game 

Much like the RV lego set, this murder mystery game is a great gift as it can easily be turned into a date night! Even better, this specific game is perfect for an RVer as it is set on a camping site. 

6. Two-people breakfast maker 

Who doesn’t love a good ‘ol breakfast sandwich? Well, with this breakfast sandwich maker that could be your reality every morning, even when you’re on the road! This breakfast sandwich maker is small and compact, making it perfect to bring along on your RV trips. This would make the perfect Valentine’s day gift if your partner loves cooking on the road. 

7. Lynx Levelers

By gifting your partner a set of Lynx Levelers, you are giving them the gift of a hassle-free and  hass Our blocks make the leaving process (which is notoriously tedious) quick and easy!

8. National Geographic’s 100 drives, 5000 ideas

If you and your significant other are planning a roadtrip, this book is a must-have! It shares thousands of suggestions on epic sights, good bites, and pure fun. 

9. RV Neon Sign

This RV neon sign may be the most unique and fun gift on this list! You can also get it personalized to make it extra special. 

10. Portable Electric Espresso Maker

If your partner is a coffee connoisseur, then this portable electric espresso maker will be much appreciated. Your significant other will be able to bring it along on long hikes or day-trips. 

That’s all the suggestions we have for you, but feel free to leave any more in the comments below. We wish you all a great Valentine’s Day!

Fall is now in full swing, which means that so are our cravings for comfort foods that will make us feel all cozy inside! Of course, there are many great cozy dinner recipes out there, but they can sometimes be too difficult to make in an RV, where space, supplies and ingredients are limited. Considering this, we’ve decided to compile a list of cozy dinner ideas that are simple enough to be able to make on the road! 

P.S. The recipe titles are all hyper-linked, so you can click on them to see all the details. 

Soups 

1. Bacon-Potato Corn Chowder

This chowder is hearty and warm, making it an amazing meal for fall. It is also simple to make, as it has only 5 ingredients! All you need to make this delicious soup is bacon strips, chopped onion, potatoes, cream-style corn, and evaporated milk.

2. Vegetable Soup

This vegetable soup is the perfect meal as it is filling, healthy, easy to make and of course– delicious! The ingredient list is pretty simple: anything you want! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, and pasta & protein of your choice. The recipe linked above shares the ingredients to the “Secret Spice Blend” that will make this vegetable soup finger-licking good! 

3. Black Bean Soup

You’ll be able to whip up this 3-ingredient black bean soup in just 20 minutes! All you will need are canned black beans, chicken broth, and tomatoes. 

Crock Pot Recipes 

1. Sweet and Sour Chicken

This 4-ingredient sweet and sour chicken is not only easy, it is also delicious!  All you need to make this yummy meal is chicken, sauces (orange marmalade & sweet chili), and pineapple (canned and crushed). Serve this over some fluffy white rice to make a filling meal. 

2. Easy 3-Ingredient Chili

This chili recipe is quick and easy, which is ideal for when you’re on the road. Grab your crockpot and throw in some ground beef, chili beans, and a can of Rotel or Hunt's Seasoned Diced Tomatoes in Sauce for Chili. Leave it cooking on low for 3-4 hours, and you’ve got a meal! 

3. Creamy Italian Chicken

This creamy crockpot italian chicken is to die for! To make it, you’ll need some cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and of course, chicken breasts. 

Casseroles

1. Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole

You can never go wrong with potatoes and ham, which is why this casserole is a guaranteed hit! To make it, grab a pack of frozen potatoes with onions and peppers, cubed ham, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend, condensed cream of chicken soup, and some sour cream. 

2. Chicken-Alfredo Baked Penne

No better meal to have on a cold fall night than a warm, hearty creamy chicken casserole. You’ll need penne pasta, chicken tenders (not breaded), Alfredo pasta sauce, and some shredded mozzarella cheese. Put it all together in the oven, and you’ve got a delicious meal on the way! 

3. Overnight Country Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole

If you have a busy day coming up and want something ready for the next day that you can literally just put in the oven and enjoy, this Overnight Country Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole is the recipe for you! You will need some bulk hot pork sausage, eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, O’Brien hash browns, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Mix everything together and let it rest for at least 8 hours. When you're ready to eat, simply stick it in the oven for 45-55 minutes. 

We hope that this list of delicious recipes gave you some great RV dinner inspo! They are all perfect for the fall/winter season and they are quite basic in terms of ingredients and supplies, making them perfect to make in your RV. If you decide to try any of these recipes out, please show us by tagging us @lynxlevelers!

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of you may be spending it on the road. If you are, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the spooky holiday like everyone else. If anything, being on the road means you can spend Halloween anywhere… like on a haunted campground (but more on that later). In this blog, we’ll share some tips that will help you get into the Halloween spirit, even if you are on the road!

1. Halloween Treats

Is it really spooky season if you don’t indulge in some halloween-themed treats?! 

It’s no question that fun treats are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween, however, baking supplies are limited on the road so it can be difficult to follow most recipes. But do not fret! In this blog, written by Chelsea’s Messy Apron, she shared some spooky-licious halloween treats that only need 3 ingredients! These recipes are simple and quick, making them perfect for when you’re RVing. 

2. Decorate, duh!

It goes without saying that one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by decorating. You can keep it simple by just adding a few fall decorations, or go all out and transform your motorhome into a full-on haunted house (or should we say haunted RV?). Below, we’ve shared some pictures of how some fellow RVers have decorated their motorhomes for the spooky holiday in the past: 

3.  Pick Your Location Strategically

There are numerous spooky (and possibly haunted) campgrounds across the United States and Canada that would make the perfect Halloween location. Last year, we dedicated an entire blog on six of the most haunted campgrounds in North America; check out our list and see if any of them intrigue you!

Photo sourced here

4. Make It A Party!

Now that your decorations are up and treats are made, the only appropriate next step is to invite your campground neighbours and have a halloween bash! Here are some fun things you can do all together:

• Set up a projector and watch a Halloween movie
• Tell scary stories around the campfire
• Play some games
• Carve pumpkins 

Photo sourced here

Spending Halloween on the road is something that all RVers should experience at least once in their lives. If you'll be celebrating Halloween in your RV this year, please share your spooky pictures and tag us!