Lynx Living Blog — Lynx Levelers

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!

What better way to spend your Halloween than doing an epic spooky road trip?! The idea is simple– Grab your RV and hit up some of America’s most haunted locations. Talk about an immersive Halloween experience! In this blog, we will share six cities across the US that will set the scene for a creepy and exciting Hallo-week.

Disclaimer: Tri-Lynx is not liable for any haunting that may take place during this road trip 👻

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Let’s start off the road trip in one of America’s most haunted cities: New Orleans! This city is renowned for its eerie history; it has it all– from Voodoo to vampires. There are countless spooky locations to see here, including the city’s historic Voodoo museum, the infamous Lalaurie Mansion, and numerous cemeteries where you can see the tombs of important Voodoo priests and priestesses.

2. Montgomery, Alabama

Next stop: Montgomery, Alabama! This state capital has an incredibly rich history as it is most well-known for being the birthplace of the civil rights movement in America. Its rich history also includes a long list of haunted locations spread throughout the city. There are “haunted tours” you can go on that will take you for a visit of the spookiest spots in town. 

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known as one of the most, if not the most, haunted cities in America. As you can imagine, there are numerous spots in town that will send chills down your spine; this article shares the top haunted locations you should see if you really want to get spooked. Visit them at your own risk!

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is an alluring city located in the west side of North Carolina. Amongst the beautiful Smokey Mountains and Appalachian Trail, you will also find some haunted sites with rich history behind them. Make sure to visit Helen’s Bridge, Highland Hospital, The Biltmore Estate, and so much more. Check out this article for a complete list of haunted places in town and the history behind each one. 

 Photo sourced here

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Let’s move on to the next spooky location: Louisville! This city is perfect for the foodies and thrill-chasers. In between some delicious bites of food, you can explore some of Kentucky’s spookiest sites. Check out the Devil’s Attic museum, Belle of Louisville, and The Brennan House, just to name a few!

Photo sourced here

6. St. Louis, Missouri

The last stop of this Hallo-week road trip is the enchanting St. Louis! For those who aren't aware, one of the most infamous horror movies,“The Exorcist”, was based on a true story that occurred in St. Louis. The real life Exorcist house can be visited from the outside and is a must-see haunted attraction you don’t want to miss! Keep in mind that the entire city has a rich history of hauntings, so you will find numerous other spooky sites to see while you’re there. 

Photo sourced here

Now, this is how you do Halloween right! After a little over a week full of haunted mansions, abandoned asylums and creepy museums, you’ll probably be Halloweened out, and ready for the next excuse to take out your RV for a road trip.

The weather is warm, the days are long, and there are so many beautiful places to explore. This only means one thing– that an exciting and relaxing RV summer road trip is in order! Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying the open road, a great road trip needs to be well-thought out. This means ensuring that you bring along all the essentials and that you follow road trip best practices. In this blog post, you will find a guide that highlights must-have items to bring along and any valuable tips to help you make the most of your road trip. 

1. Plan Ahead (But leave room for spontaneity) 

A road trip is not the time to improvise, so make sure to take the time before setting off to plan your route. Keep in mind scenertic routes, fun events and hidden gems that can spice up and diversify your trip. With that said, it is also recommended that during the planning process, you leave some room for spontaneity. Throughout your trip, whether it’s from talking to fellow travelers on the road or interacting with locals, you are bound to hear about an event or location that you would like to visit. Having a flexible itinerary allows you to add in last-minute, unplanned stops.

2. Vehicle maintenance 

Before you leave for a road trip, it's crucial to conduct a thorough check of your RV's systems. This entails inspecting the engine, tires, brakes, fluids, and every appliance in the RV. There are some great RV maintenance checklists that can help you through this process, some of which are listed below: 

• The Ultimate RV Maintenance Checklist
• The Ultimate RV Maintenance Checklist for Every Season
• Travel Trailer Maintenance - How To Service Your Camper Trailer

3. Be Proactive 

Being prepared before going on a road trip might spare you not only headaches, but possibly salvage your entire trip. By being proactive, we mean anticipating what could go wrong, and bringing the necessary tools to help you mitigate those issues if they arise. This could include items such as: 

• Physical map or map app 
• First aid kit 
• Levelers 
• Roadside emergency kit 

4. Book in advance 

Like mentioned previously, putting together an itinerary before setting off on the road is a must, and part of that is booking campsites in advance. Summer is the busiest season when it comes to RVing, which is why you shouldn’t take any chances. If you are traveling with kids you should check campsite amenities and if you are bringing along your fur friends, you want to check that the campsite is pet friendly. Listed below are two blogs that provide guidance on traveling with kids and pets: 

• Camping with Kids: Tips for a Fun & Safe Trip
• Tips & Tricks for Bringing Pets Along on Your RVing Adventures

5. Beat The Heat 

The last, but arguably most important tip, is to ensure you are taking the proper measures to keep yourself and your RV cool during the roadtrip. RVs can get quite stuffy and uncomfortable during the summer months, which is why it is crucial for your comfort and safety that you take steps to keep the RV cool. Here you will find our blog that highlights ten tips on surviving the blazing summer heat while RVing. 

Summer is the perfect time to go on a RV road trip, but you must take the proper precautions to ensure that the trip runs smoothly and safely. By following these tips, you can set off on the road with ease of mind!

RVing is a popular pastime for many Americans, offering the freedom and flexibility to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of home. RVing allows you to travel comfortably, independently and at your own pace, while still having all the amenities of home. For those reasons, it has become an appealing way to travel for people with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and considerations for RVing for people with disabilities.

1. Choose the Right RV 

There are many types of RVs available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for people with disabilities. When selecting an RV, it's important to consider your specific needs and limitations. Look for features like wheelchair lifts, accessible toilets, grab bars, and wider doorways to make your RV as accessible as possible. Some RVs also come equipped with adjustable beds and showers, as well as other accessibility features. Class A motorhomes are often the best option for wheelchair users because they offer more space and better maneuverability. 

2. Plan Ahead

Before hitting the road, do some research to ensure that the campsites, rest stops, and attractions you plan to visit are accessible. Look for sites with paved paths and level ground, as well as accessible bathrooms and showers. Many campgrounds also offer accessible picnic tables and fire pits, as well as other amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds.

3. Pack Wisely

When packing for your trip, be sure to bring essential equipment and supplies with you, as well as any mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. You may also want to bring a portable ramp to make it easier to get in and out of your RV or navigate uneven terrain. Lynx Levelers and Stop ‘N Chocks will be especially important to have in this case, as they’ll level and secure your RV, enabling you to use your ramp safely. 

4. Stay Connected

While RVing can offer a sense of freedom and independence, it's important to stay connected with your support system in case of an emergency. Along with the usual emergency must-haves (like a first aid kit and fire extinguisher), also consider investing in a personal emergency response system (PERS) that can alert emergency services if you need help.

5. Join a Community

RVing can be a social activity, and joining a community of other RVers with disabilities can offer a sense of support and camaraderie. Look for groups like the National RV Association or RVing Accessibility Group, which offer resources and support for disabled RVers. Additionally, you can also join various groups on Facebook specifically dedicated to RVing with disabilities. 

In conclusion, RVing can be a great way to explore the world, even if you have a disability. RVing with disabilities can present its own unique set of challenges, but with the right planning and resources, it can also be an incredibly rewarding and empowering way to travel. Whether you're a seasoned RV veteran or a first-time traveler, don't let your disability hold you back from experiencing all the beauty and wonder that the open road has to offer.

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!