Ramp Up Your RV Adventures!

Embark on a journey of technological marvels designed to level up your RV lifestyle! This month we’re sharing a handpicked selection of cutting-edge gadgets that redefine convenience and comfort on the road.

For instance, immerse yourself in the world of advanced security with an electronic door handle that brings keyless entry and heightened peace of mind to your RV adventures. Transform any outdoor space into a cinematic heaven with a pocket projector and screen combo, ensuring entertainment under the stars wherever you roam.

Upgrade your culinary experience with a multifunctional kitchen powerhouse that combines the efficiency of a pressure cooker and an air fryer. And for those bumpy rides, say good-bye to fridge spills with innovative braces designed to keep provisions in place. Embrace the future of RV living with these and other handy gadgets, making your journey safer, more entertaining, and infinitely more enjoyable.

We describe these items below, plus others offered to FMCA members at special pricing. Also featured: winter RVing tips and summery s’mores made inside your RV.

Br-r-r-r-ing it on!

The FMCA Team

What Others Say About FMCA

The RVgeeks recently posted a blog about FMCA and all it entails. Here are some things they had to say about the association:

“One of the primary benefits is the sense of community it provides. Members gain access to a vast network of fellow RVers who share a passion for exploration, adventure, and life on the road.”

“In addition to the social aspects, membership brings financial benefits, too. For many RVers, these offset the annual membership cost, making it a financially savvy choice for frequent RV travelers.”

“We’ve taken advantage of this tire savings program ourselves, saving over $100 per tire.”

Read the full blog here.

Are you looking for exclusive tech-related discounts? FMCA’s Tech Connect+ plan offers discounts on mobile internet plans from AT&T and other carriers that provide amazing internet coverage while you’re on the road, plus other great tech-related discounts from DishForMyRV, WiFiRanger, CellBooster.us, and more. Click here for more information.

Enjoy Winter Camping In My RV

This time of year, you don’t necessarily have to keep your rolling home under wraps. So say the folks from KOA, who offer a host of suggestions for winter activities regardless of whether you’re in the Snowbelt or the Sunbelt.

The great outdoors becomes a different world in colder climes: changing sights, sounds, animal activities, and more. Consider exploring it by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, or even ice skating. Spend a day tubing or sledding. Snowmobiling offers an even speedier alternative. Or try the serenity of ice fishing. And according to KOA’s blog, at least 25 U.S. states have natural hot springs. How about a nice soak?

Search for events that may be occurring where you’re camped, including festivals, parades, and other festivities that celebrate the season.

After dark, warm up near a dancing campfire; make s’mores as a special treat. Scan the night sky and, if it’s clear, savor the beauty of the stars.

If you’re parked in Ol’ Man Winter’s backyard, enjoy the scene outdoors while cocooning inside your warm and cozy RV. Bake that cookie recipe you’ve been thinking about. Take up a new hobby, such as crocheting or knitting. Try your hand at journaling – a great way to reduce stress, boost health, well-being, and more. Read a book and relax!

Consider this your invitation — or challenge — to enjoy winter to the fullest!

Read more at https://koa.com/blog/cold-weather-rving/. And a bonus tip: If you’ve thought of using your RV for true-blue winter camping but want to know what’s involved, check out this article in the January 2024 issue of Family RVing magazine.

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Gadgets To Go

Technology has changed how we travel and experience the RV lifestyle. If you are looking to upgrade your on-the-road experience, check out these products!

Keyless Entry Door Handle from RVLock: A keyless entry system can replace traditional mechanical locks on RV doors and is an easy yet secure way to unlock your RV. These systems typically include a keypad or touchpad that allows RV owners to enter a unique PIN code to unlock.
OneControl Command System: The OneControl smart RV app from Lippert offers remote-control capabilities that allow users to monitor their RV systems from a mobile device. Control various functions like lighting, levelers, awnings, entertainment systems, and more with a click of a button.
Pocket Projector and Screen: A projector is the ultimate entertainment accessory for nights at the campground! For the screen, try using a white bedsheet held up by Command-brand utility hooks attached to the outside of your RV. Check out this mini portable projector from Kodak here.
Ninja Foodi/Air Fryer: The Ninja Foodi combines the functions of a pressure cooker, grill, and air fryer into a single appliance. Save precious counter space in your RV and time while cooking on the road.

For more tech gadgets for RVers, check out this article from Thor.

A/C Enhancements With Micro-Air

Streamline the process of starting your RV's A/C or heat pump and make it a breeze with Micro-Air's EasyStart 364 Soft Starter. This innovative device reduces the initial power demand, ensuring a smooth start even with limited power sources and prolonging equipment life. Micro-Air also offers the EasyTouch RV Thermostat, granting you full control from anywhere via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Adjust the temperature to your liking, whether you're inside the RV or miles away. FMCA member discounts are available for these devices; learn more here.

Proteng Fire Suppression

THIA by Proteng is a cutting-edge, custom-installed RV fire-suppression device. When installed in an RV or other vehicle, this self-contained system rapidly extinguishes fires using a patented fire retardant that leaves no residue. Offered in standard and heavy-duty options, it ensures protection in hard-to-reach areas, where temperatures exceeding 158 degrees (standard) or 194 degrees (heavy-duty) Fahrenheit trigger an immediate response. FMCA members are eligible for special pricing.

Stay Charged With Battle Born

Battle Born Batteries provides an extensive range of cutting-edge lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries, complete with all the essential components to initiate and establish your power system. Whether you're in need of lithium batteries or Victron products, solar solutions, cabling, and beyond, Battle Born serves as your all-inclusive destination for reliable and sustainable power solutions, available to FMCA members with special pricing.

Join Us In The Great Southwest

There’s still time to register for “Fiesta Del Sol” — FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo in Tucson, Arizona. Join your fellow RVers March 20 through 23, 2024, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Save $20 by signing up now with Early Bird registration through January 17. When you register, you’ll be entered in our Friday Fuel Fiesta giveaways, which will take place on the first Friday of each month until the convention. Winners will receive a $300 fuel card compliments of ShadePro, an FMCA Super Star sponsor, that will be available for pickup at the convention.

Black Rock RV Village, C13705

Brenda, Arizona

A desert oasis boasting the largest campsites in the Quartzsite and Salome areas, Black Rock RV Village showcases breathtaking views of the Harquahala and Harcuvar mountain ranges. The campground’s list of amenities is long, ranging from bocce ball to heated pools, with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Pets and RV rally groups are also welcome. Located in the town of Brenda, it is definitely a must stop if you are in the area. Black Rock RV Village also offers 10% off to FMCA members.

FMCA members receive a discounted rate at many FMCA commercial member campgrounds. To find more locations along your route, check out our RV Marketplace!

Must-Have Items From The FMCA Store

Want to represent your favorite RV association? Check out the FMCA Store! Pick up some new gear before your next camping trip or order a copy of the 11th Edition of the FMCA North American Road Atlas & Travel Guide. This custom-designed atlas identifies big-rig-friendly locations and FMCA commercial-member campgrounds, and it pairs great with the campground listings in the January directory issue of Family RVing magazine.

RV Essentials

Five2Go has been a full-time RVing family since 2017, so they know a thing or two when it comes to RVing. Check out their YouTube channel for RVing tips and tricks as well as their list of RV camping essentials you’ll actually use.

Stay Put With Fridge Braces

Store food and drinks safely while traveling with the help of fridge braces! These devices keep items in your RV refrigerator secure and help to avoid spills while driving. Simply attach the braces to the wire shelf inside your RV fridge and screw them into place around the product you want to safeguard.

Indoor S'mores

What’s an RVer to do if their home on wheels is in winter hibernation and they develop a serious craving for s’mores? Improvise, of course! It is possible to enjoy the ooey-gooey deliciousness of this classic marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate bar combo without a crackling campfire. Our friends at Hershey share ways to make s’mores at home any time of year, using a microwave, air fryer, oven, stovetop, or grill. Granted, the ambience will be missing, but these options will help to tide you over until your first outing of the season when you cozy up with friends and family around the campfire. Bonus: The Hershey site shares recipes for other s’mores desserts as well. Yum!

Here’s just one delectable example:

S’more Cookie Bars

1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

5 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (1.55 oz. each), unwrapped

3 cups miniature marshmallows

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 8-inch-square baking pan.

Beat butter and sugar until well blended in large bowl. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Press half of dough in prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Break chocolate bars into pieces; sprinkle over baked layer. Top with marshmallows; scatter bits of remaining dough over marshmallows, forming top layer. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or just until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.