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Animals On The Move

RVing with the family often involves bringing our four-legged friends along for the ride. Look around any campground and you’ll spot canines being walked or romping in a dog park, or felines perched strategically near a window to glean a view of the world outside their RV.

RVers are known to travel with other species as well, of course. How about those who include fish, birds, and even pot-bellied pigs in their journeys?

This month the spotlight shines on our non-human friends. If you’re an animal lover, read on for pet RVing tips, human-interest pet-owner stories, places to spot baby animals, and more.

Whether you’re a dog mom, a cat dad, or a lover of animals from afar, enjoy the ride. As one quote proclaims, “In life, it’s not where you go, but who you travel with.”

The FMCA Team

Harvest Hosts And Boondockers Welcome

We've been members of FMCA since November 2021 shortly after we purchased our 1995 Chevy Roadtrek 210P. We joined Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome in February 2022. We started close to home the first Fall, then have made 2 extended adventures each year since, one in the Spring and 1 in the Summer. We use the Harvest Hosts search engine in the app to locate hosting sites along our planned route. Our Roadtrek is self-contained, so often we select sites from Boondockers Welcome. They are often 1- or 2-night stays, all without charge. Reservations are easily made in the app up to 6 months in advance...or sometimes if needed at the last minute. We personally have stayed at 7 host sites so far and have 1 more scheduled for this Spring. Sites from here in Ohio to Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana for a total of 14 nights without charge. Hookups are not always available, but some hosts do offer them (water, electricity, even Wi-Fi). Some offer them for free; others may have a courtesy charge, usually several dollars (if you choose to use).

The host sites typically have level parking sites, usually shaded. Some are just business parking lots; some have awesome amenities; some have park-like settings, such as ponds, evergreen coves, campfire pits, outdoor seating, and walking paths. Hosts often greet you upon arrival and some offer to help you set up or get settled. Often, we are just passing through, so little setup is needed; on those days we try to arrive an hour or so before dark and leave mid-morning. Other times when we are spending a couple days, many hosts allow you to make yourself at home: relaxing, cooking, exploring, etc.

We’ve had to cancel a reservation, too — plans don't always work out, but that is all easy in the app as well. No hassles and usually quick responses. We really enjoyed the search, the visits, and meeting the hosts. Many hosts are RVers themselves, sharing their good fortune and stories.

Doug and Ellen Rausch, F525417

FMCA members new to Harvest Hosts can enjoy a discounted membership, which provides access to a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, and other intriguing attractions that invite overnight RV stays. Boondockers Welcome also extends a discounted membership to FMCAers who are equipped to dry camp at their thousands of host locations.

Travel with Pets: Ensuring Safe and Happy Adventures

Embarking on an RV journey with your furry companion can be an enriching experience, but it also requires careful planning to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the trip.

Creating a cozy space for your pet within the RV is essential. Provide them with their favorite bedding, toys, and familiar scents to help them feel secure and at ease during the journey. Regular exercise breaks are also crucial; schedule frequent stops to allow your pet to stretch its legs and burn off excess energy. Remember to invest in quality pet restraints or carriers to secure your furry friend while the RV is in motion, preventing distractions for the driver. Go RVing has some good resources related to RVing with your furry friends, from pet-friendly RVing tips to suggestions for some pretty PAWsome dog parks you might find along your journeys.

Being informed about local laws is imperative. Be sure to familiarize yourself with regulations regarding leaving pets unattended in vehicles to avoid potential harm or penalties. In addition, maintain temperature control within the RV and pack a pet-specific first-aid kit for emergencies. RV Lifestyle has laid out some of its research and findings for RVing pet owners.

We are sure that by following these tips, you will create some memorable RV adventures with your beloved pet while prioritizing their safety and well-being.

Happy t(r)ails!

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.

Let's "Fiesta"!

It’s time to join the party! Soon, the owners of a thousand RVs will gather at FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo in Tucson, Arizona, March 20-23. If you are on your way to our “Fiesta Del Sol” convention, make sure to check out the Tucson area and enjoy everything the city and its surroundings have to offer. You’ll discover a wide range of museums, historic sites, hiking trails, golf courses, and more!

For Tucson attendees, we also recommend joining the conversation in our attendee Facebook Group. Ask your convention questions, connect with fellow attendees, and get important updates. You can also read about what is happening at the convention by viewing our Digital Program or checking out our convention preview in the February issue of Family RVing.

If you aren’t joining us in Tucson, you can still join the fiesta on FMCA’s social media channels.

Grouper: Health, Happiness, and

No Membership Fees

Say goodbye to your FMCA membership fee with the Grouper social activity benefit! Thanks to our collaboration with Grouper, eligible members can now get their yearly membership dues covered. They believe in social fitness and we know you won't want to miss this chance to stay active and connected! Check your eligibility today at https://www.fmca.com/grouper

FMCA Campground

FMCA offers a special deal for its members: a member-only campground located at 3590 Round Bottom Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Members can enjoy up to two nights per month at half price. Additional nights (up to five) are available for a fee of $30 per night for full-hookup sites and $20 per night for electric-only sites, subject to space availability. Reservations are necessary. The campground provides 15 full-hookup sites on concrete pads and seven electric-only sites on blacktop. Campground amenities include a dump station, year-round operation, 50-amp electric, water, sewer hookups, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations.

FMCA App

The FMCA Mobile App simplifies RVing for families by providing easy access to essential resources and member benefits, all without requiring a new account — log in with your current FMCA credentials. With features like membership profile information and benefits details, the app enables users to conveniently manage their FMCA membership on the go. The app also offers contact information for FMCA and access to benefits such as tire savings discounts and Roadside Rescue® assistance, ensuring a seamless experience for RV enthusiasts.

FMCA Pet Insurance

Pet ownership can be financially challenging, especially when it comes to veterinary care, but FMCA members can now access pet insurance options through FMCA RV Insurance. These plans, offered in partnership with Nationwide Insurance, cater to dogs and cats. Members can select a plan that aligns with their preferences and their pet's requirements. Reimbursement for veterinary expenses is facilitated through a claim submission process based on a benefits schedule provided with the policy. This insurance ensures that finances won't hinder the care your furry companions deserve.

Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday, C7423

Willcox, Arizona

Located an easy 80-mile drive east of Tucson, Arizona, Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday offers an ideal high-desert retreat near the towering 10,720-foot Graham Peak. Visitors can delve into the rugged beauty of Cochise Stronghold, named after the legendary Apache chief, or explore the significance of Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Campground amenities include full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a year-round pool, hot tub, sauna, propane and firewood availability, a pavilion, dog park, and a nearby RV/truck wash.

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

Pets On The Road

Thor Industries shares some interesting and helpful insights from several RVers and their non-human travel companions. Stacey journeys in her Airstream with a fish named Jasper and a snail named Scootz. Jeff and Darren’s “very cute, very spoiled Goldendoodle” is a happy camper along for the ride in their motorhome. Chiara says her cat, Nime, took a little time settling into traveling aboard a 1990 RV but now enjoys exploring places near and far. Read their stories and suggestions for traveling with pets here.

When Pigs Fly...er...RV

It’s not always easy traveling in a motorhome with a 150-pound pot-bellied pig. But it does make for many fun adventures . . . and lots of good stories. Mason and Donna Pruner introduced readers to Holly Pepper Potts, their pot-bellied pig, in the January issue of Family RVing. Holly has become a hit in campgrounds and elsewhere; she was featured on National Geographic’s “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” TV show and even has her own Instagram page.

Wild Babies

Spring brings shirtsleeve weather, colorful flowers, and baby animals of all sizes and descriptions. In national parks like Yellowstone, bear cubs born in the winter are just beginning to explore their surroundings, while bison calves are up tottering about within a couple hours of birth. Check out videos of baby horses, deer, bighorn sheep, and more filmed around Zion National Park. Farms and zoos also guarantee awww-some sightings. For instance, in the latter category, the nationally renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens invites visitors to meet their newest crop of Zoo Babies throughout the month of May.

All Hail The Sandwich

Although he may not have been the inventor, an 18th-century English nobleman by the name of John Mantagu — also known as the 4th Earl of Sandwich — is credited as the inspiration for the name of a humble snack. The story goes that Mantagu was playing cards and didn’t want to leave the gaming table to eat, so he asked his valet to place a serving of roast beef between two slices of bread to make it easier for him to enjoy a meal. His friends caught on and began to order “the same as Sandwich.” The name stuck, and the culinary creation gained popularity around the globe.

Looking for a fun travel pastime? Consider eating your way across the United States and sampling The 50 States Of Sandwiches. This list offers up a sandwich selection for each state. The author notes that it’s not intended as a “best of” list, but rather a reference guide to an incredible sandwich in each state — one worth going out of your way for.

The list starts with Alabama and the Fried Green Tomato BLT served up at Rama Jama’s in Tuscaloosa. This luncheonette located just outside the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium is named for the Crimson Tide’s famous cheer.

The gastronomic tour ends with Wyoming and the Blackened Trout sandwich from the menu at Local Restaurant and Bar, located in Jackson on the historic town square. One reviewer described the taste sensation as “so fresh, crispy on top, really tender on the inside, with coleslaw and tartar sauce. Just so flavorful.”

These represent only two of the 50 fun possibilities on this smorgasbord of sandwiches, and you undoubtedly have your own favorites that could be added. When traveling north of the border, consider this list of The 10 Best Sandwiches In Canada from the editors of Travel Magazine.

So, as you embark on your next RV adventure, don’t forget: Delightfully delicious destinations await!