Ask RVers about Buc-ee’s and you’ll quickly learn there’s no consensus.
Last week, I offered our readers the chance to respond to a poll asking them to rate their experiences at Buc-ee’s. At the time of writing this, nearly 1,500 RVers had voted, and the results may surprise you. Or maybe not…
A closer look
Our readers were asked to rate Buc-ee’s on a 1 to 5 scale (with 1 being the lowest/worst ranking and 5 the highest/best). Poll results showed the following:
Most RVers have a pretty positive take on Buc-ee’s, with nearly a quarter (24%) saying outright that they love it. Another 17% say it’s mostly great, even if it comes with a few annoyances. Still, not everyone is sold—16% feel mixed about the experience, 10% say they’ll only stop if they have to, and a small but firm 5% avoid Buc-ee’s altogether.
One of the most telling stats from the poll shows that 28 percent of respondents said they’ve never visited a Buc-ee’s at all. Of course, that may be because only 10 states have Buc-ee’s, and 7 of those have only 1 or 2 locations. Texas has 36 locations, which is 67 percent of the Buc-ee’s in the U.S.
Real comments from RVers
Beyond the numbers, the reader comments in our poll bring those ratings to life.
RVers who gave Buc-ee’s the highest ranking often focused on cleanliness and convenience.
Cyl S. said, “We live close to a BIG Buc-ee’s in Texas City, TX. We have also traveled with our 30’ RV to Buc-ee’s in five other states. They deliver what they promise. Clean bathrooms, quick and good food service, a kind ‘hello’ when you enter, and lots of checkout counters at multiple entrances. I also get a discount at the store and pumps with my Buc-ee’s credit card. I love Buc-ee’s and stop in as often as I can.”
Rich praised the ease of fueling: “We’ve only been to a couple of Buc-ee’s and only for fuel. We were a 38′ Class A towing a Jeep SUV so the total length was 55+’. Pulling into a gas pump was EZPZ, and getting in and out of the premises was also EZ.”
Middle-ranking comments
Those in our poll’s middle category tended to acknowledge both the positives and drawbacks.
Randolph B. commented, “It’s okay, but not what it is hyped up to be. It is not my first pick of stops pulling my travel trailer just because it can be difficult to deal with the crowded parking and gas pumps.”
Gary W. said, “Great bathrooms, and it’s a good spot for my Corvette club to meet up before going on a cruise. But I don’t need all the merch, and it’s not top tier gas, so no thanks.”
Lower-ranking comments
Lower-rated responses reveal a different Buc-ee’s experience entirely.
Crowds came up repeatedly, with J. Shidel commenting, “After sitting in traffic for over 20 minutes just trying to get into one with our 25′ motorhome, we turned around and left. This was our first attempted visit, and it was in a shoulder season.”
Jay weighed in with: “Buc-ee’s has never been a bargain for us, and we have one in our town. We can always do better elsewhere. They are not set up for the fueling of large vehicles such as RVs. We have a diesel MH and only use truck stops when possible.”
Cindy added, “No RV parking, 99% of the food inside is filled with additives and chemicals, they treat their employees like dirt. Fuel is usually cheaper, but not worth the zoo. Their bathrooms are very clean, but I prefer to use my own.”
Divided opinions
The comments mirror the poll results almost perfectly. RVers who value clean facilities, lots of fuel pumps, and a one-stop-shop experience tend to rate Buc-ee’s highly. Those who prioritize a quieter, quicker stop often fall into the neutral or negative categories.
What this means for you
The biggest takeaway from our poll is that Buc-ee’s is a highly personal experience. Nearly half of RVers rate it very positively, but a meaningful percentage remain unimpressed or avoid it entirely.
RacerRandy wrote, “I’m surprised that Buc-cee’s has received national media attention for not addressing 90 customer complaints from the BBB over a multiple-year period. Considering that the number of customers visiting all Buc-cee’s is estimated at close to 100 million annually, I’d say that Buc-cee’s is doing a darned good job.”
Your choice
If you’re traveling with a smaller rig and appreciate numerous fueling areas and clean facilities, Buc-ee’s may feel like a welcome break. If you prefer low-key stops with minimal crowds, it may not match your travel style.
The poll doesn’t declare a winner—it simply reflects the diversity of RV travel preferences. Most of us know that Buc-ee’s isn’t just a stop, it’s an experience. Whether that experience works for you depends on what you value most on the road.
This article was originally published in 2022, but it has so many wonderful campgrounds that we thought we’d feature it again. We have checked all featured campgrounds and made sure they are still open. However, prices mentioned are likely out of date. Updated March 2026.
By Cheri Sicard
We asked our RVtravel.com readers, “What is the best city or county campground you have ever stayed in and why?”
We realize that when it comes to the topic of public campgrounds, the national parks get the most publicity, followed closely by many amazing state parks throughout the country. But we also know there are many municipal campgrounds run by counties and cities that are just as nice or even better.
Understandably, some of you did not want to share. For instance, Lorelei J. wrote, “It wouldn’t be a favorite if everyone knew about it.”
For those who did share, to make this compilation most useful, we divided your recommendations alphabetically by state, then by city or town within that state. I included the name of the reader who sent in the recommendation below each entry.
As I did when we compiled our readers’ recommendations for their favorite burgers from Mom and Pop joints, I discounted any entries that merely gave the name and location of the campground, as this was a multiple-part question. We also wanted to know WHY you liked the campground so much.
A number of people submitted commercial campground recommendations. These may be nice, but that was not what we were asking about this time, so those have not been included here. Ditto state and national parks. Again, the purpose of this compilation is to focus on city and county campgrounds.
Winners of the best municipal campgrounds
We usually do not expect clear winners in these types of polls. That’s because RVtravel.com readers are spread out all over the place. Nonetheless, two campgrounds did garner more than one vote in this poll and both were in the state of Florida!
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a city RV park in Jacksonville, FL, within easy walking distance of the beach garnered two recommendations.
RVtravel.com readers’ favorite municipal campgrounds
Arizona
Usery Park, Mesa, AZ
Mesa
By far the best county park that we stayed in is Usery Park in Mesa, AZ. They have water and electric hookups with an available dump station. The fee is very reasonable and the hiking is fantastic! —Dennis V.
California
Lompoc
Jalama Beach County Park offers INCREDIBLE camping right at the ocean’s edge. There’s hiking and tidepools nearby, as well as surfing and swimming. The only downside is it can get mighty windy here, which can present major challenges for outdoor cooking. Otherwise, this is one of my all-time favorite camping spots. —Me (Cheri)
Florida
Jacksonville
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a city park in Jacksonville that is close to the ocean and has spacious and private sites. However, pay close attention to the space sizes on the map when reserving or registering because some spaces will not accommodate a larger rig. —Karen G.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is our first choice. Full hookups, good cell and TV reception, and an easy walk to the beach. We were in a 40-footer and it was tight. The sites are somewhat secluded. No concrete, limited gravel, and lots of sand. —Scott M.
Lake Worth
John Prince County Park and Campground offers great sites, lakefront views, and FIVE of the largest and nicest dog parks we have ever seen. We’re excited to get there again in January. —Todd B.
Tierra Verde
Fort DeSoto Park is a county park with 238 sites, electric and water, no sewer, but conveniently placed dump stations. The sites are wide and very private. Lots of screening vegetation. Many sites are waterfront. One section of the campground is reserved for people with their pets, two sections are no pets. World-class beaches are within biking distance. WiFi and even cell service is sketchy, which is surprising given that the park is just outside an urban area. There is a kayak rental nearby, and a Google search will give you the website of a guy who will deliver kayaks to your waterfront site. It’s awesome. —Maggie O.
Fort DeSoto County Campground is impossible to get into if you have a dog because they have three loops, only one of which allows dogs and one of which is for people with small campers. But if you can get in, it’s near the ocean and they have spacious and private sites. —Karen G.
Georgia
Brunswick
Blythe County Campground is very close to St. Simon and Jekyll Island. It’s a beautiful park with rabbits all over. They are so tame they will come right up to you and eat carrots. The Island was owned by a private party and the family had rabbits and when they gifted the Island to the county one of the stipulations was the rabbits had to stay. —Monica P.
Carrollton
The best county park campground hands down is Little Tallapoosa Park. There are separate campgrounds for horse campers, RV campers, and tent/popup/van campers. Camp host on duty. Bike trails, hiking trails, horse trails, oh my! —Shirley D.
Idaho
Idaho Falls
One of the best campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at regardless of type was Juniper County Campgrounds just outside of Idaho Falls. We were lucky to find it after having to be evacuated from Yellowstone with 500-year record rains. Full hookups, 50-amps, $30 nightly, self-check-in with a campground host on duty. —Lonewolf
Iowa
Decorah
Pulpit Rock Campgroundis run by the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department. There are tent sites as well as RV sites. Hookups are electric only, but there’s potable water and a dump station. There is a trout stream running through the middle of the campground which provides a great respite from the summer heat. The town of Decorah is an easy bike ride or drive from the campground and there’s a lot to do in the surrounding area—this is part of the “driftless” region of NE Iowa and SE Wisconsin. Very hilly with lots of rivers and streams. Beautiful country! —Andrea S.
Mason City
Margret MacNider Park in Mason City is a very nice park with a convenient location and a tornado shelter. Be sure to visit the nearby Surf Ballroom, too. —Theodore F.
Kansas
Ellis
Ellis Lakeside Campground sits on the banks of a creek with water and electric hookups. It’s affordable ($18 the last time we were there). For us, it’s a great stopping point after a day of driving, going from west Missouri to west Colorado. You can fish the creek or just sit and enjoy the sounds of the area. —Russ W.
Sterling Lake
The Sterling Lake city campground offers full hookups, nice walking trails, a pond for fishing, and a swimming pool. When we stayed, it was $10 a night. I think it’s $25 now. —Mike H.
Louisiana
Morgan City
We’ve only stayed in one city or county RV park to date, so my answer is Lake End Park, in Morgan City. The price ($20-$40 night) is reasonable for full hookups. The park is close to many amenities and less than an hour from New Orleans (if that’s your jam). There’s a small beach, a playground, a marina, fishing areas, boat launch, cabins, and a walking/biking path on the property. —Thomas Hodge
Au Gres Riverfront campground is in the tiny town of Au Gres along U.S. 23, a mile or so from Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron in northeast Michigan. It has exceptionally clean bathrooms, nice sites, the vacation twin towns of East Tawas/Tawas City are up the road, as is the Au Sable River National Scenic Byway. You can fish for walleye from the state boat launch. The town is small but great for biking or walking to the store. —Bill S.
Escanaba
OB Fuller Park is in Delta County on the Upper Peninsula in MI. It is located on a beach overlooking Lake Michigan. It has a bathhouse, dump station and electric. The best time of year to visit is summer – June, July, and August. —Louis M.
Nebraska
Sioux City
We stayed at Scenic Park Campground in South Sioux City several years ago. The campground was well kept and the showers were very clean. The campground is on the Missouri river across from Sioux City, Iowa. There were softball fields next to the campground, so after a long day of traveling, we went to watch a softball game. We had a spacious lot right on the river. We will stay there again if we are in the area. —Tracy H.
New York
Watkins Glen
Clute Park Memorial Campground in Watkins Glen is a great city park. The best time to visit is summer, but not when the Wine Festival or NASCAR racing is going on. The lake is across the road and you can walk to town. Full hookups with 50 amps and Wi-Fi included. Excellent cell service on Verizon. Manned office on-site open during business hours. Pull-through big rig sites and less than a mile to Watkins Glen State Park. You are in the Finger Lakes wine area. It’s a little pricey at $95+ a day, but it is not a resort-type RV park. I like it that way. —James R.
North Carolina
High Point
Oak Hollow Family Campground in High Point, NC, ranks as the best city-owned campground I’ve been to. It lies on Oak Hollow Lake and has few amenities, but many of the sites provide an excellent water view for a very reasonable price. There is a city golf course adjacent to the park. It has a small pool, a large picnic hut, and two large bathhouses. Though it is in High Point, it is secluded from traffic noises. —Martin N.
North Dakota
Grand Rapids
My wife and I stopped in LaMoure, ND, on our 9,000-mile trip around the country in 2017 to visit old friends. We stayed at the LaMoure County Memorial park just north of Grand Rapids, ND, in our 39′ class A RV for approximately four days, and we were very pleasantly surprised. We were one of maybe three campers staying in the park, the other campers being tent campers. The park had a number of amenities such as an auditorium, a museum, a nine-hole golf course, a baseball field, a basketball court, a volleyball net, playground equipment, a kitchen/dining hall, a canteen, bunkhouse-style cabins, and a pleasant setting along the winding James River. Certainly not what we expected in the wilds of ND. —Jim F.
Oregon
Prineville
Crook County RV Park in Prineville has better facilities than most commercial RV parks, including all pull-thru sites with full hookups. It’s close to downtown and all the amenities the town offers. Beautifully maintained. —Jon Y.
South Dakota
Spearfish
Spearfish Campground is a city campground in Spearfish, SD. It offers full hookups and beautiful grounds, but the best part is the close proximity to the spectacular Spearfish Canyon! —R V.H.
Texas
Riviera
SeaWind RV Resort is a county park owned by Kleberg County. The address is in Riviera, Texas, but the closest decent grocery shopping is in Kingsville, 25 miles away. It is primarily a snowbird park for winter Texans. It is on the west side (inland side) of Baffin Bay. The county day-use area with a fishing dock is right next door. In the winter months, they are booked pretty solid with snowbirds on monthly stays, but they are also a Passport America member for transient stays. This is a large park with 150+ sites and all are well-spaced with ample room for large multi-slide units. The sites are landscaped nicely with lots of trees and flowers. —Richard D.
Seminole
One of the best county parks I’ve ever camped in is Gaines County Park on US 385 in Texas, between Seminole and Seagraves. GPS Coordinates: 32.8299818 -102.6418878. Rate $15. My family and friends group had two reunions there and I thought it was great, but maybe I’m a little prejudiced because I grew up near there! It has a nice clubhouse with a large kitchen and restrooms, a playground for kids and a golf course! —Glenda A.
Washington
Flowing Lake County Park is just a few minutes away from the lovely antiquing town, Snohomish, WA. Despite it being so close to town, the campground at Flowing Lake feels like it should be a National Park campground—the sites are huge and you’re surrounded by beautiful pines. You can hardly see a neighbor on any side. The lake is beautiful and has plenty of fishing and swimming options. —Emma H.
Wisconsin
Dorchester
Dorchester City RV Park and Campground is quiet and peaceful and sits in the middle of Wisconsin’s dairy land. The park and campground is about a half-mile square with an L-shaped pond with a one-mile walking path around it. There are about 20 full-hookup sites and 20 electric with water sites scattered among shade trees, well spaced apart. The cost of camping is low, about 18 to 22 dollars a day, depending on length of stay. The city has basic amenities and is within five miles of all the amenities any camper could want. Best nearby are cheese shops and a shop with 18 flavors of ice cream that comes in cups and cones. To sum it all up would be the words: green, trees, grass, farms, corn fields, and pastures. —Peter N.
La Pointe
Big Bay Town Park, the smaller cousin to Big Bay State Park, on Madeleine Island, is a wonderfully clean—and usually not crowded—campground with good amenities and nicely tree-covered sites. I stopped by there once several years ago and enjoyed it so much I brought my wife with me to again visit last year. Still a great place, only a 10-minute walk to an absolutely fantastic beach on the shore of Lake Superior. Also good fishing from the shore. Just a really nice, quiet place! —Walt B.
Can you add to this list? Add your favorite places in the comments below (if you’re willing to share).
Learn more about city and town park camping
In most cases, camping in city and town parks costs less than nearby private or other better-known public camping areas. In many cases, the overnight fee is $10 or less, with many sites still free. Some even include free or inexpensive utility hookups. Now, our friends at Roundabout Publications along with The Ultimate Campgrounds Project have published a directory of these under-publicized parks. The first edition of its “Camping in America’s City & Town Parks” is now available. Continue reading about this great resource.
I just love the ingenuity of RVers. When we discover a problem, we set about fixing it.
A quick perusal of a favorite Facebook group recently netted several great tips! Take a look and see if you agree that these five fantastic tips solve common RV problems!
Underbed storage
Facebook poster Zona Nyaman took an old dresser and refashioned it to fit under her bed for easily accessible storage space.
After measuring carefully, she cut off the dresser’s legs, sanded, and then painted the piece. It fits perfectly under her bed. What a great idea! So much easier to retrieve items stored under the bed. Here’s her photo from Facebook.
Photo credit: Zona Nyaman
Pool noodle comfort
Another RVer (Harris Parker) cut a pool noodle to the width of his outdoor camp chair. Then he sliced the pool noodle to fit over the footrest bar. Looks really comfy to me! Here’s a photo of his tip.
Photo credit: Harris Parker
Travel day tip
Another savvy RVer, Chi Man, offered a tip for travel days. Seems like all of us store things under the dining table for travel, but, as we all know, it’s frustrating when things tip over.
A couple of eye hooks and a bungee cord solved this issue. This tip will hold items in place even on bumpy roadways. Here’s a Facebook photo by Chi Man.
Photo credit: Chi Man
No more splatter/streaks
David Hugnes fastened an alligator clip and a jack chain to the end of his RV roof gutter. Now the rain follows the chain down to the ground, and he experiences no splattering or streaking.
This photo explains Dave’s idea.
Photo credit: David Hugnes
Protect and cover
This simple trick will prevent gutter spouts from puncturing your winter RV cover. Carefully use a box cutter to cut an “x” on a tennis ball. Then push a prepared ball(s) over each spout before you install the RV cover. The tennis balls will protect the cover, and you won’t find any puncture holes. Nathan E. Light cheekily adds, “Saves on duct tape, too.”
Here’s his photo.
Photo credit: Nathan E. Light
Do you have a clever idea/tip to share? Do so using the comment section below, please. Thanks!
Calling all cowpokes! Hitch up yer britches, saddle yer RV, and git yerself to Texas. I don’t wanna hear no bellyachin’ cause I’m fixin’ to tell y’all about eight things you ken do for free while yer there.
Even if you’re not a cowpoke, you will appreciate this mix of Dallas-Fort Worth downtown green spaces, public art, free museums, and classic Texas sights. All for free!
Klyde Warren Park
This downtown spot is made for people-watching. There are often free programs and exhibits, too. And did I mention the food trucks? Yum!
This deck park is built over Woodall Rodgers Freeway. It’s part green lawn, part pop-up city square. It runs a huge roster of free events, including fitness classes, concerts, movie nights, and seasonal signature events. There’s shaded seating where you can enjoy classic Texan food truck fare.
Klyde Warren Park is perfect for a relaxed evening after you park the rig at a nearby campground. Check the park calendar before you go to catch a free concert or movie.
DFW Car & Toy Museum (Fort Worth)
Photo credit: DFW Car/Toy Museum
This beloved museum in Fort Worth displays hundreds of vehicles for the car buff in your life. There is also an enormous toy collection, and the museum is dog-friendly. TripAdvisor rated the DFW Car & Toy Museum the #1 spot to visit in Fort Worth! It’s a great rainy- or hot-day option, and it’s free!
Deep Ellum street art
Art Garden rendering by Jerod Davies
Deep Ellumis a constantly changing, open-air mural museum. Blocks of bold, large-scale street art and smaller alleyway murals give you a great self-guided walk. There are lots of photo ops and nearby breweries/restaurants if you want to linger.
Fort Worth Stockyards
Photo credit: Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is free to walk around, but don’t miss the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive. This longhorn parade happens twice a day and is a classic Texas experience you can watch for free. The area features Western storefronts, live music, and a fun walk for grownups who like history and good people-watching.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Photo credit: josh.bainbridge
This downtown Fort Worth landmark is free to enter and offers dramatic water features that make a surprisingly peaceful urban stop. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are right by the convention center and easy to combine with a Stockyards visit or Fort Worth downtown loop.
White Rock Lake
For a low-key outdoor day, White Rock Lake offers miles of paved trails for walking and biking. There are also scenic picnic spots, great fishing opportunities, and dazzling sunset photo ops over the water. It’s a nice natural break from the city and has plenty of nearby parking if you want to shuttle from an RV parking area.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) offers free general admission to its permanent collection and also runs monthly free-access programs (DMA FREE First Sundays/Access for All) that let you see rotating exhibitions at no cost on scheduled days. The museum is a great rainy-day option for art lovers. Advance ticket/reservation details are on the museum site.
RV campgrounds near DFW
• Cedar Hill State Park is a state park with a large, developed campground. There are many lots with full-hookup sites (many 30/50-amp). You’ll also discover miles of trails, shoreline access, and big shaded sites. The park’s camping facilities and reservations are managed through Texas State Parks/ReserveAmerica, and the park is listed as open year-round. Good choice if you want a nature base within easy reach of Dallas attractions.
• Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers big-tree shade and lies north of DFW. RVers report multiple RV loops with 30/50-amp sites, lakeside spots for fishing/boating, and large wooded campsites that feel more rural than city parks. The park is popular on summer weekends, so reserve ahead.
• Dallas / Arlington KOA Holiday is also open year-round and is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth. The park is big-rig friendly with pull-throughs, 50-amp hookups, gated security, and RV-oriented services. This KOA is convenient when you want to be close to both cities without fighting downtown parking.
Quick RV tips
Plan where you’ll park before you go. Many downtown spots have metered lots or private garages that will accommodate tow vehicles, but big RVs are best left back at the campground.
For state-park camping (Cedar Hill, Ray Roberts), reserve sites early for holiday weekends.
Check museum/event calendars for free-program dates and always verify attraction hours and any temporary closures.
Don’t forget to pack your cowboy hat and boots!
Do you have a favorite, free activity or place to visit in DFW? Tell us in the comments below.
By Cheri Sicard
Our favorite campfire cooking expert, Cowboy Kent Rollins, produced the video below to teach the world how to make cowboy coffee.
Besides simply showing us how to make cowboy coffee, Kent goes into all his tips and tricks to make what he says is “the smoothest cup of coffee around.”
Kent says this coffee has health benefits, especially for those who say coffee exacerbates their acid reflux disorder and causes stomach issues. Kent says if you cook this coffee right, it’s low acid and smoooooth!
He also busts some often-repeated myths about cowboy coffee, such as it’s too dark, too stout, or too burnt. Kent says cowboy coffee is NONE of those things, providing you make it correctly.
You will need a well-seasoned coffee pot, and Kent has a separate videoabout how to season your coffee pot for great flavor.
More details Kent covers in the video:
• Cooking times for different grinds
• Cowboy coffee amounts and ratios
• Tips for buying vintage coffee pots
• How long to boil the coffee
• How long to steep the coffee after boiling
• How to strain and serve the coffee
• How to keep your campfire coffee pot clean
• What to do with leftover brewed coffee
• Tips for making cowboy coffee at home
I have long since lost count of the campers and RVers I have met who lovingly rhapsodize over their fond memories of cowboy coffee. I am not sure why these folks act like campfire coffee is a fond memory that has to stay lost to the mists of time. You can still make this great coffee today. Watch the video, and Cowboy Kent will show you how.
Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to not have to share a bathroom with your partner or travel companion? We can dream of a whole bathroom to ourselves! No knocking, no extra hair that’s not ours, no mystery products crowding the counter, no waiting your turn when you just want to brush your teeth and be done with it.
Think about what your dream RV would look like. Would it have one bathroom or more than one? Would it not have a bathroom at all? It’s not uncommon anymore for an RV to have more than one bathroom. So, hey, maybe your dream will come true with your next RV!
For some of you, one bathroom is perfectly fine. You’ve made it work for years, and it’s just part of the rhythm of RV life. A little coordination, a little patience, and maybe a “heads up” before someone jumps in the shower—and everything runs smoothly.
Others, though, have started to see the appeal of a second bathroom. Larger fifth wheels and motorhomes now offer half-baths, rear baths, or even dual full bathrooms in some models. That extra bathroom comes in handy for bigger families or when you host guests.
And then there are the trade-offs. More bathroom space usually means less room somewhere else—storage, living area, or kitchen space. RV design is always about balance, and what feels like a must-have to one person might feel unnecessary to another.
Of course, some of you may not care about the RV bathroom much at all. If you tend to stay in campgrounds with clean facilities, you might prefer using those instead, saving your onboard bathroom for quick stops or nighttime use only.
So what about you? In your ideal RV setup, would you want one bathroom, two, or none at all? Go ahead and weigh in—and feel free to describe your dream layout. Thanks!
LIKE TAKING POLLS? So do we! Did you know we’ve run more than 5,000 polls on our website over the years? Check ’em out! Have fun!
This 1963 Ford F250 with a Del Rey Sky Lounge camper feels like a full-on time capsule from early 1960s camping. In the video at the end of this post, Doug from MaxMotivegives us a tour of a truck camper that’s hard to find today, and he points out how well it presents from top to bottom.
For anyone who likes vintage trucks, classic RV details, or both, this rig stands out for its condition, its clever layout, and the unusual Sky Lounge perch above the cab. The full details and extra photos are posted on the 1963 Ford F250 Pickup Camper listing at MAXmotive. Yep, that’s right. This unique rig is for sale.
The truck wears a bright red exterior, and the camper sits neatly in the bed as a matched setup. Doug notes a small dent on the camper’s top right corner. But aside from that, it presents as a clean, well-kept vintage unit.
One big change helps explain why the truck can handle the camper confidently. The 1963 body sits on a 1977 Ford F250 frame, added for extra support and strength for hauling. It’s the kind of update that stays mostly invisible until the truck is used the way it was meant to be used.
This F250 rides on 16-inch wheels and runs lock-in/lock-out hubs up front. It’s wrapped in Grabber tires, and Doug calls out the tread as having plenty of life left.
The Del Rey camper mounts in the bed and attaches to the truck. It’s not presented as a permanent fixture, either. Doug explains that the parts are included to set the camper down, which makes storage simpler and turns the truck back into a pickup when needed.
Inside the cab: broken-in, functional, and honest
Inside, the cab has a weather-worn look that fits the truck’s age. It keeps a bench seat in a cream color, and Doug notes the stereo works. A four-wheel-drive shifter sits on the floor, and there are extra gauges, including a Sunpro RPM gauge, plus oil temp and battery gauges.
Doug also points out that the dash metal looks great, with no scratches or dents, and the body appears solid with no rust being hidden. Mileage sits at just over 90,500 miles, and he describes it as still ticking like a clock.
Under the hood sits a 460 cubic inch V8 engine. Doug frames it as reliable power that can handle hauling the camper or hauling other loads once the camper is set down.
When he starts it, it fires up without drama, and he notes it didn’t need gas pedal pumping to catch. Another thoughtful touch is the exhaust, which exits in front of the rear wheel. That keeps exhaust from drifting toward the camper door area.
Inside the Del Rey Sky Lounge: real wood and real camping features
Doug calls this camper the top of the Del Rey lineup from the early 1960s, and the equipment list backs that up. The kitchen includes a sink, lots of cabinet space, a three-burner stove, an oven, and a refrigerator for keeping food cold on overnight trips.
There’s also a compact all-in-one bathroom with a toilet and shower space, plus a rod for a curtain. An HVAC system is mentioned as part of the setup. Down below, the dinette table stores up high, then attaches to the wall for meals, and the area converts into a bed. Another sleeping area sits nearby.
The signature feature is the Sky Lounge itself, a raised sleeping and viewing space with a panoramic feel.
Doug highlights the real wood paneling throughout and notes it’s in impressive shape for its age. Two extra tables are included, and one has three legs so it can be used outside.
This 1963 Ford F250 and Del Rey Sky Lounge camper combo stands out because it’s complete, thoughtfully set up, and still presents well decades later. It mixes old-school materials, like real wood paneling, with practical details, like a removable camper and forward-exit exhaust.
For anyone hunting something genuinely different in the truck camper world, Doug encourages reaching out to a MaxMotive sales representative.
If you think the National Park Service (NPS) is only about the big-name national parks, think again. The NPS manages hundreds of different places. Yes, hundreds! [The System is the places; the Service is the people/agency.]
In fact, the National Park System is an all-you-can-see buffet of experiences. RVers can swap one mega-park day for a handful of diverse NPS stops. Enjoy a morning paddle, an afternoon at a battlefield museum, and a sunset at a lakeshore, all without long lines or delays. There’s everything from seaside coastlines to battlefields, historic homes, scenic parkways, long-distance trails, and even urban cultural sites.
The National Park Service lists 433 official units and notes that those units span more than 85 million acres across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Wow!
“Official unit”
An official unit is any site that the NPS is charged with managing or partnering to protect and interpret. We commonly call them parks, but “park” is only one of many naming types.
Units vary in size, access, fees, and what you can do there. Some are huge wild landscapes with long, rough roads. Others are small downtown museums with great exhibits and convenient parking for a short stop.
The variety means you can fit visits to NPS sites into every kind of RV trip, whether it’s a long backcountry loop, a weekend of historic sites, or a slow coastal drive with overnight stops.
Different kinds of NPS places
433 official units are a lot of places! You may be familiar with some, but this list might surprise you.
National parks
These are the headline-grabbers that offer RVers big landscapes, iconic hikes, and often popular campgrounds.
National monuments
Monuments can be natural wonders, cultural, or archaeologically protected places. Often, National Monuments are less crowded and more RV-accessible than a park.
NPS photo
National historic parks and national historic sites
History buffs love the battlefields, home sites, and industrial heritage areas that tell the stories that helped shape our nation.
National seashores and national lakeshores
Here you’ll discover coastlines and shorelines with beach access, fishing, boating, and nearby campgrounds to enjoy.
Rivers, recreation areas, and scenic trails
Paddlers, anglers, long-distance hikers, or RVers who want scenic drives and places to launch boats will love these National Park Service areas.
NPS photo
Parkways and scenic roads
These offer long, beautiful drives (many of them managed by NPS) that are perfect for RV touring, even if you don’t stop and camp.
National memorials and battlefields
You can schedule short stops at many of these spots to enjoy a more intensive historical experience.
There are other specialized designations, too. The NPS uses many names to reflect how a place is protected and used. If one type doesn’t fit your travel style, another probably will.
RV trip ideas
• If you’re into birding, search for seashores, lakeshores, and river units that host migratory stopovers and marshes.
• If you fish or boat, look for recreation areas and lakeshores that list boat launches, fishable waters, or river access.
• If you’re a history buff, put together a route of national historic parks, historic sites, and battlefields to create thematic drives with short interpretive stops.
• If you love long hikes and backcountry, look beyond the famous parks to national preserves, trails, and larger historical parks that offer less-crowded trailheads.
• If you like scenic drives and photography, plan days around parkways and scenic roads managed by the NPS. They’re built for views and pullouts.
Each unit type hints at the on-the-ground experience. Reading a site’s official page will tell you about RV parking, road restrictions, campground size limits, and whether large rigs are practical.
Planning tools
For a searchable, planning-friendly roster, use NPS’s Find a Park tool. You can filter by state, activity, or feature to build your RV-friendly route. In addition, you can check site pages for camping, road, and permit details. That official NPS directory is the single best place to get accurate, up-to-date info.
For a quick, readable summary of naming types and the full roster of official units, Wikipedia compiles the NPS units and their designations. Use it as a cross-check, then follow through to the NPS site pages.
A few practical tips
• Check the individual site page for vehicle limits, reservation rules, and campground size constraints. Some historic sites and urban units have small lots or no overnight parking.
• Drive slowly on parkways and narrow park roads. Pullouts can be limited, and large rigs can be a challenge.
• If you’re after a quiet experience, consider lesser-known unit types. National historic parks, monuments, and recreation areas often see fewer crowds than the headline national parks.
• Use the NPS app or the Find a Park pages to confirm seasonal road closures, fees, or special permits before you arrive.
Which of the “non-parks” have you enjoyed the most while RVing? Tell us in the comments below.
Living the RV life should feel like freedom, but lately it’s been a bit of a struggle.
My husband awaits knee replacement surgery, and I’ve been on the hunt for tips, tricks, and gadgets that can help restore his joy of RVing and also keep us comfortable (and safe) as we RV.
Take a look to see what I’ve found so far; these gadgets will be especially helpful for RVing seniors.
Step handrail
Extended RV entry handrail. Amazon image
A telescoping or clamp-on handrail gives extra grip for entering and exiting the RV with confidence. These rails vary in style, with some that attach securely to your existing RV steps. Others are not permanent and fold up for travel.
If you’re in great health and actively RVing but want a little extra peace of mind, the Apple Watch SE fits naturally into life on the road. It tracks heart rate and sleep patterns, and it can send alerts if something seems off. This is especially reassuring when you’re far from your regular doctor.
Apple Watch. Best Buy image
Built-in safety tools like fall detection, crash detection, and Emergency SOS mean help can be contacted quickly if something goes wrong. No matter where you explore—on the trails, inside museums, or even driving—the Apple Watch is a good companion to have.
With GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity, the watch lets you send texts or make calls without digging for your phone. It makes it easier to stay connected no matter where you roam. Add in activity tracking, plus the ability to customize bands and faces, and it becomes a practical, everyday companion that supports both independence and safety while RVing.
I think my husband will need one of these.
Swivel seat cushion
A simple swivel seat is a great addition in an RV’s tight spaces. A cushion that rotates 360° lets you turn toward a table or easily exit your driver’s seat without twisting joints or pulling muscles. Search for “360° swivel seat cushion” to find models that fit RV chairs or driver seats.
Keeping floors clean in an RV can seem impossible. A robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba, or others like it, takes that chore off your plate by handling daily messes on its own.
iRobot vacuum. Amazon image
Automatic vacuums are designed to pick up everything from fine dust to pet hair. It moves smoothly between hard flooring and the low-pile carpet on RV slides. Using a simple phone app, you can start a cleaning session or set a routine that runs while you’re out hiking or sightseeing.
Built-in sensors guide it around furniture, walls, and steps, so it doesn’t tumble off the stairs to the bedroom or get stuck in corners. When the battery runs low, it automatically heads back to its charging base.
Finally, a robot vacuum takes on the big job of keeping your RV floors clean, and its small size requires very little storage space compared to a full-size vacuum.
Imagine never having to vacuum again? How nice!
Vehicle support handle
The Valorcielo Auto Cane Portable Vehicle Support Handle can make a big difference for RVers who need extra stability when getting in and out of a vehicle. Designed to slide directly into the U-shaped door latch found on most cars, trucks, and RVs, it creates a solid handhold right where you need it. There’s no installation, no tools, and no learning curve, which is ideal for travelers who want simple, reliable gear.
Vehicle support handle. Amazon image
The handle is made from anodized aluminum with a rubberized, non-slip grip. The sturdy, textured grip helps prevent slipping in wet or cold conditions. With a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, it provides dependable support for those recovering from injuries/surgery or anyone dealing with balance or joint issues.
I especially like the fact that the handle is lightweight and easy to store. It’s a small, affordable accessory that can add confidence, safety, and independence on the road. We will definitely be installing these.
How about you?
Have you discovered additional gadgets that make RVing easier and safer? Please share them using the comments below.
If you’ve ever had to wait weeks—or even months—for RV repairs, you’ve already felt the impact of one of the biggest problems in the RV industry: There are simply not enough qualified RV technicians.
At California RV Specialists, we see this every day. The demand for RV service continues to grow, but the number of trained technicians has not kept up.
The reality behind the RV technician shortage
The RV industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with millions of RVs on the road today. But the number of technicians available to service them has not kept pace.
• There are only about 17,000 RV service technicians in the U.S.
• The industry estimates it needs at least 20% more technicians just to meet current demand.
At the same time:
• Many experienced technicians are aging out of the workforce.
• Fewer people are entering skilled trades like RV repair.
• RV systems are becoming more complex and harder to diagnose.
The result? Long wait times, delayed repairs, and frustrated RV owners.
Why it is getting worse
This shortage didn’t happen overnight, and it’s not slowing down.
More RVs on the road
With millions of RVs in use and continued strong sales over the years, the number of units needing service keeps growing.
Skilled trades gap
Like many industries, fewer people are entering hands-on trades. Many are pushed toward traditional college paths instead of technical careers.
Complex systems
Today’s RVs include:
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Slide-out mechanisms
• Electronics and smart systems
Technicians need to understand multiple trades in one role, which makes training more difficult.
Dealership overload
Dealerships are often overwhelmed with:
• Warranty work
• Customer-pay repairs
• Pre-delivery inspections
• These create long service backlogs.
How this impacts RV owners
This shortage directly affects RV owners in several ways:
• Long wait times for service appointments
• Delays in warranty repairs
• Limited access to experienced technicians
• Increased repair costs in some areas
Why independent RV shops are more important than ever
Because of the technician shortage, independent repair facilities are playing a bigger role in the industry.
At California RV Specialists, we are part of that solution. We are not a dealership—we are a dedicated repair and service facility focused on helping RV owners maintain and repair what they already own.
How California RV Specialists is making a difference
We’re not just talking about the problem—we’re actively working to be part of the solution.
Training and development
We invest in:
• Training technicians
• Mentoring apprentices
• Building real-world experience in the shop
• Creating career opportunities
We are actively hiring and developing roles such as:
• RV technicians
• Technician apprentices
• Hitch and towing technicians
• Service advisors
• General shop support staff
We believe the RV industry needs long-term career paths.
Real-world experience over theory
RV repair is not something you learn overnight. Our team works hands-on daily with:
• Slide-outs
• Roof systems
• Suspension
• Electrical and plumbing systems
This real-world experience helps build true technicians—not just parts replacers.
As I was looking at my calendar, I realized how many RV shows there are. In fact, our local community near Albuquerque is having a show that I plan to attend this weekend at the local shopping mall. This made me realize that a lot of people, including those who read RVtravel.com, are going to be shopping for RVs.
And, like with so many shiny objects, some people are going to surprise themselves by coming home with a contract for a new rig. Perhaps you already did—congratulations… I hope?
I was sitting here thinking about the weekend’s RV show and wondering what it would be like to be a normal person attending one. What can I arm myself with to make a better decision?
So that gave me the inspiration to write this: 10 things you need to know before attending an RV show.
Oh, and something else to be aware of: If you find a floor plan that you really, really like, know that any popular floor plan is going to be duplicated by other RV builders. The nuances between one and the next can make a difference in your overall experience. A bigger cabinet here or more space there can affect your long-term happiness with a floor plan, so look at the competition before you make a final decision.
What you’ll want to have with you
One of the most obvious things you’ll want to have with you is a way to take notes and jog your memory. Since we’re all different, I won’t tell you how to do this, but have a way of capturing features, floor plans, or brands that you like.
What works for me is if I find a floor plan I really like, the first photo I take is of the floor plan illustration or maybe the model number on the outside. Then all the subsequent photos are going to be of that floor plan. Don’t forget the data plate, especially if you’re towing. That way, you’ll know if your Ford Maverick can actually tow that fifth wheel (it can’t).
Shop your dealership first
One of the most important things that I try to share with people is that your RV dealership is going to make a huge difference in your overall RV experience. Almost invariably, you will need service over time, including the likelihood that you’ll need warranty service.
A question I would ask of someone is how many service bays the dealership has versus how many RVs they sell in a month. There’s not a hard and fast number, but if your BS detector goes off when you hear the answer, perhaps it’s time to move to the next display.
One of the hard factors that you can ask someone trying to sell you an RV is what their Repair Event Cycle Time (RECT) is. This is a well-known industry reference and essentially describes how long they average between someone bringing in their RV and then when they get that RV back.
How well is the RV prepped?
Also, ask to see what their pre-delivery process is for an RV. Many of them will have a checklist or worksheet that they go by, and that’s what I’d look at. Then, also ask if they have a fee for the pre-delivery inspection and how much that is, or if it’s included in the price. I’ve heard some larger chains charge more than $1,000 for this, and some up to $3,000. That’s nuts, to me.
Ask what their fees and charges are. I’ve talked about delivery of RVs in the past, and it’s a legitimate cost that RV dealers actually pay, but that doesn’t mean they’re not padding it.
Let’s be honest. Many of the RVs at RV shows will have some loose or damaged items because some attendees are not nice. But if you see clear signs that nobody was paying attention before that RV got put on display, this is a bad sign to me. This should be the dealership putting its best foot forward.
Start at the road and work your way up
What comes with the purchase?
I have already talked fees, but what are you getting with the RV? If it’s a towable (travel trailer, fifth wheel), the dealership is likely going to include a battery. But, typically, these are the lousiest lead-acid batteries they can get.
Also, are you getting hoses or anything else with the purchase? Will the dealership help match your hitch to your trailer if it’s a towable?
Of course, some RVs, particularly motorized rigs, come with batteries from the factories. However, almost no towables do, except those that are equipped with better power packages. But if you’re getting a modern towable RV, make sure the dealership is installing a lithium battery already. Those lead acid anchors that they’re still using are mostly worthless, especially with a modern 12-volt fridge.
Yes, I do think it’s fair that they charge an upcharge for a lithium battery as long as it’s a reasonable upcharge. You can now get decent lithium RV batteries for under $300, unless you’re buying a brand like Battle Born. But I think they’ve sabotaged their reputation at this point, and I don’t see the point of buying that brand any longer.
Know what you can tow
Don’t believe anything that almost any dealership employee will tell you about towing. They usually don’t know, and there’s really no industry source to learn this information. Some friends and I put together a really good towing calculator and towing resource, so any trailer you buy should go through that first.
Heck, there are fifth wheels that are called “Half Ton” and “HT,” and you couldn’t pay me to tow a fifth wheel with a half ton truck (except the Casita). So, even the RV industry doesn’t really know what they’re talking about.
How much do you love your money?
There is so much more I could share with you all, including knowing your credit score and, potentially, already having a great relationship with a local credit union that does RV loans. The dealership may have a great financing program, but it’s good to know where you stand before the signatures start flying. In fact, I have an interview with an RV finance specialist that is worth a listen.
Don’t go inside before you know the numbers
Start underneath (You knew I’d write this!)
If you’ve read any of the RV reviews I’ve written here, at StressLess Camping, on RV Trader, or in Girl Camper Magazine, you probably know that I’m going to advocate starting at the road and working your way up.
Check out the brand of tire the rig has, what kind of suspension there is (most towables use cheap leaf springs), whether there is a tire pressure monitoring system, how many dump connections there are, and whether you can get to them with relative ease.
If you camp in colder climates, is the underbelly heated or just enclosed? Are there heating pads on the tanks?
Honestly, I would spend time shopping underneath the rigs before I ever went inside because we all can be swayed by beautiful-looking interiors.
Where is the RV going to live?
If you don’t already have an RV, do you know where this new one is going to reside when you’re not using it? I know more than a few people are surprised when their HOA tells them they can’t park their RV at their house, and they now have to budget in a bunch of additional monthly money for a storage facility. So, this is something I’d be aware of before going in.
Who’s camping with you?
One of the things I heard a lot when I was selling RVs was people wanting a bunk house because their children or grandchildren were going to go camping with them. I would ask how old the children were and if they had been camping before.
Oftentimes, these offspring might go once, but that’s about all they could tolerate. While I’d give anything to spend more time with my grandparents or parents today, when I was a tween and teen, they were the last people I’d want to be with. That’s just evolution.
So, be very honest when considering who’s going camping with you.
This is one of the reasons I love Ember’s flexible bunk system. You don’t have to trade the whole RV in if you realize that the bunks don’t work in your situation after all.
Pretend you’re camping
But, also, would you be happy just spending time around a campfire, and do you like playing games? Think about what you like to do and who you like to share that with when considering a floor plan.
Also, if you like to cook, will this kitchen work for you? If you don’t like to cook, is there too much priority given to the kitchen?
If you have hair (mine departed decades ago), can you wash your hair in the shower? Is there enough space to accomplish whatever tasks you have intended while visiting the bathroom, including the paperwork?
Final thoughts
The more you know and the more you’ve read here on RVtravel.com, the better situation you will likely be in. I would recommend going with your fellow decision maker only and leaving the people behind who aren’t going to be making the payments with you, at least at first.
Perhaps if you’ve narrowed down your search, you can go back later that day or the next day and revisit those choices.
As for whether you’re going to get a better deal at a show, that’s a big maybe. Sometimes RV companies will help subsidize some of the costs associated with the shows and may even have incentives they bring to help sweeten the deal, but this isn’t always the case. So some of the deals that are “show only” may, indeed, be show only, and some are just pressure tactics.
Overall, don your comfortable shoes, make sure your camera/phone is charged, and be prepared for battle. I love going to RV shows and wish there were more of them. But if you’re going to go to one, share your experience in the comments below. And happy shopping!
For today’s RV review, we’re going to dip back into the Alliance well with the 2026 Alliance Paradigm 312RK fifth wheel. I know that some of you dear readers are looking out your windows and wondering when camping season is going to start, but, honestly, we’ve been camping since the beginning of the year. Part of this adventure has been RVing Route 66 for its 100th Anniversary with a group of fellow RVers.
That has been a fun adventure, but all the people I tend to spend time with on the road typically have smaller travel trailers. In fact, my own Rockwood Mini Lite 2506FK is the largest of the group.
Sometimes I wish that someone would join the caravan with a larger RV. I started looking at what I wish one of our friends would buy, and came across this Alliance. This one is well set up for groups with a large L-shaped sofa and a dinette that can either be a table or a desk.
While the days have been pretty great on this Route 66 adventure (we’ve only gotten as far east as Albuquerque), the nights have been cold, so it would be nice to have a place to gather indoors. I think this might be a good solution.
But before I encourage any of my friends, or any of the people reading this, to buy any RV, you know the first place I’m going to direct you to is the underside of the RV.
In fact, we also got to tour another manufacturer’s facilities, and it was so clear how differently the two companies thought about things. I don’t mean to disparage that other brand, but leaf spring suspensions, PEX clamps on flex hoses for plumbing, no Azdel in the wall build, and small ovens… It was as if they weren’t even trying. Again, I’m not going to mention any names here, but their designs weren’t very grand at all. Ahem.
This Paradigm incorporates coil springs and shock absorbers as a real suspension should. They also reduce vibration and harshness entering the body of the fifth wheel itself. Add to that the Helux pin box, which also incorporates a coil spring and shock absorber, and you have a great combination.
A kitchen nicer than the one in some homes with residential-size appliances and a dishwasher
A spacious living room makes for great entertainment space
A clever drawer insert and nicely finished drawers in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
A great fifth wheel for those who like to entertain in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
A king or queen bed are choices in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
A usable dining nook with a table that can serve multiple purposes
Alliance Paradigm 312RK bedroom entry
Clever storage in the bathroom of the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
Solid surface counter tops and easy Starlink installation are highlights of the front closet in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
The dining table can be turned to face camp-side windows or optimized to seat four
Add to that anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, and balancing beads inside the tires, and you have the ideal chassis for a fifth wheel. The anti-lock braking system also incorporates a degree of sway control and has a provision to track mileage for maintenance. Also, the tires are Cooper H-rated.
Water system
Moving up a bit, Alliance has switched to a manifold water system inside the trailer, where every fixture features a home run to this manifold. If there is ever a leak at one fixture, you can simply and easily disable that fixture and keep on camping on.
Speaking of plumbing, this features a 12-gallon water heater that’s gas and electric. With all the RVs moving to the lousy gas-fired tankless water heaters, I like that Alliance has remained with this type of system—it’s better for boondocking and better for park camping.
Another thing I absolutely love is that the gate valves in this fifth wheel are power-operated rather than being cable-operated, which has been a source of poorly timed misfortune in so many fifth wheels. Something I’ve noticed is that Alliance labels things so clearly that even a blind old bat like me doesn’t need glasses to see what a switch does.
Oh, and speaking of switches, there are switches in the baggage compartment to operate the slides and awnings. You won’t have to download an app to enable any of the functions in an Alliance; they have clear, well-labeled, and often redundant physical switches to make stuff do its thing.
Living in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
There is a clear emotional divide between the main living room and the kitchen of this RV, although, of course, it’s essentially the same space.
But this RV features a large L-shaped sofa, which also incorporates a hide-a-bed function in it (you don’t have to tell anyone that that’s there). I’ve seen more and more RVs with these very large sofas, and that would be great on my adventures with friends.
Something that’s almost universal about these sofas, however, is that you have to do some serious finagling to get them to accommodate the slides coming in. Oftentimes I’ve seen how the extended portion of the couch has to be lifted or locked into place, and that alone would have me considering leaving it at home.
This one has a simple hinge with wheels on the bottom, which makes the difference between questioning my lifetime of laziness and just enjoying using the RV. Honestly, what good is a feature that encourages laziness and requires fitness when you have a simple hinge to do what you need to?
Another thing we’d all appreciate is the electric fireplace for those cooler nights.
Dinette
I also like the dinette in this, which can swivel so that it’s more of a desk facing the camp-side window or function as a four-person dinette. There’s an ottoman that forms two of the seating positions, and then two chairs that remind me of the seats in a 1980 Lamborghini, quite frankly.
Interestingly, Alliance is using three air conditioners in this rig instead of having two that utilize ducts to move air around. The two A/C units in the living room are “direct dump” type units, and then using a method to allow all three units to operate on a 50-amp service. This is actually more effective than ducting air in a hot roof chamber. Even better, these are Furrion Chill Cubedirect dump units, which are very quiet and very efficient. I think someone’s paying attention over at Alliance.
Kitchen in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
As much as I like the main living space, I also love the kitchen in this rig. This is a large U-shaped kitchen with residential-sized appliances and plenty of counter space. There’s also a surprise in here: The dishwasher is included, and it’s decently large.
Drawers and cabinets are plentiful and well-finished, and there’s also a large pantry. The fridge is a 20-cubic-foot 12-volt model (as mentioned, the appliances truly are residential-size).
Bedroom in the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
The standard bed in this bedroom is queen-sized, but you can also opt for king-sized. That bed is in a slide on the road side. The slide mechanism is the BAL® EXACT-SLIDE®, which is unique in that the company certifies it for use with the slide in. This is unusual in the towing world.
That means that if you did stop for a night and weren’t able to open the slide, you could still use the bed. However, if your nighttime activities include making more humans, perhaps you will want to extend the slide. I don’t know how much jostling and jiggling the slide is meant to accommodate when it’s retracted.
Something interesting: Alliance has added a port that lets users mount a Starlink dish without drilling holes in the rig’s roof. Just listening to owners, obviously.
Final thoughts on the Alliance Paradigm 312RK
While this isn’t the largest fifth wheel, it’s not the smallest either. With a gross weight of eight tons, I wonder how many will tow this around frequently versus use it as a seasonal rig. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on moving this around. The length isn’t bad, but it’s heavy. However, that also means it’s probably less likely to jiggle itself apart on the things we’re referring to as roads.
As mentioned, I spent a month in Indiana right before winter arrived and got to see a bunch of Alliance fifth wheels as well as a few other brands. While no RV is perfect, of course, looking at these fifth wheels compared to those from some of the other brands, it’s absolutely clear how differently Alliance is thinking about things and how many things this company is doing to make the ownership experience better.
As always, I really appreciate your feedback on this review and also your readership. What’s your opinion of this trailer and the features I shared?
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars.
You can also check out Tony and Peggy’s RV podcast.
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