Every RVer has one. That drawer — or bin, or entire cabinet — of gadgets bought for one very specific job, used exactly once, and never seen again except during an annual “what even is this” purge. Meanwhile your leveling blocks look like they were assembled by committee: a mismatched pile of wood scraps, one cracked ramp, and a single chock that may or may not be load-bearing anymore.

Smart RV budgeting isn’t about spending less. It’s about not buying the same solution four times because the first three couldn’t handle real ground.

Ask “what else can this do?” before you buy

Before you check out, picture the item earning its keep twice. If you can only picture one use for it, that’s your cue to keep looking — especially when a more flexible option is sitting right next to it on the shelf, silently judging your cart.

Shop for the trips you actually take, not the aspirational one where everything goes perfectly and the campsite is a flawless 2% grade. Most weekends don’t call for specialized gear. They call for a few solid, adaptable pieces that show up no matter what the ground throws at you.

Leveling gear: where mismatched blocks go to die

A real leveling system that handles a range of heights and grades will outlast that pile of stacked wood you’ve been pretending is a system. It keeps your rig sitting level and stable instead of “level-ish, if you don’t look at the bubble too closely.” Gear that works for a flat pull-through, a steep gravel pad, and everything in between means one purchase instead of a slow-growing collection of things you found at hardware stores in three different states.

Rule of thumb: if it only handles one grade or one setup, it’s solving today’s site and creating tomorrow’s shopping trip.

Built for more than one trip

Leveling gear takes real abuse — full rig weight, sun, grit, being set and reset all season — so durability is the whole budget case here, not a bonus feature. A solid set of blocks or ramps that lasts multiple seasons costs less per trip than the flimsy version you replace every summer, even if it costs more up front. The same goes for chocks and stabilizers: gear that doesn’t crack or sag under real weight is saving you money every time you don’t have to buy it again.

Bonus points for pieces that pull double duty — blocks that also chock, stabilizers that fit more than one axle height, gear that nests together instead of eating a whole storage bay. Fewer specialized items means less to pack, less to lose, and less to explain to yourself at 9pm while trying to get level in the dark.

The long-term math

A well-made piece that lasts five seasons and does three jobs is quietly outperforming the three cheap things it replaced — and taking up a third of the space while it does it. That’s the actual win: not the lowest price at checkout, but the lowest cost per season of not fighting your gear.

Next time you’re about to add something to the cart, ask if it earns its space, if it’ll still be around in five seasons, and if it’s already doing more than one job. Buy that – and buy it once.

Looking for leveling gear built to last? Browse the Stromberg Strong lineup — no wobbling, no drawer of shame required.

Happy Camping,

Bob

There are few places that capture summer in Michigan quite like Traverse City. From July 4 to 11, thousands of RVers head north to celebrate the 100th National Cherry Festival, filling campgrounds, exploring downtown, and making memories along Grand Traverse Bay.

For the RV community, it’s more than a festival. It’s a reminder of why we love this lifestyle:

🍒 Waking up at the campground with a cup of coffee.
🍒 Discovering local shops and farmers markets.
🍒 Enjoying cherry pie that somehow tastes even better after a day outdoors.
🍒 Watching sunsets over the bay before heading back to your home on wheels.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Northern Michigan this week, take it all in. Safe travels, support local businesses, and don’t forget to save room for a slice (or two) of cherry pie.

📍 Are you camping in Traverse City for the Cherry Festival this year? Share a photo of your campsite or favorite festival tradition in the comments!

If you’ve spent a few spring seasons in Michigan, you know this feeling.

That first stretch of decent weather…
Campgrounds are starting to wake up…
Phones are ringing a little more each week…

That’s when you really find out what kind of year it’s going to be. And standing here in April 2026, I can tell you this market feels steady – and a lot more real.

Not the frenzy we saw a few years ago.
Not the slowdown some people expected either.

Just… solid, thoughtful movement.

Up here, our season has a rhythm. March is slow. April starts to wake up. And by May, it’s game on. Right now, we’re in that early window where serious buyers are out – and you can tell who they are.

They’re not just browsing. They’ve:

• been researching all winter
• saved listings
• thought through how they’ll actually use an RV in Michigan

And the biggest difference I’m noticing? People are taking their time and talking through real trips:

• weekends up to the U.P.
• summer stays along Lake Michigan
• quick getaways to state parks

It’s less emotional, more intentional.

Midwest buyers have always been practical – but this year it’s even more obvious. Because let’s be honest, our RV season isn’t year-round. People want to maximize the months they have. What works in Michigan isn’t always the same as other parts of the country.

If I had to call it from where I stand, this is shaping up to be a good, steady Michigan RV season.

• spring demand is building at a healthy pace
• summer should be strong (especially if fuel stabilizes)
• buyers are engaged – but more disciplined

We’re not seeing extremes, and that’s ok. What I like about this market is this – it feels sustainable.

People are buying RVs and accessories they can actually use, afford, and enjoy – not just chasing a moment. And in a state like Michigan, where RVing is such a seasonal, experience-driven lifestyle…that mindset makes all the difference.

Happy Camping,
Bob

Hey there, RV friends! If you’re like us, March brings that familiar itch — the one that makes you want to dust off the RV keys, grab a cup of coffee, and start planning your first road trip of the year.

Even though Michigan mornings are still a little chilly and sometimes snowy, it’s the perfect month to get your RV ready for adventure and dream about the open road.

Spring Prep Can Be Fun (Really!) Let’s be honest — nobody loves chores. But prepping your RV doesn’t have to feel like a boring task. Think of it as a mini road trip right in your driveway!

We like to put on some tunes, grab a snack, and make it a team event — whether it’s family, friends, or our trusty local service crew. Bonus: the RV usually smells amazing after a spring cleaning!

While you’re prepping, why not daydream about your first spring adventure? Here in Michigan, March trips can be simple but spectacular:

• A quiet weekend at a northern Michigan state park
• A scenic drive along the lake shore to see early signs of spring
• Exploring a charming small town you’ve always wanted to visit

We love hearing stories from our customers about their first trip of the season. Some grab a cozy campsite with a campfire; others hit the road for a long weekend escape. Wherever you go, it’s all about making memories on the road.

March might still have a little frost on the ground, but the road is calling. Dust off your RV, grab your checklist, and start planning your adventures.

We can’t wait to see where Michigan roads take you this spring — and we’ll be cheering you from our shop along the way!

Happy camping,

Bob

Christmastime RVing is basically regular Christmas—but with more extension cords and fewer places to hide presents. Decorating a tiny home on wheels feels a bit like playing holiday Tetris. You convince yourself that a two-foot tree is “charming,” hang stockings from command hooks, and wrap lights around anything that stays still long enough. Suddenly, your RV looks like a festive toaster.

Campgrounds in December are their own special universe. Everyone goes full Griswold, stringing lights across rigs like they’re trying to signal Santa from space. Your neighbor’s RV inevitably has an inflatable snowman that wheezes like it’s contemplating its life choices. Someone always brings cookies that taste slightly smoky from being baked in an oven the size of a lunchbox, but you eat them anyway because it’s Christmas, and even smoky cookies are magical this time of year.

Holiday traditions get a hilarious RV twist. Watching Christmas movies means huddling around a tablet because the dog stole your seat. Baking cookies involves rotating the tray halfway through to prevent “charred on one side, raw on the other.” Gift wrapping happens on the bed because it’s the only flat surface big enough, and even then, you end up using your knee as a tape dispenser.

But honestly? It’s perfect in its own ridiculous way. You get quiet mornings, twinkly lights, and the freedom to choose your own winter wonderland—snowy mountains, sunny beaches, or a desert where your tinsel blows sideways. And at the end of the day, being squished together in a warm little space with the people you love makes the whole thing feel extra magical.

Christmastime RVing may not be Pinterest-perfect, but it’s quirky, cozy, and full of the kind of memories you want to keep.

Happy Holidays!

Bob

There’s something magical about celebrating Thanksgiving on wheels – surrounded not by four brick walls, but by towering pines, crisp autumn air, and the quiet hum of a campground waking up to the smell of coffee and campfires. An RV Thanksgiving isn’t your typical holiday feast, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

Instead of rushing through crowded grocery stores or setting up an extra table leaf, Thanksgiving in an RV invites you to slow down. It’s about simplifying – choosing what (and who) really matters. You might be parked by a shimmering lake in Tennessee, tucked into a forest in Oregon, or overlooking the red rocks of Arizona. Wherever you stop, the view becomes your dining room wall.

Many RVers spend the holiday surrounded by other travelers, creating a kind of “nomad family.” It’s not unusual to walk past a row of campers and see people sharing dishes potluck-style – sweet potato casserole from a fifth wheel, smoked turkey from a Class A, pumpkin pie baked in a convection oven in a van. The sense of community is strong, even if everyone’s from somewhere different.

Yes, space is limited – but that’s part of the fun. With a bit of creativity, even a small RV galley can turn out a full Thanksgiving meal. Turkey breasts or Cornish hens fit perfectly in a compact oven or air fryer, and many travelers opt for grilling or smoking outdoors. Instant Pots become heroes for mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing.

And somehow, food tastes better when you’ve made it in a space the size of a closet while looking out at a mountain range.

After dinner, instead of collapsing onto a couch in front of a football game, you might step outside to a roaring campfire. Someone breaks out a guitar, kids roast marshmallows, and laughter fills the chilly evening air. Some RV parks even organize group activities – turkey trots, nature hikes, or community dinners under string lights.

You start to realize that Thanksgiving isn’t about where you are or what’s on your plate – it’s about how you feel. Grateful. Grounded. Connected.

Traveling in an RV teaches gratitude every day – for hot showers, open roads, good weather, and kind strangers. But on Thanksgiving, that gratitude deepens. You appreciate the freedom to choose your own view, the simplicity of a life with less clutter, and the ability to make home wherever you park it.

An RV Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude doesn’t need grandeur – it just needs presence.

So this year, whether you’re miles from home or parked in your own driveway, take a moment to savor the small things: good food, good company, and the incredible adventure of being alive.

Happy Camping, Bob

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t around RVs. From the time I could walk, I spent long summer weekends with my family, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. I remember the rush of excitement as we pulled into a campground. The smell of pine trees and campfires filling our senses. As soon as our car was unloaded and the rig was leveled, my brothers and I would race each other to the lake. Running the length of the dock, we’d leap at the last second into the perfect cannonball…pure heaven.

But RVs weren’t all recreation for my family. They were our livelihood, too. My grandfather founded our business in 1959. It’s been in the family ever since. I learned the value of a hard day’s work early on. I remember my dad coming home from work, exhausted from the effort but always with a gleam in his eye. More often than not, his white Oxford shirt “earned” a new stain from his constantly inspecting the production line. We never asked about his scraped knuckles. He earned those, too, working on the equipment to ensure that our products were always of the highest quality. Dad was just as committed to our customers, too. He put more miles on the car than he could count, crisscrossing the country to meet with our growing network of dealers. He listened to and learned from every single one of them. In time, our customers become some of our closest friends. It’s still that way today.

I’m proud to still run the business with one of my brothers. I like to think that dad and grandpa look down on us and smile. I can’t thank them (and my grandmothers) enough for leaving us such a legacy. Now if I could only find time for a few more days outdoors this fall…it’s too precious to waste.

Happy Camping,

Bob

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. The long, action-packed days. The still, starlit skies at night. Great times with great friends and family. What’s not to love? Well, for starters, there’s the sweltering heat that’s become the natural norm these days. Then there’s the thick haze from the wild-roaming, Canadian wildfires. And let’s not forget, the constant and crazy road construction that often delays our outdoor adventures.

 In other words, I’m ready for some colorful, cool-weather camping and that glorious season we call autumn. But where to go? Glad you asked. Here are three of our favorite escapes that should be on every RVer’s to do list.

Au Train Beach Campground, Michigan

Located in Au Train, MI (Upper Peninsula) just a few minutes from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this campground offers direct access to three miles of stunning Lake Superior beachfront; perfect for swimming, paddling, boating and more. There is also nearby access to miles of hiking and ORV trails, as well as shopping and dining in downtown Munising.

Key Largo Kampground & Marina, Florida

A hidden jewel in the legendary Florida Keys, the campground offers an authentic “Key” experience, including diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating the warm Gulf Stream waters. Be sure to take in the breathtaking Christ of the Abyss and save room for a slice of their legendary Key Lime Pie.

Harris Beach State Park, Oregon

Located on Oregon’s rugged south coast, Harris Beach offers a spectacular seascape for sightseers and miles of sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. Check out Bird Island; a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for rare birds, like the tufted puffin. 

Happy Camping,

Bob

I was seven years old. My brothers and I were out of school for the summer. We had too much time on our hands but just enough, apparently, to get on my mother’s last nerve. After arguing over the TV for the 37^th time, we were briskly shooed outside. “Be home for dinner,” was my mother’s only instruction.

Getting sent outside as a punishment…ironic, isn’t it?

Truth be told, the outdoors were always an escape for me and my family. When we weren’t camping at some local park, we were planning an extended adventure some place noteworthy. It never took much to convince my parents to take to the road for an exciting excursion.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work in the RV Industry. I’ve spent my career welcoming new generations into this wonderfully rewarding outdoor lifestyle. It’s a rare thing to be able to work at something you truly love. I’ve done it my whole life.

I share all this because, now more than ever, so many of us are looking for an escape. A respite from the constant media monster. A retreat where we can turn down the volume on life and tune in to something deeper and more meaningful. To me, the answer has always been right outside my front door…often with my mom shooing me in that direction.

August is here. Summer is slipping away. Call that park and make those rezzies while you can. Get outside and play. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Happy Camping,

Bob

There’s an old saying here in the north…we only have two seasons. Winter and construction. This point was literally driven home to me as my rig ever-so-slowly followed one of several detours along I-75. It was a late Friday afternoon. The line of cars stretched for miles, inching along past a parade of orange barrels, with no end in sight. What happened next was inevitable…a Ford F-150 pick up, which had been peeking in and out of traffic, finally decided enough was enough. It quickly darted out of line and sped along the shoulder, roaring its engine as it went. To add insult to injury, the driver “saluted” other commuters outside the driver’s side window.

I shook my head. I wish I could say this was an isolated case of misdirected road rage, but it wasn’t. According to AAA, almost 80% of drivers nationally experience significant anger or aggression behind the wheel at least once a year. I’m sure the added construction that’s happening around the country doesn’t help this statistic. In fact, in Michigan alone, our governor reports that during the 2025 summer—okay, construction season—24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges will be repaired or replaced. That’s a lot of orange cones.

So whatever happened to the adventure of the open road? Whatever happened to the joy of watching the world and its many wonders whisk by our windshield? I know it’s still out there. It just requires a slight attitude adjustment. A “detour to decency”, if you will. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break. Pull over at the next rest area. Take a short walk. If you have to keep driving, play some music. Put in a podcast. Take your mind off the traffic. After all, getting to your destination should be half the fun.

Happy Camping (And traveling!)

Bob