My Favorite RV and OHV Publications and Organizations

If you are new to RVing, OHVing, or camping you may find it useful to "bone up" by reading some industry publications. I've been RVing and OHVing for nearly 50 years and still find it educational and fun to read current RV and OHV magazines.

I am an avid reader of Motorhome Magazine. I devour each issue from cover to cover over and over. They provide interesting articles on new motorhomes, destinations, new products, and maintenance tips. Each issue also contains technical columns on both coach and chassis where experts answer reader's questions. The classified ads include motorhomes for sale, campgrounds, and many accessories you may find useful. One of my favorite features is the "Quick Tips", a selection of RV tips submitted by other readers. These are usually fast, inexpensive ways to solve simple problems or add convenience or functionality to your motorhome or travel trailer.  Now Motorhome Magazine also includes the GoodSam Highways magazine 4 times a year.  It appears as a special section within Motorhome.  I hang on to issues with particularly interesting or useful articles and frequently re-read them.

If you have a travel trailer instead of a motorhome, I recommend Motorhome's sister publication, Trailer Life.

My favorite dirt bike magazine is Dirt Rider. Dirt Rider is filled with reviews of new motorcycles, gear, riding techniques, and maintenance tips.

If your OHV is an ATV, check out ATV Magazine.

For up-to-date information regarding OHV issues, especially land use issues, check out Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC). BRC is a good place to learn about and support the efforts to preserve and protect our recreational OHV areas.

There are many good camping magazines, each with its own focus. Backpacker obviously focuses on backpacking. Camping Life is more general, aimed at family camping, truck campers, and pop-up trailers.

There are many other good publications, both online and in print, so do a Google or Yahoo search for your specific interest.  You will find  dozens of offerings on just about any subject or activity that interests you.

There are many good camping and OHV related organizations too.  You will find state organizations like California's CORVA -- California Off Road Vehicle Association. As a current resident of Utah, I recommend both the Utah Trail Machine Association and the Utah Shared Access Alliance. You should also look for local clubs and organizations related specifically to your interests (ATVs, dirt bikes, bird watching, rock-hounding). There are RV clubs, some designed for and sponsored for owners of specific brands and others like the Family Motorocoach Association and local chapters of the Good Sam Club open to everyone and sometimes have chapters dedicated to singles, dogs, and supporting specific charitable functions.

Manufacturers clubs and associations. Many RV manufacturers have or support organizations specific to their vehicles. These are usually inexpensive to join and provide information via websites and printed publications. Some will have local chapters where you can associate and share experiences with other owners. Manufacturer organizations are often an excellent source of maintenance information and resources specific to your particular rig.  A brand specific club can be an excellent source of help when looking for parts or other help, especially with vintage vehicles.

The more you learn about your RV and OHVs, and where and how to  use them, the more comfortable you will be using and enjoying them.  Appropriate tech articles can often save a lot of time, money, and frustration when you happen to encounter a similar problem.  Travel articles can suggest places to go and things to do.  Maintenance tips can save you time and money and make your trips more fun.

Happy reading!