Category: Adventure

Did you know that during the pandemic, bookings on RV rental platforms spiked 70% because people are noticing the convenience of having a vacation while at the same time staying socially distanced when compared to a hotel stay? If you are looking into purchasing an RV and are curious about fifth wheel campers, you are in the right place. We have put together this short guide to share the top benefits of 5th wheel campers.

Keep reading to learn the main benefits of fifth wheel campers in our guide below.

1. Stability

One of the main benefits of opting for a fifth wheel from a reputable company such as Keystone RVs is how much more stable these campers are when compared to other RVs such as travel trailers. The tow hitch weight is mainly directly over the rear axle of the tow truck which makes the tow a lot more stable. The fifth wheel becomes one with the truck which is why you will not really have to deal with swaying.

2. Tall Ceilings

If you prefer to have a lot more room when you are inside your RV, then a fifth wheel might be perfect for you because they have much higher ceilings than any other type of RV. If you are tall or do not like feeling cramped then you will appreciate the taller ceilings.

Just keep in mind that while the ceiling is higher in the living spaces it is not higher in the front area where the front hitch is. In this room (usually the bedroom) the ceiling is much lower because that room is placed above the hitch and there are always stairs leading up to that room.

3. More Slides

Fifth wheels tend to have a lot more slides giving you more room inside once you are parked in your camping spot. You can find anywhere from 3-5 slide outs. When you open these, you will have plenty of extra sq ft to hang out in. The reason that fifth wheels are able to handle more slides is that usually a slide will add about 800 pounds and other RVs such as travel trailers are not able to handle the weight due to the axles they have.

4. Bathrooms

If having an extra bathroom is a must then you will be glad to hear that fifth wheels tend to have at least 1.5 bathrooms if not 2. For those that have kids, having two bathrooms or at least two toilets is a really nice and convenient feature to have.

Ready to Go Shopping for Fifth Wheel Campers?

We hope that now that you are aware of the top benefits of fifth wheel campers you are feeling more confident about making an informed decision when choosing between the different types of campers.

If our blog post came in handy please continue browsing the rest of this section to catch some of our latest travel tips and tricks.

Mountain bike technology has come a long way since its invention in the late 1980s. Most importantly, the mountain bike gear system has seen significant advancement over the recent years and has influenced the way people ride bikes and the type of bikes being introduced in the market. Conventionally, the human muscles can sustain a cadence (speed of pedaling) of 60 to 110 crank RPM (revolutions per minute). So, changing gears allows you to maintain appropriate speeds in different terrains. Here is a quick guide on the recommended descending and ascending gear ratios for bikes.

Gear Ratios Explained

The gear system comprises several parts, namely, cassette, derailleurs, chain, chainset, and shifters. Gear ratio refers to the ratio of the number of chainring teeth to the number of teeth of the cog on the cassette. Your choice of the chainring and the sprocket determines the gear ratio. Assuming that you are riding at your largest chainring of 50T (teeth) and smallest 12t cog, the gear ratio at the moment is 50: 12. This ratio (50: 12 = 4.2: 1) means that the gear multiplies every turn of your pedal to make the wheel of your bike rotate at approximately four times. A larger gear is hard to push but provides you with greater distance for every rotation of your pedal.

On the contrary, you will be required to select a small ring at the front and a large cog at the back to obtain a low gear ratio, and consequently, more comfortable gear. The reason for the combination is that the rings are the closest similar, so you obtain a low gear ratio. Typically, this would be 34 teeth at the front and 32 teeth at the back to provide a ratio of 1.06: 1.

Climbing Gear Ratio

You certainly don’t want to deplete your energy when climbing steep terrain. Accordingly, you should choose a lower gear ratio that will make it easier for you to pedal up the hill. Otherwise, if you are endowed with more healthy muscles and massive energy, you may opt for a higher gear ratio that will require you to work harder than someone using a low gear ratio. Nevertheless, make the work easier by selecting a lower ratio. For instance, considering the previous example of low gear ratio, 1.06: 1, it means that you are moving the back wheel through one revolution with every turn of the crankset. Moreover, the gear ratio allows you to spin your wheels quickly and easily up the hill.

Descending Gear Ratio

The recommended gear ration for descending a hill is entirely opposite of gear ratio choice for ascending a hilly terrain. When riding downhill, opt for a high gear ratio which allows for a greater number of revolutions per pedal cycle. This translates to a combination of a large chainring and a small cog. Additionally, a high gear ratio is also suitable when biking on a flat surface whereby although you require much effort to get the bike moving, you move quickly.

Your choice of gear ratios for your mountain bike when ascending or descending a hill determines the ease and speed of your ride. Therefore, when riding downhill, opt for a larger chainring and smaller sprocket to obtain a higher gear that will enable you to descend a hill quickly. On the contrary, select a low gear ratio for an easier climb.

Everyone wants to come back from a summer camping trip sporting a nice tan. It is evidence of having fun in the great outdoors after all, right? Tanning might be okay once in a while to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but staying under the sun for too long is very dangerous. People who don’t protect their skin well enough from the harmful UV rays of the sun often find themselves struggling with skin problems in the future.

Don’t ruin your camping experience by ignoring basic skin care tips. Here’s what happens when the human skin is exposed to the sun for far too long:

1. Heat Stroke

Opting to spend more time outside of the portable gazebo shade and under the sun can lead to a heat stroke. This happens because the skin has stopped producing sweat because it has become too dry and feels too hot. When the body can no longer regulate its own temperature, the trapped heat can cause damage to the brain and other organs. The moment you feel light headed while standing under the sun, it’s time to cool off under the shade with a nice glass cold beverage.

2. Wrinkle Formation

That tan might look nice now, but constant sun exposure will eventually result in wrinkle formation. UV rays from the sun causes the fibres and collagen to break down faster which makes the skin look wrinkled and worse for wear. Limiting your time under the sun and applying sunscreen regularly, especially on the face can significantly help reduce wrinkle formation. Start protecting your skin now before the lines start to form.

3. Feeling Faint, Drained, And Dizzy

Spending too much time beyond the shade of the portable gazebo can make anyone feel a little sick. The moment you feel dizzy and drained, you are probably already suffering from heat exhaustion and aren’t far from a heat stroke. Don’t push yourself too hard. The crystal blue waters of the beaches will still be there after you rest for an hour or two. Stay hydrated why you’re outdoors and under the sun to avoid feeling sick while on vacation.

4. Painful or Itchy Bumps and Blisters

When you notice that patches that are painful or itchy start to form on the areas that were most exposed to direct sunlight, you need to go visit a physician right away. The bumps and blisters are usually caused by “sun poisoning”, a more severe form of the common sunburn. Other symptoms can lead to chills, fever, and sometimes also nausea. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen before seeking medical treatment.

Too much direct exposure to sunlight is not healthy. Avoid staying under the sun for hours on end, especially when the sun is at its highest position. Start using sunscreen on a daily basis to give your skin a layer of protection against UV rays. It might not block all the harmful rays from hitting your skin, but it will help in some way.

A portable gazebo can help protect you from the harsh rays of the sun and more. Visit 4WD Supacentre today and know your options.