Tri-State Outdoor News

As Spring and camping season rolls around, it’s time to restock your camping supplies. Putting basics back in the camper can save time and ensure you don’t miss any meals.

Since we have really cold winters here in the Midwest, I remove most food items from the RV when I winterize the rig in late fall. Some of the items I put in a large sealable container. When Spring comes, I simply take them back to the RV for the upcoming camping season.

However, if you save food products, you should check them to make sure they still are usable. I’ve saved sugar packages that were harder than granite the next spring. The same can be true of salt, coffee creamer and other similar products. Some items may also be far beyond expiration dates. I’ve found them some items still are tasty beyond their “best eaten by” dates.

Having basic items stocked in your RV, makes it easier to prepare for a camping trip. You only need to figure out your primary menu (food items) such as meat and other food items, especially perishables. You can shop for these and not worry about other items that already are in your rig.

There’s another reason, I like to have the RV stocked in advance. I never miss a meal. Anyone who looks at me knows that doesn’t happen.

I always stock enough supplies so we don’t go hungry, even if we don’t make it to the grocery store. I pick up a half dozen Dinty Moore (or similar) meals that don’t need to be refrigerated, and that can be ready to eat after only about 90 seconds in the microwave. It may not be as tasty as something prepared over the campfire, but its warm food that will get you by. Truth is, they are pretty tasty.

Actually, I could get by with a pot of coffee and peanut butter. I’m a peanut butter addict, which is a good thing to be hooked on. It has a lot protein. For me, it satisfies a hunger craving as well as serves to soothe my “sweet tooth”.

Here is a list of items to consider for basic food stocking of your camper. Certainly more items can be added.

Coffee, creamer, sugar, flour, salt, pepper, cooking oil, peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, canned and/or microwave stew, pork and beans, Bush’s northern beans to add to ham for a quick meal, other canned vegetables as desired, Spam, Ramen noodles, lemonade, hot chocolate, and cereal.

I also carry at least a gallon of drinking water. I have found some campgrounds may have safe drinking water, but it may taste or smell foul. There also is the possibility you may need some water when stopped somewhere when you don’t have easy access to a fresh supply.

There are many non-food items to restock as well, but two necessities are paper towels and toilet paper.

Don’t forget Fido. Include a supply of pet food.

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RV WEBSITE — There is a new Go RVing fan page on the popular Facebook website. The fan page (pages) are a way for RVers to communicate, learn about good camping spots, ask RV questions and more.

While the number of fans has grown steadily since the page launched in May 2008, it roughly doubled in hits – after the industry coalition sent an email invitation to Go RVing’s 220,000 e-newsletter subscribers.

Go RVing fans have been very active on Facebook, with new and experienced RVers having conversations about the RV lifestyle.

“I am so happy to have found Go RVing on Facebook. I am always looking for somewhere to go and other RVers to travel with,” reads one post. Another fan enthused, “We are living our dream…following the NASCAR circuit…we are having the time of our lives! No more excuses…we just did it!” Fans across the country are sharing photos, travel tips and plans.

“There’s no endorsement as powerful as one that comes from an actual RVer,” said Recreation Vehicle Industry Association Vice President Gary LaBella. “Go RVing’s Facebook page fosters online communication between “friends” that resonates powerfully. The entire industry is able to join in this conversation and learn more about their customers.”

Once thought of as a social networking site for kids and teens, now 45 percent of Facebook’s 45.3 million active users are 26 years old or older. Although users are growing exponentially in every demographic, women over 55 are the site’s fastest growing audience, with a 175.3 percent spike in membership just in the last three months.

If you are already a part of the Facebook community, search for Go RVing in the upper right-hand corner box, and then click “become a fan.” If you are not already a member of Facebook, fill out the short form on www. facebook.com to set up a free profile.

The Go RVing Coalition is encouraging RV manufacturers, dealers and campgrounds to invite their owners clubs, customers and prospects to become Go RVing fans on Facebook. To quote one of the newest fans of the Go RVing page, “Hope to see everyone down the road.”