Slideouts that enlarge an interior room on your motorhome or trailer are almost a requirement these days, but there’s another kind of slideout that makes RV living easier: a sliding cargo tray for an external storage space.

A sliding cargo tray is so convenient you’ll wonder why you went without one.

A storage tray pulls out on rollers and what looks like a pair of giant drawer glides. Once it’s fully extended, the pullout provides unimaginably easy access to whatever it’s holding. There is the tradeoff: Better access will cost you a little storage volume.

Sliding cargo trays come in different materials, sizes and strengths. They are sized for small cubbies, your RV’s largest external storage area, or cargo holds in between. With the variety of sizes, you can put a slider in half of your biggest storage area and leave the other part without one.

Put whatever you want on a slider, especially if it’s one of the heavy-duty models. The common-sense approach is to put frequently used articles on the slider, while leaving seldom-used items on a stationary surface. So, things like outdoor picnic tables and convenience tables, chairs and grills can go on the slider because they’re coming out almost as soon as you park and level off.

Sliders can ease maintenance. Battery arrays, your generator or an inverter can be placed on a slider, which makes troubleshooting a breeze. You may have to replace standard cables with longer examples so that they will not restrict the sliding action.

You can actually mount a gas grill and use the slider as a pullout cooking station. Think of the fold-down grills that are all the rage on new Class A and Class C motorhomes. Some have the grill only, others the grill and a flat work surface on one or both sides, and some a sink.

A grill mounted to a slider may not be as fancy, but it can be as functional. Metal sliders are the material of choice for grill-mounting. Full-width sliders allow space for cooking utensils, spices, sauces and plates in addition to the grill. You could also mount a small refrigerator/freezer next to your grill.

The nice thing is that you don’t have to lift the grill into place repeatedly; just mount it to the sliding tray once and pull it out for use, then slide it back after cleaning. Measure the height, mount a wooden table or box, then the grill to that surface. Without the need to lift your grill repeatedly, you just might be tempted to get a more elaborate grill that you once thought too impractical.

Small items are best placed in handled plastic tubs to keep them from scattering during travel. Just slide out the tray, lift out the tub and carry the contents to the spot where they’re needed. A good example is all of your cleaning products, including a rolled up hose and brushes.

You can buy sliders at RV dealers, or just slide over to your computer and order online. Expect to pay $250 to $750, depending on size and quality. If you’re handy, you can also buy materials and build one yourself. Find glides at the same sites that sell the finished products.

Nothing on your RV says “relaxation” more than your RV awning. You press a button to open it, take a seat in its shade, and probably — quite often — dine under it. And when you’re ready to hit the road, you just press a button again to retract it.

But even this relaxation station requires maintenance. Moving parts need lubrication periodically. And the fabric (usually woven vinyl) requires cleaning, removal of mildew, and application of a sealant/protectant — especially before long-term storage.

Clean the Awning First

You’ll want to clean your awning first. Always check your owner’s manual to make sure you are using chemicals that won’t harm it. Mildew builds up on an awning after it gets wet, and sometimes when it’s rolled up. So it’s good to use a product that contains bleach or a mildew fighter. An alternative is a mixture of a ¼ cup bleach and ¼ cup dishwashing liquid in a 5 gallons of water.

Things you’ll need, all of which you can buy at a home center:

• Old clothes and hat (bleach spots clothes and hair)
• Cleaning agent
• Bucket
• Hose and running water
• Applicator (garden-type pressure sprayer with a hand pump and resistance to damage from bleach)
• Long-handled soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Hand sponge
• Reading material (yes, really)
• Long-handled paint roller
• Sealant/protectant, such as 303 Products 

Follow these steps:

1. Open your awning.
2. Check for color fastness on an area that’s out of view — near the top, where a strip of the fully extended awning faces the side of your RV.
3. Mix the cleaning solution and pour into the sprayer.
4. Hose down the top side of the awning. Use a garden sprayer to apply the cleaner. Hose off the bottom of the awning.
5. Roll the awning to its travel position and wait 10 to 15 minutes while the solution works.
6. Find some shade and read. (Didn’t I tell you?)
7. Open the awning again. Rinse thoroughly with the hose and inspect. Scrub stubborn stains with the brush or sponge. If the awning appears still to be dirty, repeat Steps, 4, 5 and 6. Really dirty awnings may require a third application.
8. Re-open and let dry. Once the awning dries, use the roller to apply the sealant/protectant.
9. Allow protectant to thoroughly dry (sometimes up to 12 hours, less in direct sunlight), and keep it free of water until it does.

Awning Lubrication Ensures Smooth Operation

Now it’s time to lubricate. You’ll need two things:

• Silicone-based spray lubricant
• Rag or paper towel

Follow these steps:

1. While your awning is open, spray the lubricant on moving parts: hinges, the ends of the awning roller, support arm pistons. Wipe off drips and runs with the rag/paper towel.
2. Open and close the awning several times so the lubricant works in. Wipe any excess lubricant.

That’s it. You are now ready for weeks — maybe months — of enjoying your awning before having to do this again.

Until your next major cleaning, use a sponge to spot-clean soiled areas, such as bird droppings. If the awning gets a lot of use, do intermittent cleanings with a non-bleach cleaner, such as Simple Green. It’s not as harsh on the fabric. This biodegradable, natural concentrate eats through grease effortlessly.    

RVs are as much a part of football as the forward pass. And so is tailgating, with stadiums in Georgia no exception.

The nationwide sports website Bleacher Report actually ranks colleges for their tailgating appeal, and it rates the University of Georgia as the No. 6 football tailgate experience nationally. USA Today ranks the University of Florida-University of Georgia tailgate in particular as the fourth best. It’s nicknamed “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party.”

But don’t just drive to any football stadium assuming that RVs will be welcome, that RV space is unlimited, or that you’ll be able to tailgate outside your RV. You might get tackled for a loss.

It’s best to go online or call and check out several things before you go:

• Are RVs allowed?
• Are advance reservations available?
• What is the RV parking rate? (It can top $100 — with no hookups.)
• Is overnight RV parking permitted, both before and after the game?
• Is RV tailgating permitted?

Here are some RV tailgating facts for major Georgia football sites:

University of Georgia, Athens

UGA sells RV parking permits in advance for parking near Sanford Stadium. The cost is $125 per game. RV permits for half the games were sold out in August. Trailers are permitted. Tailgating is allowed after 7 a.m. on game day.  Grilling with gas is permitted only if gas is in disposable containers of 17 ounces or less. No deep frying. Tables, grills, chairs and awnings may not extend into adjacent parking spaces and may not block traffic lanes.

Georgia Tech, Atlanta

RVs with a permit can enter RV parking areas for Bobby Dodd Field at 5 p.m. Friday before a Saturday game. They can stay until noon on Sunday. Here’s the catch: Permits are sold for an entire season only and already are sold out for this year. You can get on a waiting list by calling 888-849-4849. Georgia Tech offers online help to RV owners in finding nearby privately owned lots that will accommodate them.

Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Dome

RV parking permits in the Yellow Lot are $80 per game on a first-come first-served basis. There are no advance reservations to park RVs for the Falcons’ NFL games. The Yellow Lot is closer to the stadium than the Marshaling Yard, also $80. The lots open five hours before kickoff. Tailgating is permitted, but deep frying is not. Tailgate parties must wrap up within two hours of the last down. Tents up to 8x10 feet are permitted. Traffic lanes must remain open to a 14-foot width. Trailers are not permitted.

While colleges usually limit actual stadium permits for RVs, you can go online to find nearby parking lots that accept RVs for games. It’s not unusual for some privately owned lots near any major college to accept RVs and/or trailers. Some even reserve a certain number of spaces for home-team fans and a certain number for away-team fans who are visiting.

There are also RV parks and resorts near many football sites that rent camping spaces on game weekends. It’s not uncommon to see tailgating activities at these locations. An advantage of renting these spaces is that hookups are available, while they typically not at colleges. Sometimes shuttles to the stadium are available.

There don’t appear to be any regulations against trash talking, but a warning if you like to brag and your team ends up losing: You may be eating crow at your post-game tailgate.

The drive to Crossing Creeks RV Resort & Spa — or any number of places you and your family may travel in your RV — requires keeping your children or grandkids busy.

A movie will take up a big block of time, but you’re going to need more than that. Here are some kids travel ideas, some of which require very little to keep everybody happy, and some of which require just a little imagination. They get everybody to interact.

1. Plan interesting stops

Well ahead of time, look at a map, your GPS or Web sites to find good places to stop along your route.  You’ll need to stop anyway, for rest and food. Make some of those stops interesting places. A petting zoo, a public garden, a park or maybe a small museum would provide plenty to talk about. Before the trip, print out facts about the sites or the history behind them to spur discussion off and on the road.

2. Tell stories round-robin style

This can take up loads of time, and it’s fun for everybody. Pick a person to start the story. For instance: “Once upon a time, a boy was born — with wings. He could fly high and far. Then he went to school, where he was the only boy with wings …” Then the next person has up to one minute to continue the tale — and the next, and the next — until it ends. Sometimes stories will continue for two or more rounds. You will do another story — guaranteed. Give each person a turn at starting a story.

3. Sing karaoke

Get karaoke discs online or at a store that sells CDs and take turns singing. Play the discs on a laptop and display the lyrics on your smart TV. A karaoke song sounds very much like the original pop song, but without the singer’s voice. It’s up to you and your kids to do the singing. The onscreen lyrics light up in time with the music. Just follow along and belt out a tune. Chances are your kids will know the songs already, but having the lyrics onscreen will inspire confidence. Add a microphone for even more fun. And don’t forget to clap or cheer for each performance!

(This is how karaoke lyrics will look on your TV, helping everyone sing along as the words light up in time with the music. You can buy discs with kids songs, pop and country hits, and songs of faith.) 

4. Make your kids discoverers

This is a fun way to get your kids to actually look out the windows while traveling. Look up places along your route and download photos of landmarks from Web sites. Print the pictures out, put them in folders, and give a folder containing all the landmarks to each of the kids. Don’t pick too many sites, and make sure they’re all in just a part of the route, so discoveries don’t take too long. The first person to spot a landmark gives the photo to Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa — whoever is not driving. Place each photo of a discovery in a notebook or folder and mark down who saw it first. Give a quarter for each landmark found, or maybe a dollar to the winner. Talk about each landmark and the history behind it as it is discovered.

Turn your kids into discoverers. Print out Internet photos of historic places along your route, such as the Cotton Exchange Building in Augusta, to make rest stops interesting. Whoever “discovers” the building wins the point. (Wikipedia)

Before you know it, you’ll be saying, “We’re here!”

If you’ll be at Crossing Creeks RV Resort & Spa the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21, you’re in for some spectacular entertainment — a rare total solar eclipse.

Just about anyone in the United States will be able to see at least a partial eclipse if there’s no cloud cover. But only people in a 70-mile-wide swath from Oregon to South Carolina will be able to see the eclipse in its totality. Blairsville, Ga., home of Crossing Creeks, lies within that path.

The eclipse, from partial through full and then again through partial stages, will last up to 3 hours. It will begin about 1:07 p.m. It will reach totality about 2:37 p.m., making it look as if nightfall has arrived. You may not want to miss it: A total solar eclipse won’t be visible again in northern Georgia until 2078.

But be careful how you view the eclipse. I found information on safe viewing from the people who know a thing or two about heavenly bodies: NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA says it’s safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye only in its total stage. The total eclipse — when the sun appears to be a black sphere surrounded by a bright aura — will last a mere 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Looking directly at the stages before and after the total stage can injure your eyes.

NASA recommends using eclipse safety glasses. These solar filters, held together by cardboard frames, are sold online and in discount stores for $4 to $5. Eclipse glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. The American Astronomical Society, part of the National Science Foundation, says the following manufacturers make certified eclipse safety glasses: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

Make sure the glasses have no scratches or holes. Put them on before glancing at the sun, NASA suggests. Look away from the sun before removing them.

Warning:  Normal sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the eclipse. Even dark ski goggles are not safe. And NASA warns not to look directly though a camera or telescope unless equipped with properly fitting solar filters.

Here are two ways to watch indirectly:

• Get two sheets of heavy white paper. In one, punch a pinhole. With your back to the sun, hold the sheet with the hole up to the sun. Hold the second sheet so the light shines through the hole, hitting the solid sheet. You will see a real-time image of the sun on the solid paper.

• Use your hands to form a cross hatch, with tiny spaces between your fingers. With your back to the sun, hold them up so the sun’s rays shine through. A multiple image of the sun — and the eclipse — will form where the shadow of your hands falls. Look at the images, not directly at the sun.

You don’t need to climb up on your RV to see this show. There are air conditioning units, luggage racks and solar panels up there, and it’s a long, dangerous way down if you fall. You’re safer on the ground, unless your RV is set up to handle rooftop sitting.

Enjoy the show!

If you’re having a hard time looking around the web for a certain RV topic or solution and not finding what you’re searching for, you may want to check this list.

We created a list of the top 4 online resources where to find more information or tips to better enjoy your RV life.

RV Park Reviews

If you’re trying to compare one RV park or another and you can't find enough reviews online, this is the perfect website for your needs. With a very simple interface, you can pick the location and select the parks from the list. The reviews should be mostly accurate, but be sure to give more credence to the parks that have more reviews. This makes sure there is less manipulation by the owners. Then you can pick the best RV park for your next trip.

Mile by Mile Road Trip Planner

If you’re like most RV'ers and you like to plan the trip step by step ahead of time, you want to check this website. With more than 1,700 printable and downloadable highway guides it can help you study the fastest route and points along the route. It's always nice to have a printed map on hand if you don’t have a GPS or your go offline with no reception.

USCampgrounds

If you’re looking for the most comprehensive guide to Federal, State, Provincial and Local campgrounds this is the best website you can find. It covers all the 13,000 US and Canada public campgrounds with accurate details for each. Also, it’s very easy to use as the website is based on an interactive map showing all the camps and with a simple explanation next to it.

TV Fool

Are you one of those people that can’t live without knowing which movie is coming on next? Well, we have a website for you. Here you can find a tool to analyze your location and it tells you which broadcasters are transmitting locally, which direction you should point the antenna, how strong is the signal in your area and the list of available channels. A great resource that moves with you.

If you just purchased a new RV and you’re enjoying your time on the road but you feel that something is missing, well you may want to think about an upgrade.

When you’re on the road for a long time, you just start feeling that you're missing creature comforts from home. We made a list for you of the best 10 upgrades you may want to consider to make the RV experience more enjoyable.

Extra Battery Capacity

This upgrade may not be seen as important but imagine yourself excited for a new excursion to a National Park but with no electric hookups near the area. If you’re considering staying at an RV Park you can leave in the morning and be back in the evening but if you want to stay out exploring for few days, you really need some extra power. This can be accomplished by purchasing extra batteries and linking them to your power supply system As an alternative you can also install a solar battery charging system to the vehicle.

Vent Fan

Driving in the sun all day can get hot, even with the AC pumping. If the sun is beating down on you it can be even worse. In addition, the RV may retain the smell of a recently cooked meal or even the smell of your wonderful pets. A roof vent fan is the simple solution. There are many options in terms of price, size, and complexity. The most well known brand is Maxxair.

TV Signal Booster

If you really don’t want to miss your favorite tv show while on the road and you’re worried about the constant weak reception of your current antenna, you may want to consider a signal booster. It can help you increase the signal strength, the channel reception, and the image quality. The Wingard Wingman Booster is our choice as it’s easy to install and it works immediately.

Digital Thermostat

If you’re finding yourself having trouble sleeping due to summer heat or just finding the perfect temperature inside your motorized home, you may want to think about a digital thermostat. The precise control of the temperature is life saver when you’re on the road for more than few days. Also, it doesn’t require you to invest too much money as there are many cheap and reliable options on the market.

LED Lighting

If you’re looking for a better, longer lasting source of light then LED lighting should be the first option to consider. This comes with many advantages such as improved visibility, safety, and a modern look.

When purchasing LED lights be aware that if you go with the cheapest option. You may find yourself with a low-quality product with no built in regulation circuitry and a not so bright color. To start thinking about it, you may want to take a look at http://www.starlightsinc.com/.

So your imagination is in high gear, fantasizing about visiting parts of the country you’ve only flown over. Now you’re ready to visit each of those spots, stopping along the way to make sure nothing is missed.

Well, joining the RV community will help you make it happen. But first, you should ask yourself if you know what kind of RV would be best for you. There are so many types of RVs in the market that someone with no experience or first-time owners could end making a big mistake.

You could choose an RV that doesn’t fit your needs or end up just paying too much.

Here at Crossing Creeks RV Resort, we made a comparison of the leading top 3 choices of RVs in the market based on your goals and price range:

Travel Trailer

These RVs are pulled behind your vehicle and not permanently connected. They range in size from 12 to 35 feet with a cost between $8,000 and $90,000. We recommend an SUV or other 4 wheel drive vehicle to tow the trailer, to make sure the vehicle's brakes and drivetrain can support pulling this load.

One of the main benefits of the travel trailer is surely the cost. You can end up saving a lot of money and have almost the same features of a smaller motorhome regarding living space and amenities (Up to 10 people). Also, travel trailers tend to hold their value for a longer time.

One thing to be careful about is the fact that these are not as easy to drive as you may think. You need to be aware of the fact that the trailer can move and shift on the road as you’re driving, especially at highway speeds. So you need to stay focused with no distractions. For longer drives, be sure to share the driving responsibility with others who are fresh.

Fifth Wheel RV

Fifth Wheel RVs are also pulled behind your vehicle and not permanently connected. They range in size from 21 to 40 feet with a cost between $16,000 and $160,000. They need a full size truck with a bed or other 4 wheel drive vehicle to tow the trailer.

The Fifth Wheel option may be considered as the “Luxury” option when it comes to trailer selection. This vehicle can offer so many features and services and makes you feel like you’ve never left home.

Make sure to find lots of places to stop along the way so you don’t find yourself behind the wheel too long, as the heavy vehicle will surely keep your speed down. You also may be wondering about stability and safety. Good news is shifting and swaying are minimal, so you can enjoy your ride without any added stress.

MotorHome

MotorHome RVs are self-sufficient vehicles that don’t require a tow. They have their own engine, drivetrain, all integrated perfectly with the living area of the RV. They range in size from 21 to 40 feet with a cost between $60,000 and over $500,000. Some musicians and other high profile people who have to travel a lot can configure their Motorhome so that it costs over $1,000,000!

If pure luxury is what you’re looking for, MotorHomes are the best option. Space and amenities are top notch: a full kitchen area, separate bedrooms and other upgrades such as entertainment zones. These luxurious rolling homes are great for travelers who want all the creature comforts without having to worry about hotels and towing their own vehicle.

In the next blog post, we will make a comparison of the best MotorHomes models so that you can understand how to pick the right one for you. Let us know which specific model you would like us to review, and we will take it into consideration!

So you’re reminiscing about your recent trip in your RV, but the bills from the journey are making your heart beat a bit too fast.

If your RV adventures are giving you financial concerns, well you’re not alone. Living the RV lifestyle can be a dream, but the reality is it’s not cheap. If you don’t watch your budget and try to plan out the details of the trip, you could end up by spending way more than you thought.

Here at Crossing Creeks RV Resort, we made a list of the best tips to lower your expenses while enjoying your RV & doing what you love the most:

Fuel Savings

Fuel is one of the biggest components of your budget. Saving money on fuel may be tricky, but if you do some research and incorporate our tips in your daily routine, you will see how you can stretch your budget.

Using a trip cost calculator like the Gas Buddy app can let you quickly calculate fuel cost in advance or find stations with the lowest price.

If driving more than expected and wasting additional gas is not in your plans, try to spend some time memorizing the map and make sure you understand the directions.

Also, when selecting the route, try to prefer flat roads as you can save a significant amount of fuel. Driving through mountains consumes a lot of gas.

Watching your speed is another important factor. The faster you go, the more fuel you consume. That means more cash spent :(   

Maintenance

Getting to know your RV from a technical perspective can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. We suggest you buy a simple tool set and get to know your RV’s mechanical parts in detail.

Keeping your RV in good condition with scheduled service will save you from having to spend thousands of dollars on surprise breakdowns.

Parking

The first thing you should check is if you can locate free parking spots near the attractions you’re going to visit during your trip. If you don’t find any free option, make sure to check a listing of RV Clubs you can join. This kind of memberships will offer you consistent discounts for parking at hundreds of parks across the country.

Food

Eating out every day can be fun but is a good way to spend more without even noticing it. Cooking your meals in your RV can be fun too. Think about purchasing fresh food every day at the local organic markets and experiencing a wide variety of food every time. Also, it’s a healthier way of living since you know all the ingredients and you can control what you’re eating.

Entertainment  

Do you really need all those Music, Cable and Magazine subscriptions? Everybody loves Netflix but checking how much you are spending for entertainment may save you a couple of hundred dollars. We suggest you make a list of all the subscriptions you don’t use and get rid of them. Think about which subscriptions you won’t be able to use while on the road.

We hope you found helpful our tips. If you use other tricks to save more money while on the road with your RV don't hesitate to let us know!

Are you a golf lover? Crossing Creeks RV Resort is ideally situated just minutes away from several challenging golf courses.

Here’s our guide to explore the best golf locations in the North Georgia mountains.

Butternut Creek Golf Course

Holes: 18

Par: 73

Length: 6536 yards

Slope: 121

Rating: 70,9

Distance from RV Resort: 3.3 miles

Looking for mountain views and professional level golf?

This 18 holes course, located in downtown Blairsville, is a real gem. Its unique design will make your trip unforgettable. At just 3.3 miles from Crossing Creeks RV Resort, you could enjoy a challenging course while enjoying the fantastic view of the Ivy Log Mountain.

Butternut Creek includes these amenities:

✓Carts     ✓Club Rentals     ✓Pro Shop ✓Professional Instructors   ✓Restaurant with Mountain Views

Old Union Golf Course

Holes: 18

Par: 72

Length: 7667 yards

Slope: 0

Rating: 0,0

Distance from RV Resort: 8.3 miles

Looking for a links course where to test your irons game? The Old Union Golf Course may be the right choice. It’s the longest golf course in Georgia, and at just 8.3 miles away from the Crossing Creeks RV Resort, this course can be enjoyed by beginners to professionals.

With the backdrop of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, you will experience a true challenging and pleasurable round of golf.

Old Union includes these amenities:

✓Carts     ✓Club Rentals     ✓Pro Shop   ✓Practice Facilities

Brasstown Valley Golf Club & Resort

Holes: 18

Par: 72

Length: 6957 yards

Slope: 142

Rating: 73,5

Distance from RV Resort: 12.9 miles

Looking to enjoy breathtaking views, incredible mountain scenery, and a fun course? The Brasstown Valley Golf Club may be worth the trip. Ranked as the one top courses in Georgia and designed by Dennis Griffith, this course will let you taste the real golf experience. The facility also offers full practice options and a well-equipped Pro Shop.

When you’re done with your round, relax in their Equani spa or go for a relaxing five-mile ride on horseback on some beautiful trails.

Brasstown Valley includes these amenities:

✓Carts     ✓Club Rentals     ✓Pro Shop   ✓Practice facilities   ✓Lessons

Chatuge Shores Golf Course

Holes: 18

Par: 72

Length: 6687 yards

Slope: 123

Rating: 71,3

Distance from RV Resort: 17.5 miles

Looking for a fun course where to test your driving skills? Located just across the NC state line, it’s only 17.5 miles from the Crossing Creeks RV Resort. The Chatuge Shores Golf Course offers a fantastic view of the Chatuge Lake from many of its original holes. This amazing course will offer a challenge for players at any skill level.

The resort also offers tennis courts and a swimming pool to cool off and relax after a long day on the links.

Chatuge Shores includes these amenities:

✓Carts     ✓Club Rentals     ✓Pro Shop   ✓Practice Facilities