Fortunately, when you leave the campground behind in search
of your favorite remote destination, your trip doesn't have
to look like an episode of "Survivor." Recent
innovations in the world of power generation are now allowing
you the chance to enjoy the best of all worlds -- the ability
to unplug from the campground and enjoy some of the country's
most beautiful sites without losing the convenience of everyday
electronic devices. "Many remote camping guides flat
out tell you to leave the Mr. Coffee at home," says
Karen Zellner, manager of RV Marketing at Onan, a power
generation equipment company. "But with the introduction
of products like Camp Power by Onan, remote campers can
not only pack that coffee maker, they can also bring along
a microwave oven, a DVD player and even take refuge from
a brutally hot afternoon by turning on an air conditioner."
Camp Power is the first installed generator designed specifically
for the smaller, towable RVs so popular with many of today's
campers. Compact enough to install under a bench or inside
a cabinet and extremely quiet, these generators will dramatically
change towable RV camping in the future.
"So often that scenic vista or hidden oasis isn't
close to the campground. And families are often hesitant
to disconnect their RV and really explore so their camping
experience is limited to the area nearest the electrical
hook-up," said Zellner. "The recent advancements
in generator technology now allow the camper towing an RV
to enjoy the same experience and freedoms as the operator
of a larger coach motor home with installed power."
"The great appeal of RVs is taking the comforts of
home with you," said Ken Sommer, of the Recreation
Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "RVs are great
for campgrounds, but it's a real treat to get out to a remote
location and explore the public lands that are available."
Hunting and Fishing
Outdoor sports enthusiasts are another group that can benefit
from having a quiet mobile power supply in their towable
RVs. In most cases that favorite fishing hole or lucky hunting
ground is nowhere near an electrical hookup. So the outdoorsmen
without power are forced to either travel some distance
from the campground to their destination or disconnect their
RV and be left without a way to power the features that
lead them to purchase the unit in the first place.
"RVs can serve as a base camp for both hunting and
fishing and provides tremendous versatility," said
the RVIA's Sommer. "If you're at a fishing spot and
not catching anything, you can just pack up and try elsewhere."
In addition to making the whole experience easier, there
are some practical implications of having power when hunting
and fishing. "For starters, you can clean and cook
your own fish in the kitchen," Sommer added.
With continued development and diminishing access to private
land, RVs will prove even more essential to hunters who
are being forced to travel well off the beaten path in search
of elusive game. And although they are removed from civilization,
by bringing along power, spoilage can no longer be given
as their excuse for returning empty handed. In fact, many
hunters now bring freezers with them so they can quickly
preserve any meat they've bagged and keep it safe for future
consumption.
Camping with Kids
Remote camping isn't just for hearty outdoor enthusiasts
either. Many families seek the thrill and serenity of camping
in dispersed locales. Whenever remote camping with children,
having adequate power is important -- especially if the
kids have never camped before. Smaller children can become
easily frightened and the added lighting a generator allows
you to operate can help alleviate most fears.
While darkness isn't usually an issue with older kids,
boredom can be. Many adolescents aren't quite ready to simply
enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Experts say allowing
them to power up a PlayStation for a quick game or letting
them watch a movie in the camper before bed might just make
the trip more pleasurable for everyone in the family.
In addition to making the camping experience more comfortable,
Zellner says having power while remote camping is a safe
move. "Taking along extra safety features like campsite
lighting and communications systems can provide early warning
of severe weather and reduce some of the stresses associated
with being so removed from civilization," she said.
Playing It Safe
It's important to keep safety in mind when using a generator
at a remote site. To prevent the risk of fire, only generators
with a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester muffler
are allowed on federal land. And always be sure to consult
park authorities before using your generator as some local
regulations may apply.
RVing is a great way to pursue your passions whether it's
hunting, fishing, kayaking, astronomy, antiquing or any
family activity. But without power, the freedom, flexibility
and control of going where you want to go when you want
to go is often lost.
To learn more about unplugging and playing in the nearly
200 million acres the U.S. Forest Service manages, click
on www.fs.fed.us. Two other great sites that can help you
plan a memorable experience with your towable RV are www.recreation.gov
and www.funroads.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
