CategoriesRV Care Travel By admin

End of Summer Travel: Wrapping Up the Season and Storing Your Fifth Wheel Right

As summer comes to an end and kids head back to school, many families wrap up their road trips and start thinking about putting their RV or fifth wheel into storage. Whether you’ve just returned from mountain adventures, coastal drives, or cross-country explorations, taking the time to properly maintain and store your rig will ensure it’s ready to hit the road again when adventure calls.

Reflecting on Summer Travels

This past season, countless families explored national parks, scenic byways, and hidden gems across the U.S. Summer travel is about freedom and the open road, sunsets by the beach, mountain hikes, and discovering places you’ve never been before. Share some of your recent adventures in our forum. However, once the season winds down, the focus shifts from exploration to preparation.

Golden Spike Historical Site

This historic landmark marks the spot where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads were joined on May 10, 1869, completing America’s first transcontinental railroad. The driving of the ceremonial “Golden Spike” symbolized a new era of connection—uniting East and West, accelerating westward expansion, and transforming the nation’s economy and culture.

Learn more

Why Proper Storage Matters

Your fifth wheel or RV is a big investment, and proper end-of-season care prevents costly repairs down the road. Think of it as protecting not just a vehicle, but your home-on-wheels and the memories you’ve made in it. Improper storage can lead to water damage from unnoticed leaks, rodent infestations that can chew through wires or cushions, tire wear from sitting too long without protection, or even engine and battery trouble if left unattended. Moisture buildup can also cause mold and mildew, while exposure to the sun and elements can fade finishes and dry out seals. By taking the time now to perform a thorough inspection and address these potential issues, you’re essentially giving your rig a seasonal check-up before tucking it in for a well-earned rest. It’s an investment of a few hours that pays off with peace of mind and a road-ready RV when the next adventure calls.

Key Steps for Storing Your RV or Fifth Wheel

  1. Clean Inside and Out – Wash the exterior to remove dirt, bugs, and road grime. Inside, clear out food, vacuum thoroughly, and wipe down surfaces to discourage pests.
  2. Check for Damage – Inspect seals, roof, and windows for leaks. Addressing small issues now prevents big problems later.
  3. Protect the Tires – Inflate tires to the recommended PSI and consider using tire covers to protect them from sun damage.
  4. Winterize Plumbing – Drain water lines and tanks, then add RV antifreeze if storing in a cold climate.
  5. Battery Care – Disconnect and store batteries in a cool, dry place. A trickle charger can keep them healthy during downtime.
  6. Cover and Ventilate – Use a quality RV cover to shield against weather. Keep vents slightly open to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
  7. Pest Prevention – Seal entry points, use mothballs or natural deterrents, and avoid leaving anything inside that might attract critters.

Looking Ahead

End-of-summer storage isn’t just about putting your RV away it’s about preparing for the next great journey. By taking the time to care for your rig now, you’ll ensure it’s road-ready when spring arrives, saving time, money, and frustration. Think of it as a way of investing in your future travels. A well-stored RV means no surprise repairs, no last-minute delays, and no stress when wanderlust strikes again. Instead, you can focus on planning routes, picking destinations, and enjoying the excitement of hitting the open road. Proper storage also preserves the comfort and safety of your rig, so that when you turn the key next season, you’re welcomed back by the same cozy home-on-wheels you left behind, ready to carry you to your next unforgettable memories.

So, as the school year kicks off and routines settle in, take a moment to give your RV the attention it deserves. After all, those mountain trails, sandy beaches, and wide-open highways will be waiting for you when the next adventure begins. And when they do, you’ll be glad you took the time to store your rig properly because nothing beats turning the key and knowing your home-on-wheels is ready for the next chapter. Your future self will thank you as you set off without worry, free to focus on making new memories instead of handling unexpected repairs.

CategoriesSafety Travel By admin

How to Keep Your Travel Documents Safe with Digital Backups

When you’re on the road, nothing can derail a trip faster than losing your wallet or an important piece of paperwork. Whether you’re in a busy airport, exploring a crowded national park, or just parked at a popular RV campground, accidents happen. IDs can slip out of pockets, papers can get misplaced, and weather can ruin important documents. But here’s the good news — you can protect yourself by keeping secure, digital copies of your most important travel papers. Think of it as carrying a backup set in your phone, ready whenever you need it.

Why You Need Digital Backups

Picture this: You’re halfway across the country, checking into a campground, and the host asks for your driver’s license. You realize your wallet is missing. Without an ID, you might face delays or even be denied entry. Or imagine being in an unfamiliar town after a minor accident and realizing your proof of insurance is back at the RV. Having digital copies of your driver’s license, RV or auto insurance, and reservations can save the day. They won’t replace the originals, but they can help prove who you are, confirm bookings, and keep your trip running smoothly until you replace your documents.

How to Make Digital Copies (Even if You’re Not a Tech Expert)

1. Gather your documents; driver’s license, passport, RV or car insurance, health

insurance, and any hotel, campground, or tour confirmations.

2. Use your phone’s camera to take clear, well-lit photos of each one.

3. Store the photos securely in your phone’s “Notes” or “Files” app, or in a trusted cloud

service like Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox.

4. Organize them by folder or label so you can find what you need quickly, for example,

“Travel Documents – 2025”.

Keeping Your Digital Copies Safe

Security is important when dealing with personal information. Start by locking your phone with a password, PIN, or fingerprint. If you use a cloud storage service, turn on two-step verification — this adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code sent to your phone before anyone can log in. Avoid storing your documents in your email inbox or sending them to people you don’t fully trust. Treat them just as carefully as you would treat the originals.

It’s also essential to be mindful of how and where you access your digital backups. Public WiFi networks: like those found in airports, coffee shops, or campgrounds can be risky because they’re often unsecure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your sensitive information. Whenever you need to pull up your digital IDs or travel documents, try to use a secure, private connection such as your mobile data or a trusted personal hotspot. By staying off public networks when handling confidential files, you protect yourself against prying eyes and keep your identity and trip plans safe.

The Benefits of Digital Backups

Digital backups are lightweight, weatherproof, and available anywhere you have your phone or internet access. If your wallet gets stolen, you can still check into a hotel or show proof of insurance to the police. If your reservation number is lost, you can pull it up instantly on your phone. You might never need to use these backups but the day you do, you’ll be glad you took ten minutes to make them.

CategoriesOur Story Travel By admin

The Story of Quarter Tank Nation: A Journey of Family, Exploration, and Endless Curiosity

Welcome to Our Adventure!

Hello, fellow explorers! We’re Josh and Jennifer, and we’re thrilled you’ve joined us on our ever-evolving adventure. Our story is one of serendipity, courage, and a shared spirit of discovery.

Our journey began in 1999 beneath the wide Texas sky, when fate brought us together in the mid-cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Jennifer was working diligently at a staffing agency, and I walked in, searching for a new beginning. Little did we know that simple encounter would blossom into a lifelong partnership. Not long after, we married in May 2000, and our home swelled with joy as we welcomed three wonderful daughters. Those early days in North Texas were filled with laughter, learning the rhythms of parenthood, and building a foundation of love and hard work. We delighted in weekend trips to the country, spending time with family, making costumes for Halloween, and our family adventures often took us to the Texas coast and to the NASA Space Center in Houston—memories that still bring us smiles.

But the world beckoned, and in early 2006, we packed up our dreams and headed northwest. The Pacific Northwest became our playground, each weekend revealing new corners to explore. The lush beauty of Oregon, the wild coasts of Washington, and the towering trees of California inspired us to seek adventure wherever we could. Among all our travels, the trip to Crater Lake and Las Vegas with our kids in 2008 stands out as a highlight. We camped along the route, creating stories that are still told around the dinner table. Our visits to Astoria included showing the kids the famous Goonies house, and we made treasured memories camping at Trillium Lake and Devil’s Lake.

Traveling, of course, brought unexpected challenges and a few funny mishaps. One memorable episode occurred during our move to Oregon: we found ourselves caught in a snowstorm between Albuquerque and Flagstaff. Determined to stay ahead of the storm, we drove longer hours, following the ruts of the big rigs for safety. After finally reaching California, we discovered the trailer brake lights on the U-Haul weren’t working. Undeterred, we grabbed walkie-talkies and coordinated the journey, me in the moving truck, Jennifer following in our car. This worked well until we hit the Siskiyou Pass in Southern Oregon. As we descended, my brakes overheated, forcing me to slalom vehicles for several miles, while Jennifer struggled to keep up. Eventually, we made it over the pass, pulled off to let the brakes cool, and allowed our heart rates to return to normal.

As our daughters grew, we craved deeper connection and meaning in every lesson. Homeschooling became an adventure of its own. A vibrant journey through Idaho’s wild landscapes, Montana’s big sky, and the stirring beauty of Wyoming and the Dakotas. The decision to homeschool stemmed from a desire to spend more time together before our girls grew up and set off on their own. We armed ourselves with books and workbooks, and the open road became our classroom. Museums and national parks provided hands-on lessons in history, geography, science, and the workings of the world.

Colorado offered us a haven to pause and reflect, weaving precious family ties and creating a tapestry of cherished memories. Our trips were often accompanied by simple rituals. Traveling with our favorite tunes on, sharing philosophical conversations about the landscape, history, or even the workings of society and science. There’s nothing quite like an open road, good music, and heartfelt conversation to make a day perfect.

Life’s winding road eventually led us back to Oregon and then, full circle, to Texas. Our daughters blossomed into remarkable young women, each forging their own paths in Oregon and Texas. Now, as proud empty nesters, we find ourselves at the threshold of our next great chapter. Traveling the open road full-time in our beloved fifth wheel, hearts wide open to whatever lies ahead.

Through our blog, podcast, and vlog, we invite you to journey alongside us. We’ll share captivating stories from the road, awe-inspiring destinations, heartfelt reflections, practical tips, and all the little moments that make travel extraordinary. If we could offer advice to families dreaming of a similar lifestyle, it would be this: Plan ahead, as the road can be a taskmaster. Embrace change, don’t be afraid to pivot when something interesting or exciting arises along the way. Slow down and look around; you never know what you might miss if you’re in too much of a hurry.

We hope to inspire your own adventures, help you find hidden gems, and introduce you to the kindness of strangers who become lifelong friends. Every story is richer with detail, yours as much as ours. We can’t wait to weave your unique memories and insights into this tapestry of adventure!

Safe travels and endless discoveries,

Josh & Jennifer