Duda Blog Import

TEANAWAY CAMPING ADVENTURE

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The date had finally arrived, the RSVP’s had been received, and the plans were set for Friday, June 6th, Eastside Autoworks' 1st camping outing to the Teanaway Community Forest!

I planned to leave work early Friday and head over Snoqualmie Pass and secure an area at the Teanaway Community Forest camping area. At about 11:00, I received a phone call from a participant who had a check engine light. They had left their code reader at home…. After a quick stop in North Bend, they were back on the road. I told them I was about 20 min behind them.

Summer in the PNW often calls for nicer weather and road construction! The much-needed repairs had started on many of the eastbound bridges. The highway had narrowed down to one lane, but the backup was not too long. Nothing like the I-405 / Hwy 520 mess at times.

Once past the construction, the roads were open, and you could feel the warmth of the Cascade Crest and the wonderful smell of the wildflowers and dry pine trees. After a quick stop for a few last-minute items in Cle Elum, it was off to the Teanaway Community Forest to secure a space for our group.

As I pulled into the Teanaway Community Forest, I noticed many open areas that would be suitable for our group. I made two passes and pulled into our area. I quickly got out some extra chairs to show what I was claiming as “ours”. About 20 minutes later, the first Eurovan arrived, I pointed out a few areas to park. Not too close, but yet close enough. I had envisioned a semi-circle of Eurovans with the sliding doors opening to the inside. The cell service was spotty, but I could text through satellite. About 45 minutes before darkness, the 4th Eurovan arrived and got quickly set up. Storytelling and sharing experiences had already started, and we welcomed the 5th camper to our group at the large picnic table. It was fun getting to know each other, from long-time Eurovan campers to a newly acquired Eurovan camper. Everyone was quite gracious, sharing tips and suggestions on how to pack, store items, and camp in their Eurovans. I started a fire as the light was waning, and to bring campers together. After many stories and some uncanny connections, we decided it was time to sleep.

Saturday morning brought us a wonderful, warm, and bright sunshine. I went out for my morning run, and when I returned, a few of the campers had awakened and were making coffee. A nice, relaxing, lazy morning was had. After a cup of coffee, on to breakfast and more conversions.

I had told the group about a hike that I was going on, and anyone was welcome to join or stay at camp. There is a small hill that has what is called “Cheese Rock” at the top. The geology of the area has some nice sandstone formations along with hoodoo’s from erosional forces.

About this time, one of the technicians and his partner arrived. They were keen on going for a hike as well. Four of us embarked on the hike. A quick detour to the river and then up to the trail, we soon found ourselves going up. The side of the hill was sandstone angled about 30 degrees. A little terrifying but quite secure on the footing. Along the way up, the vistas gave views of Mt Stuart and the back side of the Enchantments and the Teanaway Mountains. (A very complex geology of rocks. The town of Cle Elum had been a coal mining mecca in the early 1900s.) The sun was warm and piercing through the blue skies overhead. Once at the summit, we found Cheese Rock.

We could also look down onto the Tenaway Community Forest. We waved at our fellow campers. After a few minutes taking in the views, we headed back down. On our return, Glenn (owner) was pulling into the Community Forest. This brought our camp to a total of 5 Eurovans, 2 Vanagons, and one Audi with a rooftop tent.

The afternoon consisted of hanging out near the river, setting up camp, sharing camping adventures, and more stories. Through these stories, there were some uncanny connections made. Almost too many! Best Friend from HS is an owner's neighbor, a technician who lives around the corner from the van owner, van owner had worked with someone's father.

The late afternoon turned into the evening, and cooking commenced. A few others joined me at the large picnic table to cook, and others cooked at their vans. After dinner and clean up, another fireside chat began. Later in the evening, s’mores came out for those who wanted some. Stories and laughter, again, went late into the evening.

Another early morning filled with sunshine and warmth arrived early. The smell of coffee and some bacon welcomed me back after my morning run. Breakfast was a quick breakfast burrito and coffee. I begin packing up to meet with my family for the afternoon back home. The group had become closer, with most at the table sharing food, stories, and laughter.

I thanked all for joining and looking forward to the next Eastside Autoworks Campout. Will you be joining us?

Glenn’s Spring Road Trip Ideas to SW: Or a Fall trip for that matter!

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, NM

Seattle to Las Vegas via I-90, Tri-Cities, Hwy 82, (or 97), and Hwy 395 , you’re in for a scenic and adventurous trip through the Pacific Northwest and the Western U.S. We want to get down to Southern California/Nevada in a relatively quick time (8-10 hrs. driving per day), but not the boring I-5 way with 4 million trucks, its most likely raining and cold till you get down to SW . Trust me we have done it 10+ times. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the route:

Route Overview:

Distance: Roughly 1,100 - 1,200 miles (1,770 - 1,930 km), depending on the exact route taken.
Time: About 18 -22+ hours of driving, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the amount of time spent at stops.
2-3 days of Camping

Detailed Route Breakdown:

1. Start in Seattle:

Begin your trip heading east on I-90 from Seattle.
Drive through the Snoqualmie Pass with scenic mountain views. Continue on I-90 until you reach Ellensburg , a small city in central Washington.

2. Transition to Hwy 82 South

From Ellensburg , take I-82 South through Yakima .

3. Reach Tri-Cities via Hwy 184:

As you approach Biggs Junction, take Hwy 184 South toward Tri-Cities . (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland).
You'll cross into Tri-Cities via Hwy 184 and pass through Kennewick, which is known for its wine country and scenic river views. You can take a break here for food, fuel, or to explore.
Pasco is where you turn onto Hwy 395 South and meet up with Hwy 82.

4. South on Hwy 82:

From Tri-Cities , Continue on Hwy 82 South . This will take you to the Columbia River Crossing.

5. Enter Oregon:

Continue south on Hwy 82 as you cross into Oregon .
You'll head to the town of Pendleton , which is famous for its Western culture and wool mills. It's a good place to stop for food or to stretch your legs.
Head south now on HWY 395 south.
Now you are in Eastern Oregon, passing through towns like John Day and Burns.
This is a slow route, with many twisty roads and beautiful parts of Eastern Oregon.
As an alternative, you could go over to Hwy 97 you just go west on Hwy 84 the bend., Oregon way maybe stopping at Crater Lake and then through the Klamath Falls area.
There are so many choices out there to take depending on the weather and time. This route is so much better than I-5 down to California.

Bend, River Park

6. Eastern California (Hwy 395 South):

As you continue south on Hwy 395 , you'll enter California . The route takes you past beautiful mountain scenery and towns like Alturas, Susanville , and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
If you have time, Lassen Volcanic National Park is worth a visit for its unique geothermal landscapes.

Camping in Eastern Sierras, off Hwy 395

7. Into Nevada:

After Susanville , continue following Hwy 395 south, and you'll cross into Nevada .
The landscape will gradually shift from mountainous to desert as you make your way through Gardnerville and Minden, both towns near Lake Tahoe .
Now you need to make a choice, to stay on Hwy 395 through Eastern California or go directly to Las Vegas the dry way (kinda boring).
There are many more camping spots on Hwy 395 plus bigger towns on the back side of the Sierra Mountains than the Nevada Hwy 95 rout. (we go this way most of the time).
The town of Big Pine is a good place to cross over east on Hwy 168-266 to the Hwy 95 South.
If you stay on Hwy 395 then its Death Valley time as a route to Las Vegas so... plan accordingly!

Somewhere in Eastern California

8. Final Leg to Las Vegas:

When you reach Minden/Gardnerville, transition onto U.S. Route 95 South towards Las Vegas.
Continue on U.S. 95 South , passing through smaller towns like Tonopah and Beatty before you reach Las Vegas .

Key Stops and Attractions:

Pendleton, OR: A stop here could give you a glimpse into the cowboy culture, famous for Pendleton Woolen Mills .
Columbia River Gorge: If you take Hwy 97, you'll get spectacular views of the Columbia River and its dramatic gorge landscapes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: If you can spare the time, consider a detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California for its geothermal features and hiking opportunities.
Lake Tahoe: If you're willing to take a brief detour near Minden/Gardnerville, Lake Tahoe offers gorgeous alpine scenery.
Mammoth Lakes: North & south of here are many ways to explore the inside of the Sierras , it is just beautiful out here.

Key Considerations:

Fuel & Services: Some sections of the route, particularly between Tri-Cities and smaller towns in Oregon and California , are sparsely populated. Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading into remote areas.
Weather: Depending on the season, snow and rain could be an issue in the Snoqualmie Pass, Eastern Oregon , or Lassen Volcanic National Park .
Travel Time: The total drive time for this route will be long, especially if you make several scenic stops, so plan accordingly for breaks, meals, and overnight stays.

Summary:

This route gives you the chance to see the Columbia River Gorge, Eastern Washington wine country, Pendleton's cowboy culture, Central Oregon , and some of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains before arriving in Las Vegas . With Beautiful rural and mountainous views, this is a great option for those who want a blend of scenic beauty and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Let me know if you need more specific details or advice on a particular shop!

Once we land in Las Vegas, now what?

An early spring campervan road trip through the Southwest is one of the ultimate adventures! With the flexibility to travel at your own pace and camp under the stars, you'll get to experience the incredible landscapes of the region in a way that's both relaxed and immersive. Here's a suggested route with highlights, along with tips on camping spots and things to see.

Suggested Campervan Road Trip Route:

1. Start in Las Vegas, Nevada (Optional but a fun starting point)

Why Las Vegas? It's a convenient starting point (helps we have family and friends there), and it's a short drive to the natural wonders of the Southwest .

Must-See: Before you head out, explore Red Rock Canyon for some nearby hikes, and maybe even take a quick detour to Hoover Dam. Go to Valley of Fire before or after the dam visit.

Valley of Fire, Lake Mead NV

2. Zion National Park, Utah (2-3 days)

Why Go? Zion is a stunning national park with towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and plenty of trails. The early spring weather is perfect for hiking.
Camping: Check out Watchman Campground, located close to the park entrance. It's open year-round, but be sure to book early.
Must-do hikes: Angel's Landing (if you're up for the challenge) and the Narrows (which is a beautiful hike in the river, though check water conditions before attempting).

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (1-2 days)

Why go? Bryce's otherworldly hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock) are even more magical in early spring when there's still a chill in the air and fewer visitors.
Camping: North Campground is a great option, with some sites open year-round.
Must-do: Check out the scenic drive through the park and the various overlooks. Sunrise at Bryce Point is unforgettable.

4. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border (1-2 days)

Why go? This iconic desert landscape is one of the most recognizable in the U.S., often featured in Western movies.
Camping: There are campsites within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, or you can opt for nearby campgrounds in the surrounding area.
Must-see: Take a scenic drive through the valley or consider booking a Navajo-guided tour to learn more about the area's history and significance.

Monument Valley

5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (2-3 days)

Why go? The Grand canyon is a must-see, with endless viewpoints, trails, and, of course, the breathtaking scenery.
Camping: Mather Campground on the South Rim is a great spot to park your van, but reservations are a must, especially in the spring. For a more rustic experience, you could camp at Desert View Campground.
Must-do: Hike along the Rim Trail, or if your adventurous, try hiking down to the Colorado River (Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail).

6. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona (1-2 days)

Why Go? Antelope Canyon's stunning slot canyons and Horseshoe Bend's perfect curve in the Colorado River make this one of the most picturesque stops in the Southwest.
Camping: There are campgrounds in Page, AZ, or you can stay at one of the nearby BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sites for a more primitive experience.
Must-Do: Visit Antelope Canyon (book a tour in advance) and hike to Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

7. Sedona, Arizona (2 days)

Why go? Known for its red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. The Spring weather is ideal for hiking.
Camping: There are several campgrounds around Sedona, such as Pine Flat Campground or dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest.
Must-Do : Explore the scenic Red Rock Loop Drive, take a hike to Cathedral Rock, and maybe experience a vortex site for a unique spiritual experience.

Night camping somewhere, moonlit sky

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico (2-3 days)

Why go? The weather will be cool but sunny, making it a great time to explore the city's art galleries, historic sites, and beautiful adobe architecture. You can also hike in the nearby mountains for panoramic views.
Camping : Try to find an Airbnb or even the KOA out of town is simple and close.

Downtown Santa Fe, NM one of my my favorite towns

Finish in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Optional, 1-2 days)

Why go? If you want to end your trip in a vibrant city, Albuquerque offers a unique blend of Southwestern culture, food, and history.
Camping: Check out the nearby campgrounds or RV parks if you want to stay close to the city.
Must-do: Explore Old town Albuquerque, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway for amazing views.

Side trip:

White Sands National Park: The pristine white dunes of gypsum sand look stunning against the blue sky. It's a great time to visit as the weather won't be too hot, and you can enjoy walking or even sledding down the dunes.

Chace as a puppy, White Sands, NM

Other Tips for your Road Trip:

Campervan Essentials:

Stock up on water, snacks, and fuel (some stretches between national parks can be remote).
Make sure you have maps or offline navigation, as cell service can be spotty in the desert.
Have a solar-powered charger or extra batteries for electronics.

Camping in the Southwest:

Reservations: Many popular campsites near national parks fill up fast, especially in early spring. Try to book campsites as early as possible.
Free Camping: If you're looking for more freedom, check out BLM Lands for dispersed camping, where you can camp for free. You'll find these areas, especially near national parks like Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.
Weather : Early Spring Weather can vary greatly. Days can be warm, but nights are often chilly, so pack layers and a good sleeping bag.
Leave No Trace: The desert can be fragile. Be sure to pack out everything, including waste, and stick to established trails.

I think south of Red Rocks, Las Vegas, NV

These route ideas will let you experience the best of the Southwest-majestic canyons, red rock landscapes, and serene deserts--while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of your campervan. Do you have any specific stops you'd like to explore more, or are you looking for additional ideas along the route? Reach out to us:

Eastside Auto Works Contact

Six Expert Tips for Winterizing a Camper Van

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

At Eastside Autoworks / Campers NW we work hard to be the most trusted source for service on Eurovan / Metris and other Class B Campers. We are your go-to for upgrades and conversions small and large. We’re also very committed to helping you avoid problems before they set in. With that goal in mind, we’re sharing important van winterizing tips to keep your sweet ride protected in the months ahead.

1. Drain the Water System

If you’re winterizing a Eurovan camper, or any other camper with plumbing, one of the most important things to do is to drain all of the water out to avoid a crack in a tank, line, or connection point. While temperatures tend to be more mild in the Pacific Northwest, water freezes at 32°F and it’s always a good idea to drain your van’s water system before a cold snap arrives. While you will want to run the sink tap and shower head to make sure that all of the water is fully out, the fastest route to draining the fresh water tank is by opening the drain valve located in the middle cabinet at the bottom. See the owner’s manual for other camper vans (Revel/Storyteller/Peace Vans-Metris, etc.) about where to use RV antifreeze in the system. Then, drain the gray water tank under the van at the dump station, and you will be good to go.

2. Get Your Tires Inspected and Carry a Spare
Slippery, snowy roads are no joke. Making sure that your tires are in good condition can go a long way to keeping you safe. Get your tires checked out to make sure they have enough tread and that they are properly inflated. If you anticipate driving in snow, you may also want to consider upgrading to winter tires for better performance in snowy conditions. Carry those cable chains, tightening straps and something waterproof to lay on when installing.

It’s also wise to carry a spare, especially if you’re going to be in semi-remote locations outside general service areas for emergency towing and repair services. And even within range, having a full-size spare on board will prevent you from having to be towed to a shop in case of a flat. (As a side note: if you live in areas where the roads get salted, we recommend putting an anti-seize compound on the spare carrier bolts under the van so they don’t rust and become difficult to remove — and make sure that your lug wrench is on board.)

3. Keep Your Batteries Fully Charged
Cold weather is tough on batteries and the colder the temps, the faster they lose their charge. If you’re going to drive your van on a regular basis you should be just fine, but some of our customers find that their vans sit, sometimes for weeks, between winter road trips. If that’s the case for you, there are a few different options to consider.

If your van is parked in a garage or in a carport with access to power, you may want to stay connected to shore power to keep your battery sufficiently charged. If power isn’t readily available, or you’re parked on the street, set a calendar reminder to connect every two to three weeks and bring your batteries back up to full capacity. Alternatively, schedule periodic drives. Just be sure to drive for at least 30 minutes. It’s not enough to just start it up and drive around the block. In fact, that can cause condensation in the exhaust and cause more harm than good. It’s important to get everything fully warmed up.

4. Get an Oil Change and Top-Up Fluids
While you’re getting your oil changed, make sure your service also includes a top-up of essentials including brake fluid, coolant, and wiper fluid (freeze-protection type). This is also an opportune moment to ensure that your wiper blades are good to go. If they’re worn down, it’s worth replacing them with a new pair. We’ve all been caught in inclement weather with bad blades and it’s not fun!

5. Promote Ventilation and Prevent Moisture Buildup
Another hugely important winterizing step for vans is to keep moisture at bay. Inspect the exterior (roof, seals, windows, doors, etc.) for holes and cracks. Before resealing any problem areas, determine the appropriate type of sealant for your van and climate. You want to make sure the sealant will be properly set.

Just as you want to program a check-in on your batteries, you’ll also want to make sure that you don’t see a build-up of condensation or signs of excess interior humidity. It’s a good habit to regularly run your defrost and to use a few tubs of desiccant to soak up interior moisture. If you really want to be vigilant, periodically running a dehumidifier inside the van in tandem with a fan is a great safeguard, especially in super damp climates like the Pacific Northwest.

Inspect the pop top for any build-up of debris between the roof basket and the main top area. Make sure the canvas is tucked in behind the gasket so you reduce the chance of moisture damaging the tent. If you’re parked outside, you may also want to consider covering your van to protect it against the elements. It’s worth investing in a cover made specifically for your van rather than a basic plastic tarp because a run-of-the-mill tarp may end up restricting ventilation and causing problems.

A well-designed van cover will include a zippered opening so you can get in and out of the van without having to remove the entire cover along with integrated straps so you can cinch it down and keep it from flapping around and damaging the exterior. Lastly, after you have been out on an adventure, it’s worth the time to properly dry out your canvas pop top before stowing it away. This will help to avoid mildew.

6.Be Prepared for Emergencies
Nothing brings you peace of mind like being well prepared, and it’s especially important when you’re venturing out in cold-weather conditions. It’s always wise to assemble a few essentials including:

Jack
Headlight bulbs
Fuses
Jump pack
Engine Oil
Tire Chains/gloves
Blanket
Headlamp
Warm boots

While getting your van prepped for winter is admittedly a bit of work, we can speak from experience when we say it’s well worth the effort. Of course if you’re strapped for time or worried that you’re not going to be able to tackle some of the things on this list, we’d be happy to winterize your van for you. And we’re happy to answer questions if you need more guidance on something specific.

The good news is that it will feel great to have your van ready for cold weather and to know that you can hit the road and enjoy all of your winter adventures with confidence. If you found our van winterizing tips helpful and you’d like to receive future recommendations, be sure to sign up for our monthly email updates covering everything from van maintenance to the best camping spots in the Pacific Northwest to inspiring van builds and road trip playlists. Have fun out there!
Reach out for Service Appointment (EuroVan, Mercedes-Benz Metris/Sprinter Camper, Ford Transit Camper, and Pro Master Camper)

https://www.eastsideautoworks.com/contact/
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