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Million Dollar RV Views
This experienced RVer shares her top tips for how to find boondocking campsite locations with incredible views.
Choosing an RV for your family can be overwhelming. With so many models and layouts to choose from, it can be difficult to know what will work best for your family. While we prioritize ease of travel and the nomadic lifestyle, we also want to feel cozy when we shut the shades, and we believe we chose the perfect setup for our family to achieve this goal. This is why we have never changed RV’s during our 8 years of RVing.
When we first started shopping for an RV, we knew we wanted something that could handle more than weekend camping trips. Our goal was to work and explore on the road with our three kids, which meant the space had to be comfortable, flexible, and rugged enough for boondocking and long hauls.
After months of research and walk-throughs, we found “the one” — an RV that immediately stood out with its big panoramic windows and opposing slides in the main living room. The Heartland Torque 380 Toy Hauler, part of the THOR Family of Companies, was perfect for us. The open feel of the layout, combined with its rugged capability, checked all the boxes we didn’t even know we had
What sealed the deal for us was the way the living space opened up. Those big windows made us feel like we were outside even when we were inside, and the opposing slide-outs gave us a spacious living area that didn’t feel like a hallway on wheels. For a family of five, that was huge. Many RVs we looked at felt tight or dimly lit, but this one let in so much natural light it felt more like a modern apartment than a camper. It felt like a home away from home, which is exactly what we were looking for.
Our RV isn’t just about looks—it’s built to fit the way we live. We love to boondock and get off-grid as much as possible, so large holding tanks for fresh and gray water, an Onan generator, and roof-mounted solar panels were absolute must-haves. We’ve gone days, even weeks, without hookups, and we haven’t missed a beat.
Our favorite part of this RV is the main living area where we gather as a family for meals and relaxation time after our adventures. A close second might just be the versatile garage space in the back. Originally designed for hauling toys, we converted it into our kids' bedroom. With individual twin “bedrooms” and ample storage that separates the kids’ spaces, it’s a fun and functional space they’ve made their own.
We could talk about features all day, but a few really rise to the top. First, the rear deck. When the weather’s nice—and let’s be honest, we chase good weather—it becomes our outdoor living room. Whether we’re sipping coffee in the morning or watching the stars at night, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
Inside, the main living space is large enough for all of us to hang out comfortably, even when we’re just watching a movie or playing board games. That sense of space is rare in an RV, and it’s something we value every single day.
The layout of our RV is what truly makes it feel livable for extended periods of time. The garage-turned-bedroom gives the kids their own space, and we have a dedicated sleeping area as well. The full bathroom includes a real bathtub, which might sound small, but for a mama who loves a hot soak, it’s been amazing! It feels more like a home bathroom, not just a shower stall. And with all the windows throughout the RV, we never feel boxed in. We’ve had breakfast with views of alpine lakes, deserts, and forested mountains—all from the comfort of our dinette.
In the time we've had this RV, we've put it through its paces—traveling through all of the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. It’s been our home through blizzards in Ohio, beach days in Baja, and rainforests in Washington. Our top three favorite destinations so far have to be:
Our daily routine in the RV might surprise people who think extended travel is all adventure and Instagram sunsets. In reality, we balance work, school, and play just like any other family—just in different zip codes every few weeks.
One of the things we’re most proud of is how we’ve personalized the RV to work for our family. Everything inside serves dual purposes. The daybed folds up to reveal hidden storage, and the stairs by the main entry double as shoe cubbies. We’ve added vertical storage racks, swapped out furniture to add function, and made smart use of every nook and cranny. It’s a small space, but it doesn’t feel that way because it works for us, not against us.
Choosing this RV wasn’t just about finding something we liked—it was about finding something that would support our lifestyle and dreams, and it has. From long drives across North America to quiet evenings under the stars, it’s become more than just an RV—it’s our home on wheels. And while it might not be perfect for everyone, it’s perfect for us.
Melissa LahrIf you're thinking about hitting the road RVing, our advice is this: pick the RV that fits your life, not just your wishlist. The right RV will make even the hard days easier and the good days unforgettable.
Many people think of toy haulers as the wild-child of the RV world. Sometimes that’s true. While the toy hauler originated as a mobile man-cave complete with diamond plate walls, this popular RV type has evolved into much more. Today you might want to think of toy haulers as open-concept living spaces with multi-purpose utility.
Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.