Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey Blog
Only 30 min E of Des Moines, IA, Newton KOA is the perfect overnight stop after a long day's drive
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From I-80: Turn north at Exit 168 onto Iowa Speedway Dr. Travel about 3/4 mile and look for the "KOA" sign on left. Take a hard left in front of the lighted Newton KOA sign between Barney's towing and a church. Go 1/4 mile down our lane into our KOA.
Check in at the office and you will be assigned a site.
Relax and enjoy!
Do not rely on GPS. You may be routed needlessly through Newton. GPS: N41.684937, W93.013722
Get Google Directions
Reposted from the KOA blog:
Each year, an estimated 6,000 fires occur in RVs, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Among the most common areas for fires to start are the kitchen, the engine area and the wheel area. Wile the idea of an RV fire can be pretty scary, taking some simple precautions, such as keeping up with maintenance schedules and being mindful of hazards, can help keep you and your family safe—and help ensure that your RV stays in good condition.
Follow these RV fire-prevention tips from Mark Polk of RV Education 101 to keep your safe as you take on the road.
If your RV is less than 21 feet long, one smoke alarm is sufficient. Install a second alarm if you have a larger RV with a bedroom located away from the living area. Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling; be sure one of them is located near the kitchen.
Keep one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom and one outside in an unlocked compartment. Make sure all your passengers know where they are and how to use them.
Check smoke, carbon monoxide and propane detectors before every trip—and monthly when you’re not using the RV. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when testing.
Mechanical or electrical failures cause many of the RV fires that occur on highways. Your manufacturer will recommend inspections and service at specified intervals.
Look for any unusual wear patterns and small cracks in the tire sidewalls; don’t drive on a tire in these conditions until it’s inspected by a professional. Also, check tire inflation pressure (when tires are cold) and adjust accordingly prior to each trip.
Be sure everyone can open the front door, hatches and emergency exits; confirm that windows open easily. “It can be difficult for some people to exit the RV in the event of an emergency, so it’s important that you not only have an escape plan, but that you discuss and practice the plan,” Polk says.
Shut off the propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances.
If a gauge registers out of normal operating ranges, stop and get it checked out.
Be cautious of where you pull over and park. A hot exhaust pipe or catalytic converter can easily ignite dry grass underneath your RV.
At each rest stop, give your tires a check: Look at them and feel the hub of each one to make sure they’re not excessively hot to the touch. This would indicate a wheel bearing or brake issue, and you shouldn’t continue until the problem is checked and corrected. It’s also a good idea to use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) so you’re notified if a tire gets too hot.
Gasoline and propane can pose an immediate danger; deal at once with any leaks or spills. For any gas-powered devices like lanterns or grills, make sure to handle the fuels in adequately vented areas.
Ensure that the power cord connecting your RV to a campground’s electricity supply is in good condition and of a suitable gauge to handle the electrical load. Replace damaged cords immediately. Always make sure the electrical connections at the pedestal hookup are secure, and try to avoid using electrical adapters and extension cords when making electrical connections, which can result in excessive heat and fires.
Using power strips inside the RV can overload electrical outlets, and circuit breakers don’t always prevent overloads from starting fires. For extension cords, if you must use one, be sure it’s heavy-duty or specifically made for RVs, and that the load you put on it is well within its capacity. Don’t run any electrical cord under a carpet or floor mat.
If there’s a leak in the propane system powering your refrigerator, furnace, oven and stovetop, the alarm should sound. When that happens, extinguish any open flames and pilot lights and don’t touch electrical switches. Exit the RV and turn off the main gas supply valve. Leave the door open and don’t return until the odor clears. Have the system checked out by a qualified technician before using it again.
Never leave the stove unattended while cooking and don’t keep anything flammable in the vicinity of the burners.
Only use portable electric heaters that have safety features like an automatic shutoff in case of overheating or being tipped over. Never use a fuel-burning heater in an RV; it can start a fire, and because it’s not vented to the outside, people in the RV will be exposed to dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Also, don’t keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping.
Operate your generator in an area where gasoline fumes cannot reach an ignition source. Place it as far away as the RV power cord will reach and face the exhaust away from the camping area. Also, don’t place the generator exhaust close to anything that could easily ignite from the heat.
Campfires should be at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn, including the RV. Keep any campsite fire sources, such as Tiki torches and lanterns, away from the vehicle as well.
Hitting the road soon to check out these amazing sights? We don’t blame you. Just make sure your car or RV is covered by quality insurance coverage for peace of mind on your adventure. Get a fast, free quote on car insurance, RV insurance and more at geico.com now!
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