RV Road Trips

RV Show Tips For First-Timers: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Living in Denton Texas for 6 years, the one event we never missed was the Dallas RV Show held at Market Hall.  Whether we were actually in the market for a new RV, or just looking to see what new advances were being offered that year, the Dallas RV Supershow was always a fun experience for us. 

RV shows are a great place to get acquainted with what’s available in the world of RVs. 

The newcomer can wander in and out, inspecting and exploring without having a salesman hanging right over your shoulder.  The salesmen at RV shows know that the crowd is more interested in looking than buying, and they will typically hang back until you go looking for them.

Here are some things you should know before you attend your first RV show...

Continue reading: RV Show Tips For First-Timers

Thinking Of Leasing An RV? Some RV Scams & Shady Deals To Watch For

There's nothing like a poor economy to bring out the worst in business ethics.  It has quickly become a survival of the fittest market with many businesses going to any length to swing a deal. They will use high pressure sales tactics, questionable financing, anything to get  your signature on the dotted line.

Many on the financial banana peel are looking for ways to avoid having their RVs repossessed. 

You may think that leasing your RV would be a way to stay solvent, but you could also be taken for an expensive ride.  Unfortunately, many companies that are approaching owners with this leasing idea are simply looking to make a quick buck -- fully knowing that your RV will be in legal limbo once they've gained control of it. 

RV Tire Failures - How Sun Damage & Flat Spots Dangerously Affect RV Tires

Old RV tires are an accident just waiting to happen.  Head out on the freeway and in short order your trip is ruined because a seemingly good tire explods without warning. 

Many RVs spend most of their life parked.  Long periods of storage under direct sunlight can lead to damage that you can't even see.

Another problem associated with long term storage is flat spotting.  Wondering what that rumbling noise is as you head out?  Your tires have become less than round from sitting in one spot too long. 

To prevent RV tire damage, cover your tires during storage to keep the sun's rays at bay and make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent flat spotting.  It's a good idea to take your RV for a ride every month to keep the tires in good shape too.

Preparing Your RV Battery For Winter Storage Will Prevent Expensive Damage

The first thoughts that usually flash through every RVer's mind when the first frost of winter comes along are:

• draining the water heater
• preparing the RV for winter storage

There are visions of frozen pipes, expensive damage, and lots of dollar signs -- because to wait one day too long could be very expensive!

However, when it comes to winterization, the RV's electrical system often gets overlooked.  You need to know that batteries can freeze, plates can warp when ice forms, and cases can split and leak acid all over everything.  Preparing your RV batteries for winter storage is just as important as protecting the water system.

My personal preference is to bring the RV batteries into a heated environment and charge them up a couple times during the winter months. 

The Economy Is Forcing Many To Become Full Time RVers

Today's economy has a lot of people scrambling to figure out what to do when the bank forecloses on the house. 

Don't dispair, that RV in the driveway can be your salvation.  The cost of living is a whole lot cheaper in an RV .  Sure beats trying to stick it out in a house you can no longer afford!

Many are taking the plunge and buying used RVs before their financial status bottoms out altogether. 

When you see the writing on the wall, the time has come to make some alternate plans.  First, choose an RV big enough to be comfortable in.  Then, become a full time RVer.

You might find out RVing is a lifestyle you're more suited for than the one you're leaving behind.

If You're Wearing Flip Flops While RVing, You're Cruisin' For A Bruisin'

Cruise control and flip flops... you might be wondering "Where's the connection?" 

For starters, modern electronics have allowed RV companies to come up with pretty fancy cruise control system on RVs.  Take Monaco's Safety Cruise, for example.  Not only does it maintain speed for you, it also monitors surrounding traffic and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain safe separation between you and the vehicles around you. 

Here comes the part about the shoes...  Imagine what happens when you attempt to retake control of your heavy RV only to have your flip flop catch on the pedal -- causing you to fumble and possibly delay your braking just enough to set you up for an accident. 

Flip flops may be a quick and comfortable way to avoid bending down and tying your shoes, but they're not very safe footwear -- especially when RVing.  Heed this RV flip flop warning: tripping, slipping, falling, and even puncture wounds can occur when wearing flip flops while RVing. 

So, keep your flip flops for when you're in the shower.  When you're driving, always wear proper footwear instead.

A Review Of Keystone Outback Travel Trailers' 2-Story RV With A Loft!

Keystone has come out with an RV first: a 2-story travel trailer! 

Who wouldn't want to have a second floor bedroom? It's great, if for no other reason than to have somewhere to send the kids when they misbehave. 

Actually, when it comes to bed space, there is only so much room to stack people in your average 30-foot travel trailer. Whereas, the Keystone Outback Loft will handle lots of people.

With room for mom and dad, plus a tribe of 5-6 kids, the Keystone Outback Loft might be the perfect RV for your family.  The king-sized dinette means there is plenty of room at the table.  Include the folding sofa and the queen-sized bed that lowers in the garage, and you can sleep quite a crowd.

That’s right, with the Keystone Outback Loft you’ve got your own garage!  That means you can bring along a whole stack of bicycles -- one for each person in the family.  Don’t forget the 4-wheeler, there's room for that too.
 

Continue reading: Keystone’s Outback Loft Travel Trailer

Renting Out Your RV Doesn't Mean You're Not Still Liable

Renting an RV has become a popular way to travel for many who may not be ready to commit to a long-term investment.  Sticker shock on that new luxury coach can be avoided by a short-term rental.   Also, all those maintenance and storage issues remain someone else's problem when you're renting!

On the other side of the coin, if you've got an RV sitting idle in your driveway, then you may be considering renting it out as a way to cover those previously mentioned expenses. 

Beware, as you could be opening a real can of worms. Even though you're not the one driving the RV,  you're still liable in many ways when someone is renting the RV from you.

How To Avoid RV Sewer Problems

RV waste management -- otherwise known as black water (toilet) and gray water (sinks & shower) -- requires knowledge of how the RV water system works. 

For example, what valves do you leave open when hooked to utilities at the campground? Why is water backing up in the shower?  These are all questions with simple answers.

Asking questions at the RV dealership, and taking the time to understand what happens when you pull which handle, will keep you from getting an unexpected surprise when you remove the twist cover off the discharge end of your plumbing sewer system.

I guarantee that will be one mistake you'll only make once!