I’ve been involved in RVing for over 40 yrs -- including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs. I’ve owned, used, and repaired almost every class and style of RV ever made. I do all of my own repair work. My other interests include cooking at home, living with an aging dog, and dealing with diabetic issues. If you can combine a grease monkey with a computer geek, throw in a touch of information nut and organization freak, combined with a little bit of storyteller, you've got a good idea of who I am.
It seemed so simple when they showed you how to use the RV refrigerator the first time. But, in reality, it isn’t all that easy. There’s more to it than just putting the switch in the ON position. An RV refrigerator has some unique quirks about it. Here's what you need to know if you want everything in the RV refrigerator to be cold before you hit the road... … [Read more...]
Ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on your RV's interior. Sadly, the sun's rays also take their toll on the exterior of your RV as well. You may have noticed while walking through any RV dealer's lot, as soon as you get to the second row -- where the 5 to 10 year old RVs are displayed -- they all seem to have one thing in common. The exterior finish has faded or become chalky. It may have even yellowed to a rather distasteful color that is far removed from the original white or almond finish … [Read more...]
Realizing on the first trip out that you bought an underpowered truck to pull your large fifth wheel trailer will give you that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach real quick. Thinking I was buying a huge powerhouse in a new 1994 Chevy Kodiak ton and a half truck, I made that very mistake. As soon as we left Tucson and got out on the open highway, my glaring error came to light. … [Read more...]
So you have the phone number of an RV-friendly place to make reservations for your next RV trip. Do you just nail down a date and price, or is there something else you should inquire about? Truth is, how an RV facility labels itself should tell you quite a bit about what you can expect when you get there. Be aware though, this information isn't written in stone, and there are many places out there that didn’t get the memo. Here's a guide with helpful tips for newbie … [Read more...]
Every RV requires a leveling system for 2 reasons: To meet the requirements of the refrigerator. If it's not level, it will not function very well. For the comfort of the occupants. Sleeping with your head in a downward slope can be uncomfortable. Likewise, rolling out of bed is a real possibility if you're parked with one side higher than the other. The key question for the new RVer is, "What type of leveling system do you have for your RV?" Here's what you need to know about RV … [Read more...]
Direct sunlight will fade a set of RV captain’s chairs quicker than anything. That beautiful panoramic RV windshield distributes the sun's ultraviolet rays directly where you sit. Believe it or not, RV windshield covers and sun shields actually do work. By neglecting to use a window shade of some sort, you're letting the sun do irreparable damage to your RV seats. And trust me, it will happen in a surprisingly short period of time! … [Read more...]
The owners manual on every new RV states that you should re-torque the wheel nuts or lug nuts after the first 100 miles or so. Then periodically recheck the torque to make sure nothing has changed. This is a critical safety issue that often gets overlooked or just ignored. In fact, aside from occasionally checking the tread or overall tire condition, most RVers seldom give the wheels under their RV a second thought. Years ago, when I worked for an RV dealership, we received a … [Read more...]
If you travel in your RV during the fall and winter months, then you need to ensure that you will stay warm and comfortable throughout your journey. Are you planning on spending more than one night stationary? If so, do you have adequate battery power to operate your on-board furnace? If you run your forced-air furnace during the night, the battery drain from that fan will leave you with dead house batteries by day 2 of your excursion. Running your generator all day to recharge the … [Read more...]
Since it's more expensive to be a fulltime RVer than it used to be (due to the price of gas, RVs, and tow vehicles), many have chosen to downsize in order to make the dream a reality. However, downsizing your RV doesn't have to mean going to the laundromat to clean your clothes when you're on the road. Here's a DIY RV project that's worth considering... Start With A Lightweight RV Trailer The choices in lightweight, small fifth wheel RVs has been steadily … [Read more...]
Working on the road, in the comfort of your own RV -- could life be any better? Many are choosing to work from home these days and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Fortunately, with some portable electronics, many “work at home” careers can be easily taken on the road! Here's how to create an RV office while you're on the road... RV Office Necessities Modern technology has opened a whole new world of employment options and business opportunities that will … [Read more...]
Connect with us