RV Road Trips

Accessing The Internet While RVing Has Become Almost Mandatory

Staying connected is not just a desire these days. Often times, it's mandatory as we now do our business anytime, anywhere.  We need cell phones for calling and mobile Internet service for everything else. 

Things like paying bills, faxing, and conducting business over the Internet can all be done while on the road -- giving many the freedom to travel like never before.

Internet connectivity is accomplished in many different ways.  Not all are expensive.  In fact, many communities have free access to wifi hot spots that cost you absolutely nothing.  Many local libraries also offer free Internet access on their computers, so you don't even need to bring a computer with you.

RV Welcome Mats & Doormats Serve Two Purposes

Standard equipment in most RV travel trailers and motorhomes is an RV broom.  No matter where you set up camp, you will inevitably have to deal with sand, gravel, pine needles, and leaves that get tracked in on the bottoms of shoes.

Sweeping out the bits and pieces that get tracked in every time you go in and out of your RV will become part of your daily routine. 

A good welcome mat will help to eliminate most of the dirt and grime that would otherwise find its way into your RV kitchen or living room area. 

Without a doubt, every RV needs a doormat placed at the main entrance where everyone enters and exits the vehicle. Simply put, RV mats keep the outdoors out and the inside clean!
 

Continue reading: RV Doormats Serve 2 Purposes

Digital TV Reception In Your RV May Be Spotty

In the old days, way back say last year this time, if you were on the fringes of civilization the TV in your RV would at least pull in a a snowy picture with sound. 

Today, with digital TV signals it's an all or nothing proposition to get reception.  There are some ways to improve reception with digital, but if the TV can't come up with a solid signal, you're dead in the water.

If your RV has an old analog TV, you can use a converter box to receive a digital signal but it won't improve the signal.  Also remember that newer digital TVs are usually equipped with LCD screens.  Not all LCD TVs are able to handle a long cold winter in storage.

How To Get Started On The Right Foot As A New Motorhome Driver

At some point in time we all were new to the experience of driving a large motorhome for the first time. 

Settling behind the steering wheel looking down the long, long side of the RV in the rearview mirror, all you can think of is, "My this thing is long!"

Tips for the new motorhome driver will get you started cautiously down the road while you get accustomed to your new RV .

If only they still made rigs like this VW-5th wheel combination.  They don't make maneuverability this good anymore.

Save Your Generator, Use IdleAire In-Cab Services At Truck Stops

When you're traveling in hot weather, having air conditioning available while you sleep becomes mandatory for comfortable rest.  Usually this means running your generator all night -- every night -- racking up some serious service hours. 

Preventative maintenance can keep your generator on line for the long haul.  But if your staying at a truck stop, you may have another option.

IdleAire in-cab services can bring air conditioning, electricity, internet, television and telephone right into your RV for a small fee. This allows you to save wear and tear on your RV's generator. 

Many larger brand name truckstops are now offering this service for semis and other large vehicles as well, including RVs.

GPS Navigation While RVing - How To Stay On Track

Getting there is half the fun. Or, in the case of RVing, it can be most of the fun! 

Of course, finding yourself experiencing the Alice in Wonderland syndrome with the road getting narrower and narrower and you have no idea how to get back to familiar territory can make for some anxiety and quite a predicament.

A good road atlas is indispensable.  However, today many RVers are moving up to on board GPS navigation systems.  Having that calm electronic voice call out "right turn 500 feet ahead" means you can keep your eyes on the road.

When choosing the best GPS for RVing, you will want one that includes such options as "truck routes". That way, you won't be directed down narrow roads. 

How To Avoid Unnecessary Expense When Buying An RV

It's a buyer's market right now.  If you're thinking of upgrading your RV, this is definitely the time to do it. 

When you roll into that dealer's lot, you better have all your ducks in a row as they're professionals when it comes to separating people from their money and this is likely going to be a large amount.

The first step is to know beforehand what your trade in is really worth.  You also need to know the rest of your RV budget beyond the cost of your potential new RV. 

Once you've made your selection and have negotiated an acceptable price you're not done yet.  Getting the right RV loan can make or break the bank for you too.  There are lots of ways you can get ripped off along the way, how you choose your RV financing is only one of them.

Recharging Freon In An RV Air Conditioner Isn't A DIY Project

Roof-mounted RV air conditioners under normal conditions work well and are relatively maintenance free.  Owners can get into trouble when older units start to lose their cool. 

While it may be tempting to attempt to recharge the freon on your RV's A/C when it's blowing warm air, you're far better off having a professional address the issue.

One cause of RV air conditioner failure is damage caused by attempting to run it when plugged into an outlet not rated for a minimum of 30 amps.  That reducer adapter that allows you to plug into your house receptacle can't handle the load.  The air conditioner will be running in a low voltage condition and burnout is very likely to happen.

Beyond replacing a damaged plastic shroud that covers the A/C, there is very little an RV owner should be doing in the way of repairs to an RV air conditioner.

How To Support The Full Time RV Lifestyle On The Road

Becoming a full time RVer sounds very romantic, having the freedom to travel and wander about the country and all.  There's only one problem, how does one go about supporting this full time lifestyle if their bank account measures in well below anything considered independently wealthy?

More and more, we are becoming a mobile society.  Many home-based businesses can work just as well from a home that moves down the highway as from an office.  Often internet access and a cell phone is all that's required to continue working as if still behind a stationary desk.

Without the financial drain of maintaining a sticks and bricks house, your living expenses can be greatly reduced.  This makes lower paying temporary jobs like working at campgrounds and resorts a doable consideration.  These types of positions are quite plentiful.