RV Road Trips

Warning: RV Waste Tanks Can Be Damaged When They're Pumped Out

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0600

So your next boondocking expedition is all planned out. You're going to park in the desert, and once a week the honey wagon will come by and pump out your waste tanks. It's a pretty convenient way to handle the chore of emptying your black and gray water tanks.

Did you know that an inexperienced vacuum truck operator could apply too much suction and collapse your tanks?

Just to be safe, have the disposal service provide a written guarantee that they will pay for any repairs that may be the result of their services. Be sure to do this before they hook up to your RV!

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

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:27:02 -0600

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...

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

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:12 -0600

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

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:48 -0600

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

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:52 -0600

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

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:00:50 -0600

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'

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:41 -0600

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!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:54:23 -0600

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...

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

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:00:38 -0600

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

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:00:56 -0600

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!

Precautions When RV Camping With Dangerous Wildlife Nearby

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:41 -0600

Wild animals are notorious for scrounging around RVs looking for food. Even an RV is not total protection against a rampaging bear or other woodland creatures.

A good strong flashlight might be enough to scare them off at night, but a better approach is to never leave out any food that they can get. This includes your dog's food dish as well.

I once witnessed a pack of raccoons destroy a 2-room tent with a family cowering in the corner of the sleeping room portion. They made the mistake of using the other room as a kitchen, and the odors from cooking was all it took for the raccoons to become dangerously bold.

No one was hurt, but there was good reason the state park had signs posted not to leave food out for any reason.

RV Refrigerator Repair Tips

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:20 -0600

You might be surprised how much food an RV refrigerator really holds. It will become quickly apparent about the time you find the beer is warm and the ice cream is melted.

Determining whether to repair or replace your RV refrigerator can be tricky. Remember, labor is a costly item when it comes to replacing a refrigerator's cooling unit. You will want to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Of course, the picture may not be so bleak. Maybe all you need are some good ideas on how to make your RV refrigerator work better. Don't forget, your RV needs to be pretty level for the refrigerator to work properly.

Your RV Water Pump Must Be Drained For Winter Storage

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:07 -0600

RV water pumps are usually pretty trouble free. As long as you make sure your RV water pump is properly drained before winter storage, then you will likely prevent problems next spring. If your RV water heater does fail, diagnosing water pump problems is fairly straightforward.

Just don't be confused when using city water. For example, you don't need to run your pump when hooked to another water source.

If water starts running out onto the floor as soon as you turn on the pump, then you might have a burst water line instead. That's just one of many possible problems if you don't get all the water out of your system before winter.

Decorating To Celebrate Christmas In Your RV

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:25 -0600

Christmas is just around the corner. Will you be celebrating the holidays on the road? Just like home decorating, the RV can put some Christmas cheer in your heart and a smile on your face.

Sure it's a smaller space, but decorating your RV can be just as much fun. A tabletop Christmas tree will fit just fine, and you can still put out many of your usual items on a smaller scale.

To make the Christmas tree more appropriate consider some RV themed ornaments. Then make your Christmas list and leave it where Santa can find it. It's a good time to put some things for the RV on your gift wish list!

Longtime RV Companies Like Fleetwood & Beaudry Have Declared Bankruptcy

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:54 -0600

My how things have changed in such a short time. Fleetwood, long considered one of the largest manufacturers of RV travel trailers is gone. It's fallen victim to hard times and bankruptcy.

Emerging a much leaner corporation, Fleetwood's motorhome production will continue on. The whole RV industry has taken a pretty substantial hit this year. Many large RV dealers have folded as well.

Beaudry RV in Tucson went through Chapter 11 reorganization too -- closing down much of the umbrella of businesses that operated under the Beaudry name.

The industry is changing throughout. More lightweight and smaller RVs are being produced. Even homemade RVs are once again becoming a popular choice when the budget is tight.