Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to RVing from RVtravel.com. The information we present here every Monday through Friday is for brand-new RVers – those in the market to buy their first RV and those who just purchased theirs. If you are an experienced RVer, this material may be too basic for you.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2020
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
RVing Basics
I’ve been told it’s a good idea to get an extended warranty for my RV. What do you think?
This is a hot topic. Some RVers prefer to go without the extended warranty and take their chances on repairs that occur after their initial warranty expires. Others believe that an extended warranty is a good idea, knowing they will never be stuck with a big repair bill. RV dealers push extended warranties because they earn a fat commission. You will probably do much better shopping on the Internet for such a policy. Ask your RVer friends what they think. And be sure before you purchase an extended warranty to read every single line of the agreement. One of the biggest complaints we hear about extended warranties is that the warranty company will not pay for the cost of a repair. The company’s usual claim is that the RVer violated the terms of his agreement where the fine print stated the repair requested was not covered. But keep in mind that many if not most of the components in your RV have their own warranties — refrigerator, air conditioner, stove, heater, and in motorhomes the chassis and engine.
Where do I register an RV?
The same place you register your car.
Can I register my RV in another state to save money? I’ve heard that some states, like Oregon, have low fees.
Be careful! You’ll need to claim residency for any state where you register. Penalties can be very steep if you get caught registering illegally. Many full-time RVers choose South Dakota for the domicile for its low taxes and convenient licensing requirements. We recommend checking with AmericasMailbox.com for more information.
Quick Tips
Don’t allow antenna “wings” to contact RV roof
Add this to your inspection list: Are your roof-top antenna “wings” coming in contact with the roof when in travel position? If so, they may rub against the roof with road vibration and can actually chew a hole in your rubber roof. If it looks as if they are, GENTLY bend and flex them upward enough that they lose contact with the roof.
Easy way to use baking soda to freshen water tank
Like to “freshen” your water tank with baking soda but can’t find an easy way? Put a cup of baking soda inside a water filter canister (take out the filter) and hook the filter canister to your hose. Fill the tank with the “output” side of the “soda filter.”
Another way to ease new fittings onto sewer hose
Putting new fittings onto your sewer hose? We’ve all heard the idea of dipping the hose in hot water to make the fittings slip on easier. Here’s the polar opposite: Stick the new fittings into your freezer for a few minutes – they’ll contract and slip in the hose easier.
Worried about counter drop leaf dropping?
If you’re worried your counter extension drop leaf may “drop” at the wrong time, get a short-length shower curtain rod and use it for extra support. Simply put one end of the rod on the floor under the leaf and rack out the rod until it firmly supports the leaf – coming up “underneath the leaf.”
Installing a magnetic-mount antenna on a rubber roof
If you’ve ever tried to install a magnetic mount style antenna on an RV’s rubber roof, you know it just won’t happen. A piece of galvanized metal – for example, an electrical junction box cover – is a great “base” for such antennas. How to attach it? Try screwing it down to the roof, using roof-compatible sealant under it. Some folks have used heavy-duty double-stick tape to hold the plate down.
We welcome your Quick Tips: Send to editor@rvtravel.com
Common Terms Used by RV Salespeople
WATER: This is the false equity shown on a deal that a customer is supposed to have in his trade-in. For example: Showing on the purchase order $10,000 in equity on a ’79 Winnebago when he actually only has $1,000.
Another one next issue. Courtesy of the Burdge Law Office.
You can buy the cutest micro-trailer you’ve ever seen for less than $13. Click here to read about it.
If you could tell someone new to RVing just one thing, what would it be?
From the editors: We asked our readers this question recently. Here is one response:
“We’ve only been doing this for 5 years, however, the most important thing to suggest is ‘SAFETY.’ From connecting your rig, arrival at the campsite… Be prepared to do your own maintenance. Planning your trip sometimes can get overwhelming but makes the experience interesting.
I like the 330 rule: 330 miles a day and at your destination by 3:30 in the afternoon.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, every one of us started as a newbie. YouTube university is your friend.
Don’t be intimidated by buttheads, they’re out there.
Enjoy the journey!” — Tom Huling
Random RV Thought
Card games are cheap entertainment. In the campground, a deck or two can provide hours of fun without the use of extra power. And when not being used, they take up virtually no storage space.
*The RVtravel.com staff loves these card games: Uno and Spot It! (this is a great way to improve your attention span, and this particular version is camping themed!).
RESOURCES:
• If you’re a member of Facebook, be sure to sign up for our groups RV Buying Advice, RV Advice and Budget RV Travel. For a list of all our groups and RVtravel.com newsletters, visit here.
• If you buy a defective RV and are unable to get it fixed or its warranty honored, here is where to turn for help.
• If you need an RV Lemon Law Lawyer, Ron Burdge is your man.
• Why you should never finance an RV for 20 years!
Read previous issues of Beginner’s Guide to RVing newsletters here.
RV Travel staff
CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editors: Emily Woodbury, Diane McGovern.
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
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This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com.
Extended “warranties” are RARELY an actual warranty. What a dealer is trying to sell you is likely a “Service Contract”. Be VERY careful re “Service Contracts”! Make SURE you understand YOUR obligations BEFORE you sign such a contract. For instance, the fine print might REQUIRE you to have your RV “inspected AND maintained” by a service provider the contract names (often at an inflated price) at specified intervals. Your failure to follow these details can give the seller / provider a loophole with which to void your contract (without refunding any monies you’ve paid). There are YouTube videos explaining WHY it’s usually NOT in an RVs owner’s best interest to buy this questionable “coverage”. MANY RVers chose to “self insure” (put money aside for the possibility [likelihood?]) of needing service AFTER the warranties that are included in the selling price have expired.
Chuck, in your other newsletter, sometimes you mention one of your advertisers is a warranty specialist. Would you please provide their name.
Thank you for asking, Donald. Wholesale Warranties advertises with us. Here’s a link to their website: https://wholesalewarranties.com/reliable-rv-warranty/?sr=rvtravelq2.20 Have a good night. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
The purchase of an extended warranty will depend on the owners knowledge of his RV, how to trouble shoot for a problem and knowing how to fix along with the tools and location, i.e., is there a lift available a pit to go in.
Thanks so much for this newsletter. As a couple who seriously considering making this part of our lifestyle, this is really practical and helpful!