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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Friday, October 21, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
RVing Basics
RV water heaters 101
If you’re new to using electronic ignition water heaters, it’s easy. With the switch ON, the light may blink, possibly turn on. When the light turns off, the heater is lit. Now the thermostat is in control, and the heater will light whenever there’s a demand for the flame to heat the water. If the light stays on, or comes back on for longer than a few seconds, the heater did not light. Flip the switch off and try again. If it repeatedly fails to light, check to make sure your gas valve is open at the propane cylinder. Still not working? Leave the switch off and check with an RV technician.
Keep out the bad water, pardner
Before filling your rig’s fresh water tank, do what the cowboys did before leading in the cattle: Take a sip and see what the water tastes like. You can put bad-tasting water in your tank easily, but getting that bad taste out is a tough job!
Quick Tips
Leveling board reminders
If you level your rig with boards, it’s critical that the entire tire be supported on the board. If the tire “overhangs” the board, it can damage the tire structure. A 2 x 6 often is big enough, and it’s an easy find at the lumber yard. Redwood is light, but not always easy to find.
Preventing slide-out marks on floors
“We have found that cheap plastic placemats from a Dollar store work well to prevent marks or wear from slides. They are easily stashed on top of the washing machine if you have one.” Thanks to Goldie for sliding this tip our way!
“If you could tell someone new to RVing just one thing, what would it be?”
From the editors: We asked our readers this question. Here is one response:Â
“Do you have the time to really use it? Many RVs sit idle for weeks or months. Will you make use of it in the next 5 years?” —Andy Louie
Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.
Random RV Thought
If you want to make a friend, do this: On a cold and rainy day in a campground, if you spot a tenter or a couple holed up in a tent, invite them into your cozy RV for hot coffee or maybe even dinner. You will most likely enjoy good conversation and make a new friend (or friends).
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!
Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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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.
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Regarding the “RV water heaters 101”, if it fails to light after a few attempts, making sure your propane tank(s) is turned on and light a burner on the stove. That will get gas flowing, if perhaps you had your tank off, and purge air from the gas line. Once the stove burner lights, shut off the burner and try your water heater a few more times. It should kick on in one or two more attempts.
I have found the solution for bad tasting water. I bought a Berkey Water Filter when a house I was renting had bad plumbing problems-I mean contaminated water that was not safe to drink. I bought a Big Berkey and had the best tasting and safest water ever. The Berkey actually purifies the water, not just filters it. It is too big for my small camper, so I bought the Berkey Go system. It has the same charcoal filtration system as the big one, just more space friendly. Now I can boondock and get water out of the creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes that I camp near. The Berkey Systems are kind of expensive, but so is a Doctor visit after drinking bad water.
Hi, Cindy. My sister has a Big Berkey at her condo. I drank some of that water when I was over there. What a revelation! Oh, is this what water is supposed to taste like?! Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
Man, I sure agree with that advice about frequency of RV use. I see SO many RV’s parked in yards where we live and they rarely move. What waste of money and the potential for fun. If you are realistic about your vacation time limits, RENT one when you need it.