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, much of this material may be too basic for you.
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Tuesday, June 21, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
What is a “diesel pusher”?
A diesel-powered motorhome is one with a rear engine, the standard setup on virtually all diesel-powered motorhomes, although front-engine diesel chassis are also available, mostly the shorter Mercedes Sprinter chassis. Most gasoline engines, on the other hand, are in the front of the motor coach.
What is a “bumper puller”?
It’s a slang term for a travel trailer, also known as a “bumper pull.” These can be pulled with a common trailer ball hitch – for some lightweight trailers with the ball mounted on the bumper of a car or truck, while heavier trailers require a tow ball mounted on a hitch system, bolted or welded to the vehicle frame. Contrast these trailers to “fifth wheel” trailers, which require a special hitch mounted in a pickup truck bed.
What are the biggest RV manufacturers?
The big three, which control about 80 percent of the market, are Thor, Forest River and Winnebago. About 80-85 percent of all RVs are made in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Quick Tips
Watch where you point your vents!
Got “pointable” air conditioning vents in your RV? Be careful how you point them! If you accidentally aim them at your thermostat, you may find the a/c system cycling erratically. The same is true for heater vents blasting at the thermostat.
Size does matter
Is your vehicle licensed properly for its size? Some jurisdictions will move you from personal class to commercial class simply because of your licensed GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). Be sure this doesn’t happen to you as the rules change significantly. Being classed commercial may limit your hours of driving, keeping log books, having restricted routes, need to carry specific equipment, etc. Thanks to George B.
While we’re on this topic …
Are you licensed properly?
In many jurisdictions, if you only possess a regular driver’s license you are not allowed to pull a trailer over 10,000 lbs. (4600 kg). If you’re not licensed properly, and in the event of a claim, your insurance company could deny you coverage. You could as well be ticketed or shut down on the side of the highway. Don’t put yourself in a position that will cause you grief. If you’re not sure, check with the licensing standards department of your state/province.
Make sure your pet is comfortable when traveling
Introducing Rover or Fluffy to RV travel? Make sure they have a comfortable bed for traveling. If you’re headed for cold or damp country with an older pet, consider springing for a heated pet bed. Whatever you choose, let your pal get used to it at home before traveling.
Don’t let your tire pressure get low
Tire load ratings are great – provided you keep the tire at the recommended inflation rate. If the tire pressure is low, forget the weight ratings – you’re playing with fire in the form of excessive tire heat that can blow your tire in flight.
Add an outdoor water faucet to your RV!
This lead-free outdoor faucet is really handy. If you don’t have one, here’s a super inexpensive way to add one. No tools required and it installs in a minute (just screw it on). Brass T included with the plastic faucet, just as it’s shown in the product photo. Learn more or order here.
Common Terms Used by RV Salespeople
SLED: Reference is quite often given to a customer’s old trade-in coach which is usually “beat up” and worth little or nothing.
Another one next issue. Courtesy of the Burdge Law Office.
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:
“I would say they should do their research and take their time looking. Don’t buy on impulse. Don’t get hypnotized by glam, glitz, and floor plan. The internet is a great resource – all the information is there.” —Marty Chambers
Today’s RV review…
In today’s review (which originally appeared four months ago in our RV Daily Tips Newsletter), industry insider Tony Barthel looks at the 2022 Wildwood X-Lite 28VBXL. Tony writes, “[I]f you can make a space that can be used in more than one way, you’ve earned my interest. And this trailer is really, really good at both space utilization and also taking spaces and making them multipurpose. … I can see this trailer making a lot of sense to the right buyer who may really get a lot out of the flexible design and unique features. ”
For previous RV reviews, click here.
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That’s just not true! 13 common myths about RVing
By Gail Marsh
A myth is a common statement or belief, widely known and even accepted as truth, but based on false notions or supposed ideas that have not been proven to be factual. Now that’s a definition mouthful! But I think you’ll agree that the following statements are RV myths (or at least partial myths). This is very interesting.
Random RV Thought
If you want to be absolutely sure that an RV park where you plan to spend the night has a space available, call and/or make a reservation, even in the off-season. You never know if there’s a special event in the area that might have the park booked solid.
RESOURCES:
• 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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Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
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Help desk: Contact us.
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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A suggestion would be to list the license requirements for driving of pulling an RV.
Wisconsin does not require an special license if the RV is under 45 feet long. The weight limit is not a factor.