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, June 24, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
What advice do you have on buying a used RV?
We highly recommend buying “used.” Buying a used RV is not really different from buying a used car. You might find a better deal from an individual, but you’ll need to inspect the unit very carefully and thoroughly. If it’s a motorized unit, you should have it checked out by a good mechanic. If you’re looking at used RVs at a dealership, keep in mind that the dealer probably has a lot of flexibility built into the asking price. It’s still important to inspect the unit thoroughly and get the dealer to fix anything that isn’t working correctly before you take possession.
How long will an RV be on the sales lot before it is sold?
It can be days, or weeks, months or even a year or more. (Well, except recently, when they’re selling like hotcakes!) But, just in case, be sure when buying any RV, even a new one, to ask how long it has been on the sales lot. Check the chassis and elsewhere for any signs of water leaks, rust or other environmental damage.
Are RVs expensive to maintain?
The automotive part of a motorized RV is just like any motor vehicle when it comes to service. Change the oil and perform other regular maintenance and they’ll last for years. The living area of RVs are no more work to maintain than a small home. An RV does take some serious bouncing around, however, so things jar loose now and then. But a little puttering around with a wrench and screwdriver can usually keep this problem in check. If you are totally “unhandy” you may not even want to buy an RV. Service can be hard to find. As RV technician and instructor Terry Cooper explains to his students, “Eighty percent of repairs can usually be done by the RV owner.” Repair shops typically charge a hefty fee per hour. You’ll save a lot by doing your own work.
Inflatable footrest is comfortable for couch and passenger seat
Missing your favorite recliner? Miss it no more! This inflatable foot rest is perfect for lounging on the couch, in the chair by the campfire, or in the passenger seat for long drives. Take it on a plane or to the grandkids’ soccer game. It weighs less than 1 lb. and folds down small for travel. Learn more.
Quick Tips
Check the drip tube in the back of your fridge
It’s a good idea to occasionally take a peek in the back of your RV refrigerator. They have a drip tube that channels off water from evaporation. Sometimes this tube leads to a drip container (often near the chimney) that evaporates off this water; others may “port” the water out of the rig harmlessly. In any event, if the tube gets loose and starts dripping water onto your RV framework, it can lead to damaging rot.
Easy windshield cleaning
Keep a can or bottle of good-quality window cleaner within easy reach when you stop to fuel up. Before starting to pump fuel, spray your windshield liberally with the window cleaner. Let it sit while fueling and then use the “usually” available squeegee to easily remove the bug guts. The cleaner virtually dissolves and also releases the bug guts from the glass and it saves a whole lot of scrubbing. Our thanks to George Bliss!
How to make sure you get the right replacement faucet
Need to replace a faucet in your RV? Or just don’t like the one that came with it? Best to remove the old one, then take it with you when you shop for the new one. Some RV faucets have different spacing than “house” faucets and you need to ensure the less expensive (or greater featured-filled) ones from the “big box” store will fit.
Keep your keyholes clear
Some bugs like to lay eggs in little spots – like in the keyholes of locks on RV storage compartments. Once in there, the stuff’s like glue. If your locks are steel, get small disc magnets from the hardware store and “stick” one over each lock.
Scraping bottom when exiting a parking lot?
If your RV bumper scrapes when entering or exiting a parking lot or other driveway, try taking the exit with your rig at an angle rather than straight on. Still no help? You may want to add skid wheels to the back of your trailer. Two types: bolt on and weld on. The former sometimes tear off, so the added hassle of finding a welding shop may be worth the trouble.
Common Terms Used by RV Salespeople
FIVE FINGER CLOSE: A car dealer technique used by some RV dealers to get the sales papers signed by the consumer without the consumer realizing that the numbers on the papers have been increased above what was orally discussed with the consumer. An example is where the RV dealership Finance Manager holds the stack of RV sales documents, such as the sales contract, finance contract, etc., still with one hand planted in the middle of the document while pointing to the signature line with the other hand. He then asks the buyer to just sign here and here and here, etc., thereby using their hand to cover up an area of the sales documents where numbers appear that the RV dealer does not want the buyer to see.
Another one next issue. Courtesy of the Burdge Law Office.
Eliminate hose crimping at the faucet!
Sometimes it’s a real pain hooking up your hose to a faucet or to your RV. This Camco flexible hose protector is the answer. Its easy gripper makes attaching the hose effortless. It’s compliant with all federal and state low-level lead laws, too. Every RVer should have one or two of these. Super low price, too. Learn more or order.
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 strongly recommend that they purchase and install a gate valve on the dump outlet. It is the cheapest fix for a leaky tank valve, and insurance against getting covered with nasty stuff if it happens. Valterra makes a good one that can be purchased on Amazon. We found out about them after we had an incident and bought one right away. After trading the trailer in on a new one, it was the first thing we bought.” — Astrid Bierworth
Random RV Thought
On a cold and rainy day, it is satisfying to camp with an RV, even though some people may think it’s best in warm, tamer weather. When the weather is foul, it’s a nice feeling to be inside, sheltered from the storm, warm and cozy, maybe with a good book or your special someone.
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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Keep in mind that diesel engines cost more to maintain even more to fix. Gas engines are usually cheaper on maintenance and repair. That said diesel generally get better mileage than gas with better pulling power. Do your homework and decide which better suits your wallet and needs.
Unfortunately, the higher price of diesel fuel pretty much negates the better MPG.