Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to RVing from RVtravel.com. The information we present here every Monday through Friday is for 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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June 7, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
RVing Basics
What’s the difference between a campground and an RV park?
Public facilities like those found on government lands are almost always called campgrounds. Privately owned campgrounds are usually called RV parks, but not always. RV parks that cater to luxury RVs are often called RV resorts, although the term is often used by less-than-luxurious parks to try to spiff up their image.
Is an RV protected from being hit by lightning?
It can be, but not always. While you, yourself, will probably survive a direct lightning hit while sitting inside of a metal (aluminum) RV, fiberglass and canvas RVs don’t offer this type of protection. And a direct lightning strike on your RV will probably blow out all of the electrical systems. Even a nearby lightning ground strike can travel up your shore power cord, blow up your surge protector or EMS, and destroy your RV’s internal wiring. It’s best practice to unplug you RV from pedestal power and seek shelter in a large building during severe electrical storms.
Should I wear gloves while dumping the holding tanks?
When we surveyed RVers on this question, about three-quarters reported that they did, indeed, wear gloves while dumping – which you should do. If you don’t and you have an open cut on your hand, if bacteria should enter it you could end up in a bad way. Disposable gloves are best. Please don’t leave your “used” gloves lying around at the dump station – throw them away in an appropriate trash can or take them with you for disposal.
Here’s the best way to store your dumping gloves for easy access.
At last! A directory of where to camp on public lands!
The Bureau of Land Management Camping book describes 1,273 camping areas managed by the BLM in 14 Western states. Details for each camping area include the number of campsites, amenities, facilities, fees, reservation information, GPS coordinates, and more. You’ll want this book if you camp or are interested in camping on BLM land. Learn more or order.
Articles that may be of interest
• A quick, easy way to make sure your RV stays cool at the next campsite
• Just how bad is it? Are boondocking locations getting crowded?
• Portable washing machine saves weight for RV. YUP.
• How to replace and reseal RV windows
Deciding what RV to buy?
Check out all of Tony Barthel’s RV reviews. They’ll be of huge help in making your decision!
Quick Tips
Correct RV tire pressure saves tires
Keeping RV tires at the right inflation saves them. Too much pressure – uneven tread wear. Too little pressure – risk ruining the tires from overheating, plus uneven wear. Tires give off air even without actual “leaks,” so check them before you start out on a trip, and at least weekly on the road.
Make sure your sealant is sealing
Check sealants around windows, doors and roof vents often. Sealant does “dry out,” and cracked sealant can lead not only to air leaks (making it harder to heat and cool your rig), but, worse, can allow water in that can lead to expensive damage.
Handy bedside water glass holder
Space tight in the bedroom? No room for a water glass? Your local auto parts store has a great selection of folding cup holders that can screw onto a nearby wall or bulkhead.
Hint for safer parking
Ever find you need to park the rig with part of it “sticking out” in traffic, either on a street or in a parking lot? Pick up a set of “sport cones” from Walmart. A little shorter than standard traffic cones, they still stick out like sore thumbs, are inexpensive, and can be easily stored near the driver (or navigator) seat. Great for marking an “occupied” campsite, too.
Use big enough leveling blocks
Got leveling blocks for under the tires? Make sure the blocks are big enough that the tire sits completely on the block – not overhanging it. Dually rig owners, BOTH the tires must be supported, not just “one or ‘tuther.”
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 (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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I’m glad to see this daily RV newsletter is back. Good info. and a quick read. Perfect.
Great source for new and experienced RVers.