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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Thursday, July 7, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
I notice that some motorhomes do not have a back window. How do you see what is behind you?
On a smaller coach, like a 24-foot Class C, for example, the side mirrors do the job as long as you remember that you can’t see someone directly behind you (like a tailgating motorcyclist). Most large Class A motorhomes have a video camera mounted at their rear just below the roof line that sends a live picture to a monitor in the driver’s compartment. Many new RVs have cameras built-in.
Can my family riding in the back of my motorhome move about while I’m driving down the highway?
Yes, but to minimize mishaps they should remain buckled except for brief instances. Up front in the cab, the driver and passenger will need to be belted in at all times, at least in all the states we know. Here’s a site with a state-by-state breakdown of seat belt laws for RVers.
My kids are all excited about riding in the bed above the cab of our Class C motorhome and looking ahead out the window. Is this okay?
We do see this happening, but we do not approve. It’s dangerous! Keep them below and belted into their seats.
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.
Quick Tips
“Clean” firewood
Can’t find a good source of campfire wood? Restrictions to keep invasive bug species at bay make it even harder. Hit the “big box” lumberyard and buy cheap “utility”-grade 2x4s. Cut them in foot or foot-and-a-half lengths. They are easy to chop into kindling, if desired, and they light easily, don’t support bugs, and put out plenty of heat and light.
Must-have safety equipment
Prepare for a breakdown or flat on the roadside – carry a set of warning triangles like commercial truckers use. Folding ones don’t take much space, but their reflectors help out at night. Be sure to place them well behind your rig to give traffic plenty of warning of your presence. Thanks to George Bliss for the tip! (Editor: Here are some on Amazon.)
Dinette cushions sliding around?
Here are two possible solutions: Apply “lines” of silicone caulk in a pattern across the “back” of the sliding cushy. Let the caulk dry before setting back into place – the dry caulk acts as a snubber. Or attach sticky-back hook-and-loop tape to both the cushion and the surface it should “stick” to.
“Whitening” discolored exterior plastic
Exterior plastic on your RV gone or discolored? Some RVers say if it’s white plastic, try spraying it with water with a little bit of Rit brand blue dye. Be sure to mask off any unaffected areas with shop towels taped into place to keep the solution from drooling down where it shouldn’t.
Safely plugging into shore power
When plugging your RV into the power pedestal at an RV park (or anywhere), make sure the breaker switch is in the “off” position. Switch it on after you have plugged in.
Common Terms Used by RV Salespeople
GOLD BALLS:Â One who has excellent credit and usually a considerable down payment.
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:Â
“Don’t let the RV sit. Use it as often as you can in as many ways as you can.” —Kent
- You need this hilarious sign for your RV.
- Camco’s Amazon store has everything for RVers.
Random RV Thought
If you brew coffee or another hot liquid, put it in a Thermos rather than reheat it over and over. You will save propane or use of your generator. This Thermos will keep your coffee hot from Michigan to Montana.
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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Commenting on the “Can my kids ride in the bunk over the cab of my class “c” motor home?” In 1961 my family bought a brand new Chevy pickup and pickup camper. The camper had a large window in the over cab bunk and we kids would lie down facing front and watch the road ahead. Boy, thinking back now, if we would have had an accident, we would have been first to the scene! That was even before seat belts too. Sometimes I wonder how we made it this far.
Random RV Thought: I’ve been doing the “Thermos” thing for years. It saves energy and keeps the coffee tasting fresh-brewed and not burnt or bitter.
Buy Clean firewood at the big box stores. It will be one of the most expensive campfires you ever had! The price of a 8 foot 2×4 in my area is around $12.00, you better have the hotdogs and S’mores ready before lighting the fire. However you may ask them for some of the broken lumber and scrap pieces at a greatly reduced cost or possibly free. I burnt a lot of cut up skids in my day, just have a magnet on hand to remove the nails from the fire pit.
Great idea JOE!!! To further that…furniture, appliance, and HVAC companies have a ton of skids that they can’t return to the vendor for credit. They also can’t use them do to the damage. They are prime places to ask for skids for FREE.