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.
This newsletter is funded primarily through advertising and voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thanks to all of you!
Monday, July 11, 2022
If you did not get an email notifying you of this newsletter, sign up here to get one every time it is published.
DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
What gas mileage should I expect with a motorhome?
Expect to get about 6-12 miles per gallon with a gas-powered coach and about 8-15 with a diesel. Some motorhomes do better, like the Sprinter motorhomes from Winnebago and other companies which can get about 17 miles per gallon on the highway. One survey of motorhome owners indicated that for many V10 gas engine-powered RVs, owners typically report 8-9 mpg. Towing a car can affect your mileage, some reporting about 2 mpg less. Keeping the speed down also improved fuel economy.
Here are some tips to improve your RV’s gas mileage.
How about mileage towing a trailer?
It will depend a lot on the size and weight of the rig, as well as whether the tow vehicle is gas- or diesel-powered. But for a larger trailer, expect 8-10 miles per gallon on gas and 10-15 on diesel. Because travel trailers have a lower wind profile, you may get slightly improved mileage versus towing a fifth wheel.
When traveling state to state in an RV, do you have to stop at truck weigh stations or have any particular papers with you?
In MOST states, no, you don’t need to stop at truck scales. However, if you have a rig that scales in at more than 10,000 pounds, there are some states that do require a stop. Here’s a site that gives the details: GoDownsize.com. The only papers you legally need to carry with you are the registration papers for the RV. Of course, you must have your driver’s license and proof of insurance on the vehicle you’re driving.
Endorsed by tire expert Roger Marble!
Outstanding tire pressure gauge
The Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge has an easy-to-read LCD display that provides pressure readings from 5-150 PSI. It’s ergonomically designed with an angled head and a rubber-coated easy-grip handle. If you forget to turn it off, it will do so automatically. The included lithium battery never needs to be recharged or replaced. Used by the RV Travel staff. Learn more or order.
Quick Tips
Handy leveling tools
Got levels? Having bubble levels on the side and front or rear of your rig make it easier to level up when you’re setting up. Or use a small “torpedo” level. With your rig known to be level, see if your storage bay trim or windows are also level. If they are, you can use a torpedo level lined up on the trim anywhere it’s convenient.
Don’t use stabilizer jacks for leveling
Don’t try to use trailer stabilizer jacks to bring your rig up to level—most are designed simply to give more stability to the rig once leveled. Using these to try and level a rig can cause damage.
Putting in a dishwasher?
Thinking about installing an RV dishwasher? Before you go out and lay down money, check out the specifications. Not only do you need enough physical space, but also consider the electrical and plumbing requirements—your rig must be able to provide for all.
Fast-cooked meal on a hot day—without heating up the RV
Reader Sherry Z. says she’s now using an electric pressure cooker to make fast meals on a hot day, outside! Since it’s sealed, even outside it doesn’t attract critters, but cuts cooking time in a hurry. “I can go from frozen to cooked in about a half-hour.” Thanks, Sherry!
Handling putty/butyl tape in hot weather
Working with putty tape (or butyl tape) in hot weather? Prepare for frustration as the backing paper will stick to the gooey tape. Better: Put the roll in the freezer for a few minutes—tape peels off backing easily. Some folks store their butyl tape in the freezer for this reason.
Common Terms Used by RV Salespeople
MOUSE HOUSE: Slang term used for a finance company.
Another one next issue. Courtesy of the Burdge Law Office.
Give your phone or tablet a full-sized keyboard
How neat is this? This tiny, collapsible Bluetooth keyboard connects to your phone and tablet so you can type comfortably. The 5-ounce palm-sized keyboard can be folded into your pocket or backpack to carry around. All you have to do is press “Connect” to quickly pair with your devices. Check it out here.
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:
“Be mentally prepared to constantly have a ‘fix-it’ repair list and get it fixed/repaired constantly.” —John Bellush
Random RV Thought
To conserve water when dry camping, shave with a rechargeable electric shaver rather than with a blade.
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
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Advertising: Advertising@rvtravel.com
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.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2022 by RV Travel LLC.
In general, I think that it is worth starting to use all sorts of washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage shredders to the maximum, because this is the future, and this is just convenience, saving time, which is very little. I myself really love these things, and I especially love to install them, it is very interesting, because it can help to make money in parallel. Anyone who wants to can take a look at my website, there are many interesting things https://contractorfinder.bradfordwhite.com/contractors
The article on which states require RVs to stop at weight station is not clear. If in doubt, stop at state welcome center and ask, or just stop at first weight station you encounter and ask. Regardless, I like to stop and weight my RV often to better calculate the best tire pressure.
Regarding the Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge I started using them a few years ago on Roger’s recommendation and I love them, very easy to use and accurate, however one warning, when they die they die without warning and replacing the batteries does no good. I had one die in Mexico after I had aired down for the beach and stupidly I had no backup, and was in a remote area. So yes it’s a great gauge but just carry a mechanical backup and maybe replace the gauge every couple of years. It’s still well worth it and still my go to gauge (I have 5 now)