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, August 1, 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.
RVing Basics
I see a sign in many parking lots that says “RV Parking.” Does this mean I can stay the night?
Probably not. It simply identifies the area where RVs should be parked. When you see “RV parking” advertised on billboards, it usually means that there is plenty of space to park an RV if you choose to visit. It does not mean you can stay the night, although sometimes that’s true – check with the store manager.
Do campgrounds have stores to buy groceries, fishing tackle – things like that?
Some do, including all KOA campgrounds, which sell basic groceries, RV supplies, souvenir items and even rent DVDs. Other private campgrounds may have similar stores. But public campgrounds, like those in state and federal parks, seldom have stores, although sometimes there’s one just down the road.
Is it worth it to upgrade an RV’s interior lights to LEDs?
Yes, because LED bulbs draw less than 10% of the power that an equivalent tungsten bulb needs for the same amount of light. That means LED bulbs will run 10 times as long as regular (tungsten) bulbs on the same amount of battery power. Read this post for more information about upgrading the RV’s lighting.
Quick Tips
Tips for cooking on a gas stove
If you’re new to RVing, learning to cook on a gas stove can be a bit challenging. Compared to the average electric stove, gas burners will heat up your pots and pans much more quickly — so beware! The burners are often smaller than what you’re accustomed to, so picking up smaller cookware for the rig could be in order. But if your pot is small, don’t crank the gas flame up HIGH — bring the flame up to fit the bottom of the pan; that way you’ll save gas, and you won’t run the risk of burning the handles on the pot.
Use clear storage bins
We full-time in our fifth wheel and need to carry a lot of stuff with us, so our storage areas and cupboards are pretty packed. I’ve found the best way to organize things is in plastic totes and bins. The best ones to buy are the clear, see-though variety. This way at a glance you can see what’s inside the bin. Thanks to Ray Burr at loveyourrv.com.
Keep the heat and light from coming through the RV skylights
Wayne Miller wrote to us about our Quick Tip to use windshield “shades” for an RV skylight that gives off too much heat or light. He reports, “I did exactly this a few years ago. The heat buildup softened the shower bubble so much that it inverted and drooped down into the shower instead of going up. I had to get a new inner dome and replace it. I now spray the outside of the shower dome with Rustoleum white plastic paint and it cuts the heat completely and 90% of the sunlight.” Thanks, Wayne!
Efficient use of closet space
Don’t have many clothes to hang in your RV closets? You can still put that space to good use by putting up hanging shelves. They’re great for lightweight items — think socks, underwear, shirts that can be folded, etc.
Time to cool off!
This compact, battery-powered, highly rated (the highest rated one on Amazon!), low-noise fan is just what you need to stay cool in your RV this summer. The rechargeable battery charges quick with a USB and will keep you cool for up to six hours at a time. Clip it to your table, bedside, driver or passenger seat or by your chair outside to stay cool. 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:
“Buy your RV for how you want to use it, not how it looks. They require thoughtful maintenance, responsible use (both when on the road or sitting still) and attention even during down times. The first and most important accessory to acquire is the RV owner’s trifecta: patience, flexibility and a sense of humor! Love the life – it’s all about the journey…” —Sue
Random RV Thought
When gas prices go up, don’t let that keep you at home. Is there a campground or RV park close by? Consider heading there for an outing – whether for a day, a week or longer. The cost of fuel to get there will be minimal even with the higher prices. And, yippee! You will be away from home and in your RV. Life will be good!
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.
Even cooking on propane is different than natural gas. Propane seems to be hotter.
As for storage bins. Great idea. We are in the process of switching RV’s and the amount of unnecessary”crap” that we have packed into every nook and cranny is staggering. Organize, organize, organize, then, when you get home, make a list of what you have left and look at it before you load for your next trip. I just found we have over 150 coffee pods left in different places, from the last three trips. Not to mention about 100 DVD’s!
Thank you for the tip on a gas leak detector.