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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Wednesday, August 17, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
Where is the propane tank located on an RV, and how and where do you fill up?
The propane will be in its own compartment accessible from the outside of the RV. On many travel trailers it will be right up front; fifth-wheel trailers will usually have them up front but in a compartment. Motorhomes have permanently mounted units, often out of sight, but with a filler connection behind a door. Propane is most readily available at commercial campgrounds and gas stations. Prices vary, but usually it costs less per gallon than gasoline. There is never self-service on propane.
How long will a tank of propane last?
How much propane is used varies widely among RVers. Furnaces or LP-fired heaters chew up gas at a famous rate. Water heaters use plenty of LP, so how often do you shower? Perhaps the “smallest” gas user is your refrigerator, but the hotter the weather, the more gas it will use. Many motorhomes have a gauge that will help you determine how much gas is left in the tank. Trailer users don’t usually have that luxury, so when you see the indicator flag on the propane regulator change color, know that it’s time to fill one cylinder.
Quick Tips
It’s best to have two types of smoke detectors in RV
Smoke detectors come in two “flavors.” The most common in RVs is an ionization detector, which quickly picks up on flaring up, flaming fires. The photoelectric type is better to notice smoldering fires. It’s best to have both types in your rig—but check to ensure what you install is “RV approved.”
Pick a small town for General Delivery mail service
Planning a long road trip and want to use the USPS “General Delivery” system to get your mail? Pick a small town for your General Delivery drops—easier to get your rig to than having to figure out which “branch” your mail goes to. Or check out Americas Mailbox for mail forwarding. It has many plans available and is endorsed by RVtravel.com.
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:
“Sit on the toilet to make sure you can easily ‘take care of business.'” —Tommy Molnar
3-in-1 NOAA radio, flashlight and charger must-have for RVers
This emergency hand-crank radio is a necessity for RVers. Keep it somewhere safe, you never know when it will come in handy. The 3-in-1 radio is also a bright LED flashlight and a smartphone charger. The radio can be charged via solar charging, hand cranking or a USB plug. You’ll want to buy one here.
Random RV Thought
If you RV a lot, it’s almost certain you will occasionally camp where the noise outside is annoying or even disruptive to a good night’s sleep. In situations where you cannot control the noise, earplugs can come in handy. They will block out most of the sound. Always keep a pair in your RV just in case.
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!
Stupid RVer Tricks! Oh, what some of them do! Watch and [maybe] weep!
Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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…or if you become a member of Escapees, they have a mail forwarding service as well.
You can buy dual sensor smoke alarms. Ionization and smoke detection in one unit.
We have also pulled our bed slide out back in when there is noise. It helps a little bit. It also helped when it was very cold outside.
Re: random RV thoughts
To block noise, I turn the AC/heater fan to On. The consistent white noise is easy to get used to and blocks out most outdoor noise
Re: make sure there’s enough room to sit on the toilet. My toes stick out under the door. I have to open the door after a shower to put on my socks and pants.
I wish the bathroom was 6 inches bigger.
I’ve been in motorhomes, just a few, where you need to exit the bathroom if you want to turn around. That’s how small and tight some bathrooms are.
That reminds me of my 6’8″ son (Marine) on the ship on his way to the Middle East. He had the top bunk and had to hang his legs over the side to turn over. And it took him a couple of run-ins with the doorways to remember to duck. 😯 Have a great day, Impavid. 😀 -Diane
I would add, don’t trust the sensor panel (the one with black-grey-fresh-LP readouts) to tell you how much propane is in your RV tank. Use the gauge on the tank itself. It’ll be closer to true.