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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Tuesday, September 27, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing Basics
Are discounts at RV parks available?
Yes. Most RV parks offer weekly or monthly rates. Some will offer a seventh day free after paying for six days. Members of Good Sam, AAA and AARP usually qualify for discounts on daily rates, usually 10 percent. A Passport America membership will net you 50% off at participating parks. At National Park and Forest Service campgrounds, Senior Pass and Access Pass (for the disabled) holders get half off.
Do I need to do anything to get my RV ready to store?
If you are storing over the winter, you will need to winterize the unit if you live where temperatures drop below freezing. The manufacturer will provide a set of winterizing instructions. In general, you will have to drain all the water lines, water and waste tanks and the water heater. Some RVers add a special RV antifreeze (do not use auto antifreeze) and use the water pump to circulate and fill all the water lines. If you live in most areas of the country, humidity can be a problem. There are both electric dehumidifiers that need shore power to operate, and chemical ones that use crystals to wring moisture out of the air. Winterizing also means removing anything unwelcome bugs or rodents might find attractive to snack on.
Camping with the Corps of Engineers
Many RVers consider Corps of Engineers campgrounds to be the best in the country. This guide is just for RVers — boat-in and tent-only sites are not included. Of all the public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has some of the best parks and campgrounds available. In fact, it’s the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation. Learn more or order.
Quick Tips
What’s important when shopping for a used motorhome?
Overall Condition – Search for units that are in fine or excellent condition. Walk away from those that need work, are unfinished projects, have sat unused for years, have been neglected, show any sign of water leaks or just haven’t been kept up.
Drivability – Search for units that are easy to drive. Don’t take the seller’s word. Find out yourself by driving. Keep in mind that some coaches, even new ones, are dangerous to drive, tiresome to handle and can involve spending thousands trying to resolve handling issues. When you test drive a motorhome, take it out on the highway and get it up to 60 mph. If you have to keep a death grip on the wheel to keep from crashing, walk away from the deal, no matter the price.
Floor plan – Make a list of your floor plan’s “must haves” and “must avoids.” Use that list to quickly eliminate coaches with floor plans that don’t meet your needs.
From Buying a Used Motorhome – How to get the most for your money and not get burned.
“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:
“If you are planning on being full-time, it is not all fun and games. Anyone can learn to operate and maintain an RV. But being able to persevere through the inevitable rough patches is the key. That is my tip, persevere. If you can do that you will be rewarded with a lifestyle and flexibility of living that is extraordinary.” —Walt
Keep road flares in the RV for emergency
You should always have road flares in your RV in case of an emergency. This pack of three bright, waterproof and shatterproof LED disks are perfect to keep tucked away. These bright lights can be seen from a mile away and can be used for traffic control, as a warning light, as a rescue beacon, and they can also be used for recreational activities such as camping and hiking. Learn more or order here.
Random RV Thought
Make your ice at night – the box works better. Besides, unfrozen water will splash out of the trays if you are traveling during the day.
“What’s the best modification you’ve made to your RV?”
From the editors: We asked our readers this question. Here is one response:
“I have Micro-Air EasyStart ‘soft start’ devices on my 2 roof-top A/C units. I don’t use a generator much but these units will prolong the life of an RV air conditioner. I also have an inside mounted 50A power management system that prevents almost all hazardous electric connections at a campground power pedestal.” —John Green
Editor: Or check out the SoftStartUp™ product.
RESOURCES:
• If you’re a member of Facebook, be sure to sign up for our groups RV Buying Advice, RV Advice and Budget RV Travel. For a list of all our groups and RVtravel.com newsletters, visit here.
• 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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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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This brought to mind the movie quote: “Endeavor to persevere”.
Walt’s suggestion of perseverance reminds of a quote my wife heard: “by perseverance the snails reached the ark”! Great tip, Walt.
I have a new InTech Horizon Rover Travel Camper and it has a Command Center. This shows with 4 led lights, the charge of batteries, status of black tank level and fresh water tank. Are there any Command Centers that display this information in digital numbers or images?? I like to have this important information more accurately, so I can determine usage averages and when action will be required. Thank you all for the wonderful help you all provide here for us Newbies!!!
Consider yourself lucky if the OEM tank sensors work at all after a few months. There are several other systems available with mixed reviews. A bit of research may find one you like.
We hang a curtain between the bathroom and living room – more changing area that way!