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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The ABCs of RVing book (and Kindle book) by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Essential for newbie RVers.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
RVing Basics
The Seven C’s of Camping
- Care – We will care how we camp by being considerate of others.
- Caution – We will use caution in the use of camping equipment both on the road and at the campsite. We will handle fire and flammable fuels so as not to endanger others or ourselves. We will improve our camping skills, knowing the right way is the safest way.
- Courtesy – We will practice politeness because it enhances the camping experience. We will respect the privacy of others, control our children and leash our dogs.
- Cleanliness – We will be clean in our camping habits and teach our children the importance of cleanliness. We will pick up litter no matter who left it and be proud of the campsites we leave behind.
- Cooperation – We will observe the letter and spirit of camping regulations and rules established to protect our enjoyment of the outdoors. We will work cooperatively with others to make it better for everyone.
- Conservation – We will protect the environment in which we enjoy camping and help those whose job it is to guard and wisely manage our country’s natural resources. We will endeavor to leave a better outdoors for those who follow us.
- Common Sense – We will apply common sense to every situation, knowing that reason, understanding and humor make camping better for ourselves and others.
Quick Tips
No oven in your rig? Here’s an alternative
“Since our RV does not have an oven we find a toaster oven, a medium-sized one, does a great job baking and cooking foods that otherwise you would have to use a stove or microwave for. I don’t microwave food unless in a hurry.” Another hot tip, thanks to Jillie.
Another battery fill solution for close quarters
“The standard battery service bottle doesn’t work in my Bounder 38N battery compartment – too tall. I use a squirt bottle with a nozzle, attaching a length of 1/4-inch vinyl tubing to the spray port. I add the distilled water by placing the tube in the service opening and pumping the spray nozzle. I use a flashlight and mirror to check the level. Thanks to Phil Atterbery for yet another solution to one of RVing’s sticky situations.
“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:
“Get a good solar panel. We park in Forest Service campgrounds and our solar runs everything but the microwave and AC. Never run out of power!” —Jeri Lessley
Two of the best black tank dumpin’ gadgets
Tony Barthel writes: “Dealing with the black tank is one of the least enjoyable parts of the RV lifestyle. When a product comes along that makes the process even a little bit friendlier, I’m in. As such, two Camco products have really made my black tank dealings less miserable and have taken some of the frustration out of parts of this process.” Read more about these two helpful products here.
Random RV Thought
Whenever you can, get off the Interstates and drive the back roads. You’ll battle fewer big rig trucks and get up close and personal with scenery and the local population. Pause often along the main streets of small towns, have lunch, or maybe just a milkshake. Drop by the general store and buy the local paper. It’s 10 times more fun taking a back road than speeding along a boring Interstate.
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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I use a dollar store turkey baster to fill battery ports with distilled water! Easy.
Solar is not something we value, even if it was free. We never go anywhere without a reservation and that reservation has to be for full hookups. We have an 8KW Diesel Generator for the absolute rare occasion it would be needed.
Re: random RV thought and stopping
Great idea if you have a 22’ or shorter Class B. Anything bigger and it’s hard to find a parking spot.
How can I print the “seven C’s” ?
Highlight the list with your mouse, right click and “copy”, open a blank WORD doc and right click and “paste”, then “save” or “print”.
I use the EZ battery check and fill system. It makes it very easy to fill the battery without overfilling and spilling water and acid all over the place. However the indicators seem to stick so you need to remove the caps and reinsert them for an accurate level. http://ezbatterycheck.com/
The ‘Random RV thought’ is spot on! we were on a trip to New Hampshire, and passed through Wilmington, Vermont. The rest of the trip we were saying ‘we should have stopped…’
Next spring, when we go back up, we will.
Great article on the 7 C’s of camping.