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!
If you shop at Amazon, please visit through our affiliate site (we get a little commission that way – and you don’t pay any extra). Thank you!
July 10, 2020
If you did not get an email notifying you of this newsletter, sign up here to get one every time it is published.
[activecampaign form=38]
DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
Page Contents
RVing BASICS
What’s the difference between a Class A, Class B and Class C motorhome?
• Class A motorhomes are constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis. They’re the “Big Boys” of the motorized RVs, and are the most favored motorhome of full-timers. They are also generally the most expensive RVs with price tags of luxury models a half-million dollars or more.
• A Class B motorhome is a compact unit that looks much like a regular van. These are popular because they can often be parked in the family garage or driven around town as a second vehicle. Per square foot, however, a Class B usually costs more than a Class C.
• A Class C motorhome is built on an automotive-manufactured van frame with an attached cab. The motorhome manufacturer completes the living section and attaches it to the cab and chassis. A Class C motorhome is easy to identify: In most cases, a full- or queen-size bed extends over the cab
What’s a travel trailer?
The travel trailer was the first popular RV. It’s pulled by a car or truck, comes in many lengths, weights and designs and is the biggest selling RV. In recent years, lightweight models have become popular in part because they can be towed with most passenger vehicles, even four-cylinder models.
Next week this newsletter will look a little different. We’ve added a few more features we think you’ll like. Make sure to check back on Monday to see!
QUICK TIPS
Handy linen storage
Need a good place to store linens? Plastic-coated wire racks are lightweight and keep good airflow going.
Use windshield “shades” for your RV skylight
RV skylight giving off too much heat or light? Hit the auto parts store and buy some windshield “shades.” Attach them to the ceiling under the offending skylight using double-stick Velcro tape. If you don’t want to go that route, check out Camco’s easily installed vent insulator and skylight cover here.
Easy way to add water to batteries
When adding distilled water to your batteries, a turkey baster makes the job very easy rather than trying to pour in the water. —Our thanks to Ruth DeBay
Attend an RV show
RV shows, held each year in the spring and fall, are one of the best ways to get acquainted with the latest model RVs and to narrow your choices of what’s best for you. Alas, right now, during the pandemic, most upcoming shows have been canceled and likely will be through 2020. Cross your fingers that they’ll be back in the spring (but don’t hold your breath). In the meantime, try to visit as many RV dealers as possible to determine the RV that best meets your needs.
Water hose storage tip
When storing your RV’s fresh water hose, after emptying it of water, connect the two ends together. That way, little critters – you know … bugs, spiders, little guys like that – won’t take up residence.
We welcome your Quick Tips: Send to editor@rvtravel.com
Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.
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 a 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!
Read previous issues of Beginner’s Guide to RVing newsletters here.
Run your RV air conditioner with only 20 amps. This is a game changer!
RV Travel staff
CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editors: Emily Woodbury, Diane McGovern.
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 2020 by RVtravel.com.
The batteries in my class A are hard to get at to add water without over filling. I have been using the EZ battery check system to monitor and fill them. It comes with 6 new caps with level gages, a separate port to fill, and a long hose that fits onto the port to add water. No spilling water and overfilling, works great. Available on Amazon.
The best way to add water to a battery is by using an old style ketchup bottle (squeeze bottle) you can find them on Amazon and are inexpensive., no sucking water up into a baster and then dispensing, the bottle can be kept full all the time and used when needed.
Hmmm… more stuff on Monday – can’t wait. This week has been a hit in my house (and given my bride something to ask about too).
On the picture above showing the BLUE pick up (with a blue cap) connected to the WHITE trailer (with blue stripe) please note: the nose of the trailer and rear of the pick up are NOT level; each is slightly lowered. This WILL result in extra strain on suspension parts and could adversely affect steering as the front axle is carrying less weight than it should be carrying. A PROPERLY installed WDH (Weight Distributing Hitch) will correct this imbalance and, give a better ride. It’s a small but important point that “experienced” dealers sometimes get wrong.
The truck in the photo should be level, but it’s my understanding that the trailer should (or at least is ok) if it’s slightly nose-down but not nose-up.
Yet another great edition.
BTW Diane, thanks for the reply to my question yesterday.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. And you’re welcome. I haven’t had time to look any more for the specific article and product you were referring to. Have a great day! 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com