May 2, 2019
Welcome to another fabulous edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related, and small-space living, tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate your readership.
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FEATURED TIP
Enhance your RV entry door security
Reader Jeff tells us he has beefed up his RV security. Concerned about anyone with a master key, he called the company that built his entry door lock, an outfit called Bauer. He was dismayed when a representative told him they didn’t make non-mastered entry door locks. So he looked around and found a line of RV door locks from RV Locks and More – an outfit that makes truly non-mastered locks. Buy a lock from this firm and nobody has the key but you. Need a duplicate key? You’ll need the code sent with your purchase, and only the company can cut you a new key.
But there’s more than just keeping out undesirables. These locks have a larger, easier-to-open entry lever. Spend a few more bucks and you can get a unit that will respond either to a key, or with an electronic button keyed entry (equipped with long-lasting lithium batteries).
What’s even better, the outfit sells baggage door locks, keyed alike to your entry door. They aren’t inexpensive: The non-electronic entry lock runs $79; step up to the electronic keypad version and pay $189. But then, how much is your security worth?
Thanks, Jeff, for the low-down on this great lock-down! [Editor’s note: We would normally include a hot-link to the manufacturer; however, they don’t provide a “secure” (https) website. They can be found using a search engine, but use caution if you decide to visit the site. Otherwise, phone them at 888-400-9849.]
[Editor’s additional note: We received this follow-up from Jeff, regarding site security: “The article I submitted to RV Travel and the RV LOCKS and MORE Website is in fact a secure website. Once you log in and create an account, the website has a SECURITY Feature with the little Lock in the browser. So, you can browse and look at their products.” We concur, once on the site you can register then browse securely. However, RVtravel.com’s policy doesn’t allow us to link readers directly to non-secure websites (or non-secure portions thereof). Thanks, Jeff, for the clarification!]
This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session:
What causes burned shore power plugs?
Planning your travels for the rest of the year? Sure, there’s so (sooooo) much information on the Internet, but have you recently sat down with a travel guide and planned your upcoming experiences that way? We still find books the most useful way to plan travel. Here are the top travel books on Amazon, and we highly recommend taking a look.
MORE QUICK TIPS
Cat nap nook?
If you travel with a feline, you may wonder where Kitty ought to sleep. If Kitty hasn’t already developed a mindset on the matter, here’s one possibility: Dedicate an upper cabinet to a cat snoozing area. Here’s Halifax, not an RVing cat, but a sea-going feline.
The correct answer to yesterday’s contest: The question was: According to Seeking Alpha, travel trailers represented what percentage of Camping World’s new RV sales in 2018? The correct answer: 68.3 percent
Got an emergency fund?
My advice to anyone living the RV lifestyle is to keep an emergency fund. Don’t buy the most expensive RV you can afford. Keep a little money back for emergencies. Also, make sure that you are not spending every penny that’s coming in each month.
If you find yourself spending all the money that’s coming in, by all means, find a way to do some work camping or other ways to make a little extra money each month, or find a way to cut back on your spending so you can put away some money for an emergency. Things happen when you’re living on the road – just as they do when you’re living a traditional lifestyle.
Following are some expenses that could come up at any time, and you need to be prepared for them: Eyeglasses. Dental work. (I broke a tooth yesterday. I’m sure that will be expensive and it’s not covered by insurance.) Tires: You may have a blowout at any time and even if you don’t, you will need to replace all of your tires every five to seven years. If you have three years left on your tires, start putting money aside now for a new set. Saving $50 a month for three years would give you $1,800 towards a set of tires when the time comes. If you have an accident, your insurance will probably cover it, but is there a deductible amount that you would be required to pay?
—From Secrets of RVing on Social Security: How to Enjoy the Motorhome and RV Lifestyle While Living on Your Social Security Income.
Do you have a tip? Send it to Russ (at) rvtravel.com
WEBSITE OF THE DAY
The most scenic road trips in America
Even though we’ve probably posted a similar website on here before, it’s always interesting to see what different websites pose as the best road trips (and this one has some unique ones). When planning a trip, it’s important to remember to look at many resources, not just one.
Camco vent insulator keeps you cool!
Is your RV too hot in the summer? Too cold in the winter? Camco’s vent insulator and skylight cover features a thick layer of foam which helps stop heat transfer, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Installation is easy. The insulator is designed to fit standard 14″x14″ RV vents. Learn more or order here.
LEAVE HERE WITH A LAUGH
Most people don’t know that back in the early 1900s, Hellmann’s Mayonnaise was actually manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 15,000 jars of the condiment destined for Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call after its stop in New York. At the time this was to be the largest shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.
But as we know, the Titanic did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were devastated at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning.
That National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5 and is known, of course, as Sinko De Mayo.
Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY.
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Contributing writers: Russ De Maris, Bob Difley, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, Greg Illes, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising director: Emily Woodbury. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.
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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 newsletter is copyright 2019 by RVtravel.com
That was THE funiest darn joke I’ve read in in years!! Thank You!
Another RV lock company – I have used them. They may have something to offer as well: https://www.rvlock.com
We have had another brand and went to the RVLock – much better and it has a remote. RVLock also carries parts when needed.
Interesting that the lock company that is based on security does not have a secure website…..
The article I submitted to RV Travel and the RV LOCKS and MORE Website is in fact a secure website.
Once you log in and create an account, the website has a SECURITY Feature with the little Lock in the browser. So, you can browse and look at their products.
The company is a major World Wide distributor of Security Locks and other secure devices.
So, if you put your RV in storage and don’t want someone with a MASTER KEY getting in and ripping you off, the 900 Series Ultra E Secure Lockset is for you!
Thank you, Jeff! Russ has updated the Editor’s note to include your important info at the end of the article. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
my answer was correct for the % of travel trailers sold to Camping World. Where’s my present?? :{
how can we answer the contest question when the li k doesn’t work?
Got sucked into the “Mexican Mayo” gag – thought it was real until the end!
Embarrassingly I did too! I am not normally gullible but it really was a great story!
ref the second tip…allow me to offer my own tips for financial peace and building wealth (with an enthusiastic nod towards Dave Ramsey):
1- set aside 3-6 months of income as an emergency fund.
2- live well beneath your means
3- avoid debt…especially on things that go down in value. as Dave says, “Debt is dumb, cash is king.”
4- invest. invest. invest.
5- for full timers and those contemplating going full time…you need an escape plan for the day when, not if, you leave the road and return to a S&B home.
I have to say, Dave Ramsey got us to where we are now. Long ago debt free and everything we have is paid for – many times over.
I wish I listened to you 50 years ago. 🙁
ref the first tip…we’re in our 33’rd year of traveling and vacationing by motorhome. in all those years we’ve had just one theft and that was items taken from our campsite while we were away. we’ve never had an issue with our storage bays.
For Mike Sokol:
Hi Mike:
Read the article on RV Tips about the gentleman who had his Shore Power Cord destroyed. Unfortunately, you only show a picture of the Burnt Pedestal and Burnt Plug. How about the Surge Protector? Was it Damaged or Destroyed as well? Just curious.
Thanks,
Jeff
That’s all the pictures I’ve got so far. I’m guessing that only the plug and outlet was destroyed since the high heat was concentrated in the high resistance connection. I don’t think the surge protector had anything to do with the overheating at all, except for being blamed by the campground owner.
I know this has been around the block but…. I want to move the spare from the rear swing down (which is breaking my back or wallet if I go for the after market lift assist) position on my 2002 Roadtrek 190 Versatile on a Chev 3500 Express chassis to the front. The receiver is already there and only minor modifications to the tire holder are needed to make it fit securely. What ramifications can I expect? I.e. cooling (or lack there of) effect, extra load on the front end, etc.. Can I expect any difference in the steering?
Depending on the style of the wheel cooling could be affected, an open Mag type should not drastically affect it. However a standard steel wheel with a closed cover would affect air flow. If you’re not experiencing any over temperature readings now there may not be adverse effects. I have carried a spare on the front of a pickup and never noticed any difference with steering or handling.
Chris do not go the front mount route. Depending upon where you travel you could be in for some serious cooling surprises in the future if you do. I’ve been RV,ing for over 50 years, plus worked in a General Motors dealership as Tech for more than 40 of those years. Our current rig has a rear under body mounted spare. I went down to an auto dismantler, found a three ton with a crank tire hoist, brought it home and installed it with almost zero modifications to anything. Now if I need that spare (highly unlikely) I can extract it by simply winding it down easily dragging it from under the unit. Note: A screen is your and your RV radiators best friend. Do not leave home without one installed
Ran out of words Chris. You will definitely experience a different handling Roadtrek, if you add 50, 80, 100 libs to the front end. You’ll need an alignment. The screen I was talking about in the other statement is a bug screen. In my days as a GM tech I replaced the rad in dozens of units where bugs had blocked off a corner of the rad or entire sections, causing overheating, and in the odd instance, rotting of the core. In most units today the manufacturer DID NOT over build your unit to account for you placing an impediment to air flow over that rad. I still see people doing this, I wish them luck. Many become the tow operators and in turn the dealer best buddy. Good Luck Alvin.
Thanks Alvin. I hear you loud and clear. I’m still going to give it a cautious try. I live in slightly rolling country (southern Ontario). The modifications to the hitch are such that I can go back to the old (back breaker) way if I see any signs of difficulty.
Chris, I don’t know about the 2002, but on my 2013 RT, if you take the plastic cover off the rear tire mount, at the top of the vertical support is a spring loaded nut/bolt. By turning that you can increase the spring tension so that the tire will lift easier. I stumbled across this on the RT website in one of their videos. I do not know if the site exists right now because of the current RT company situation.
Thanks for your reply KellyR. My spare tire carrier is pre spring assist. There isn’t anything there but the pivot bolt. Heck, I don’t even have a “plastic” cover, Just a vinyl slip on cover with elastic retainer cord.
Had a 3/4 ton ford with a slide in camper. Mounted the spare to the front of the vehicle, traveled from Ontario up through Alaska and back. No heating issues at all with the truck.