Issue 936 • July 17, 2018
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QUICK TIPS
Monitor that charge!
With electricity expert Mike Sokol
Hey, I’m not just an AC voltage guy. I also do a lot with DC battery systems. If you don’t have a dedicated house battery monitor, or maybe you need a second one in a more visible place, then consider a plug-in battery voltage monitor. It can tell you if your converter or charger is working, the basic state of charge of the batteries, and even if there’s a sudden load that you weren’t aware of. Here’s a nice one!
Know how your RV “measures up”
The importance of knowing how “tall” your RV is can’t be understated. But how to do it? Here’s a suggestion from Bob. He suggests getting a 2 x 4 or a thick piece of Styrofoam, even firm cardboard. Put your choice up on top of your air conditioning unit so it extends over the side of the RV, then use a tape measure to measure from the ground up to the bottom of the object. That way, you’ll have (hopefully) the figure for the tallest point of your RV.
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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Carefree of Colorado Wireless Control for 12V Awnings
Enjoy full control of your 12V awning from as far away as 50 feet with the Carefree Connects™ Awning App. This Bluetooth® enabled system operates via mobile app or remote fob. Functionality includes extension, retraction, LED power and motion sensitivity. Pair with CarefreeMotion™ for maximum peace of mind. Click here for information.
Answer to today’s email alert brain teaser: Neither, it’s a paradox. If the first is true, then the second must be false, which makes the first false; it doesn’t work.
MORE QUICK TIPS
“Pirate” light stealing your precious gas?
“Unless you are using your oven a lot, leave the pilot light turned off when you are not cooking. It uses a surprising amount of propane.” From Motorhomes Made Easy
No-bonk awning arms
Pity those of us who aren’t always aware of our surroundings, or walk about in the dark. Smack into a deployed awning arm, it can really bruise you. Make “bumpers” for your awning arms by slitting a large “swim noodle” lengthwise and fitting it over the arm. Or try large foam pipe insulation – it’s already slit.
Do you have a tip? Send it to Russ (at) rvtravel.com
Heavy duty grill mats master the BBQ!
Been looking for perfect grill mats? Here you go! These mats are the ideal thickness, still allowing that chicken to get those beautiful grill marks, but thick enough to provide durability and heat resistance. Never worry about cleaning your grill again and never worry about veggies falling through those dang cracks. Hassle-free grilling every time. Works with any type of grill or BBQ. Learn more or order here.
WEBSITES OF THE DAY
National Park Maps
This website from the National Park Service offers all the park maps for free. It’s an app too, so you can have them on your phone when you need them!
35 delicious dutch-oven camping recipes
We’re drooling just looking at these! Anyone feel up to cooking? We can be there in 10!
Check out the long list of great RVing-related websites from RVtravel.com.
RV trip planning has never been easier!
RV Trip Wizard saves you time by making RV trip planning simple. Plan safe RV routes, avoid unpleasant surprises, and research campgrounds before you arrive. Even find gas stations, propane, and dump stations along the way. All this and more in one easy to use system! Learn more here.
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LEAVE HERE WITH A LAUGH
From Johnny Carson: “The bad news is that aliens have landed… the good news is that they pee gasoline.”
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Staff writer: Emily Woodbury. Contributing writers: Russ De Maris, Bob Difley, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, Greg Illes, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis.
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I got laughed at by the neighbors when I bought a jeep cheroke trail hawk to go with my 20 foot trailer. They laughed and said that tows that? It does and did a great job. I laughed last. I also have a vehicle that goes off road. So for the tow and off road? More fun then a pack of coyotes.
My first 5ver was small enough to be towed by a Chevy 1500 which is what I was looking for when I stumbled upon a nice used Ford F250 diesel which I bought. A little overkill at the time but within a few years I upgraded to a much larger 5ver which fit the F250 nicely.
I love reading your newsletter but maybe you should only publish Mon, Wed, Fri and Saturday?!?!
That would maybe free up some time and or costs!?!?
with a 5er` measure when hooked to ur tow vehicle may make a difference
RV height check – it may make a small difference but inflate your tires properly before that precise measurement.
And add 6″ or more to allow for bumps in that road under the bridge, uneven paving, or a layer of paving added since the height sign was updated! Then I stay at least 6″ under that measurement. I do not want to lose my air conditioner. . .
Re: the $14 voltage meter…these are also available for $2 elsewhere. However, voltage alone tells you very little – yes, it detects dead battery, huge loads, dying batteries, poor water level, alternator function, solar function, and charger function. All these conditions will be indicated similarly.
Re: bonking arms – also know that many awning arms are detachable. Once they are vertical, you’re less likely to crease your forehead.
Re: tow vehicle. I had a truck already for trucky needs, which lead to 23′ trailer… Then got a much bigger truck when i got a much bigger 35′ and dual slide trailer.
On knowing your height, the board you set on top of A/C, make sure it and your trailer are LEVEL (side to side). If they are not level your height will either show lower than it actually is (ouch) or higher than it actually is.
Also, the board of your choice must also be level. Put a 4′ level on top of the board as you extend it over the side of the motorhome.
For the survey—I purchased a vehicle to tow behind the RV.
I went to the National Park Map website. It’s a cool site, but I didn’t see any apps