Category Archives: RV Safety

8 Things You Need to Know Before RV Camping Baja California

17 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in RV Safety, Tips & Tricks, Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Ever thought about taking your RV across the Mexican border? Not only is this totally possible, I 100% recommend it! RV camping in Baja California sure has been a life-changing experience and we wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.

All that said, there are some things you will want to know before you head down to Baja in your RV. Here are our top tips for visiting this magical place.

Gather Your Paperwork

As is the case with any international trip, you will want to get your paperwork in order before camping in Baja California. A valid passport or passport card is required. Additionally, you will need Mexican liability insurance, and we recommend adding full coverage insurance just to be safe.

If your RV or vehicle still has a lien on it, it is a good idea to obtain a letter of permission from your lender. Lastly, you will need to stop at the border to get an FMM form to legally stay within Mexico for any length of time.

Note: It’s also a good idea to learn about what your roadside assistance offers in Mexico. Coach-Net coverage does extend into Mexico, but it is a bit more limited.

Pack Must-Have Items

Some things are hard to find in Mexico. We found that out the hard way when searching for things like Dr. Pepper, brown sugar (the molasses kind), and a replacement tire for our dolly. Because of this, we recommend that you pack anything you can’t live without, including your favorite foods and drinks. (Just remember that fruits, veggies, and meats can’t cross the border.)

You’ll also want to pack at least one spare tire for every vehicle you take, as the roads are less than ideal in some spots and blowouts are not uncommon. Another important one? A hefty surge protector with an electrical management system in case you encounter a park with less-than-ideal electric hookups.

Stock Your Phone with Apps

There are three things we highly recommend downloading before camping Baja California. These include:

  1. Google Translate — Be sure to also download the Spanish language translations so you don’t need an internet connection to communicate.
  2. Google Maps — Google Maps did a decent job of navigating us all the way down the peninsula. Again, just be sure to download enough maps to cover the entire peninsula so that internet access isn’t necessary for finding your way around. Of course, it’s also good to carry a paper map!
  3. iOverlander — This is the perfect app for finding info on places to stay while camping Baja California.

Think About Internet

Wi-Fi is available at some restaurants and cafes in Baja. However, if you wish to stay connected outside of those places, you must think about how to go about that.

One option is to buy a Telcel SIM card (they call them “chips”) when you arrive. These can be purchased at just about any OXXO convenience store and the cell signal will work in most major cities. Make sure the chip you get is a Telcel one specifically and not an OXXO Cel one, because we ran into that ourselves just after crossing into Mexico.

If you need something even more reliable, I recommend investing in Starlink. Just be sure you have a battery and inverter to run the Starlink hardware!

Don’t Drink the Water

You probably know this already, but it’s worth stating that you can’t drink water straight from the tap in Mexico. You can use tap water to fill your fresh tank, wash dishes, and shower. Just be sure you visit one of the many agua purificada locations to refill drinking water jugs.

Be Prepared for Military Checkpoints

There are military checkpoints along the major highways down the peninsula. If you don’t expect these going in, they can be a bit intimidating. Don’t worry though, there’s nothing scary about these checkpoints. Pull up, roll down your window, and talk to the military personnel there. In some cases, they will ask where you’re headed and then wave you on. In other cases, they will want to search your vehicle.

If your vehicle is searched, simply follow the individual doing the search to ensure they don’t try to snag anything. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen. If they do try to pick something up, a firm “no” should get them to put it back down.

Get Gas When You Can

In some areas, especially in the northern part of the peninsula, you can drive for miles and miles without seeing a single gas station. Therefore, it is important to fuel up when you do see a station, even if you don’t think you need gas just yet. When it comes to fuel, it’s always better to fill up too often than to risk running out.

Don’t Drive at Night

Our final bit of advice? Don’t drive at night. The roads are very narrow in some places, often with no shoulder and a sharp drop-off on either side, and no median between you and the traffic passing the opposite direction. And since the roads are not lit, it can be difficult to stay in your narrow lane in the dark. Moreover, because of the oncoming traffic and drop-offs, a small mistake could be dangerous.

On top of all that, there are potholes, topes (speed bumps), and animals that like to cross the road unexpectedly. Contending with these things in the dark is much more difficult and dangerous than it is during the day.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Cindy & Steve ~ “My husband and I broke down on the interstate and Coach-Net continually called every 20 min to ensure we were safe. Coach-Net has helped us many times and has been very quick to respond each time.”

12 Camping Safety Rules for Children

20 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in RV Safety

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Children love camping. They get the freedom to run around and explore, and the entire experience is one big adventure for them. Camping also provides an excellent family bonding experience and an opportunity for kids to learn more about nature.

Of course, you will want to give your kids the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. However, the woods are not as safe as your backyard. Consequently, setting safety rules to keep kids safe on a camping trip would be wise. Here are twelve safety rules to allow kids to enjoy a family camping trip and stay safe.

1. Stay Within the Campsite Boundaries

Beyond the boundaries of the immediate campsite, there are likely miles and miles of unpopulated country containing wild animals, water hazards, and other dangers. And in wooded areas, it will be easy for children to lose their way. It is best, therefore, to set boundaries around the campsite beyond which children must not go.

2. Stay Together

When children go outside the campsite boundary, it is best to always go in twos. Younger kids might partner up with an older sibling if they go exploring. Alternatively, you might prefer to insist on an adult accompanying a younger child. If children are never alone, there will always be someone there to raise the alarm should a child have an accident.

3. Keep the Campsite Clean

Animals have a keen sense of smell. So, kids should be aware of the dangers of leaving litter out. If you leave out any food, scraps, or garbage, you might get wild animals visiting your campsite, including bears. Consequently, cleanliness is even more important when camping.

4. Don’t Touch the Campfire

Sitting around the campfire is part of the family camping experience. Still, children need to be extra careful around fire. So, kids should be supervised when you have a campfire, and there should be no playing with the fire or embers. The same applies to lanterns, stoves, and grills.

5. Never Approach a Wild Animal

Wild animals may look cute and cuddly, but they have teeth! Kids should be taught never to approach wild animals or try to pet them. It would also be wise to explain to children that even harmless-looking small or young animals should be left alone. Wherever there is a baby animal, there is likely to be a much larger and very protective mum or dad nearby.

6. Always Carry a Whistle

It’s a good idea to give children a safety whistle on a camping trip, both at the campsite and when hiking. Then, if kids lose sight of their parents or can’t find their way back to camp, they can call for help with the whistle. However, you will also need to establish that the whistle is only for use in an emergency.

7. Don’t Eat Anything You Find

Berries, nuts, and mushrooms you find in the woods might look tempting. However, they might be poisonous. So, kids should be taught not to eat anything they find in the woods, even if it appears to be something they would eat at home. You should also not drink any water you find, however clean and refreshing it may look.

8. Drink Plenty of Water

Children are likely to be highly active on a camping holiday, and, if you are lucky, the sun will be shining too. Consequently, it will be easy for kids to get dehydrated. So, kids should be encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day. But, as mentioned above, they should only drink the water you provide.

9. Stay on The Trail

When hiking, older children will likely want to run ahead of you and explore by themselves. When they do, it would be best for them to stick to the trail and stay within sight of their parents or guardians. And as mentioned above, children should also carry their safety whistles. If kids go off-trail, they can quickly get lost or stumble into a dangerous situation.

10. No Bare Feet

It is best not to allow kids to run around barefoot when camping. You might want to use sandals or flip-flops around the campsite, but sturdier footwear will be needed when hiking trails. Without shoes, kids’ feet can be injured by thorns, rocks, and poisonous plants. The no bare feet rule is also a good one for adults to follow.

11. Watch Out for Poisonous Plants

If kids are unfamiliar with the outdoors, giving them a pre-camping-trip lesson on identifying poisonous plants would be a good move. Show them pictures of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, and tell them to avoid these plants. Insect nests should be avoided, too. So, ‘no poking ants, hornets, or any other insect nests’ would be another good camping safety rule to have in place.

12. No Food or Fire inside Tents

Your kids will undoubtedly know not to play with fire. Nevertheless, items such as matches and lighters may be easier to come by on the campsite. So, it is worth reinforcing this rule and emphasizing the dangers of having a naked flame inside or near tents. It is also best not to allow food inside tents because it attracts wildlife.

Conclusion

Making a load of rules for kids on holiday might feel like you are taking some of the fun out of camping. But kids can still have plenty of fun and freedom, even when playing within the boundaries of these rules. What’s more, if you play it safe, there is less chance that you will have to cut the holiday short. So, not only will a few camping safety rules keep your kids safe, but they will also ensure the fun lasts for longer.

Scott H. ~ “We have been extremely happy with Coach-Net’s service agents as well as the overall service that they provide.”

8 Important Tire Safety Tips Every RVer Should Know

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in RV Newbie, RV Safety, Tech Tips

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Obviously, staying safe while driving your RV down the road is of the utmost importance. Keeping your roadside assistance is one great way to go about this, and knowing how to properly load and tow your rig is also imperative.

Another super key part of towing or driving your RV safely? RV tire safety.

Clearly, nobody wants to have a tire blowout in any vehicle. That said, having one of your RV tires blow could be a disaster. Therefore, it’s definitely a good idea to buy the best tires possible for your rig and keep those RV tires in tip-top shape.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to RV tire safety? We’re here to help. Using the tips below will help you stay safe during travel so you can fully enjoy your destinations.

Purchase the Right Tire Type

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you know the type of tire you require. First, check the tire size stamped on the sidewall of your current tires. Knowing the difference between LT and ST tires is also a good idea, and having a good understanding of the weight of your rig and what certain tires can handle will be helpful in choosing the right set of tires.

If you feel unsure, discuss options with a knowledgeable tire salesperson before making a final decision.

Buy a Spare

When purchasing a new set of RV tires, be sure to replace the spare too. It can be tempting to skip out on buying a new spare tire, but one day in the future when you need your spare, you will definitely be thankful to have one you know you can rely on.

Check the Date of Manufacture

Before purchasing tires, check the sidewalls for the date stamp to learn when the tires were made. Generally, tires should be replaced six years after the date of manufacture, regardless of how much they have been used. If the tires being sold to you are more than a year old, insist on having newer tires put on. Additionally, it’s important to make a note of when your tires will expire so you can have them replaced before then.

Inflate Properly

Proper tire inflation can make all the difference in the world. It can completely change how your RV drives, and it can change how your tires wear and how long they last. Keep an eye on your tire inflation and adjust it before every trip in the RV.

Get an Alignment

Poor alignment on a motorhome can wreak havoc on your RV tires. Be sure your motorhome is properly aligned before putting on a new set of tires in order to avoid uneven wear. This will also help ensure your tires last as long as possible.

Cover Tires in Storage

Believe it or not, sitting still can also damage your tires. If you store your RV outside, be sure to cover the tires to protect them from the intense rays of the sun. After pulling your RV out of storage, check your tires for damage before heading out on a trip.

Inspect Tires During Walkarounds

A walk around the outside of your rig before every RV trip is essential to ensure you’re safe on the road. These walkarounds should always include a look at each of your RV tires. Be sure to check for chipping, uneven wear, splitting, or other signs of damage.

Invest in a TPMS

Last but not least, we highly recommend investing in a good tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). An RV TPMS will warn you if a tire is losing air so you can pull over before a bigger problem arises. Just be sure the system you purchase is compatible with your rig.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to ensure your RV tires are as safe as possible. Of course, there is no guaranteed way to prevent all issues. Therefore, RV roadside assistance remains incredibly important to have.

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Ken H. ~ “We’ve been with Coach-Net for over 9 years, and every time we have needed them, they have come through for us! Everyone from the call agents to the tow provider is always friendly, quick, and professional!”

6 Things That Need to Be Maintained on an RV

15 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, RV Safety, Tech Tips

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Owning an RV is a fantastic investment for outdoorsy people and families. If you own an RV, you can spontaneously hit the road and travel anywhere at any time! Plus, you’re more likely to go camping and enjoy the Great Outdoors if you have an RV sitting outside.

Importance of Maintenance Checks for RV

Before you embark on your next road trip, it is essential to check that your RV is safe to drive. The maintenance of any vehicle is vital to help prevent breakdowns, safety problems, or costly headaches. After all, purchasing an RV is certainly not cheap! 

To learn more about the importance of routine maintenance, check out these tips to alleviate financial stress.

How Often Should I Perform RV Maintenance? 

The frequency of maintenance for your RV will depend on how often you use it and what type of maintenance is performed. In general, some maintenance should be performed annually, while other things can be left for a quick check-up before you use your RV.  

Things to Maintain on your RV

1. Tires

The whole point of an RV is to drive it. As such, your RV’s tires are likely to be prone to wear and tear. Just like a car or any other vehicle, tire maintenance is essential for safety. Before you embark on your next RV adventure, perform a visual inspection of the tires. Look for uneven tread wear, low pressure, or visible problems. It is a good idea to invest in a tire pressure gauge in case your tire pressure gets wonky on the road. For more information on tire care, check out our previous blog here.

2. Batteries & Lights

Your RV’s batteries must be maintained in the same way as any other vehicle. Most batteries will last between three to five years but should be checked regularly, as failure and malfunctions may occur. Proper RV battery maintenance also includes appropriate storage during the cold winter months. When not using your RV, take out the battery and store it in a warm place. This will help ensure it won’t freeze or break, which can void the battery warranty.

For safety purposes, all of your RV’s lights must be working correctly, including the high beams, brake lights, fog lamps, and turn signals. This will help make sure you’re safe on the road, as well as for the protection of other drivers you share the road with.

3. Oil and Oil Filters

Oil changes on a regular schedule are essential to ensure your engine runs smoothly. Without oil changes, your engine could be damaged, leading to costly problems or repairs. Your RV’s owner manual should tell you how frequently (in mileage) the manufacturer recommends oil changes and if you should be using synthetic oil.

Looking for more ways to save money on your car and RV needs? Find the best car insurance here.

4. RV Generator

An RV generator works to provide electricity to appliances and equipment in your RV. When your RV is not used, it is important to periodically run the generator to prevent build-up on the carburetor. Experts recommend having your RV generator professionally serviced once per year. Each month, you should aim to run your generator for at least two hours at 50% load each time.

5. Sewer System

Using biodegradable RV toilet paper will help protect your sewer system in your RV. Clearing the holding tank regularly is also crucial in regular maintenance, preventing unwanted backups. 

6. Roof of your RV

Often, RV owners neglect roof maintenance. Inspecting the roof seams and seals at least twice per year is essential. As you examine your RV’s roof, you may wish to apply a sealant layer on top, preventing and protecting against water damage which can lead to expensive repairs.

RV Roadside Assistance

Worried about breaking down on the side of the road? Consider adding RV roadside assistance to help protect yourself. Coach-Net offers 24/7 RV technical and roadside assistance, tire and wheel protection, and many other amazing benefits to help you feel confident and assured on your trip.

Planning your next RV adventure but not sure where to go? Check out this ultimate RV trips guide to inspire your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a cross-country vacation, these top ten road trip circuits provide great inspiration.

Author: Tim Setterfield

RV Protect

Thomas Z. ~ “Kudos to Coach-Net! I served the Northeast Area of another roadside company for over 12 years including President & National VP. I recommend Coach-Net over all the others every time. Outstanding company 🔥💥”

Tips For Using Your RV Oven

08 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in RV Newbie, RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

We love having the ability to cook in our motorhome no matter where we may end up parking. That said, it took us a while to get used to our RV oven. Not only is lighting the thing a little bit complicated, but even once we figured out how to light it, we had trouble getting the right temperature and dispersing the heat to avoid burned spots.

Now though, we use our oven on a regular basis. Here are our top tips and tricks for getting the most out of the oven in your RV.

Get an Oven Thermometer

First, I highly recommend grabbing an oven thermometer. You see, we’ve found that the ovens in our RVs rarely meet the temperature we set them to, resulting in prolonged cooking times. An oven thermometer allows you to see exactly how warm your oven is so you can adjust the dial accordingly.

Check the Door

Another common RV oven problem? The door doesn’t shut all the way. If you find that your oven is never coming to temperature, check the door to make sure there isn’t a gap that’s letting heat escape. If there is, you can solve the problem very easily by leaning something against the oven door to keep it shut tight. We use a simple folding step stool for this, which comes in handy for all sorts of other things too!

Use a Pizza Stone

Perhaps the biggest RV oven complaint is that the heat in these tiny ovens is hard to disperse properly. This leads to hot spots, resulting in food that burns in one spot—usually the middle of the bottom—and is undercooked in other areas. One way to solve this problem is by placing a pizza stone under whatever you’re baking.

…or Put In a Muffin Tin

Some people say the pizza stone doesn’t quite do it for them. If you find that the stone isn’t working for you, you might turn to a muffin tin instead. That’s right: a regular, cheap muffin tin turned upside down under your baking dish will actually help evenly distribute heat! The end result is food that is cooked evenly throughout.

Turn on the Vent Fan

Obviously, RV ovens are hot, and that heat can spread into the living space of your RV while the oven is doing its thing. This leads to an uncomfortably hot tiny home during the summer months, especially if you can’t run your A/C for any reason.

Not only that, but because RV ovens run on propane, they also release moisture into the air. This leads to issues in the colder months, as the moisture tends to create condensation on the walls.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to both of these problems. Running the vent fan helps get rid of the heat and moisture in the air while the RV oven is running. This trick works equally well when using the RV propane stove. Therefore, you should always run your kitchen vent fan while cooking.

Turn to Other Appliances

Our last tip for using your RV oven? Don’t use your RV oven! While this isn’t always the best option, it is a good option to have. There are a number of small electric kitchen appliances that you can use for baking purposes. When you have access to electricity, it often makes more sense to use one of these instead of the RV oven.

Some of our favorite small kitchen appliances to use in place of the oven include:

That said, absolutely any air fryer, countertop oven, or toaster oven should do the trick just fine.

Hopefully, these tips help you get some baking done in your RV so you can have cakes, casseroles, and all of those other delicious baked goods you enjoy at home while out on the road. What will you bake first?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Considering Lithium RV Batteries?

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Over the past few years, I’ve written several articles about deep cycle batteries such as “RV Battery Types and The Power They Provide” in May of 2018, “Choosing The Right Battery For Your RV” in October 2020, and others along the way.

For the past 6 months, RV shows have started back up and I have been conducting seminars again and it seems that Lithium batteries are the rage! I would guess mostly due to the fact that the lead-acid batteries used in most of the new rigs for the past 20 years have been failing miserably in just a couple years. I ask attendees at the seminars about who has changed batteries every 3 years and once in a great while I’ll find an owner that has had the same batteries for over 3 years! Mostly because he has a multi-stage charger in his rig and they have not sulfated.

Is Lithium Worth The Money?

This is the most important question to ask yourself when it comes to upgrading to Lithium batteries and it really depends on how much dry camping you are planning to do and how long. A good friend of mine just bought a motorhome that has two Interstate batteries that will not hold a charge and had not been maintained very well if at all.

As you can see, the batteries are bloated, there is corrosion at the terminals, and a rat’s nest of wiring. These batteries are also 6-volt batteries as they only have 3 cells and so they are connected in series which means the positive cable of one battery is connected to the negative battery of the second battery which gives a 12-volt “bank”. This is not original equipment, rather someone that obviously did not maintain his batteries very well and when the original set went bad, they ran to an interstate distributor who set them up with these. I did a little research and this rig has a WFCO converter which is the charger and it provides a 13.6-volt charge when the battery is drained to 50% capacity and drops to a 13.2-volt maintenance charge when the batteries get to 12.6-volts. This will do nothing to break up the sulfur that will coat the plates during normal operation so it will get thicker and thicker with every cycle and eventually look like this. I also find it ironic that the fill caps have the quick-flick bar as I call it so you can just pinch the two bars together and take all three caps off at once. The problem is…the batteries have little or no water/acid so it was a waste of product!

The first question I asked was; “How often do you plan to boondock or dry camp?” Then I had to explain what that meant as he is really new! “How often are you going to camp where you will not have shoreline power to plug into so you can recharge your batteries?” “Never” was his answer, so buying a $1000 Lithium battery would be a waste of money! In his situation, a good set of Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries would be the best as they require little maintenance and are not as affected by sulfation. He could get by with just one 12-volt deep cycle that would give him 100 amp hours but then since the Flooded Lead Acid batteries can only be drawn down about 50% he might want to go with two 12-volt FLA batteries just in case he wants to tailgate at a football game. The two 6-volt batteries that are currently in there only increase the voltage when connected in series, not the amp hours so he would need to go with four 6-volts instead. There are several advantages of 6-volt batteries that were covered in the previous articles, mostly longevity in cycles and years of use.

The History Of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries have been available for over 40 years and there is still some concern from owners about their safety. You hear stories about them catching on fire and even have to take them out of suitcases in checked luggage when flying. The Lithium batteries that are available for the RV market are not the same type, rather Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFEPO4, and are very safe. Initially, these batteries were too expensive for the RV market but new technology and completion have brought the price down to a more manageable level if you consider $1000 manageable? However, the value of this type of battery price compared to FLA or AGM is a Lithium battery can last 3-5,000 cycles at which time it has a 75% capacity and can outperform the others for 10 or more years.

You Get What You Pay For!

This is so true in so many products and especially Lithium Batteries. I talked with several different manufacturers such as Go Power, Renogy, and a new one called Expion 360. For the past 7-8 years I have been working with Zamp Solar out of Bend OR with my seminars at shows and videos on RV Repair Club. I believe they make some of the best quality solar panels on the market and are rugged enough to withstand the brutal wear and tear of RV use. John Yozamp is the original founder of Zamp Solar and was an avid camper frustrated with poor-quality solar panels. I won’t bore you with all the quality details, however, he sold Zamp and has started another company to supply a superior Lithium battery to the market…Expion 360. I talked with John and their technical department and there are so many cut-rate batteries flooding the market that will not stand up to RV use. Many are made for the solar explosion in the residential and industrial market and the batteries are housed in a climate-controlled room and never move. These are made of thinner plastic, cells are divided by paper board or foam, and connections are soldered, all of which will not last in an RV.

And there is so much more. In part 2 we will discuss the importance of a smart Battery Management System incorporated into the actual battery, cold weather charging issues, and if your converter will properly charge a Lithium battery or ruin it!

About the author: Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles authored an RV handbook reference guide, and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

RV Protect


Thomas Z. ~ “Unbelievable service, and from the time we called in till he showed up 40 minutes. Super! Follow-up calls. Excellent experience. Kudos to Coach-Net”

Effective Ways to Keep Your RV Safe

18 Thursday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , ,

The dream of owning an RV is already the reality of nearly 11 million American households according to the Washington Post.  Sadly as RV ownership increases, so too does the number of security concerns associated with RV living. Regardless of whether you live in your RV or use it as an occasional camping vehicle, security should always be a top priority. Just like house burglaries have increased over the past few years, an increasing number of RV owners also find themselves having to contend with theft and other security concerns. Here are a few ways to help ensure your RV and its contents are as safe as possible regardless of where you are.

Develop Good Safety Habits

One of the simplest ways to protect your RV is by developing good safety habits. This includes always locking your doors anytime you leave the RV as well as at night when you are sleeping. The same applies to your windows. While an open window can let in some fresh air, it can also provide a thief with easy access to your RV. Even if the windows aren’t fully removed to gain entrance, items that are near the window can easily be pulled through. Make sure all your windows are closed when you are not near your RV and close any curtains/blinds as well to protect your property from peeping eyes. Also, make a point of checking all exterior storage compartments to ensure that they are locked.

Invest in a Smart Security System

IoT home safety devices have been used with great success to support especially aging and disabled individuals in their homes. The same technologies can be used to protect your RV as well. As long as you have a reliable internet connection you can install a smart wireless alarm system that makes use of a WiFi connection to operate. There are systems available to suit just about every budget. While a basic system may only consist of a security camera and door/window sensors, a more advanced system can also include a remote viewing functionality and motion detection lights. If you want to protect your RV with a smart security system be sure to conduct a decent amount of research and weigh up all your options before parting with any money. You may also want to have the system installed by an accredited service provider instead of attempting it yourself.

Always Research Your Campsite

Unfortunately, not all RV campsites were created equal with some being at greater risk of break-ins and theft than others. It is therefore very important to research any campsites you might visit prior to leaving home.  Ideally, you want to choose campsites that are located in low-crime areas and that have acceptable security measures in place. Campsites that are very remote naturally have a higher chance of being targeted by criminals. Where possible, look for sites that aren’t too far off the beaten track (unless they have super security measures in place), have controlled access, are well-lit, and have on-site security personnel. Do a Google search for the campsites you are considering and make a point of reading reviews on social media as well to get a good feel for a site from people who have actually been there. 

Owning an RV is undoubtedly a dream come true. By following a few basic safety guidelines you can ensure that your valuables are always safe regardless of where your travel may take you.

Author: Alicia Rennoll

RV Protect

Gary E. ~ “Prompt, empathetic response to my call was followed by a courteous and careful driver all followed by a call to be sure our need had been met.”

Winter RVing: Space Heaters And RVs

12 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Winter RVing can be a beautiful, quiet, and fantastic time to go camping. If you decide to go RVing in colder weather, you may find out just how good or not good most RV insulation is. Even with the furnace keeping your rig at a toasty temperature, place your hand on the wall of many RVs, and you will be able to feel the cold pressing in.

Due to this lack of thick insulation, it takes a ton of energy to keep an RV warm in the winter. RVers are faced with two energy choices in colder weather, electricity or propane. Rather than run out of propane quickly, many RVers attempt to forgo running their furnace to heat their rig with space heaters instead. Space heaters can be a great tool to supplement your RV furnace heating. However, there are some considerations and safety practices one should follow.

30 Amp RVs

The biggest issue with space heaters and RVs is the amount of power required to make them work. Your average fan or ceramic heater that you can pick up cheaply at big box stores has two settings. The low setting uses about 700 watts when running, and the high setting uses 1500 watts.

If your 30 amp RV tries to run more than 3,600 watts (or slightly less due to voltage variance among RV parks), it will start tripping breakers in your RV or at the power pedestal of the park. You can probably do the quick math to realize that a 30 amp rig simply can’t handle more than two space heaters on the high setting.

To add to that, your RV fridge and other electronics all pull power too, so running two space heaters day in and day out can push the system. Running an RV electrical system at its upper capacity, especially an older rig, can cause heat to build up in the wires posing a potential fire risk.

Bottom Line: If you plan to use a space heater in your 30 amp RV, it’s safest to limit it to one.

50 amp RVs

If your RV has a 50 amp system, you have a little more leeway as to how much you can run. Without going into a lot of details, a 50 amp rig has two 50 amp arms on its system. In other words, you have two 50 amp circuits in your rig totaling 12,000 possible running watts at 120 volts.

In theory, a 50 amp rig could handle about 6 or 7 space heaters and still run the other electrical appliances like the fridge, etc. Most RVers would stay comfortable in a moderately cold environment using just a couple of space heaters. A 50 amp RV can quite easily handle space heaters as a supplemental heat source from an electrical standpoint.

Other Electrical Concerns

Regardless of your RV’s electrical capacity, most RV plugs are wired to a 15 amp breaker. So let’s say your RV kitchen has four wall sockets on one breaker. You can only plug one space heater on high into any one of those sockets. If you plug in a second, that will start tripping the breaker as a 15 amp breaker can only handle 1,800 watts at 120 volts.

Another thing to consider is your power bill. If you stay at a park monthly that charges for electricity, running a 1500 watt space heater several hours a day will significantly increase your power bill. In other words, whether it be propane or electricity, it takes power to heat your rig, and someone must pay for that power.

Other Potential Problems

Close Quarters: In general, RVs are pretty small spaces, and it may be challenging to keep space heaters far enough away from flammable material like bedding and furniture to use them safely.

Frozen Pipes: Some RVs have enclosed underbellies and use some of the warm air from the propane RV furnace to keep the plumbing from freezing when winter RVing. Relying solely on space heaters in freezing temps could result in frozen pipes.

General Safety Concerns

In general, the safest heating method is to use the heat pump setting on your RV air conditioner (if equipped) when outdoor temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your RV’s propane furnace when it’s below 40 degrees. However, if you wish to supplement your heating with a space heater, following the tips below will result in the safest experience.

1. Buy the right size heater. There’s no need to have a heater intended to heat a warehouse in an RV.

2. Buy a space heater with covers or guards to prevent burns.

3. Make sure the heater is at least three feet from all objects.

4. Pets can easily knock them over, or children can get burned on them, so place space heaters out of their reach.

5. Never leave a space heater turned on when going to bed or leaving the room or RV.

6. Ensure your space heater has tip-over protection and overheat protection. These features will shut the heater off in the event of malfunction by tipping or getting too hot.

7. Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used. They do make small propane heaters that can be used inside, and there are also many stories of rigs going up in flames due to improper use or going to bed with them running.

8. Plug space heaters directly into an outlet. Don’t use extension cords or power strips. Almost ALL power strips are not wired to handle the load of a space heater.

9. Though the majority of this article concerns electrical space heaters, it should be mentioned that one should never use gas heaters intended for outdoor only use. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning and death.

Stay Safe When Winter RVing

Winter RVing can be a fantastic experience, and you can find some good tips for a comfortable and safe experience on the Coach-Net ~ Travel and Adventure Blog. When it comes to any questions, concerns, safety information, or help, remember that your Coach-Net roadside assistance comes with  24/7 Protect.

Whether you need advice from an RV technician who can guide you through many common technical and operational issues or roadside and campsite assistance when you’re on the road away from home, our extensive provider network throughout the United States and Canada is available whenever and wherever you need it. Learn More

About The Author: Levi Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and work camp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

Gary E. ~ “Coach-Net is the resource we trust when mechanical surprises arise!”

Planning an Epic RV Road Trip in 2022

10 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

The euphoria of going on a road trip with family or friends is incomparable. A road trip allows you to travel leisurely, enjoy the journey, and choose remote locations to visit if that’s what you prefer. However, the success of the trip is largely reliant on adequate planning and preparation.  You can comfortably travel in any season if you are well prepared and suitably equipped for the trip.

Basic Steps to Planning Your Road Trip

  • Confirm your destination: If you’re traveling with young kids or it’s your first road trip, it’s preferable to avoid traveling to remote areas or where hiking is required. Prepare for traffic blocks, road work, and poor weather conditions.
  • Select a route: Once you choose your route, start budgeting and saving money for your trip. Look for off-season deals and discounts.
  • Schedule pit stops: Decide where you will take your gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Look for RV campsites where parking is available if you choose to rent an RV. 
  • Pack your bags: Make a list of essential things to carry and what to avoid. List things to keep handy: gadgets, medicines and protective gear.
  • Miscellaneous checks pre-travel: Ensure your travel insurance, health insurance, accommodation, and other bookings are in order. Store important contact numbers and download related apps to your phone.

 

Checking Your Vehicle Before Your Trip

You should always conduct a complete vehicle audit before you embark on your road trip. This includes checking the wheels, tire pressure, brakes, water levels, and oil. 

  • Tire pressure: Ensure the tires of your outdoor vehicle are inflated to the ideal pressure level. For guidance on the suggested pressure level, check the sticker on the driver’s side door or the inner end of the fuel filler.
  • Tread depth: All modern “P,” “LT” and medium commercial tires have integral wear indicators built into the tread. These indicators are molded into several locations around the tread grooves. When the tread ribs become worn to the point where they’re adjacent to an indicator, it’s time for a new tire.
  • Engine oil: The dipstick test will protect you against engine breakdowns due to low oil levels.
  • Coolant levels: If your coolant level is low, you could have a leak so be sure to check all radiator and heater hoses.  To add coolant, if needed, be sure to check your owners manual to ensure it is done correctly.
  • Window washer fluid: For an unobstructed view while driving, ensure the washer fluid of your vehicle is at a good level. Use fluid specifically designed for cold weather to prevent the fluid from freezing if your road trip is during the winter.
  • Vehicle lights: Make sure all your vehicle lights, including turn signals, are working well, to avoid confusing or blinding other drivers and creating mishaps.
  • Roadside assistance: You should always be prepared for the unexpected. A Coach-Net membership helps to ensure you have help if your RV suffers a breakdown during your trip.

 

Essential Items to Include in Your Packing

  • Important documents and vehicle papers: These include your vehicle registration documents and manual, roadside assistance info and relevant contact number, your driver’s license and travel insurance.
  • Navigator and battery pack: GPS can guide your direction and help check you are within the required speed limit. It can also help you find the nearest gas and service stations. A battery pack can meet the re-charging needs of your phone, music player, and camera.
  • First-aid kit and torch: A basic first-aid kit should always be in your vehicle during your road trip. Minor wounds and small medical needs can be immediately met with a stash of bandages and antiseptic creams. A quality flashlight or lantern is important to have handy, especially for when your vehicle stalls in the dark and you need to inspect your engine.
  • Miscellaneous vehicle necessities: Items needed for maximum comfort and efficiency during your road trip include hands-free phone packs, wheel wedges, windscreen covers, travel pillow, and sunglasses. Keep loose coins in your vehicle’s glove box to accommodate road toll and parking fees.
  • Entertainment: Build a fun music playlist that is enjoyable for all on the road trip. Travel games like I-Spy work well for long road trips with kids.

Author: Tim Setterfield

RV Protect

Karl P. UT ~  “Kurt from Quality Tire was exceptional. He came and pulled both sets of back tires. The inside tires on both sides of our motor home had 0 pressure. Both Valve stems had been damaged for some reason. He replaced the valve stems on both tires, checked and filled all 6 tires to correct pressure. He was a pleasant and pleasurable person to work with. We were called by Coach-Net several times to make sure everything went as it was supposed to. Thank you to all the Coach-Net Representatives and to Kurt from Quality tire. It took something that was a pain and made it a pleasure.”

Avoiding Low Clearance Bridges & Steep Grades In Your RV

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Getting behind the wheel to drive an RV can be nerve-wracking. There are a lot of extra things to think about in order to safely get from point A to point B, and you definitely don’t want to do anything to hurt your home-on-wheels, let alone your family.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep both your family and your rig as safe as possible. Choosing not to follow closely, avoiding driving in heavy rain or high winds, and making sure your RV is not overloaded (and is loaded properly) are some of the more important considerations.

Another consideration? Making sure you choose an RV-friendly route.

An RV-friendly route is one that avoids super steep grades, which can be difficult for a big rig to climb and could cause you to lose control on the descent. Such a route should also avoid low-clearance bridges that might swipe off the top of your trailer or motorhome.

Not sure how to make sure you avoid these things? Here are our top tips for doing just that.

Begin with an RV Trip Planning Tool

First, we recommend purchasing and using RV Trip Wizard to plan all of your travel routes. This handy tool will alert you of hazards such as low-clearance bridges. It also has a feature that allows you to see elevation changes, as well as how steep a climb is.

Other features of this wonderful tool include a huge database of campgrounds and campsites, the ability to calculate when fuel stops will be needed and add them into the trip, and even a way to figure out exactly what a particular trip is going to cost.

Use an RV-specific GPS

An RV-specific GPS is another great way to ensure you don’t run into any steep grades or low-clearance bridges. You could choose to purchase a GPS device made specifically for RVs, or you might just download an RV GPS for your smartphone.

  • As far as devices go, we recommend a Garmin RV GPS. These awesome gadgets tend to give the most accurate information, something that can save you from a lot of frustration and even potentially hazardous situations.
  • Prefer an app? For this we like the RV Life app. This app pairs with the RV Trip Wizard tool, and even lets you transfer routes directly from one to the other.

Either way you go, your new RV GPS should put you on roads without road hazards, and either option will allow you to download routes, something that is crucial when driving through the middle of nowhere.

Pick Up a Truckers’ Road Atlas

Because driving through the middle of nowhere happens often when RVing, and because technology isn’t always reliable, it’s a good idea to have a hard copy of a Truckers’ Atlas on hand. These hefty books are chock-full of great travel information, including how steep grades are and whether there are any low-clearance bridges along a given route.

Being able to cross check your GPS against this book—or use it as a backup should the GPS give out on you—might just be a lifesaver.

Grad the Mountain Directory Books or App

Another great option is to use the Mountain Directory books, ebooks, or app. These offer super easy-to-read info on each and every grade in the country. The information is incredibly accurate, making this another excellent cross-reference—and if you get a hard copy of the book, it can also be a good backup to the GPS.

Look into LowClearances.com

Want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases? LowClearances.com is another great resource. This website provides information on over 7000 low-clearance bridges in the US. Their database can be added to nearly any GPS device and is compatible with a number of navigation apps, meaning you can plug all of these bridges into whatever GPS you use and rest assured you won’t run into something you can’t fit under.

Keep an Eye Out for Signs

Obviously, you will also want to pay attention to what the signs are telling you as you drive down the road. Construction work and traffic accidents can change the layout of a road pretty quickly, meaning that while it’s unlikely you will run into trouble if you’re using the tools mentioned above, it is still possible. Signs should let you know of these changes so you can stop and find another route before it’s too late.

By putting these tools to use, paying attention to signage, and knowing the height of your rig and what it can handle in terms of grades, you should be able to choose a route that is safe and comfortable for you. Of course, it’s also a good idea to have roadside assistance ready and waiting to help you should something go wrong.

Why not grab these tools, sign up for roadside assistance, and start planning your next trip today?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

RV Protect



Ramon O. ~ “The follow up calls were great and you can tell that the agents on the phone really cared and made sure and followed through on my service request. The first person who took my car was very reassuring and let me know that I would be taken care of. Great customer service”