Category Archives: RV Safety

Avoiding Low Clearance Bridges & Steep Grades In Your RV

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

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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.

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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”

An RVer’s Advice: What To do When Something Goes Wrong

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in RV Safety

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A popular bumper sticker reads, “Stuff happens.” It doesn’t use the word “stuff,” but I’m pretty sure you know which bumper sticker I mean. When traveling in an RV, “stuff” is definitely going to happen. It’s not always big issues like accidents and tire blowouts. Sometimes your battery doesn’t charge, a leveler doesn’t work as well as it should, or the hot water side of the faucet doesn’t run.

All of the things mentioned above have happened to my wife, Natalie, and me. When problems arise, many people, myself included, have a tendency to get a little panicky and angry that things are just not going their way. Over the years, I have come up with a little system that helps me snap out of a panicky mode and puts my logical brain to work.

S.I.T.T.

To remember to stay calm when something goes wrong, I use the acronym S.I.T.T. The following is a real-life example of a time when we had to use this method.

Our first long RV trip was to Southern Texas to visit family. It was December, and a large storm by the name of Frona decided to rain ice for several days on our way back to Nevada. We stayed off the road for the most part and only got 50 miles in three days.

On the day that the storm broke, we left the park we had stayed at and headed down a back road that led to the main highway. It had snowed a little bit, and the road we were on had not been plowed. In my mind, I was about to drive on fresh powdery snow. The heavy motorhome would surely have no problem.

It was a windy day, with gusts up to 40 mph. I did know that driving on the snowy road was less than ideal, so I drove in the center of it at about 15 mph. What I did not realize was that the wind had turned the couple inches of powdery snow into a sheet of ice.

Driving In The Snow

A gust of wind hammered the side of the RV and broke what little traction we had. As if the rig were a weightless object on the international space station, it started slowly drifting toward the heavily sloped side of the road. I tried the wheel, the brakes, the gas, and none persuaded the motorhome to regain traction.

As the rig got closer to the side of the road, my attention was pulled from not having traction to if we hit that sideways, we are going to roll. I turned the wheel toward the side of the road, hoping it would get enough traction to go down the steep but short slope head-on. After an initial string of expletives, I recall saying to Natalie, “We’re going down!”

She never panicked or screamed or did any of the things you may imagine one might do if your home on wheels was ice skating towards the side of a road. She simply said, “Okay.” She then held on to our dog and braced for whatever was about to happen.

The front tires found traction as they broke through the ice on the grassy side of the road. The RV turned just enough to take the slope at an angle instead of sideways. The dirt was soft, so we sunk in as the RV slid towards a small tree and a barbed-wire fence.

Fortunately, a couple feet short of the tree, the RV stopped. What seemed like the last 30 minutes of our trip actually only took about 20 seconds.

I took my hands off the wheel and looked at Natalie. It was over, and my brain caught up with what had just happened. Natalie saw the panic in my eyes. She knew that panicking would not help the situation at all. Before I could say a word, she interrupted my thoughts by saying, “We’re okay, you’re okay. We are safe.”

She was right. That moment of panic started to subside as I repeated that mantra in my head. This brings us to the first part of the S.I.T.T. acronym.

RV on side of the road

Although it doesn’t look that far down, taking the slope sideways would have most likely flipped the RV.

 

Stay Calm

When something first breaks or goes wrong, telling yourself to stay calm is important. Even if the thing that goes wrong is a major issue or someone is hurt, it serves no one to panic.

I have found that asking myself questions will break the cycle of panic. If everyone is uninjured, then everything else is simply an inconvenience or problem to solve. If someone is injured, the priority is to ask yourself what they need, be it a bandage or an ambulance. There is always time to fall apart about a situation after it’s all over.

Investigate the Issue

Many RV issues don’t create a dramatic story like sliding off the road. Many are small, like leaks, malfunctioning appliances, or worn out parts. After remaining calm, investigate the issue. Try to narrow down the source of the problem. For example, if it’s a leak, you will want to find the source. If a breaker keeps tripping, you may want to see if you are trying to run too many things at once.

In the case of our RV ice skating episode, after making sure all was well inside, we went outside to survey if anything had been damaged. The dirt was soft from the days of rain, so our wheels had sunk down into it. The car that we tow on a dolly was still attached and without a scratch. We discovered that our main problem was the mud, and the slope. We weren’t getting the RV back on the road without help.

Talk About Solutions

I find that when a problem arises, my brain may be swirling with solutions. Speaking them out loud helps to sort out the different possibilities and pick out the best ones. If Natalie is with me, I will talk it out with her. Having another person to brainstorm with is always helpful. If you are alone when problems strike, it’s possible to have that conversation with yourself too.

After investigating our snowy situation and talking about the possibilities, Natalie was the first to remember we had Coach-Net to help. I knew they would need the car and the dolly out of the way to pull the RV back on the road with a tow truck., Upon inspection, it appeared the car and dolly could be taken off with only a little difficulty.

Take Action

Once you have possible solutions to the problem, it’s time to take action. This might mean finding a place with parts and repairing the problem yourself or perhaps you will need to find the closest repair shop. We have found that the internet is a wealth of information on how to fix various problems. Searching through Coach-Net’s blog posts will bring up many repair articles, and many RVers share their repairs on their own YouTube channels as well.

To put our plan into action, Natalie headed into the RV to call Coach-Net for a tow truck to pull us back on the road while I worked on the car and dolly. Natalie was successful in getting ahold of someone before I could get the dolly off the RV. Unfortunately, the closest tow truck was swamped with pulling others out of ditches, so it took several hours for them to get to us. Fortunately, that gave us plenty of time to get the car back on the road, leaving one less thing to pull out.

Tow Truck

Coach-Net found a driver who could pull us out and it didn’t cost us anything.

 

We made it out of that situation by keeping each other calm, coming up with a plan, and executing it. Coach-Net saved the day too. Had we not had them, we probably would’ve spent a night or two in a ditch on the side of the road. Best of all, we didn’t have to pay the tow truck driver a cent.

Having a response plan when things go wrong can help you get through the toughest of issues and make the smaller annoying issues seem more manageable. Mental health experts will tell you to take a few long deep breaths in and out when the strain of Murphy’s Law gets to you, but also remember to S.I.T.T.

Stay calm.

Investigate the issue.

Talk about solutions

Take action

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 workcamp 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 

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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!” 

Reviving Your RV Furnace

30 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips

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Reviving Your RV Furnace

While it is important to keep all your appliances in good condition, the furnace is the one appliance that is truly out-of-sight-out-of-mind and is of utmost importance in colder weather. This article serves as a reminder about furnace maintenance.

RV Furnace

RV Furnace An RV furnace requires almost no maintenance. If necessary, clean or vacuum out the ducts if they get dusty or dirty. Regularly inspect the furnace intake on the outside of the RV for debris, insects, or other restrictions. Restrictions in the air intake can cause incomplete combustion. The by-products of incomplete combustion are Carbon Monoxide (CO) and soot. CO is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas. Incomplete combustion can be indicated by the presence of soot on the furnace exhaust on the outside of the RV. However, this is not a given and is another reason to have your system annually inspected.

Furnace Duct

Since RV furnaces do not have intake filtration like the ones in our homes do, it is common for the system to get dust and lint caught in it so the furnace either does not work properly or doesn’t work at all. Depending on the make and model of your furnace, you will either have an access panel on the outside or inside of your coach. The latter will likely be behind a panel that says “not for storage” or something similar. Check that space and vacuum it as necessary. Remove the cover from the furnace housing and vacuum the inside of the appliance.

A common failure mode for an RV furnace is that the blower runs for a short time, then the furnace shuts off. This is a result of the burner not lighting and can be caused by several things. In many cases, it is the result of debris in the sail switch (also called the “air prover”). This is a relatively easy component to clean. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how.

The order of operation for an RV furnace is as follows:

  1. The thermostat calls for heat
  2. The furnace blower starts after a short delay
  3. The blower runs for several seconds in order to purge any non-combusted propane
  4. The control will check airflow via the sail switch
  5. If it is closed, the burner will attempt to ignite

Many owners aren’t aware of this order of operations, so I am including it here. If you are having problems with your furnace, this list may help you understand what function is failing so you can better communicate to your service provider.

While the RV furnace is a reliable, largely maintenance-free appliance, keeping it clean can help to ward off furnace problems when you may need it the most.

Propane Appliances

I must briefly include this as a reminder that it is extremely important to have your RV propane system professionally inspected annually. Your local RV service center will make sure your system has no propane leaks, your regulator is working properly and outputting the correct propane pressure, and your appliances are all functioning as they should.

Failure to have your system regularly inspected runs the risk of your unit getting a propane leak, or your appliances not functioning properly, possibly resulting in incomplete combustion. Both of these conditions are potentially very hazardous. So, it is important to keep your unit properly maintained. The same applies to other regular tasks, such as seal inspections.

About the author: Steve Froese 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Stephen S. ~ “I have used Coach-Net for several years. A true bargain for the services provided. Highly recommend!” 

10 Essentials in an RV Emergency Kit

21 Wednesday Oct 2020

Posted by in RV Safety

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Image from caradvise.com

As much as we’d like to believe that when we take off in our RV, we leave our troubles behind for some much-needed rest and relaxation, this is not always the case. Murphy’s Law does not exist outside the realm of RV life. It actually enjoys jumping out at the most unexpected moments and usually on holiday weekends when repair shops are closed.

When it comes to RVing, make sure to have not only a Plan B but have tools at the ready to execute it. This means packing items other than camping comforts and preparing for uncomfortable, unexpected mishaps. Don’t head out on the open road without including these essential items in your RV emergency kit. This list is in addition to a previous article we have entitled, “Building the Best Roadside Emergency Kit.”

 

Reflective Vest

Reflective Vest

Image from workglovesdepot.com.

The fluorescent colors and reflective strips on safety vests allow the wearer to be seen by passing motorists and any emergency vehicles that may be on their way to assist.  They are not only visible at night, but they can easily be spotted during the day.  Wearing reflective vests helps reduce the chances of injury or a fatality on the road.

Tire Changing Kit

Tire Changing Kit

Image from Airstream Life Store.

The three primary tools needed when changing a flat tire, whether it is on your tow vehicle or RV, include a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire. The jack’s purpose is to lift the flat tire off the ground and stabilize the vehicle as the tire is being changed. The lug wrench is used to loosen the lug nuts so the tire can be removed. The spare tire is meant to be used temporarily, a reliable means to get to a service facility.

The tools utilized should be able to be heavy-duty and durable, enough to meet or exceed the weight capacity of the vehicles. According to RV Care, Canada’s largest RV dealer network, if you need to change a tire on a towable RV, “We recommend bottle jacks for this job as they are relatively inexpensive and compact. Be sure to select one with the proper weight rating for your RV.” They suggest using a tire changing wheel cock for larger RVs. “ If your fully-loaded, triple axle, 45’ trailer gets a flat tire, jacking that weight can be a real challenge! With a tire changing wheel chock, all you need to do is place the small end of the chock under the closest good tire and drive up, and you’re ready to change the tire.”

If changing a tire on a large RV is not your strong suit, having a reliable roadside service like Coach-Net is always a good addition to any tire changing kit. Coach-Net’s Hazard Protection is an upgrade to your roadside assistance plan.  This tire and wheel protection program includes tire repair and replacement at no additional cost to you.  The cost of tires, mounting, valve systems, balancing, sales tax, and labor charges are all taken care of by Coach-Net.

Solar-Powered Phone Charger

Solar Powered Phone Charger

Image from Forbes.

Many people like taking their RV into the wilderness, away from developed campgrounds and services. Unfortunately, some RVers have found themselves in predicaments where they have run out of gas, or their vehicle/RV battery has died. In these cases, having a solar-powered charger can keep the one item you can use to call for help charged up.

Most solar-powered chargers will power your phone while it is charging in the sun. This allows you to keep a constant charge on your phone. When deciding on a solar-powered charger, make sure that it is powerful enough to charge your phone. Anything rated over 7 watts is adequate. This may mean a more expensive charger, but purchasing a cheaper device could equal longer charging times.

Lithium Jump Starter

Lithium Battery Starter

Image by Midstate Battery.

When a car/RV battery dies, it’s always convenient when there is another vehicle around the corner to help. However, what if this isn’t the case, and you are boondocking miles from the closest town? A lithium jump starter takes the place of a rescue vehicle because it is the help.

Lithium jump starters are relatively compact. They can be small enough to fit in your glove compartment or as big as a small suitcase. Don’t let its size fool you. Within seconds, starters like the NOCO Boost HD GB150 4000 Amp 12-Volt Ultra Safe Portable Lithium Car Battery Jump Starter can power up a dead battery in a vehicle with up to a 10 L gasoline or diesel engine. A jump starter can come with many bells and whistles like built-in USB ports to charge other devices, an air compressor to inflate tires, and a high-powered light for night repairs.

 

Road Map

Road Map

Image from PAMAGIC.

Cell service is not always the most reliable when you are traveling around the country.  Some travel apps offer the option to download area maps to refer to if you do lose service at any point. But if your technology dies and you are in an area with no cell service, it’s time to pull out those trusty maps.  These include updated road atlases and even topographic maps if you are boondocking off-the-grid.

Analog Compass

Analog Compass

Image from 123RF.

Aside from bringing your GPS technology, Gander RV and Outdoors recommends packing maps and an analog compass as a back-up. They note, “If you happen to be in cold weather, you might find that your GPS or other electronic devices don’t work properly. While being careful of where you store them can help, it’s still a limitation maps and compasses just don’t have.”

The company also mentions that it’s not enough to own an analog compass. You need to know how to use it in conjunction with a topo map. For novice users, they recommend first learning the difference between magnetic north and true north.

Toolkit

Tool Kit

Image from Survival Dispatch.

RV Emergency Toolbox

Your emergency toolkit should have items that will help repair most areas of your RV. Heavy repair work is not the intention. The tools should be used to fix just enough to allow you to get to a nearby service center. The following inventory, compiled by Parked in Paradise, lists maintenance and repair tools to pack in your kit.

Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher

Image from Seton.

Fire extinguishers differ in their size and type.  The extinguisher will be labeled with the kinds of fires it is designed to put out as well as what types of fires it must not be used to extinguish. RV fire extinguishers can be labeled with a combination of Class A, B, and C ratings. The following photo explains each rating.

Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Image from normacomm.com.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that RVs must store a B: C rated fire extinguisher by the exit. However, it is a good idea to keep multiple units in your RV, more specifically in the kitchen area, bedroom, and in an unlocked outside compartment.

Extra Fuel Canister

Gas Can

Image from Rent Duck.

Running out of fuel is more of an annoyance than an emergency. However, if you are on the shoulder of a busy highway or miles from civilization with no cell service, your predicament can quickly turn into an emergency. Having a full fuel canister or two always does the trick to get you that few miles to a station to fill up and continue on your journey.

Here are a few tips for safely storing fuel cans on the go.  First, make sure to store the gas or diesel fuel in its proper container (red can for gasoline and yellow can for diesel).  Make sure the container is sealed completely, in a secure area to prevent tipping, and keep it in a well-ventilated area, not inside any vehicle or RV. As a bonus, use no-spill cans to make pouring mess-free.

Digital Copy of Important Documents

Digital Documents

Image from WTOP.com.

Emergencies of any proportion usually do not allow much time to gather everything we want to take.  In a pinch, we’ll usually grab what is closest to us, and that is most likely our phone.  Before embarking on an RV adventure, make it a point to gather all of your important paperwork and take pictures or scan copies of them. Hopefully, you’ll never have the need to pull them out in the event of an emergency, but if that is the case, you’ll have all of your information (as well as information of each member of your traveling crew) easily accessible.

Documents to record on your device include driver’s license, auto insurance, registration, and license plates.  Take it a step further and scan copies of prescriptions, health insurance cards, a list of doctors, and emergency contacts.

Bonus: A Priceless Essential in your RV Emergency Kit

Every RVer should have a quality, reliable roadside assistance plan like those offered through Coach-Net.  As a Coach-Net member, you can request roadside assistance 24/7, and you will be sure to get help as soon as possible.  We are here to improve your RV experience one adventure at a time. Visit us at coach-net.com to learn more about membership options or to renew your plan.

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 workcamp 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 

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Ralph W. ~ “Thank god for Coach-Net! Your RV techs immediately helped us with our first power outage and low house battery issue after hours. Their level of knowledge and expertise easily walked us through the steps to resolve our situation. With all the different RV’s out there, the techs seemed to specifically know ours inside and out. Thanks, Coach-Net!!!” 

5 Electrical Safety Tips For RVers

02 Friday Oct 2020

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

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5 Electrical Safety Tips For RVers

One of the main reasons people get RVs is electricity. Being able to run an air conditioner, make coffee, and use a microwave while camping is a huge plus. If misused, however, electricity can be dangerous. It is important to remember that the electrical system in your RV is not exactly like the one in a “sticks and bricks” home. Let’s take a look at some RV electrical safety tips to ensure you have a safe and comfortable RVing adventure.

Check your plug and socket before plugging in.

Before plugging your RV into anything, you should take a look at your plug. Look at all of the prongs and note if there are any scorch marks or damage. Make sure there are no chips or missing parts on the prongs. If there are, it may indicate that you had plugged into a socket that caused enough arcing to damage the prongs at one point.

Arcing causes heat, so check the plastic/rubber around your plug. Check for any scorch marks or evidence that melting has occurred. If any part of the plug has melted, then you know at some point, that plug got hot. Loose connections in park receptacles is a common fault that causes heat.

It is not unusual for plugs and even cords to wear out over time, and you may notice a small amount of warping where the prongs meet the body of the plug. If there is a lot of damage and you are not knowledgeable with electrical wiring, you should have a technician take a look at the plug. External plugs and wires are usually easy and quick for a qualified person to replace.

In addition to your plug, you should inspect the socket you are about to plug your RV into. Look for scorch marks, broken pieces of the socket, etc. If there is any indication that the socket has passed its useful life, let the park know. In many cases, they will be able to move you, or they may have someone on staff replace the socket with a new one.

Make sure the park is safe to plug into.

Whenever you plug your RV into a power pedestal at a park, you are trusting that their system is up to code and functioning normally. The potential danger and liability of improperly wired or faulty electrical components prompt many parks to ensure their electrical system is worked on by professionals. There are always exceptions to the rule, and after full-time RVing for over six years now, I have learned that just because a park looks well taken care of doesn’t mean that is the case.

Many products allow you to check the wiring of a socket you are about to plug into. Many of the inexpensive RV surge protectors will tell you if the wiring is correct. The inexpensive ones won’t stop you from using a socket with faulty wiring, but it will inform you about it.

circuit analyzer

This inexpensive circuit analyzer can be found on Amazon for around $55. It offers some surge protection as well.

There are more expensive systems that are called EMSs, which stand for electronic management system. Check out 5 Reasons Every RVer Should Invest in a Surge Protector/EMS if you are interested in learning more about the different types of wiring faults and EMSs. Regardless of what method you use, to prevent injury or damage to your RV, make sure the outlet you are plugging into is wired correctly.

Use the right cord.

So let’s say you are visiting friends or family, and one of them has told you to park your RV in the driveway for a free spot. When you arrive, you find the closest power receptacle is about 50 feet away. Your friend offers you a 50-foot extension cord intended to be used in a standard 20 amp household plug. You thank your friend and pull out your plug adapter.

5 Electrical Safety Tips For RVers

The 30 amp-male to 15 amp-female plugs are great and can be easily found on Amazon. Just remember they are only to be used for 15 amps or less.

This scenario is common and can result in damaged equipment if you are not careful. A typical household extension cord is only intended to run about 15 to 20 amps. That means that you are not going to be able to run all of the appliances you regularly use. Trying to pull too much power from an inappropriately rated cord can cause heat. Heat can melt things and even cause fires.

Watch your amps.

It is important to have an idea of how many amps you are running at one time, especially if you have a 30 amp RV or are plugged into a 30 amp socket. The cheapest way to do this is to know how many watts you have available to use. Below are common breaker amperage ratings and their max wattage on a standard 120-volt socket.

  • 15 amp = 1,800 watts
  • 20 amp = 2,400 watts
  • 30 amp = 3,600 watts
  • 50 amp = 12,000 watts

Most appliances have their wattage written on them somewhere. If you add up all the appliance wattage you have running at once, you can tell how close to your limit you are getting. You may notice that there is quite a jump in available watts when you go from 30 amp to 50 amp. That is because there are actually two 50 amp lines on a 50 amp hookup.

When my wife and I first started RVing, we put little red stickers on all appliances that took 1000 watts and over to run, including the air conditioner. We have a 30 amp RV, so our rule was no more than two 1000+ watt appliances could be run at once.

In addition to not going over your available wattage/amps, you don’t want to consistently push your RV to the limit. This can wear down motors in things like fans and air conditioners, but it can also cause a lot of heat and damage things like plugs and cords. If you want to learn about the formulas used to calculate wattage and more details about how a 30 amp and 50 amp RV system work, I wrote an in-depth article on that here.

Monitor your voltage.

Just like keeping track of your amp/watt usage, it is a good idea to monitor the voltage being supplied to your RV. Appliances can be damaged if the voltage is too high or too low. A quality EMS will prevent dangerous voltage levels from being used in your RV, but they are not cheap.

For those on a budget, a simple voltage monitoring device can be plugged into a wall socket and checked periodically. Most RV parks will not have a problem with the voltage being too high, but you should not run electronics if your voltage starts reading lower than 110.

Volt Meter

A simple digital AC voltmeter that can be found on Amazon.

Electricity is an integral part of our lives. It is easy to forget that it can be a dangerous force when not used properly. Keeping these safety tips in mind may help keep you and your RV safe.

About The Author: Natalie Henley and her husband, Levi, 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 workcamp 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Swain W. ~ “Service was excellent and follow up was fantastic. It means a lot to be taken care of when you are down. Very happy with everyone’s performance I would not have known what to do or who to call if I had not had Coach-Net. You all were excellent.” 

10 Must-Have Items For Your RV Kitchen

16 Wednesday Sep 2020

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10 Must-Have Items For Your RV Kitchen

Image from harvesthosts.com

Although some of us would like to stock our RV cabinets and drawers with every cooking gadget and dish imaginable, many RVs don’t provide the space or storage to do so.  Instead, we each have to take a step back and decide what needs to stay.  Sometimes this includes being a little creative and innovative in our decision-making.

In this process, it’s crucial to think about what items you typically use when preparing meals, the versatility of a kitchen tool, and how much storage space is available.  It’s also important to take into consideration that your RV kitchen is mobile, so there is a matter of securing items. Plus, many RVers use propane to cook; ensuring the safety of all occupants is very important. The following is a list of kitchen essentials to help you get started setting up your RV kitchen!

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot hasn’t lagged in popularity even after its introduction ten years ago.  If you still haven’t become a part of the ever-growing global fanbase and haven’t purchased a model of your own, you may be missing out on some serious cooking.

Instapot

Image from instantpot.com.

The makers of Instant Pot boast of its versatility, claiming that this multi-cooker takes the place of at least 6 appliances.  Settings include pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sauteing, and even yogurt making. The company combines the love of the cuisine with technology in each model intending to create good-for-you, scrumptious meals in a quicker, user-friendly manner.

From an RVer’s standpoint, there are many benefits to having one in your kitchen. Since it is a pressure cooker, less water is needed than traditional cooking.  It is energy-efficient, preparing food 10 times faster and using up to 70% less energy.  The Instant Pot comes in a variety of capacities, so finding one that fits your traveling crew’s needs and RV space is a cinch. Also, if you are at a loss with meal ideas, don’t sweat it!  The Instant Pot app, cookbooks, and user blogs are sure to spark up a meal plan or ten!

Spice Rack Storage

Storing spices in a cabinet seems like a reasonable option, but it can quickly turn into a rummaging game every time you want to cook. It’s hard to see and easily grab what you need inside of a cabinet that is stuffed with randomly placed jars of spices and seasonings.

Spice Rack Storage

Image from pinterest.com.

Ashley Mann of RVinspiration.com suggests these creative spice rack options to “save storage space in your cabinets and keep your spices, herbs, and seasonings organized and handy.” She mentions attaching spice clips to the inside of cabinet doors, mounting spice shelves, purchasing a spice caddy, or opting for magnetic spice containers to store these ingredients.

Cutting Board and Strainer Combo

When counter space is limited in a kitchen, sometimes utilizing the sink area is the next best thing. For those of us that strive to prepare and cook fresh produce daily, juggling between a cutting board and a strainer can be cumbersome and messy.  A combo over-the-sink cutting board and strainer can be just the trick to preparing fruits and vegetables.  There are quite a few variations on this kitchen product, including the size and type of material used for the cutting board.

Strainers

Image from whatsgoinoninthekitchen.com.

Water Filtration System

Consuming clean drinking water is not only essential for your body’s health and well-being, but it is also important for the continued functions of your RV’s internal systems–plumbing and other adjoining equipment. There are plenty of contaminants that you can be exposed to once you hook-up to water sources.

Water Filter System

Image of Berkey Water Filter System by rv-insight.com.

You could carry around cases of water bottles, but that would certainly be impractical on many levels. Instead, consider installing a water filtration system. There are many top-rated filtration products available. One highly sought after system is the Berkey Water Filter System. It sits on your countertop. This gravity-fed purification system requires no electricity to operate, thus it is great for boondocking. The sophisticated filtration system eliminates 99% of viruses and pathogenic bacteria for safe drinking and cooking water. The company has been around for 15 years and in the process created a variety of products to meet the unique requests of customers.

If you are limited on counter space in your RV and are looking for a filtration system that attaches to your water system equipment, consider these five water filters recommended by freshwatersystems.com. In addition to mentioning the benefits of each product, they discuss what aspects to look for in a filtration system to best fit the needs of you and your traveling crew.

Cast Iron Pan

A cast-iron pan is one of those kitchen tools that keeps on giving or rather seasoning the more it is used.  They can be used on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, and over the campfire. It is a rather heavy kitchen item, but its practicality, durability, and versatility outshine this minute attribute.

Cast Iron

Image from rei.com.

Not a fan of doing dishes after a meal? These skillets require minimal maintenance after each use.  A brief rinse in water, a quick brush using a scouring pad, and sitting it over a small flame to dry usually does the trick.  Some folks wipe it down with a bit of oil afterward.

Tension Rods/ Shelf Liners

Your kitchen is on wheels, so regardless if you are on the road every week or every season, at some point, your kitchen supplies will be bouncing and sliding about unless there is some form of restraint to keep them in place. This is where tension rods and non-slip shelf liners come into play.

Tension Rods

Image from pinterest.com.

Tension rods are usually used in the RV refrigerator and freezer to keep food and containers from falling out every time the door is opened. They can also be used in cabinets for perishables, really any items that you want to prevent from falling. RV road trips can get pretty bumpy, and if rods are not situated an innocent snack attack could end up with a broken glass jar of pickles splattered all over the floor.

Before stocking up any cabinets or drawers with items, line all bases and shelves with non-slip liners. Not all shelf liners are created equal. There are a variety of options, but the main goal is to keep dishes and food items in place and not sliding around. Brandon Burk of baysiderv.com helps narrow down your search by detailing some top-notch shelf liners for RVs, including the pros and cons of each.

Collapsible and Nesting Cookware

Innovative kitchen products on the market today take the guesswork out of storing functional cookware in an RVs limited cabinets and drawers. If you are a big fan of Tetris, then investing in collapsible and nesting cookware will be quite an enjoyable venture.  Mix-matched bowls and measuring spoons have to go.

Nesting Cookware

Image from Amazon.com.

A simple online search for either collapsible or nesting cookware will produce an entire gamut of cooking essentials like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and pots and pans sets. If collapsible items catch your attention, there are collapsible tea kettles and dish drying racks also. The possibilities appear endless.

Compact Blenders

Emulsion Blender

Image from rvinspiration.com.

Small, lightweight, portable blenders like stick and personal blenders are examples of the type of appliances that wouldn’t take much room tucked away in an RV kitchen cabinet or drawer. Besides their size, they are a very versatile cooking tool that comes with various attachments to dice, emulsify, shred, mince. In the market for an RV-friendly blender, check out these recommendations from thrivecuisine.com.

Refrigerator-Freezer Thermometer

Compared to residential refrigerators, RV refrigerators have a completely separate mechanism that allows it to cool.  Residential refrigerators use a compressor and blow cold air into the unit.  The air circulates around, cooling all items evenly.

In contrast, an RV fridge cools down by a process called absorption.  Basically, the fridge relies on chemistry and gravity to cool the metal blades in the fridge. Warm air slowly rises and is cooled down by those blades located at the top of the unit’s interior.  That cool air falls, and the process continues, slowly cycling up and down.  Simply opening the door to the fridge could disrupt the entire process and cause cool air to quickly escape.

Many RV owners will stick a portable fan inside to help speed airflow and cooling.  An easy way to make sure your RV fridge is staying in the sweet spot of 34 to 36 degrees and your freezer between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit is to mount a thermometer inside each. Check the temperature periodically to make sure your food is not in danger of spoiling.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

In a special report by Tennessee’s Department of Health, representatives discussed the hazards of carbon monoxide in recreational vehicles. “In campers and RVs, items that emit carbon monoxide include built-in or portable generators, gas-powered heaters, gas ranges or ovens, portable camp stoves and gas water heaters. The carbon monoxide emitted can build up in enclosed, semi-enclosed or poorly-ventilated spaces, poisoning people and animals who breathe it.”

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Many RVers use propane to cook.  Burning propane on a range stove produces carbon monoxide, so proper ventilation must be utilized when cooking.  An overhead range fan usually does the trick.  However, if the ventilation or propane system is malfunctioning, a carbon monoxide detector can help detect elevated levels of the poisonous gas.

The Heart of a Home

A kitchen has often been referred to as “the heart of a home.”  Ensure that your RV kitchen is where life and activity thrive by stocking up with these must-haves. Together they help provide practical, functional, space-saving, and safe options so you and your traveling bunch can enjoy cooking as much as RVing!

About The Author: Natalie Henley and her husband, Levi, 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 workcamp 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Swain W. ~ “Service was excellent and follow up was fantastic. It means a lot to be taken care of when you are down. Very happy with everyone’s performance I would not have known what to do or who to call if I had not had Coach-Net. You all were excellent.” 

5 Reasons Every RVer Should Invest in a Surge Protector/EMS

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips

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5 Reasons Every RVer Should Invest in a Surge Protector/EMS

The electrical system in your RV is considered by many to be the most important part of their rig. The A/C, microwave, TV, and all the other appliances depend on electricity. What many people don’t think about is that those systems all rely on that electricity to be delivered properly.

There is always the possibility of lightning or powerline issues, causing a surge of power that can wreak havoc on your appliances and electrical system. RV parks can be a gamble when it comes to wiring too. You never know who may have wired the pedestal you are about to plug into.  Many RVers are familiar with the basic RV surge protectors that you can get for $100.

Most of those have an indicator to tell you of potential wiring problems, which can be a big help. They will not prevent power pedestals with wiring issues from sending that power to your RV. Their only saving function is to divert large voltage surges to the ground before they get sent to your RV. They have a lifespan of how many times they can protect you too.

An RV EMS surge protector or electronic management system is the safest option when it comes to protecting your RV electrical system and all of the appliances. Below are five reasons why every RVer should have one.

1. They Protect From Power Surges And Drops.

Power surges happen for several reasons. Lightning is the first thing that comes to people’s minds, but we create small surges every time we turn an electrical device on or off. When it is just us in our home, we generally don’t turn things on and off too frequently or at the same time.

Power Surge

An older RV park may share all of its power posts with one transformer. Imagine the RV park is a house, and every RVer is an occupant in it. You may have 50 or more electrical devices in the form of washers, dryers, air conditioners, coffee makers, TVs, and many others being switched on and off constantly and at the same time. You will inevitably get some voltage fluctuations. It is important to note that not all RV parks are poorly wired or fit the wiring description above. It isn’t necessarily possible to tell though, while you are plugging your RV into their park.

Sometimes those fluctuations will come in the form of an increase of voltage for a fraction of a second. Others will be the opposite, and your voltage will drop to unsafe levels temporarily. It is even possible for too many high power devices to cause an extended voltage drop to the whole park. Both voltage spikes and drops cause damage to electronics. It may not destroy them right away, but it can shorten the lifespan of the device considerably.

A quality EMS/surge protector will detect these changes in voltage and cut power to the RV if the voltage falls out of safe levels. Unlike a basic surge protector, EMS systems will not only protect your RV from high voltage, but it will also prevent damage from low voltage.

Surge Protector

Portable EMS systems like the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector require no setup. Just plug it into the power post.

 

2. They Can Prevent You From Plugging Into An Incorrectly-Wired Socket.

Sometimes a power surge is not your issue. Some parks have relied on unqualified workers to rewire plugs and even power pedestals. Other parks have old wiring in need of an update. It is possible to have a host of wiring issues at a campground.

Open Ground: This happens when the park’s power post is not properly grounded. The purpose of a ground wire is to send stray voltage into the ground to prevent electrical shock in the event of electrical leakage. Say a wire somewhere was nicked. A properly grounded system would send any stray electricity to the ground.

An improperly grounded system or open ground system can send stray voltage into your chassis or RV shell. Stepping on the steps or even touching your door handle, in that case, could result in a dangerous shock.

Open Neutral: In this scenario, the white or neutral wire in the socket is open or not connected. This can happen due to mistakes in wiring or old sockets. If you plug a 30 amp RV into a socket with an open neutral condition, you can still receive a shock from the sockets, but nothing will work.

Power Surge

If you have a 50 amp RV, however, the plug will go from carrying 120 volts through two prongs to potentially carrying up to 240 volts to part of your RV. This voltage can kill most electronics in your RV rather quickly.

Reverse Polarity: An unqualified electrician may accidentally cross the white and black wires of a socket. This is known as reverse polarity. Plugging into a plug that is wired this way can damage equipment.

An EMS will not only tell you when these faults are present, but it also will not let electricity go into the RV. Most will allow electricity to come back on after about two minutes, provided that the fault is taken care of.

3. Some Can Be Mounted Inside An RV To Prevent Theft.

One of the biggest problems people have with plug and play surge protectors, as well as plug and play EMSs, is the fact that they are easily stolen. It makes sense; it’s a high dollar item that is easy to take. Fortunately, some EMS models, like the Progressive Industries HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector, along with the 50 amp version, are meant to be mounted inside the RV as a permanent install. This not only ensures electrical protection regardless of how you plug your RV in, but it prevents would-be thieves from walking away with it.

Indoor-Mounted Surge Protector

The Progressive Industries HW30C mounts inside your RV and has a remote digital display.

4. Many Come With An Amperage Meter Display.

If you have a 30 amp RV, or if you have a 50 amp and are plugged into a 30 amp, you know the pain of always worrying about running too many things at once. You may wonder at times how many amps you are running on average. Fortunately, many EMS systems have an amperage display so you can keep track of how close you are to maxing-out your RV’s electrical system.

5. They Are Less Expensive Than Replacing Your RV Electrical System And Devices.

Many people shy away from the $300-$400 price tag of EMS/surge protectors. That is until they start adding up the cost of replacing all of the electrical components. Imagine replacing your microwave, TV, laptops, air conditioner, and other electronic devices. That alone will cost at least a couple thousand dollars. We haven’t even discussed replacing broken components in your RV electrical system due to faulty wiring and power issues at an RV park. Ultimately, it’s cheaper to be on the safe side and keep your RV’s electrical system protected.

 

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 workcamp 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Pamela C. ~ “I received RV tech support that was excellent! Leonard was awesome. He had me send him pics of our issue while on the phone so he could walk me through what we needed. So helpful!” 

What To Expect During RV Travel This Summer

09 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in RV Safety

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What To Expect During RV Travel This Summer

The weather has warmed up and the kids are out of school, which must mean summer is here! And normally that means it’s time to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature by RV camping. But obviously, this year has been very different due to COVID-19. So what does that mean for your camping plans? Well, you can rest assured that it’s still safe to go camping, as the experts have deemed it a low-risk activity this summer. But you can bet there will be some changes to your normal camping routine in order to stay healthy and abide by the new rules in place. So before you pack all your gear and head to the wilderness, here’s what to expect when RV camping this summer.

Stay Aware of the Latest Campground Closures

Many campgrounds have put restrictions in place or even closed altogether to keep campers safe, so you should look up the latest news on your favorite campground before you go. Even if the campground is open, many have closed any shared bathrooms, swimming pools, or other amenities, so be prepared for restrictions.

RV Park Closed

If you plan on RV camping in a campground that requires reservations, you’ll likely be notified of restrictions when you reserve your spot on the website. Be sure to leave current contact information in case the campground has to close at the last minute. If you’re going dispersed camping, look up the website for the state or national forest or park you’re camping in to see any updates. You can also get the latest information on their social media pages, as well as from any camping groups you’re in or RV camping apps you use. It’s a good idea to call the campground or forest ranger for the latest updates the day before you go, as well.

Be Prepared for Crowded Campgrounds

With so many businesses being closed this summer, more families than ever are going tent or RV camping. After all, it’s a great way to get out of the house and social distance! But that’s only if you can avoid camping at the same time and place as everyone else. As you make plans, try not to camp at popular campgrounds, especially during weekends and holidays.

Instead, go during the week if possible so you’re less likely to have close camping neighbors. And use this time to explore campgrounds that aren’t as well-known, as they’ll be less crowded. In fact, this is a great time to try dispersed camping rather than sticking to developed campgrounds, as you’ll have plenty of room to spread out.

Be Prepared if Needing Roadside Assistance

Be Patient When Waiting For Assistance

With more people camping than ever and more people on the road, roadside assistance providers are definitely in high demand. Every year roadside assistance providers always take extra care to prepare for their much anticipated high traffic summers, but with the unprecedented demand for road trips and RVing, this summer is proving to be exceptional.

To help your provider assist you as fast and efficiently as possible and as dispatch centers are experiencing higher call volume, try to have all of your member information and your vehicle information ready. If you are on the side of the road and not in a safe place, immediately notify your roadside assistance provider when they answer your call. Your safety is top priority and your provider will want to do everything they can to ensure you and your family are secured as fast as possible. No matter the reason you call needing help, just remember: we’re all in this together.

Consider Boondocking This Year

In most states, you can drive down a national forest road and camp for free, though you might want to check the forest website for restrictions first. Boondocking is the best way to reduce your odds of camping close to people, which is perfect for social distancing.

Of course, boondocking means you won’t have access to amenities, such as electrical, water, or sewer hookups. So conserve water or bring your own for drinking and washing your hands, and bring a generator if you want electricity. And consider buying a camp toilet—or at least toilet paper and a shovel—to make up for the lack of sewer hookups.

Prepare for Campground Safety Regulations

If your preferred RV camping spot is open, find out if it has any safety requirements due to COVID-19. Many campgrounds require campers to wear face masks when there’s a risk of contact with anyone outside of the household.

Follow Camping Safety Regulations

You should also bring hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves to keep your hands and any surfaces clean during your RV camping trip. Consider sanitizing your RV before the trip, too.

Find Ways to Avoid Contact with Others

Part of safe RV camping during a pandemic is avoiding contact with people outside your family. To do this, drive straight from your home to the campsite. This means you should shop in the grocery stores by your house, getting grocery pickup or delivery if possible. Also, fill up on gas before you leave. If it’s necessary to get gas on the way, be sure to pay at the pump.

You can also look for campgrounds that offer online payment and remote check-in so you don’t have to talk to or exchange money with anyone once you arrive. Of course, since you don’t need reservations or payment for dispersed sites, boondocking helps with this.

Stay Informed on COVID-19 Guidelines

Stay Informed Experts are always learning new details about this virus, so guidelines change frequently. This is why you should stay updated on the newest information while you plan your RV camping trip.

You can start by signing up for emails or following the social media pages of the CDC. You can do the same with the campgrounds and national or state parks you might plan to camp in this summer, as following their social media pages and websites will prevent you from missing any updates that would affect your trip.

Taking these precautions can help you keep your family and community safe while you enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Happy camping!

RV ProtectAww Shucks!

Kathleen VF. ~ “Both the person that answered the phone call and the technician were very helpful, pleasant, friendly, and very knowledgeable. They were so caring, the first thing they did was ask if we were in a safe place. Exceptional.”

So you just bought your first RV: Part 1

03 Wednesday Jun 2020

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

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So you just bought your first rv: part 1

According to the latest statistics, RV’s are flying off the lot with record sales this spring even with the pandemic.  And maybe it’s because of the pandemic?  After all, who wants to go to a crowded airport, sit next to a total stranger, get into a rental car that someone else just drove, and spend the night in a hotel that you have no control over who was there and how well it was sanitized!

OK, maybe I’m being a little overdramatic, but having your own rig that you know is sanitized and only used by you and your family is the next best thing to sheltering at home if you take the precautions we discussed earlier.  Campgrounds, State Parks, and National Parks are slowly opening up and you can experience the thrill of the open road whether it’s for just a weekend, several weeks, or even full-timing.  But there are a few tips and preparation items you should know about to make the time more enjoyable and less of a hassle.

Have the right tools and accessories

Before you take off on your RV adventure, take some time to review the videos and blogs on connecting to the campground.  You will want to have the appropriate connectors, meters, and dump station accessories

Shore Power

The shoreline power typically has a 15 amp, 30 amp, and sometimes a 50 amp service.  If your rig has a 50 amp power cord, but your campground only has 30 amp and 15 amp, you will need an adapter to step down to 30 amp and also need to understand power management meaning you can not run both roof air conditioners at the same time.  It’s also important to check the voltage and wiring of the campground source prior to plugging your rig in.  This can be done with a multimeter or a Surge Guard connection that is a great accessory to have as it not only protects against campground surges, but also shows the amp draw of your rig, voltage, and shuts down if the voltage drops.  Another good tool to have is a non-contact voltage tester to safely test appliance cords, extension cords, and outlets for power.  It’s also a good idea to take along an extension cord that is the same amperage as your shoreline power and no longer than 25’.

For the water system, you will want a pressure regulator and possibly an inline filter as the campground water could have higher pressure than your plumbing can handle and most will have hard water full of lime, calcium, and rust.  You will also need a lead BPA free water hose certified for drinking water.  Typically these are white, however, Valtera and others make a coil hose certified for drinking water shown in the photo.

Water System

Next is the wastewater system which is your black water tank that gets waste from the toilet and some sinks, and gray water tank which is your shower and sinks.  The black water tank needs to have the correct treatment as it will break down the waste properly and reduce sediment and build-up that can cause faulty level readings and clogs.  Bacterial treatments break down the waste and control odors just like a municipal treatment plant, however, they are less effective at high temperatures typically above 90 degrees.  Thetford, Dometic, and others have introduced enzyme-based treatments that do break down the waste, but do nothing for the odor so an additive is introduced which creates other strong scents that may be annoying.  If you are sensitive to flowery scents, I would recommend trying a few to make sure you can tolerate the scent.  Do not use household products like bleach, pine based cleaners, or others as it will cause a rotten egg odor and not break down the waste.  Some products contain formaldehyde which is very effective however very caustic and prohibited in some states.

Bathroom Materials

With the recent events of the world, toilet paper has become almost as precious as gold?  With the shelves empty at every store across the country for the first few months of the pandemic it made me wonder; “what were these people using before?”  Using the correct toilet paper in your RV is important as the typical residential brands do not break down and can clog your system.  Even brands that are considered “septic approved” are not good for your RV.  We conducted a test of several brands including RV specific and septic tank approved and the best for dissolving quickly was Thetford and Campco.  The paper needs to dissolve quickly or it will cling on the sidewall of the tank and give a false monitor panel reading, or clog the valve.

You can find more information on recommended nitrate gloves for dumping, black water flushing systems, and dumping procedures at www.rvrepairclub.com

Conduct a short “Shake Down Cruise”

Whether you bought from a dealer or private individual you more than likely got a quick walk around the unit showing how things worked buy like most of us, if you remember 10% it would be on the high side!  Too many new RVers fill their rigs up with bedding, food, and toys and expect to head out to the campground or boondocks and run things just like home.  Unfortunately most encounter something that does not work or even breaks down.  A large volume of service calls are owners that do not understand how a system works and need help.  It’s a good idea to park the unit somewhere close to home and spend some time getting the refrigerator to operate on both 120-volt power and propane.  Run all the LP appliances, entertainment systems, and make sure you know how to get the TV antenna working and a channel search if you want to use the TV and or satellite dish.

The water system can be a bit confusing as well, knowing how it works with the on-demand water pump and freshwater tank vs pressurized water from the city fill AND making sure all the drain valves are closed!  I remember taking a new unit on a training trip many years ago and filling up in Corpus Christi for a weekend on the Padre Island beach and hearing the sound of running water.  Looking under the coach you could see a half dozen streams of water pouring out.  Since it was a new prototype, there was no manual and I had to look underneath to find the stream, go inside and guess where the valve was and do this for every valve.  One valve was actually located underneath the wardrobe’s false floor that was stapled down.  That was later changed in production.

Taking the steps to get the right equipment, knowing how to connect to the campground, and how systems work will make for a much more enjoyable RVing experience.

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 ClubRV 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

George H. ~ “Nicolas was awesome with the service and keeping us updated. Thank you so much Coach-Net for the great service. We’ll be recommending Coach-Net all the time! Keep up the great service.” 

Prepping Your RV For Summer Travel

02 Tuesday Jun 2020

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips

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Prepping Your RV For Summer Travel

In these trying times, RVers are looking forward to the opportunity for safe and responsible travel. For most of us, our rigs have been sitting idle for longer than we are accustomed to. This article will discuss how to get your RV ready for the summer travel we all hope is on the horizon. Hopefully you have properly prepared your unit for winter storage, so getting it ready for travel will be easier and less problematic.

  • One of the key maintenance tasks for any RV is an annual propane (LP) inspection. This should be performed by a qualified RV service center. You may choose to have this done when you are getting the RV ready for the camping season. Having your LP system inspected annually is extremely important, as it ensures your appliances are functioning properly and you don’t have any propane leaks. The technician will test your system for proper operating pressure, test for leaks, and test-fire your propane appliances.

RV LP Inspection

  • If you have a towable RV, you should also have your bearings repacked and your brakes serviced (or do it yourself). A service center will check your emergency breakaway as part of this service, as well as a tire inspection and inflation to proper pressure. You can have this done at the same time as your LP inspection. Make sure your tow vehicle brake controller is properly adjusted and working.
  • In the case of a motorized unit, perform a full chassis service or have a mechanic do it for you.
  • If you removed your RV batteries during storage, check the electrolyte levels, charge them if necessary, and re-install them in the RV. Make sure the terminals are tight and spray them with a protectant.
  • If you have a generator, change the oil and filter. In the case of a water-cooled genset, check the coolant level. Fire up the generator, let it warm up, and load it to half-capacity for half an hour.
  • Check all interior and exterior lights for proper functionality and replace any bulbs or lenses that aren’t working or are broken.

Check RV Lights

  • Inspect all seals on your RV, especially on the roof, and re-seal any areas that are cracking, lifting, or otherwise damaged. This is an easy task that can prevent serious and expensive water damage. If you are not comfortable going on the roof, or don’t know if your roof will support your weight, have the service center perform this task for you. Be sure to use the proper sealant for each material, as indicated in your owner’s manual or with consultation with the service center.
  • Dewinterize your RV if applicable. If you are unsure how to do this, consult your owner’s manual or RV service center. Fill the fresh water tank about half full to keep the weight down.
  • Change the batteries in your smoke/CO detector and test it and your LP detector.
  • Test all the items in your RV for proper operation, including fans, vents, Air Conditioners, Microwaves, Stove, etc.

Check Stove Top

  • Wash your RV. I use a pressure washer with a low-pressure nozzle for this purpose. Combined with a bucket of soap and a soft long-handled brush makes this task fairly easy, even for my large Class A.
  • Clean the inside of your RV, as it is sure to have picked up dust during storage.

Your RV may have specific requirements not included in this article, or you may have your own routine for getting your RV ready to roll.

You are now ready to embark on your summer RV travels.

About the author: Steve Froese 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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