Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

Trailer Maintenance Tasks Every RV Owner Should Know

07 Wednesday May 2025

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It’s finally time to pull the travel trailer out of storage and get back out on the road to enjoy some camping! That said, you will want to make sure to take care of some basic maintenance tasks before you head out.

Not sure what kinds of maintenance tasks you need to be doing? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will discuss all of the most important trailer maintenance tasks that my husband and I try to make a point of staying on top of.

Resealing the Seams and Roof

Easily the most important travel trailer maintenance task there is, resealing the seams and roof of your trailer is a must-do at least every 12 months. This is so, so important because those seals are what keeps water out of your RV walls and roof. Water damage happens quickly and is difficult and expensive to fix. Fortunately, resealing is relatively easy.

To reseal the seams on the roof and sides of your trailer:

  1. Clean each seal to remove dirt and loose bits.
  2. Apply RV sealant over each seam, making sure to cover the entire seam.
  3. Allow to cure.

Slide Maintenance

You’ll also want to take good care of your slides. Make sure to lubricate the slide mechanisms every couple of months. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the slide seals. These rubber pieces wear out over time, but replacing them is as simple as sliding them out of place and sliding a new set in.

Maintaining the Water System

Your RV water system does need a bit of maintenance from time to time as well. For one thing, it is super important that you winterize the system before the first freeze of the year. Replacing the anode rod in your water heater (if it has one) is also a must-do. Additionally, you’ll want to use a back-spray tool to clean the waste tanks after each trip and clean the fresh tank and lines once a year.

To clean the fresh system:

  1. Pour a bleach-and-water mixture (¼ cup bleach to 15 gallons of water) into the tank.
  2. Pump it through the lines using the RV water pump.
  3. Allow it to sit for 12–24 hours.
  4. Drain the system completely.
  5. Add clean water to the tank.
  6. Run it through the system.
  7. Drain it all again.

Checking the Tires

Your RV tires are crucial. Without them you aren’t going anywhere, and if one happens to give out while you’re on the highway, it can be incredibly dangerous.

  • Check tires before every trip, looking for cracks, bubbles, etc.
  • Install a trailer TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system).
  • Replace tires at least every six years.
  • Use tire covers when parked for long periods of time.

Greasing the Wheel Bearings

Many trailer owners are not aware that they should be greasing the wheel bearings once a year. Now, I’ll be honest and say I’ve never done this particular job myself, because we always take it into a shop to have it done. That said, we have friends who do the job on their own and they don’t seem to have an issue.

The video below explains the process:

Brake Maintenance

Last but not least, I have to mention brake maintenance, which is very important for obvious reasons.

  • Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and drums for issues at least once a year, replacing worn parts as needed.
  • Test the brakes before hitting the road each trip. If they don’t engage properly, skip the outing and address the problem first.
  • If your trailer has hydraulic brakes, look at the brake fluid before each trip and top it off as needed.

As you can see, owning a travel trailer does require quite a bit of maintenance work. That said, we find that it’s totally worth the freedom that comes along with it! I think you’ll probably agree.

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.

Space-Saving Tips: Creating Extra Sleeping Areas in Your RV

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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We want to switch from our current travel trailer back to a motorhome. The thing is, I’m having a really hard time finding a bunkhouse class C motorhome in our price range. This means I’m probably going to have to get creative when it comes to making sure everyone in my family has their own dedicated sleeping space in whatever rig we buy.

The good news? There are ways to add RV beds to a motorhome or trailer. Here are a few of the best ideas I’ve seen.

Convertible RV Furniture

The first, easiest, and most obvious option is, of course, to use the existing furniture to create extra sleeping spaces. The vast majority of RVs come with a dinette and/or couch that can turn into a bed. It’s totally possible to switch one of these to bed mode and leave it that way as a dedicated sleeping space.

You can even add a real mattress or a mattress topper to make this sleeping situation more comfy. Just keep in mind that doing so will mean giving up a couch or table in exchange for a bed.

Disc-O-Bed

If you don’t want to give up any of your seating but still want to have a bed for your kid, you’ll need to find a way to fit a bed into an empty space. Unfortunately, empty spaces are hard to come by in an RV. Most are tiny, and some go away once you pull the slides in. This is where the Disc-O-Bed comes into play.

Disco-O-Bed is a small, collapsible bunk bed cot that is perfect for young kids. It’s smaller than any other bed we’ve found, meaning it fits in tight spaces. And because it can collapse, it’s easy to put it away on travel days when the slides need to come in.

Of course, it’s also nice that you can sleep two kids in a space that would normally only accommodate one.

Rollaway Bed

One option that I’ve looked into for my 5-year-old daughter is a rollaway bed. The idea is that we would remove the dinette (so we are still giving up the table) and put the rollaway in that space.

The benefit to doing this is that A) she gets a real bed, and B) it can be folded in half and rolled against a wall, giving us a good amount of open floor space when we need it. This is especially nice for us because I need a good amount of floor space in order to teach my online dance lessons.

Cabbunk

If you’re looking to add beds to a van or class C, you might consider a Cabbunk. A bit like a hammock or a cot, Cabbunk is awesome because it adds sleeping spaces to the cab of your RV, a space that is pretty much wasted while parked anyway.

Cabbunk can be installed without making any major modifications to the rig, and it can be put up and taken down quickly, so travel day isn’t a pain. The bed setup is also lightweight, making it easy to carry along, and the beds are supposedly surprisingly comfortable.

Luno Bed

Another option for a van is the Luno Bed. This is an inflatable bed that is custom-made to fit in the front of a campervan (though I’m betting you could also make it work in a class C). It fits across the two front seats and even leaves space for the steering wheel.

I could see it being annoying to set up and take down every time you drive, but if you’re willing to do that, it seems like a good solution. Just make sure you have some window covers for the windshield and front windows.

Custom Setup

Last but not least, there is the option of building a custom RV bed setup. For some, this means expanding the master bed to create a king-size bed and giving that to the kids to share. For others, it means building custom bunk beds that fit perfectly into whatever nook you can come up with. Get creative and see what you can come up with!

Note: It is possible to cut foam mattresses to size, so if you need to make your custom bed an odd size, you should be able to create a mattress that fits.

As you can see, we have a lot of options for adding RV beds to whatever motorhome we end up buying. Do you need to add RV beds to your setup? Which option will you use?

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.

Spring RV Cleaning: Top 5 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do This Season

03 Monday Mar 2025

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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Spring is almost here! For us in the upper portion of the country, our rigs have been hibernating either in a nice climate-controlled shed plugged into an electrical source or left outside in the frozen tundra , hopefully with a cover that at least keeps the mountains of snow from melting and trying to sneak into the rig.

We’ve posted articles regarding de-winterizing and exterior maintenance, however, there have been some new materials that have been introduced in the RV industry as well as some new products that will help with maintenance. Here is a list of what I feel are the main items that need to be addressed before you hit the road this summer.

1. Inspect, Clean, And Condition Your Roof

Most RV owners don’t think about the roof until they have a leak inside the rig. “Out of sight, out of mind” is pretty common, and once you see a leak inside the rig, the damage has already been done! Recently, we brought in a 1996 Forest River Salem at the RV Lifestyle and Repair Club to do some renovations, and it had a floor leak. In an RV, there are very few floor leaks rather than floor damage from a leak that started on the roof and channeled down to the floor where the damage was actually visible.

It is important to inspect the roof material for pinholes, cracks, or cuts and tears that would allow moisture to penetrate. Rubber membrane materials such as EPDM, TPO, Alpha System,s and others recommend cleaning with a mild detergent and conditioning depending on the material. Check with your specific material manufacturer.

The most important maintenance you can do in my opinion, is to check the sealant at the roof to the sidewall joint, front cap, and all around anything that is attached to the roof, such as TV antenna, roof vents, sewage vents, and such. All have a self-leveling lap sealant around the edge, but this can get dried, brittle, and crack, allowing moisture to penetrate.

2. Check Your Tires

“The wheels on the bus go round and round”, but only if they are in good shape! Tires are the most critical component of an RV, but they are also the most neglected. Few owners check the pressure every time they hit the road, and most just do a visual check or the thump with a trucker’s bat! If your tires are 10 psi less than the recommended pressure, it reduces the carrying capacity by 25%! Check the sidewall for weather checking, which is cracking due to exposure to the sun, and anything over 1/8” is a failure waiting to happen. A tire may look good visually with good tread, but there are hidden dangers, such as cracking between the tread bars, inside blisters, and age. Check the DOT marking on the side, as the last 4 digits indicate the month and year the tire was made. Anything over seven years is suspected of failure due to heat and component degradation. If the tires are always covered when not in use and the pressure is checked regularly, you might get more life out of them.

3.  Check Your Propane System And All Appliances For Leaks

Most RV owners take their propane systems for granted. It either works or it doesn’t, and then they start to pay attention. Spring is a good time to check the LP system for leaks, inspect the DOT Cylinders or ASME tank, and check and clean appliances.

DOT Cylinders are used on travel trailers and 5th Wheel RVs and come in 20lb, 30lb, and 40lb cylinders typically found on bigger rigs. They are typically removed and refilled at an LP filling location,n at which time they are required to inspect the cylinder for rust, damage, age, and an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD Valve). This is a rectangular-shaped valve and limits filling to 80%.

According to the RV Safety And Education Foundation (RVSEF), DOT Cylinders were originally required to be re-certified after 12 years, then in 2017 it was changed to 10 years but went back to 12 years in 2020 so there is quite a bit of confusion especially since some of the documentation has not been updated. Also, the cylinder must be recertified every 5 years after that, but the NFPA code still shows 7! Here is a link to the article by RVSEF.

ASME tanks on motorized do not have to be recertified, just inspected for rust and damage.

The bottom line is that now is a good time to visually inspect the cylinder for dents, rust, and especially hoses and connections going to the cylinder and tanks, as the rubber can get weather-checked and cracked. If it is over 10 years old, get it recertified.

Checking for leaks can be done the old-fashioned way with a leak testing solution at every connection however, that takes a long time, and there are some new gadgets that make it simple. An LP sniffer like this one is a great tool to verify connections quickly and in a general vicinity rather than at all individual connections. You can find it online or at Home Depot.

An LP Safety product that I came across recently is Gas Stop, which is a 100% automatic shut-off in case of a major leak or regulator failure and is also great for detecting a minor leak anywhere in the system right at the dial on the tank or cylinder. It is easy to install and can also be used to determine the level of LP in the tank or cylinder. Check out the video on our site here.

4. Water Heater Prep and Sanitation

More rigs today are equipped with a six or ten-gallon 120-volt and LP water heater. When you put your rigs to bed for the winter, you drain the water lines and water heater tank and can either add RV antifreeze or blow out the lines with compressed air. In either situation, most RVers drain the water heater completely and, rather than fill the six or ten-gallon tank with RV antifreeze, opt to use the water heater bypass valve and leave the tank empty. If you have a 120-volt/LP model, it is critical that you do not operate the water heater on 120-volt power without water in the tank! It’s easy to do. You bring the unit out, plug it into shoreline power to charge the battery, and check all the appliances and the 120-volt switch for the water heater is in the outside compartment, and you don’t see it. The heating element gets cherry red and shorts out and ruins the water heater. Make sure the 120-volt switch is off or you have water in the tank.

The water heater drain plug is not at the absolute bottom of the tank, rather about 2” above, so there is typically about 2” of water sitting in the bottom of the tank. This is not an issue with freezing as there is plenty of room in the tank for expansion; however, that hard water from the campground source has calcium, rust, and lime that will sit there for several months and can get really skunky! This is a good time to use a water heater flush tool to go into the drain hole and blast out all the junk in the bottom of the tank.

This would also be a good time to sanitize the fresh water tank, lines, and water heater with either a ¼ cup of bleach in 50 gallons of water or the Thetford Fresh Water Sanitizer.

5. House Battery System

If you have flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries, hopefully, you stored them properly and did not let them drain down and freeze. This is a good time to check the fluid level and fill the breather vent in each cell with distilled water. With either FLA or Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), pull the positive and negative cables off the battery and thoroughly clean them with a wire brush or, better yet, a battery cleaning tool. Reconnect the cables and spray with a protective spray such as CRC Battery Terminal Protector

If you have Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, you should have pulled the negative cable, and since these don’t gas at all, there should be no corrosion. However, it is a good idea to inspect all connections and cables at this time.

And with any battery, give them a good charge at the recommended rate, voltage, and time according to the manufacturer before using them.

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.

Lewis C. ~ “I recommend Coach-Net every chance I get!”

8 Tips For Buying A Used Truck For Camping

07 Wednesday Aug 2024

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Looking to jump into the world of RVing? Unless you plan on investing in a motorhome, you’ll have to have a truck to tow your trailer or carry your truck camper. If you’re on a budget, this will likely mean buying a used truck.

Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing trucks on the used truck market, and finding a gem is totally possible. That said, there are some things you should know before buying a used truck that will help ensure you get one that will work for you.

Below are our top tips for those who are looking into buying a used truck.

Know Your Weights and Capacities

First and foremost, it is incredibly important that you learn the weight of your camper when it is loaded, as well as the hitch weight. Take that information and check the towing capacity and payload capacity, as well as the gross vehicle weight limit, of any truck you are considering to make sure it can handle your RV.

You might be surprised to learn just how few campers can be towed by a half-ton truck—there is a LOT of misinformation about this floating around out there—and depending on the RV you want, you might find yourself shopping for a three-quarter-ton or even a one-ton instead.

Mileage Matters

The next thing to think about when looking at trucks? The mileage. Most heavy duty trucks can keep on running for quite a long time if they are taken care of. In fact, you can probably get 250,000 or even 300,000 miles out of a three-quarter-ton truck if you plan your cards right. Still, lower mileage is better and we highly recommend looking for a truck with 150,000 miles or less.

Find Out How it was Used

If you can, find out how the truck you’re looking at was used. Was it a work truck? If so, you can expect issues to arise that have to do with rough usage and lots of dirt. Was it used to tow heavy loads? If so, pay careful attention to the transmission—making sure it’s shifting smoothly without hiccups—as towing is hard on transmissions.

Listen for Weird Sounds

One of the quickest ways to discover if something is wrong with a vehicle is to listen for weird sounds. While test-driving trucks, turn off the radio, roll down the windows, and really focus on the sound of the engine, suspension, and other parts of the truck. If you hear anything funny, make a note of it so you can ask your mechanic about it before purchasing.

Look for Leaks

Leaks are another thing that can tell you that something might be wrong with the vehicle you’re looking at. When you arrive, look under the truck for puddles and stains. During your test drive, pull over in a parking lot and look under the truck, watching carefully for any drips and smelling for burning smells or coolant. Again, take notes if you see anything that might be an issue and pass those notes on to your mechanic.

Check Out the Tires

Truck tires are pricey. While old or worn tires certainly are not a deal breaker, you might want to ask the seller to lower the price if it looks like the tires will need to be replaced right away. To check the tires, look at the tread depth, check the tires for gouges or cracks, and find the date of manufacture to make sure the tires are not expired.

Test Everything

While sitting in the cab of the truck, test absolutely everything. Turn on the A/C and make sure it blows cold, then switch it to the heater to make sure the furnace blows hot. Move the seat forward and back and lean it up and down. Do the same on the passenger side, check all window buttons and lock buttons on both sides of the truck, and turn the radio on to make sure it plays. You can also test the cruise control and 4×4 while out driving.

Have It Inspected

If you find a truck that can tow your RV and seems to run well, hire your mechanic to come and have a look. Point out any noises, smells, leaks, or other little quirks you may have noticed and ask their opinion on them. Only go through with the sale if your mechanic approves of the condition of the vehicle.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when buying a used truck. This might seem overwhelming, but trust us when we say that remembering these tips might just save you from a lot of headaches down the line.

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.

G.B. ~ “Everyone was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Y’all had real-life experiences to add to your answers to our questions. It was a great relief to speak with you!”

Road Trip Tips For Families

07 Wednesday Aug 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Tips & Tricks

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Heading out on an RV trip with kids may feel overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be. I’ve been all over the country with my two kids, and we have an absolute blast. Of course, we have had to learn some tricks along the way in order to reach the point where traveling with kids is actually fun. Here are my top road trip tips for families. 

Choose Short Drives 

The first thing we had to learn was to keep travel days short. When we started RVing, we would sometimes drive for 8 or 10 hours a day. As you might imagine, nobody was very happy after so much driving. It didn’t take long before we shortened our average travel day to 200 miles or less. 

Yes, this does sometimes mean stopping for a couple of nights in different places before reaching our final destination, but it’s so worth it to have peaceful travel days. 

Leave Early 

The earlier you leave, the earlier you’ll arrive. If you pair this tip with the one above, you could easily be set up in your destination campsite by mid-afternoon, giving you hours before the sun sets to play outside and cook a good dinner. Considering how important regular schedules and consistent bedtimes are for some kids, this might just be a lifesaver for those who travel often.  

Pack Snacks 

I don’t know about your kids, but my kids are not fun to be around when they’re hungry. (To be fair, I’m not very fun to be around if I haven’t eaten either.) For this reason, one of my top road trip tips for families is to pack snacks: 

  • Grab some reusable, resealable containers and create individual servings to make passing-out snacks easy.  
  • Pick up some spill-proof straw cups so there are no big spills in the back seat. 
  • Consider placing a small cooler between the two front seats for cold snacks and drinks.  
  • Avoid chocolates, yogurts, and other snacks that might melt or make a mess. Instead, pack carrots, berries, cheese sticks, and/or cheese crackers. 

Carry Entertainment 

Obviously, you’ll want to have some ways to keep the kids entertained as you drive down the road. Tablets can fill some of the time, but it’s probably best to offer other options first.  

Some of our favorite ideas for road trip entertainment include:  

  • Window clings 
  • Beads 
  • Audiobooks (Rohld Dahl books are great!) 
  • Podcasts (check out Story Pirates) 
  • Music (We love the Pop-Ups band) 

Keep the Backseat Clean 

Even under regular circumstances, we have a terrible time keeping our backseat clean. When travel day rolls around, all bets are off. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this, but we haven’t had time to implement many of these strategies.  

Here are some ideas I’ve had: 

Trash Can 

Okay, so this one we do use. If you don’t already have one, put a trash can in your vehicle. While trash doesn’t always make it into the trash can, it sometimes does, and as long as we have a trash can in the truck, it really cuts back on the backseat mess. 

Pocket Organizer 

This is one I’ve been meaning to try. The pocket organizers that go on the backs of the front seats look so handy for holding toys, books, and other stuff that would otherwise be scattered across the backseat. 

Middle Seat Basket 

In our truck, the middle seat is where the emergency jackets live. Unfortunately, these often end up pushed off the seat and into the floor. To fix this problem, I plan to buy a basket to put in the middle seat. I will buckle the basket using the middle seatbelt and put the jackets inside. If I’m really lucky, this will keep them contained.  

Plan for Potty Breaks 

Bathroom breaks are an annoying reality. In order to ensure you spend more time driving than stopping to potty, I recommend planning bathroom stops along the route ahead of time, and choosing places that are easy to get in and out of. It also helps tremendously to insist that all passengers try to use the restroom at every single stop, whether or not they think they have to go.  

Include Fun Pit Stops 

If you can, include at least one pit stop in each travel day plan. Smaller NPS sites, state parks, and playgrounds all work well for this. We’ve also used McDonald’s restaurants with PlayPlaces and rest stops with playgrounds. Anywhere that the kids can get out and stretch will help make the drive more enjoyable for all.  

Be Prepared for the Worst 

Last but not least, I cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for issues to arise. Leaving early is one way you can do this. It is also crucial that you carry good insurance and RV-specific roadside assistance, as well as tools to fix things on your own. Traveling with friends can also be super helpful when it’s possible! 

These are my top road trip tips for families. Hopefully, these tricks help you enjoy smooth travel days so you can get the most out of your RV trips with your kids! 

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.

The RV Extension Cord Guide

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

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Most RV campsites out there have a power pedestal not too far from the RV pad. This makes it easy to plug in using only the power cord that comes with your RV. That said, there are times when the power pedestal is set far away from the pad, and in these cases, an RV extension cord might be necessary.  

If you’re in a spot where an RV extension cord is required, there are a few things you should know.  

Choosing an RV Extension Cord

If you need to extend the length of your RV power cord, avoid using a typical household extension cord. These cords cannot handle the amperage an RV requires, will quickly become overheated, and could even melt or catch fire. 

Instead, you will need to purchase an RV extension cord—a cord made specifically for use with an RV. Here’s what you should look for as you shop. 

Amperage 

First, you must make sure you purchase a cord with the correct amperage. If your RV requires 30 amps or 50 amps, buy a corresponding RV extension cord. To determine which amperage you need, take a look at the RV plug. If it has three prongs, it is a 30-amp cord, while four-prong plugs indicate the RV is a 50-amp rig.  

Length 

Choosing an RV extension cord length can be tricky. Obviously, you want a cord that reaches where you need it to, but it is also important that the cord is not overly long.

This is because long cable runs can create dangerous and damaging voltage drops. It goes without saying that this isn’t good, so go as short as you can while still giving yourself enough slack to reach the outlet, and generally avoid extension cords that are more than 50 feet long.  

Durability 

Finally, you will, of course, want to purchase something that will last a long time. Make sure to read reviews before buying an RV extension cord to ensure you get a high-quality product that will last a long time.  

The Best RV Extension Cords

Still not sure what to buy? Our favorite option is the Camco Power Grip cord with a locking end. We love that the end locks into place and that the plug comes with a handle, making it easy to unplug the cord correctly. We’ve also found that these cords hold up well, even when used out in the elements.  

Using an RV Extension Cord

Okay, now that you have an extension cord picked out, it’s time to use it. Here are our top tips for using your RV extension cord safely.  

Use a Surge Protector 

First and foremost, it is important that you always use an RV surge protector when plugging your RV into any power outlet. This applies when using an RV extension cord and when you are not. 

Either way, plug the surge protector into the outlet and then plug the RV power cord or extension cord into the surge protector.  

Don’t Link Cords 

We mentioned the dangerous voltage drops that can occur in long runs above. This becomes especially likely when extension cords are linked. For this reason, we don’t recommend plugging one RV extension cord into the next. 

If you must have a longer extension cord than the one you already own, buy a new, longer one rather than a short one to link to your current cord.  

Avoid Water 

We all know that water and electricity do not mix. Even though RV extension cords are made for outdoor usage, keeping the connection points up off the ground and out of the water is a good idea. 

A small stool can be used to raise the connection and keep it out of puddles in case of rain. If you happen to have extra leveling blocks lying around, they also work well for this purpose.  

Pull at the Plug 

It can be tempting to unplug your RV extension cord by pulling on the cord itself. Don’t. Make sure you pull on the plug head itself. Pulling on the cord can cause internal damage to the wires inside the extension cord, which could actually be dangerous.

There you have it, everything you need to know about RV extension cords. Why not invest in an extension today so you’re ready the next time you need one? 

May contain affiliate links.  

About the Author: Chelsea G.

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.

Tim C. ~ “Patrick answered quickly, ensured we were safe, and immediately started working on options to get us safely on the road again! Incredible Service!”

How to Shop for Replacement RV Furniture

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

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If your RV is getting on in age, you might be dealing with some pretty worn-out furniture. This is fine, of course—if you’re okay with it, that is—but if you’d prefer something more stylish or just more comfortable, it might be time to consider buying new RV furniture.

The good news? This is totally doable! And with the tips below, you’re sure to get through replacing RV furniture without a hitch.

Measure First

The very first thing you will want to do? Measure the space where you want your new furniture to go. I recommend measuring more than once (just to be sure your numbers are accurate) and then writing all of the measurements down.

You can measure with your old furniture still in place, but in some cases, it might be easier to take measurements with the old furniture moved out of the way.

Watch Out for Weight

While the furniture put into the RV at the factory is taken into account when calculating the CCC, the furniture you purchase could very well weigh more than the stock furniture. In this case, you will want to figure out how much more the new furniture weighs and subtract that number from the total CCC when determining how much you can pack in the rig.

It’s also important to keep in mind that very heavy furniture should not be placed in a slide, as too much weight will damage the systems that put the slide in and out.

Keep Safety in Mind

Every RV out there is limited by its cargo-carrying capacity (CCC). This is the amount of weight the trailer or motorhome can safely carry.

Obviously, it is important to keep safety in mind when replacing your RV furniture. Watching the weight of whatever you put in is one way to do this. It’s also a good idea to keep seatbelt safety in mind.

If you drive a motorhome and people need to buckle up in the back of the RV, you will want to make sure you replace the couch with something that can be used safely with seatbelts. For this reason, we recommend buying from a reputable RV-specific furniture brand such as FlexSteel if you plan to replace your motorhome couch and want to continue using the seatbelts.

Look for Multi-Purpose Pieces

If you’ve spent much time at all in your RV, you know that every item you bring in needs to serve a purpose. If it can serve more than one purpose, all the better, especially if its secondary purpose is to give you more storage space.

Fortunately, there are a huge number of multi-functional furniture pieces on the market. Couches that turn into beds, ottomans that serve as storage boxes, and tables that can be moved around and used for different purposes all come to mind. Searching for these multi-purpose pieces can and will pay off in the long term!

Shop for Disassembled Furniture

The thing about RV doors is that they really aren’t very wide. This can make fitting furniture through them darn near impossible. What is the best way around this problem? Taking furniture through the door in pieces.

Disassembling the old furniture before you carry it outside is much, much easier than trying to squish a whole couch through a tiny door. Likewise, buying disassembled pieces from places like IKEA and assembling them in your RV will save you a lot of trouble.

Bolt Everything Down

Once you have your new RV furniture all set up in its place, it’s time to make sure it doesn’t go anywhere, no matter how bumpy the roads may get. Use “L” brackets and sturdy bolts to secure each piece of furniture to the floor or wall, ensuring it won’t go flying as you’re driving down the highway.

With these tips for replacing RV furniture, you should have no trouble at all outfitting your camper with some comfy new pieces. What will you buy first?

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.

Hazard Protect

Craig S. FL~ “I am extremely pleased with the service I received. Your representative kept in constant contact with me to make sure everything was going as planned. I never felt like I was in this by myself. Thank you!!!!”

Should You Rent Out Your RV?

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks, We Love It. We Live It.

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Many RV owners simply cannot take their RVs out as much as they would like. Family and work commitments make it impossible to head out every weekend, and weekdays are generally completely out of the question. 

Some RV owners don’t like seeing their rig sitting unused week after week, so they rent their RVs out to others. This is a great option for some, but it definitely isn’t for everybody.  

Should you rent out your RV? Only you can answer this question. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider so you can make that call properly. 

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV 

First, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come along with renting out your RV.  

Make Some Extra Money 

The most obvious pro and the main reason many RV owners are choosing the RV rental route? The money, of course. While most people who rent out their RVs report making only enough to cover the costs of RV ownership, some make enough to make renting RVs their full-time job.  

This will all depend on your area, the type of RV you have, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend renting it. Really, though, even just covering the costs of maintenance, storage, insurance, and the RV payment should be enough to make renting your RV worthwhile.  

Share Your Love of RVing 

Another major benefit of renting your RV out is that it gives you an opportunity to share your love of RVing with others. Many people who rent are heading out on their first-ever RV trip, and as the RV owner, you get to be a part of making their experience a great one. 

Have a customer who has already been on multiple RV trips? In this case, you can talk RVing with another enthusiast and share tips and tricks.  

Stay on Top of RV Maintenance 

A lesser-known pro of renting your RV out is that it encourages you to stay on top of RV maintenance. Cleaning, resealing, and repairing your RV are certainly not the most glamorous parts of RV life, but they are necessary. If you rent your RV out, you will have more reason to make sure these necessary tasks get done so your RV lasts for years to come.  

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV 

What about the drawbacks of renting your RV out to others? There are a few of those, too, and they should be considered.  

Wear and Tear 

When you rent your RV out when you aren’t using it yourself, it is used much more than it might have been otherwise. This means more wear and tear on everything in and on the RV. Your tires will need to be replaced sooner, your furniture will likely become worn more quickly, and the appliances might need repairing earlier than they would have otherwise. 

You have to decide if the money you make from renting out your RV is enough to cover this extra wear and tear.  

Time Commitment 

While you won’t be heading out for a full camping weekend whenever your customers are, renting your RV out is still a time commitment. You have to be available for pick-up and drop-off, as well as the walkthroughs accompanying those. You must also make time to clean the RV and perform necessary repairs between rentals. 

Before you jump in, make sure you actually have enough time to rent out your RV and everything that goes with it.  

Potential for Damage 

Last but not least, we do have to mention the possibility that your RV could be damaged while out on a rental trip. Yes, most renters tend to be very respectful, but accidents happen, and sometimes these accidents can result in a damaged RV.  

Rent through a reputable platform such as Outdoorsy to ensure you have good episodic insurance coverage in case any accidental interior or exterior damage happens while your RV is on the road. Requiring that your renters purchase Coach-Net roadside assistance (a perk that’s automatically added to all Outdoorsy bookings) can also bring you peace of mind and help in situations where renters need extra assistance.  

There you have it, the top pros and cons of renting your RV out to others. Should you rent out your RV? Consider the benefits and drawbacks listed above and then decide for yourself.

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.

Hazard Protect

Craig S. FL~ “I am extremely pleased with the service I received. Your representative kept in constant contact with me to make sure everything was going as planned. I never felt like I was in this by myself. Thank you!!!!”

RV Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

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

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Your RV air conditioner is crucial for camping in comfort during the summer months. Unfortunately, these units need repairs once in a while. If your RV AC is giving you problems, try the troubleshooting tips below to get it back up and running.

Lack of Power

If you don’t have any power at all to the AC, there are a couple of simple things you should try before you panic.

Plug-In

First, check your RV plug. Make sure it is plugged all the way into the outlet and there is no damage to the cable going into the RV.

Flip the Breaker

You’ll also want to check the breakers both at the power pole and in the RV breaker box. If a breaker is flipped, switch it back.

Warm Air

Having issues with warm air coming from your RV AC? Here are a couple of things to look at as you try to narrow down the issue.

Check the Capacitors

A capacitor could very well be the culprit. Make sure you discharge your capacitors completely using a discharge tool before testing each one with a multimeter. A bad capacitor is something you can probably replace on your own.

Check the Compressor

It’s also possible for a compressor to cause this issue. Test your compressor with the multimeter. If it is your problem, you’ll want to replace the entire AC unit rather than attempting to replace the part.

Weak Airflow

Warm air is bad, but so is weak airflow. Here’s what you need to test if you don’t have enough air coming from your RV air conditioner.

Look for Freezing

A frozen RV AC will put out very little air. To fix, turn the air conditioner to fan-only mode and run it on high until the ice in the unit melts. If the air conditioner continues to freeze up, you may need to clean the coils and filter.

Look for Clogs

Another problem to look for? Clogged coils or a super dirty air filter. Clean both and then test the unit to see if the airflow gets stronger.

Cover Cracks and Holes

Use a flashlight to take a peek at your ductwork. See a place where air could be escaping? Cover it with metal tape and/or styrofoam to see if that improves things.

Check the Fan

Obviously, it could be that the fan is having issues. Try cleaning and oiling the fan. If this doesn’t work, it might be time for a fan motor replacement.

Excessive Cycling

If your compressor is cycling on and off often, you’re probably dealing with a unit that doesn’t cool properly. Here are some steps to take.

Check the Capacitors

The capacitors will need to be tested in this case as well. Just make sure you discharge them first. If you find that one is bad, replace it.

Look for Ice

Once again, freezing could be the problem. If you find ice in your AC, use the tips above to defrost it and then clean everything to ensure the problem doesn’t return.

Have Parts Professionally Tested

Unfortunately, the other likely surprises are a bad thermostat or a bad control board. It’s best to call a pro in to fix these things.

Dripping Water

Sometimes water will drip from an RV air conditioner. This is never a good thing, but can have a few different causes.

Clean the Drain Pan

A clogged drain pan doesn’t allow water to run where it is supposed to. Instead, it will sometimes run into your rig. Fix this by cleaning the pan and removing the clogs.

Clean the Coils

A unit that freezes up will send bits of water to the floor as the frozen coils thaw out. Clean the coils and filter to try to prevent freezing.

Tighten Things Up

If your AC mounting bolts are loose, they will not hold the gasket snugly in place. This will allow rainwater to find its way under the gasket and into the RV. Tighten the bolts to fix the issue.

Smelly Air Conditioner

RV air conditioners can develop a cave-like smell if the coils or filter become too dirty. Wash both of these things to get rid of any musty smells that may be bothering you while running the AC.

Weird Noises

Pretty much every RV air conditioner out there is going to make some noise. That said, if your AC starts making a new weird noise, you will want to investigate.

Check the Fan

First, check to see if anything is in the way of the fan. Clean the fan and add a bit of oil. If this doesn’t fix your problem and you’re certain the fan is making the noise, you’re probably looking at replacing the fan entirely.

Get Rid of Vibrations

Vibrations on the roof will definitely cause some strange noises inside your RV. Make sure the AC shroud is bolted down tight so it can’t vibrate on the rooftop.

Test the Compressor and Capacitors

While the fan is usually the culprit when it comes to weird AC noises, the compressor or capacitors can make sounds if they are going out. Test both to make sure they aren’t your problem, making sure to discharge the capacitors beforehand.

There you have it, everything you need to know about RV air conditioner troubleshooting. Now you can solve your AC problems and camp in comfort all summer long!

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.

James L. ~ “Outstanding. Agents make or break the company. They definitely made it with me!!! OUTSTANDING service. Precise answers. Coach-Net turned a stressful situation into a non-stressful learning experience.”

10 Things RVers Should Know About RV Sewer Hose Supports

08 Wednesday May 2024

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

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RV sewer hose supports fall into the category of camping accessories that you don’t really need necessarily, but after a trip or two, you might find that you want one. These nifty pieces of camping gear are more useful than you might imagine, and once you invest in an RV sewer hose support, you aren’t likely to go back.

What is an RV Sewer Hose Support?

Not sure what an RV sewer hose support even is? Basically, this is a set of stilts that hold your RV sewer hose up off the ground. They also place the hose at a slight angle, helping water drain through the hose and into the in-ground sewer hookup. Most of these supports can be adjusted to suit the amount of space between your rig and the sewer connection point.

Why You Want RV Sewer Hose Supports

Wondering why you might want to start shopping for an RV sewer hose support? Here are four reasons to consider buying one to add to your collection of camping gear.

Helps Your Tanks Drain More Effectively

One of the most obvious benefits of an RV sewer hose support is that it can help ensure your RV tanks drain properly. This is especially helpful if you find yourself parked very close to the sewer hookup point, as it prevents a coiled hose that water might have trouble getting through.

It can also be helpful if the sewer connection sticks up out of the ground. This is because the support can create a gentle angle that sends water directly into the raised dump point, keeping it from sagging to the ground before reaching the top of the pipe.

Prevents Buildup in Your Sewer Hose

Generally speaking, your tanks will drain eventually, even without the ramp provided by an RV sewer hose support. That said, you will almost certainly end up with water sitting in the hose if the hose is not angled to keep it moving. This is gross because it allows debris in the water to stick to the sides of the hose, leaving you with a stinky build up inside your sewer hose that can be hard to wash out.

Removes a Potential Tripping Hazard

An excessively long sewer hose that isn’t held up off the ground is a tripping hazard. Not only that, but if someone does happen to trip over your sewer hose and pull it out of place, the result could potentially be a disgusting mess. RV sewer hose supports remove this possibility by making the hose much more visible.

Some Campgrounds Require Them

Lastly, we have to point out that some campgrounds actually require campers to use RV sewer hose supports. In some cases this is a city-wide law; in other cases it is simply campground policy.

Either way, you will need to abide by the rule if you come across a campground that has it in place. Why not just buy the support ramp now to save yourself from needing to find one in a hurry down the line?

What to Look For in an RV Sewer Hose Support

Okay, so clearly you’re going to want to invest in an RV sewer hose support. But what are you looking for as you shop for this camping accessory?

Here’s what we’d look out for:

  • Length — You want to ensure you buy a support that is long enough to stretch the entire length of your sewer hose plus any add-on pieces you might end up using. Keep in mind, it is possible to push the support pieces closer together to create a shorter ramp.
  • Weight — As with all RV accessories, it is a good idea to choose an RV sewer hose support that is relatively lightweight. After all, you don’t want to add to the overall weight of your loaded RV too much.
  • Portability — Some RV sewer hose support ramps fold together like a slinky and come with a handle to both hold them closed and make carrying easy. Others nest together for easy storage. Whatever you buy, make sure it’s easy to carry and easy to store in an RV storage bay.
  • Durability — Of course, you’ll also want to make sure whatever you buy is durable. Read reviews to make sure you aren’t purchasing a product that will break easily.

So, there you have it! While you might not think you need an RV sewer hose support, once you try one, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without it. These handy gadgets are more than just a luxury – they can make your RVing experience much smoother and more pleasant. Trust me, once you start using an RV sewer hose support, you’ll never look back!

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.

Gordon W. ~ “It’s the best service you can ask for! They were genuinely concerned about my problem and called back a few times to ensure I received good service!”