Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

Slide-Out Maintenance

06 Monday May 2024

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

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One of the challenges of writing any technical content for RVers is being able to provide information that is specific to the individual type of RV one has. Since there have been over 100 different RV companies over the years and even more models within those individual companies, it becomes difficult to provide information on every individual scenario without being too generic or too specific to one type which means the information does not pertain to a wide majority.

And so it is with slide room maintenance.  Slide rooms were introduced in travel trailers and 5th Wheels as far back as the 1970s and the “Power Slide” was invented and introduced in 1990 by Newmar.  Most other companies joined the slide-out craze a few years later with a variety of new mechanisms such as HWH, Power Gear, and others.  Since then there have been both hydraulic and electric mechanisms from companies such as Kwikee, RBW Industries, and more recently, Lippert Components Inc (LCI) which has purchased Power Gear, Kwikee, BAL Accu-Slide, and others.

Hydraulic Mechanisms

Typically a hydraulic slide-out mechanism uses a pump that that is often shared with the hydraulic leveling jacks if equipped.  It has a fluid reservoir and pumps the fluid through the lines and cylinders to move the room in and out. There is little maintenance required of the pump other than making sure the fluid level is checked and topped off with the recommended hydraulic fluid.

The actual mechanisms vary between manufacturers, HWH uses two telescoping rams with a synchronizing rod.  HWH recommends periodically cleaning the rams with WD 40 and wiping off the excess. They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated.  One note: run the room all the way to the extended and retracted position, do not stop part-way!

Lippert Components Inc (LCI) uses an inner and outer assembly with a drive tube.  They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated and to visually inspect all components for debris, dirt buildup, and bent parts.  If you experience a squeaking noise during operation apply a coat of lightweight oil and wipe off the excess and DO NOT USE GREASE!

Several manufacturers have used the RWB Industries motor (owned by Dexter) and a proprietary gear-driven mechanism such as Newmar, National RV, and others.  Since there are so many different mechanisms used, it’s a safe bet to run the unit a couple of times a year, visually inspect the components, and verify what lubricant your manufacturer recommends to clean and lubricate the gears and arms.

Electric Mechanism

Smaller, lightweight rooms use a more inexpensive electric motor, especially models that do not have hydraulic leveling jacks that could utilize the jack motor.  Once again there are several options such as the cable slides (BAL Acu-slide), Schwintek with small motors in the sidewall and a gear-driven track, or a standard mechanism with an electric motor.

The electric motor requires no maintenance other than having 12-volt power to the unit.  The cable systems do require a periodic visual inspection to make sure the cable is not sagging, loose, or frayed.

 Cable Slideout

Cable Slideout

It is also a good idea to visually inspect all components for debris or obstructions and clean out any tracks with fluid film, a spray product available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.  This is a rust inhibitor and will not damage rubber seals.  Make sure to wipe off any excess spray.

Schwintek

Schwintek Slideout

The Schwintek slideout mechanism can develop a grinding or squeaking noise and it is recommended to spray CRC Power Lube with PTFE on the rails as well as the gibbs and motor coupler.  These can be found by pulling back the rubber seal outside at the rails.

In-Wall Slide-Out

Slide Room and Seal Maintenance

Most slide rooms or the “Box” are fairly similar, the outer wall cut out of or built from the same material as the sidewall, laminated side/top/bottom panels.  These do not require much maintenance other than making sure there is no debris on the top of the slide room when you bring it back in!  Some manufacturers have an awning over the slide room to keep sticks and other debris from falling on the top which would tear the bulb seal during retraction.  If you do not have an awning cover, you need to clean off the top every time you retract the room!

Slide Out Maintenance

LEVEL THE COACH BEFORE RETRACTING THE SLIDE!  I’m amazed at how many companies do not have this as a standard operating procedure?  RV chassis are not rock solid, they will bend and twist in an unlevel situation which causes the sidewall to twist which creates additional pressure or binding as the square box is trying to go out of an unsquared opening.

All slideout rooms have a weather strip or seal around the opening of the sidewall.  Some use a two-part rubber gasket or seal applied both inside the rig and outside.  Others use a two-sided bulb seal that is applied to the flange of the sidewall.  In either case, it’s a good idea to condition the seal with an approved product such as the ProtectAll SlideOut Rubber Seal Treatment or ProtectAll All Surface Care.

Slide-Out Lubricant

Both products have UV protection that will help keep the rubber seal from weather checking and reduce friction.

Visually inspect the underside of the slide room both inside and out.  Look for obstructions or any signs of wear and tear.  Most use a roller or glide underneath, make sure there is no damage to the mechanism or the floor.

And finally, make sure you look for items around the side of the room inside such as lawn chairs or other items that might have been placed or stored when packing up the camper.  You can not believe what a mess a boxed wine container makes when the room is extended!

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.

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Spring Roof Maintenance And Inspection

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

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Although we have had a pretty mild winter, most of us have winterized our rigs last fall and put them to sleep for several months and now is the time to think about getting them ready for the camping season. One of the most important things I believe an RV owner can do is to clean, condition, and inspect the roof material as well as all the sealants.

Can I Walk On My Roof?

It depends on many factors as all RVs are not created equal and some of the less expensive models have wooden framework that has very little structural integrity. Most of these models will have a sticker on the top that states no weight or a limited weight. If you are not sure what your roof can hold for weight capacity use a scaffold on the side of the rig or “bridge” the weight using a long piece of paneling to distribute the weight across the top. I have an 8’ piece of ½ “ paneling cut to 2” wide that I lay across the roof in case I feel the roof can’t hold my weight.

Another consideration is safety with a slick roof material and the risk of falling. I have found that most of the rubber membranes actually have good footing even when wet while I thought they would be very slippery. It would be wise to have a safety tether which you can get at any home improvement store. And have someone there to assist you as well.

It is a good idea to stay clear of anything that has a cut into the roof and installed such as the air conditioner, roof vents, and skylights. Most of these do not have any framework surrounding the opening so it would be a weak spot.

Proper Cleaning And Roof Materials

There are several different roof materials that have been used over the years starting with aluminum back in the 1980’s, then fiberglass and rubber membranes introduced in the late 1980’s and early 1990s. My “go to” cleaner is Dawn Dish Soap (Blue) which is great for oils, bird droppings, and tree sap and is also environmentally friendly. Remember the ducks in Alaska! Some readers in past articles have commented that it has particles that will scratch the material and sidewall and will also deteriorate the wax on the sidewall however I have used it for over 30 years and I do not believe the small concentration of the product will do any harm to the materials of your rig.

There are several roof materials such as EPDM, TPO, PVC, and fiberglass so it is important to know what roof material your rig has and what the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommends for cleaning and conditioning. EPDM and TPO have a recommended conditioner that can be purchased from Dicor while most PVC membranes such as Alpha Systems recommend cleaning with Murphy’s Oil Soap and no conditioning. Fiberglass materials from Kemlite (Crane Composites) just recommend cleaning although I do use a UV deterrent to keep it from fading.

You can determine if your roof material is EPDM by removing the frame from a roof vent and looking at the excess material. EPDM starts as a black membrane and has the color added to the top. The underside will still be black so if it is EPDM, you will want to clean it at least once a year and then condition it with Dicor EPDM conditioner or 303 Protectant. This will keep it from chalking and deteriorating due to exposure to the sun. Make sure you keep the side of the unit wet when cleaning as the white milky chalk will run down the sides and be very difficult to clean after it dries.

TPO can also be conditioned with 303 Protectant or a rubber roof conditioner that has UV protection. Alpha Systems has a product they call a PVC material and only needs to be cleaned with Murphy Oil Soap occasionally while other companies that make a PVC material claim there is no maintenance. I still think it is a good idea to clean it at least once a year.

Whatever material your roof has, it is necessary to inspect the seams at least twice a year to look for cracks or separation and reduce moisture penetration. Materials will expand and contract with daily temperature changes and sealants will separate or become brittle with exposure to the sun. If the sealant has cracks or pulled away from the seam, moisture can penetrate the area and once you see a water stain inside the rig, it’s too late. Visually inspect all seams around the roof to the front, sidewall, and back cap. Also inspect any openings in the roof such as roof vents, skylights, and plumbing vents. If you see a sealant that looks to have a crack or pulled away, it is time to remove the affected sealant and reseal it with a self-leveling sealant designed for your roof material. Common silicone is not the best application for every type of roof. Make sure you get the best sealant for your application.

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.

Bill W. ~ “VERY happy with the services provided by Coach-Net”

How To Minimize Your Life For RV Living

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, Kids and Camping, Tips & Tricks

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Living in an RV can be a fantastic way to save some money and an even better way to get to see the country without breaking the bank. That said, figuring out how to minimize your stuff so you’re able to live in such a tiny space all the time can be a major challenge.

Fortunately, there are ways to go about it. In this article, we will discuss how to minimize so you can live a full-time RV life without all the clutter.

Take It One Drawer and Cabinet at a Time

The hardest thing to overcome when it comes to downsizing your stuff? The overwhelm. Sorting through everything you own can definitely be a daunting task, but if you focus on a single drawer or cabinet at a time, it will seem a whole lot less overwhelming and you’ll be a lot more inclined to tackle the project.

Get Rid of Duplicates

If you’re not sure what to get rid of first, start by finding all duplicate items and tossing one. There is really no reason you need to have two identical spatulas or two full sets of mixing bowls, and getting rid of extras will definitely save space.

Digitize Books, Movies, and Papers

Things like books and movies can be bought in digital form and downloaded to a laptop or tablet, so you can enjoy them without carrying extra stuff around in your rig.

Have a bunch of papers you’ve been holding onto? It’s likely a lot of those can be digitized as well, so you can avoid carrying a box full of heavy paper in your storage bay. Take photos of kids’ artwork and scan documents and store everything in the cloud so it can never be lost.

Downsize Your Wardrobe

Many people find that clothes are their biggest weakness when it comes to getting rid of stuff. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need nearly as many clothes as you think you do.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is easy enough, and it ensures you have a variety of things to wear while still keeping your wardrobe to a minimum. Considering how little clothes storage space some RVs have, this is majorly helpful when you go to find places to keep all of your things.

Only Keep Versatile Appliances

Small kitchen appliances that only serve one purpose rarely get pulled out. Meanwhile, those with multiple uses might get used every day. Toss out items such as the donut maker and the rice cooker and turn to things like an air fryer and an Instant Pot instead.

Switch Out Your Towels

Traditional terry cloth towels are fluffy and take up a lot of space. On top of that, these towels can take quite some time to dry. Replacing your traditional towels with lighter, thinner Turkish towels will save space and the towels dry faster, something that can be super useful when you find yourself swimming and visiting the beach often.

Be Picky about Pots and Pans

Normally, a set of pots and pans contains quite a few pieces. The thing is, most of us don’t use every single piece of our set of pots and pans. Go through your cookware and choose what you actually use on a regular basis. Donate the rest and rest easy knowing you saved yourself space and are helping keep the weight of your rig to a minimum.

Give Kids a Limit

Figuring out how to minimize kids’ toys and books can be a real challenge. For this, we recommend giving each kid a storage tub and allowing them to fill it with whatever items they’d like to keep. Let them know that if they want to bring something new into the RV, it will have to fit into the tub, meaning they may need to get rid of something else. This will help keep toy clutter at bay after you’ve moved in.

Store Sentimental Items

There are some items that you really won’t want to get rid of for sentimental reasons. Things like wedding albums, baby clothes and blankets, and Christmas ornaments should all be put into watertight boxes. If you don’t have room in your RV, these boxes can be stored in a storage facility or at a family member’s house.

Yes, figuring out how to minimize your things so you can RV full-time is a huge undertaking. That said, it can be done, and once it is done you’ll likely feel a whole lot lighter and ready for your next big adventure: RV living.

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.

Alfred S. ~ “I’ve Been A Member Since 2001 and I’ve NEVER Had Any Problems!”

Avoid These Common RV Winterization Mistakes

07 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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Hopefully, by now, you’ve winterized your RV for the season. But did you do it correctly? The answer to this question is a very important one because there are a number of very common RV winterization mistakes that could cause pretty costly damage to your rig. Obviously, you will want to avoid these, and that’s why we’re here today.

In this article we will discuss the most common RV winterization mistakes that you can make, and why you definitely don’t want to make them.

Mistake 1: Putting Antifreeze Where It Doesn’t Belong

This one won’t actually cause any damage to your RV over the winter. That said, putting RV antifreeze in the wrong places still isn’t something you want to do. The two places this stuff shouldn’t go when winterizing your RV water system? The freshwater tank and the water heater.

You see, if you happen to fill these two tanks with antifreeze, you will have a hard time getting it all out at the end of the winter. On top of that, you’ll be left with water that tastes of antifreeze for a long time after the stuff has been emptied out of your system. Lastly, filling these tanks would take gallons and gallons of antifreeze, making your RV winterization process a costly one.

Mistake 2: Not Running the Outdoor Shower

You don’t want RV antifreeze in your water heater tank or your freshwater tank, but you absolutely do want it to run through all of your water lines. The way to do this is to open each tap (and the toilet) until the water that runs out is pink.

Unfortunately, many people forget to head outside and run antifreeze through the outdoor shower as well. This means that the water lines to the outdoor shower—as well as the shower head and faucet itself—are left to freeze during the winter, and you could be left with leaks, plumbing repairs, and possibly even costly water damage to your RV as a result.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Wastewater Tanks

Another place some people forget to put RV antifreeze when going through the RV winterization process? The waste water tanks. While you certainly don’t have to fill the entire waste tanks with antifreeze, it is still a good idea to dump a few cups of the stuff down the tanks to keep any water that might remain there from freezing.

If you are using the tanks throughout the winter, be sure to add more antifreeze each time you dump. It’s also a good idea to up the amount of antifreeze you use based on how much water is in the tanks.

Mistake 4: Leaving the Batteries in Place

RV batteries will drain over time. In some cases, parasitic draws that are found in many RVs will cause this to happen fairly quickly. That said, even if you unhook the batteries entirely, they will eventually be drained. This is a problem because while charged batteries won’t freeze, dead batteries will. Besides, it’s bad for batteries to be drained completely.

To avoid dead (and potentially frozen) batteries, simply remove them from the RV and store somewhere above freezing. Put them on a trickle charger to keep them charged up and ready to go, and your batteries should be in good shape for next camping season.

Mistake 5: Inviting Pests to Your RV

Okay, so you probably aren’t going to invite mice and other critters to make themselves at home in your RV on purpose. That said, forgetting to plug up small holes where the animals can enter is pretty much as good as inviting them in. Add in any food that you forgot to grab out of the pantry, and you’re almost certainly going to return to an infestation.

To be safe, make sure to remove all food from the RV (keep in mind, canned goods can actually freeze and burst, so those need to go in as well). Plug up all possible entry points with steel wool (mice can fit in holes the size of a dime) and consider using a mouse deterrent to keep the critters at bay.

Mistake 6: Skipping the Seals

One thing you absolutely do not want to return to when the weather warms up? Leaks and water damage. For this reason, it is incredibly important that you go over all of the seals on your RV before putting it in storage. Reseal anything that looks cracked or worn, and make sure your slide seals are in good shape. You might also consider storing the rig under cover for extra measure.

Did you make any of these RV winterization mistakes? If so, be sure to head out to your trailer or motorhome as soon as possible in order to fix the problem so you can rest easy knowing your RV will be in good shape when the spring rolls around.

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.

Dalton R. ~ “No improvements needed! I’ve called several times and found the help I need every time! Extremely satisfied with the service. I’m a technician so being able to get ideas and where everything is I can usually get it fixed up. Overall VERY pleased with this service!”

10 Pro Tips For Planning Your Trip In 2024

07 Wednesday Feb 2024

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A new year is here, and that means a whole new year of fun RV adventures awaits! Many people use these colder months to start their RV trip planning for the spring and summer. Why not join them in getting excited for warmer weather, outdoor adventures, and time spent around the campfire?

Not sure how to begin your RV trip planning? No worries, we’re here to help. Below, we will give you our top tips for planning amazing RV travels for the upcoming camping season.

Choosing Where to Go

First things first, you have to decide where you want to go. If you aren’t the type to stick around your home and stay in the campground for the entire trip, this can be a bit overwhelming. There is so much out there to explore, and picking just a few options can feel nearly impossible. Here are some ways to narrow down your options.

Plan Around Your Bucket List

Do you have an ongoing list of things you’d like to do and places you’d like to see? Use this list to guide your travels. Pick the options that matter most to you and do your best to work toward those trips. If your top picks simply aren’t feasible right now, you can also choose a few that are within the realm of possibility and start planning those trips.

Stick to Your Budget

Obviously, you will want to keep your travel budget in mind. If you need to keep things inexpensive, staying relatively close to home might be your best bet. You can also consider trying boondocking to save on camping fees or pick destinations with lots of free things to do and see. If you have a senior national parks pass, national parks can be an incredibly affordable camping destination.

Follow Friends

Have friends who enjoy RVing as well? If you really can’t decide what to do, you might ask them what their plans are. Camping is always more fun with friends, and planning a few trips with your RV friends will remove the need to choose a destination, and it helps ensure you have an amazing time no matter where you end up going.

Mind the Weather

Weather is an important factor when planning an RV trip. Staying in an RV when it is extremely hot or cold outside simply isn’t comfortable, and not being able to get outside because of constant rain can leave you feeling cooped up. We recommend looking for destinations that, if possible, will offer sunny weather with very little rain and no extreme temperatures.

Picking a Route

How you get where you’re going is important when you’re traveling by RV. You’ll need to consider which route is the safest for your big rig and which roads will be downright impossible for your larger vehicle to navigate. You’ll also want to look at what there is to do and see along whatever route you end up choosing.

Put Tools to Use

Luckily, there are tools that can help you choose an RV-friendly route. RV Trip Wizard is one such tool, and it does an excellent job of showing safe routes using the info you give on the size of your RV. It can also show you places to camp, get gas, and stop for sightseeing along the way.

We do recommend cross-checking any route RV Trip Wizard gives against a Trucker’s Atlas to ensure it truly is a good route for big rigs. While RV Trip Wizard is pretty fantastic at choosing good routes, it is not without faults, so double-checking is always a good idea.

Add Destinations

If you’re driving a long way to reach your destination, it just makes sense to add in some stops to see and do things along the way. RV Trip Wizard can help you find fun stops, as can Roadtrippers.

Google Maps can also be helpful if you have an idea of what sort of attraction you’re looking for. Just type it in and see what pops up along your route on the map.

Getting Trip Ready

Once you know where you’re going and the route you want to take, you’ll need to ensure you’re 100% ready to hit the road. Here’s what you need to do to get ready now so you can hit the road as soon as the warm weather rolls in.

Make Key Purchases

You might need to make some purchases before you hit the road. If you plan to do more boondocking than usual, a solar setup or generator might be needed. Certain outdoor adventures will require gear like kayaks, hiking boots, and so on. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your RV roadside assistance is up to date and that you’re still comfortable with your insurance plan.

Get the RV Ready

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure all of your RV maintenance is done so your rig is in tip-top shape and ready to hit the road. Reseal the roof and side seams, check the slide seals, take a look at the tires replace any that need it, and make sure all of your appliances are in good working order. This will help ensure your first trip out goes off without a hitch and you can fully enjoy your entire camping season.

There you go! Everything you need to know to start your RV trip planning for 2024. Now start planning and getting excited so you can jump into the camping season feet-first when the warmer weather rolls in!

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.

Douglas M. ~ “The concern displayed by the call agent was awesome. The response was fast by the service provider and was terrific. Thanks so very much for this fantastic coverage!” 

Quick Tips For Storing Your Clothes In Your RV

10 Wednesday Jan 2024

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As a full-time RVer with kids, clothes sometimes seem like the bane of my existence. They’re everywhere and I can never quite keep up with the constant laundry and putting things away. Of course, a lack of RV clothes storage doesn’t help much, something that led me to look for better RV clothes storage options.

The good news? There are options! Below are some of the best solutions I’ve found to keep the clothing clutter at bay, even while living full-time in a teeny tiny RV.

Downsize, Downsize, Downsize

First of all, I highly recommend downsizing your RV wardrobe as much as you possibly can. Creating a capsule wardrobe for when you’re on the road can help a lot, as it cuts back on the number of clothes you have but still leaves you with plenty of versatility.

You want to make sure you hold on to what you really need, of course, but what you actually need might be a lot less than you assume, so be sure to take this step very seriously and cut back on your clothing collection ruthlessly.

Try Rolling Your Clothes Together

We’ve found that rolling our clothes rather than folding them actually saves space. I guess this is because we are able to roll them up tightly, getting rid of any air and making it possible to really pack things into a drawer or box.

Personally, I like to roll up entire outfits together instead of just rolling individual items. This makes it a lot easier to find items that match without digging everything out and making a mess I have to clean up.

Vacuum Up Out-of-Season Items

If you RV full-time, you have to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Unfortunately, this is really space-consuming. For this reason, we highly recommend putting any out-of-season clothes into vacuum storage bags, vacuuming the air out of them, and putting them away in a storage bay.

Vacuum bags remove the air from the clothes—making them more compact—and putting them in a storage bay gives you your drawers and closet back.

Use Tools to Put Vertical Space to Use

A large number of rigs (especially trailers) have tall, skinny bedside cabinets instead of an actual closet. You can hang things in these cabinets, sure, but I’ve found this is not a good use of space.

Instead, I recommend finding plastic storage tubs that fit the space just right and using these for clothes storage. You can organize the boxes however you see fit and then label them so you know exactly which one to pull out when you’re looking for something to wear.

If boxes aren’t your thing, you might be able to find a set of plastic drawers that serve the same purpose. Unfortunately, because these cabinets tend to be so narrow and because the bottoms of the cabinets are often deeper than the tops, drawers may not take full advantage of the space.

Think Outside the Box

If your RV just doesn’t give you enough clothes storage options, you can always think outside the box to add some of your own.

We’ve seen people turn the under-the-bed storage area into clothes storage by adding drawers or cabinet doors. We’ve also seen people build hollow steps that allow them to get up onto the tall bed easily while also offering some clothes storage space. Storage ottomans in the living area are also a good bet.

These are just a few of our favorite RV clothes storage solutions we’ve discovered in our time living in an RV. Have you found different solutions? We’d love to hear about them!

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.

Susan M. ~ “What a great service! I truly don’t know what I’d do without it!”

Your Guide To Camping In The Everglades

18 Monday Dec 2023

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks, Travel Destinations

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Winter is here, meaning those of us who prefer to camp year-round are heading south so we can keep warm. One of the options? Camping in the Everglades!

Located in southern Florida, the Everglades offer a lovely, warm escape from winter snow and ice, as well as some seriously beautiful plants and animals. Here you can enjoy the great outdoors without even breaking out a coat, and you won’t have to worry one bit about winterizing your RV.

Not sure how to begin planning your trip to go camping in the Everglades? Here’s what you need to know.

Best Spots for Camping in the Everglades

First, let’s talk about the best places to stay while camping in the Everglades. These campgrounds are perfect for RVers and offer easy access to all of the amazing things the Everglades have to offer, as well as plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable.

Long Pine Key Campground

Offering both reserved sites and first-come, first-served sites, Long Pine Key Campground is located in Everglades National Park, meaning you’ll be able to reach all the park has to offer quickly and easily. The sites here do not include any kind of hookups, but there is potable water, a dump station, and a restroom with showers.

Flamingo Campground

Want to have hookups while staying in the national park? Flamingo Campground is the perfect place for that. This campground has 27/4 campsites and 41 of those offer electric hookups. There are also dump stations, solar-heated showers, and potable water available onsite. Just be sure you make a reservation in advance!

Midway Campground

If you don’t mind staying outside of the park, Midway Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is another good option. This campground is about 30 minutes away from Everglades National Park and offers electric hookups, potable water, a dump station, restrooms, and easy access to all the area has to offer.

Our Favorite Things to Do in the Everglades

Now that you know where to stay, the next question is what to do while camping in the Everglades. Luckily there are plenty of options, and it would be really hard to get bored while visiting this amazing place.

Explore the Visitor Centers

I always recommend visiting visitor centers when visiting national parks, and this is just as true in Everglades National Park as it is anywhere else. In my opinion it’s best to start at a visitor center, as this will introduce you to the park and all it has to offer. If you can, visit more than one center, as each one has unique exhibits and different information to offer.

The visitor centers in the park include:

  • Gulf Coast Visitor Center
  • Shark Valley Visitor Center
  • Ernest Coe Visitor Center
  • Royal Palm Visitor Center
  • Flamingo Visitor Center

Take a Hike (or a Stroll)

The best way to really connect with the Florida Everglades? Go on a hike or a walk. This allows you to get up close and personal with the amazing plants and animals that call the park home. We especially love the Anhinga Trail, which puts you on a boardwalk through the wetlands. There are a wide variety of birds found along the path at any given time, and often you will find alligators sunbathing along the way as well.

Attend Ranger Programs

Ranger programs are always a good way to learn more about any given national park. In Everglades National Park, we really like the nighttime ranger walk along the Anhinga Trail. Because it takes place at night, this walk often allows guests to see alligators in their most active state, something you certainly won’t soon forget.

Hop on an Airboat

No trip to the Everglades is complete without a ride in an airboat. Yes, these boats are loud, but the airboat tours offered in the Everglades give you the opportunity to go where visitors cannot normally go while seeing all kinds of awesome animals in the beautiful wetlands.

…or Opt for a Tram (or a Bike)

Don’t want to ride an airboat? You could hop on the Shark Valley tram instead. This tram takes you on a tour of the park, so you can see lots of awesome scenery in a short amount of time.

Alternatively, you can ride a bike along the Shark Valley Tram Road to see the same awesome scenery at your own pace while getting some exercise.

As you can see, camping in the Everglades is an awesome experience that every RVer should have at least once. Why not start planning your 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.

Dickie N. ~ “You had us on the road within two hours on Christmas day! The follow-up by Coach-Net to assure we were taken care of was great! Thank you!”

Amazing Reasons To Try Off-Season Camping

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Cold season is here, and in many places, this means the slow travel season has hit as well. For some RVers, this is the time when the RV gets winterized and put into storage, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Off-season travel is totally doable, and in some cases, it even has some perks that you just don’t get when traveling during peak season.

Want to keep the RV adventures going this winter? Here are a few reasons why we think off-season travel is awesome, and why winter RVing is just as amazing as RVing during the summer.

Snag Better Campsites

Have a place you’ve been dying to visit but you can never seem to get into? Have a certain section of your favorite campground that you’d like to stay in but can never seem to grab? Off-season is the time to do just that.

During the slow season, the crowds have cleared out, meaning you have a much better chance of snagging those coveted campsites for yourself without all the hassle of keeping track of booking windows or arriving early.

Avoid Crowds

Fewer visitors in a place means fewer crowds. Traffic jams in touristy spots will be basically non-existent when you’re enjoying off-season travel, and you’ll find that fighting large crowds while walking through shopping areas or popular attractions is unnecessary this time around. You’ll also find there are fewer lines to wait in, and getting to the front of a crowd to read plaques or see a specific piece of art will be a cinch.

Take Advantage of Discounts

One thing we absolutely love about off-season travel? The discounts and lower rates that come along with it. You see, when the hordes of tourists leave, many attractions and campgrounds lower their rates or offer special discounts that they wouldn’t offer during peak season, in order to encourage people to visit. This means you’ll likely be able to stay in a campsite for less money and see all the things you want to see without breaking the bank.

Stay Longer

Cheaper campsites make it a whole lot easier to extend your stay in a place, and since you won’t have to fight for a site, you should be able to stick around as long as you like. Provided you don’t have obligations back at home, we encourage you to take the opportunity to stay in one place longer and really immerse yourself in the culture and community of the place.

Have Unique Experiences

Off-season travel is extra cool because it presents opportunities to have some unique experiences that you’d never get to have when a place is packed with other tourists.

Visiting when there are fewer crowds makes it possible to really connect with the locals. This leads to suggestions from the locals, meaning you’re more likely to try things that are a bit more off the beaten path. Additionally, if you’re able to take advantage of cheaper campsites that are more readily available, you’ll have time to dig a little deeper and really get a feel for what the culture and community of the place is all about.

The Exceptions to the Rules

It’s important to realize that there are exceptions to the rules. While the vast majority of the country sees a slow season during the winter months, there are certain areas that actually have more traffic during the winter. These include ski resorts, as well as snowbird havens such as SoCal, Arizona, and Florida. If you want to enjoy the slow-season benefits in these locations, you might want to consider visiting during the late spring, summer, or early fall.

Drawbacks of Off-Season Travel

It’s also good to understand that off-season travel does have its drawbacks. For instance, you’re more likely to encounter foul weather when visiting a place during the off-season. Additionally, some tourist attractions will close down completely when the crowds disperse for the season. Nevertheless, we continue to enjoy off-season travel and don’t plan to stop any time soon!

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.

Samantha R. ~ Amazing customer service they kept checking in after we called them to make sure the problem was taken care of we had 2 tires blow in one day and the next day the truck needed to be towed they helped out so much and took care of both situations very professionally definitely recommend it!!!!

What You Need To Know About Towing Capacity

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

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

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One of the most popular questions I get is “What can my truck actually tow?” It ranks just below my refrigerator isn’t cooling, my batteries are dead, my roof air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, and my slide room doesn’t work. OK, so it’s in my top five but I do get it asked quite often!

In the past, we could just look up towing capacity in the Trailer Life towing guide or the truck manufacturer towing guide. As long as we knew the cab configuration, bed length, and engine size, we could get the towing capacity at the tip of our fingers.

Then The Math Changed!

Somewhere around 2010, Toyota came out with the first half-ton truck that had a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs while all the others were at 5-7,000 lbs. My 2002 Silverado had a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs which meant I did not have a very large selection of trailers that I could tow. Truck manufacturers scrambled to reclassify towing capacity using the new math Toyota had developed. My 2002 had a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,000 lbs and the towing capacity was 5,000 lbs which meant I had a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 12,000 lbs. The new math is taking GCWR and subtracting the Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) which is an empty truck and adding a 150 lb driver to determine towing capacity. This shifts payload weight from the tow vehicle to the trailer towing weight. Here is an example; my 2016 has a GVWR of 11,500 lbs and has a dry weight of 5,730 lbs. This means I could theoretically put 5,770 lbs of cargo into this truck which would include any passengers and cargo which is a lot of “stuff” I can bring. So with the new math, we take the 5,730 lbs of dry weight, add a 150 lb driver and it comes to 5,880 lbs, subtract it from the 11,300 lb GVWR and we have 5,620 lbs of extra weight that can be added or shifted to the trailer towing capacity. In the past, you could load your tow truck up to GVWR and then tow the published towing capacity.

What Is The Truth?

It’s hard to wade through all the postings, forums, and blogs when it comes to actual towing capacity, especially with AI and the fact that anyone can write or post anything on the internet without verification or authenticity. What I do know is that I have been working with the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) for the past 25 years and trust them to be the authority when it comes to weights and towing. They have been weighing rigs for over 3 decades and working with tire manufacturers, RV manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to develop weight information and even convinced the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) to require weight stickers on all units.

There still are towing guides published by Woodall’s, Good Sam, and the truck manufacturers however, they are estimates at best and do not take into account payload, cargo, and passengers. In fact, the towing capacity listed is for a standard truck with a driver of 150 lbs! According to RVSEF you need to know the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of your truck as well as the tongue weight that is on the back axle. Other factors include the GVWR of the truck as well as the GAWR of the rear wheels.

This all means taking the truck and trailer to a CAT Scale and getting it weighed which is not an easy thing to do especially if you are still in the shopping stage. To start with, I went to the RVSEF site that has several towing guides here.

The challenge I had was finding the correct specifications for my truck to look up the information in the various guides. I found the GVWR and GAWR ratings on the data label located on the driver door pillar.

I found the engine size on the label in the engine compartment that stated it was the 5.3L and it is a double door standard bed model. However what I could not find was the axle ratio and the GCWR. I went online and a Chevy source indicated the eight digit of the VIN indicated axle ratio and stated it was the 3.08 axle ratio and had a much lower trailer towing capacity as well as GCWR! To verify, I asked the Executive Director at RVSEF and he stated that most online sources do not take into account all the options and model variations. He stated the true information is found on the options label inside the glove compartment.

Going through all these three digit codes and matching the one to the RVSEF guide I found mine had the 3.42 and according to the owner’s manual, had a trailer towing capacity of 9,200 lbs and a GCWR of 15,000 lbs which I found on line and confirmed in my owner’s manual. Next I needed to weigh both the truck and trailer to make sure I wasn’t overloaded in any of the weight ratings.

Here Are The Numbers That Are Important

GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating

The weight of the truck with everyone and everything that will be travel plug the weight of the trailer with all cargo must not exceed the GCWR.

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The weight of the truck with all passengers and cargo can not exceed the GVWR. Also, the total weight of the trailer loaded with all cargo and water must not exceed the trailer GVWR.

GAWR – Gross Axle Weight Rating

Both axles have a GAWR and must not exceed the poste GAWR for front and rear with all passengers, cargo, and the trailer connected to determine how much weight the tongue of the trailer is applying.

Tongue Weight

Drive off the scale, disconnect the trailer, and weigh the truck or tow vehicle with all passengers and cargo. Subtract this from the original GAWR of the rear axle and this will tell you how much weight is on the hitch which should be somewhere between 10-15% on trailers.

Here were the ratings I found for my truck with a 1996 Salem trailer connected.

Hitched To Trailer

AxleGAWRActual AWR
Front5,000 lbs.3,300 lbs.
Rear7,050 lbs.3,240 lbs.

Trailer weight – 4,340 lbs.
Combined weight, truck and trailer – 10,880 lbs.

Unhitched truck

Front – 3,400 lbs.

Rear – 2,580 lbs.

Hitch weight or payload from trailer – 660 lbs.

The scale has three platforms which allows you to put the front axle on the first pad, the drive or rear axle on the second pad, and the trailer on the third which provides individual weights. This confirms that you are not over any of the weight ratings and can safely tow.

I also took the comprehensive RVSEF Matching Truck To Trailer Training Course here.

I would recommend anyone towing a trailer take the course and they are offering a discount for RV Lifestyle and Repair and Coach-Net members by using this code: RVLRTOW24

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.

Ray M. ~ “We’ve had a service plan with Coach-Net with 2 different RVs and we’re so glad we do.  Twice in less than a month, we’ve called with tire issues.  Both times your representative helped us to get back on the road in a short amount of time.  Thank you from two happy campers.”

The Best RV Clubs for Making Friends on the Road

29 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in Getting To Know You, Kids and Camping, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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Craving connections as you travel in your RV? Whether you’re traveling full-time or just occasionally, having friends to meet up with and share good times with can make the whole experience a whole lot better. And the best way to find RVing friends? RV clubs!

There are an enormous number of RV clubs out there. Some are niche clubs for a specific group of people or those with a specific interest. Others are more general clubs that welcome everyone, and most of these bigger clubs even include sub-groups that help RVers find their specific tribe.

In this article, we are going to discuss some of the best RV clubs. By joining one or two of these clubs, we are confident you will find connection with fellow RVers so you never have to feel lonely on the road again.

Family Campers and RVers

The Family Campers and RVers Club has been around since 1957. This all-encompassing group is geared toward RVers of all ages and walks of life. Here you’ll find youths, adults, and retirees. Some are full-time RVers, but most are part-timers who enjoy the occasional RV trip.

Programs are offered for kids, teens, and adults, and there is never a dull moment at one of the club’s events. The club places a lot of focus on wildlife and conservation programs, something that is fitting for a camping club. There are chapters across the country and a huge number of events happen each year, making attending a meetup a cinch!

iRV2 Forums

We love the iRV2 Forums because they offer excellent opportunities to gather information and make connections with other RVers online. There is no cost to join this enormous community of fellow travelers, and you’re sure to gain lots of great knowledge as well as some really cool friendships.

If you want to get to know your online friends in person, you can plan to meet up at campgrounds or destinations as you travel, or you can even attend an iRV2 rally!

Nomad Near Me

Another RV club that doesn’t cost anything but still offers lots of opportunities for connection is Nomad Near Me. This is a social media platform specifically for nomads. It resembles other social media platforms and is totally easy to use.

All you have to do is make a profile and update your location each time you move. The app will help you connect with other RVers in your area based on interests and other factors. It’ll also alert you if friends are in your area, meaning you’ll never miss opportunities to connect again.

Fulltime Families

Families who are on the road full-time should turn to Fulltime Families. As the name suggests, this organization exists to assist families on their full-time RVing journeys.

Members of the club are given access to members-only Facebook and Discord groups, including many sub-groups that connect people based on location and interests. Fulltime Families hosts many rallies, hangouts, and field trips throughout the year, providing excellent opportunities for connection.

Other benefits include discounts on a variety of RV-related products and services.

Republic of Nomads

The Republic of Nomads is also geared toward families. The goal of this organization is to be welcoming to all, and the diversity found among the participants makes the inclusivity of this club apparent. The organization also aims to help families stay on the road long-term, helping them find the support they need to do so.

Currently, the Republic of Nomads does not have any sort of paid membership option. Everyone is welcome at all events, and these range from laid-back “town hall” events (that are totally free to attend) to the paid Expedition Events, Alliance Events, and Assembly Events, all with a slightly different structure, but all with the same goal of providing opportunities for families to connect, learn, and grow together.

These are our top 5 picks when it comes to RV clubs that provide the best socialization opportunities. That said, these are far from the only options, and depending on your interests and travel style, you might find that another RV club suits you better, so be sure to do your research and try some different options to find the best one for you.

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.”