Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

What to Do with Your RV in Winter

01 Wednesday Dec 2021

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The cold weather is here and winter itself is just around the corner. If you haven’t already, now is the time to figure out what to do with your RV this winter.

Many people believe there is really only one option when it comes to RVs and wintertime, but that isn’t actually the case. Yes, the most common option of storing the rig is one choice, and it’s a fine choice for many. That said, there are a few other options out there, and there might be a better one for you.

Of course, in order to know whether there’s a better option for you and your RV this winter, you need to know what those options are. That’s what this article is for!

Below we’ve outlined the top five ways RV owners handle their rigs in the winter months, as well as some tips for each option. Read on to learn more.

Store Your RV

As mentioned above, the first and most obvious option is to store your RV for winter. This is a great option if you’re happy with your current RV setup, plan to RV next summer, and/or have access to a place to store the rig. That said, there is some work involved, and for some, storing for the winter can be a relatively large financial investment.

Here’s what you need to know about storing your RV for the winter:

  • You will need to winterize your RV. This involves emptying the rig of all water and running RV through the water lines. Learn more about winterization here.
  • Storage options include storing on your land, a friend’s land, or paying for an indoor or outdoor storage spot. There are pros and cons to each and all should be considered.
  • If storing outdoors, we recommend using an RV cover or even building an RV shelter if possible.

Take Your Rig South

The next option is to take your rig down south to keep on camping and avoid the cold weather altogether. Obviously, this is really only an option if you are retired or able to work remotely. That said, if you are in a position to move south for the winter, it can be an awesome option, especially if you aren’t a fan of cold weather.

Here’s what you need to know about taking your RV south for winter:

  • The best warm weather winter destinations are Florida, south Texas, Arizona, and southern California.
  • RV sites in these places tend to fill up quickly. Grab your site(s) as soon as possible.
  • If you prefer boondocking, we recommend heading to Arizona or southern California where there are tons of amazing boondocking options.
  • Even the warmest destinations can be cold occasionally. Be prepared for some chilly weather no matter where you go.

Rent Your Motorhome or Trailer in the South

Want to avoid winterization and storage but can’t head south yourself? Why not send your RV south without you? That’s right, some RV owners choose to send their RVs to RV rental companies in the south to be rented out on consignment. This allows you to make a few bucks off of your rig rather than paying to store it, but it does require that you’re comfortable with sending your RV out with other campers.

Here’s what you need to know about sending your RV south to be rented:

  • You will want to find a reputable rental company to rent your RV out. Be sure to go over all details carefully, and don’t leave without a signed contract.
  • Remove all personal items and valuables from your rig. If you aren’t okay with losing it forever, it shouldn’t be in your RV when it’s rented out.
  • When considering this option, think about the cost and time involved in transporting the RV to and from its final destination. Also, factor in the wear and tear that the RV will accumulate when being rented.

Embrace the Winter Weather and Go Camping

Cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t camp at all, it just means you’ll have to be more prepared than you’d usually be. If you love camping and don’t want to stop for the winter, then don’t! Instead, make the proper preparations and get out there and enjoy the RV life.

Here’s what you need to know about camping in winter weather:

  • Depending on how cold your area gets, you might want to winterize the water system and camp without running water for the coldest months.
  • Make sure you always have full propane tanks when you head out.
  • Using space heaters (when you have access to electricity) can save on propane and help reduce condensation in the RV.
  • DampRid will also help reduce damaging condensation.
  • A work light placed under your rig can help keep tanks from freezing.
  • More winter camping tips can be found here.

As you can see, there are a few good options when it comes to dealing with your RV in the winter. Which option will you choose?

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.

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Mikhail P. ~ “Unbelievable service… First-time caller and what a great impression I got. We’re new RV’ers and I am so comforted by your presence and commitment to customer service.”

Tips for a Successful National Park Day Trip

24 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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Some of the greatest places to go in an RV are our country’s national parks. These places are absolutely beautiful and are filled with amazing sights, sounds, and smells, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn.

In some cases, it is possible to camp right inside the parks. Other times, you might have to find boondocking or a campground outside the gates. Either way, you’re definitely going to want to leave the campsite to explore the amazing things around you each day. Before you do though, there are some steps you’ll want to take and things you’ll want to know in order to ensure a successful day in the park.

Here are our top tips for visiting national parks during your RV adventures.

Make Reservations

First, it is important to note that due to the pandemic and the significant rise in park attendance in many places, some national parks have started requiring reservations in order to enter. Before you plan a trip to any park, check to see if a reservation is required during the time you plan to visit, and if it is, snag one as soon as you possibly can.

Check the Weather

For the most part, your national parks adventures will likely take place in the great outdoors. This means you will want to know what to expect from the weather and arrive well prepared. Keep in mind that many national parks see extreme weather and temperatures, and the temperature can fluctuate wildly throughout the day (sometimes based simply on where you are in the park), making layers of clothing necessary.

Look at the Park Website

Always check the park website before you visit. The site will give you information on road closures, current restrictions, hours of operation, and much more. Knowing these things before you go could potentially save your whole day.

Pack Food and Water

Most national parks are huge. While some do have restaurants on-site, these are few and far between. For this reason, we highly recommend packing plenty of snacks and even a picnic meal for your day of exploring.

Additionally, be sure to pack enough water. A gallon a day per person is the standard recommendation, but you may need more or less depending on your activity level and the weather.

We recommend one of these to hold water as you hike.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank

As mentioned above, national parks can be huge. As is the case with restaurants, some parks have gas stations, but even in those parks, the stations are pretty scarce. For this reason, it is imperative that you fill up your gas tank before heading into the park. You might be surprised by just how much driving you end up doing!

Start at a Visitor Center

We highly recommend beginning any visit to a national park at the visitor center. This will allow you to get oriented, and in some cases, there will be a video about the park to give you a better understanding of what it is. Rangers will be available to help you pick things to see and places to hike. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a schedule of programs and pick up Junior Ranger books for the kids.

Take Advantage of Programs

Speaking of ranger programs and Junior Rangers, we also recommend that you make a point of checking out what all the park has to offer in terms of programs. Kids love the Junior Ranger program; those with dogs will like the BARK Ranger program; the talks, hikes, and presentations offered by rangers are always fantastic; and all of that is only a small sample of what you might find at any given park.

Never Approach or Feed Animals

You will probably see lots of signs throughout the park reminding you not to feed or approach animals. Take this seriously. The animals in national parks are wild, meaning they are unpredictable. On top of that, feeding them can actually make them very sick. Finally, animals that become unafraid of people pose a threat and will often be put down. This is definitely not something anyone wants to see.

Arrive Early and Stay Late

Sunrises, sunsets, and night skies in the national parks are often absolutely incredible. During your visit to a park, try to arrive early enough to catch a sunrise one day, and stay late enough to do some stargazing on another.

Don’t Count on Cell Reception

Finally, it is important to be aware that cell reception is non-existent in the vast majority of national parks. If you’ll be camping in the park, don’t plan on getting any work done while there. You’ll also want to avoid using a GPS that requires any cell signal. Instead, download directions before you arrive.

Use these tips to plan your national park day trip and you’ll be all set to have an amazing time!

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.

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Lawrence K. ~ “First time using this service and it was worth every penny, thank you!”

Winter RVing: Space Heaters And RVs

12 Friday Nov 2021

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

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

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

30 Amp RVs

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

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

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

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

50 amp RVs

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

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

Other Electrical Concerns

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

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

Other Potential Problems

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

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

General Safety Concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe When Winter RVing

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

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

About The Author: Levi Henley

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

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

Planning an Epic RV Road Trip in 2022

10 Wednesday Nov 2021

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

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

Basic Steps to Planning Your Road Trip

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

 

Checking Your Vehicle Before Your Trip

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

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

 

Essential Items to Include in Your Packing

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

Author: Tim Setterfield

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

Avoiding Low Clearance Bridges & Steep Grades In Your RV

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

Begin with an RV Trip Planning Tool

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

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

Use an RV-specific GPS

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

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

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

Pick Up a Truckers’ Road Atlas

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

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

Grad the Mountain Directory Books or App

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

Look into LowClearances.com

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

Keep an Eye Out for Signs

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

RV Protect



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

Propane Saving Tips For Colder Weather RVing

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

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

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As the colder end of fall approaches and winter starts arriving, an RV can be a very cozy camping option. However, keeping one warm can go through quite a bit of propane. So why does an RV propane heater use so much propane, and how can one make propane last as long as possible during their short-term or long-term winter RVing trips? Follow these propane-saving tips below to help you stay toasty in your rig and go easier on your wallet this winter.

How an RV Propane Furnace Works

Your RV’s propane furnace is a pretty simple device. Propane is burned to heat air which is forced through the ductwork of the floor by an electric fan. Openly burning propane in an enclosed space without ventilation is generally quite deadly due to carbon monoxide gas. For this reason, the propane in an RV furnace burns in a tube and heating element that vents directly outside your RV. The air in your RV is blown over the heating element to heat it.

This necessary ventilation carries as much as 30%-50% of the heat generated by burning propane and blows it outside. That means you need to burn up to twice as much fuel to get the same amount of BTUs worth of heat inside your rig as you would if you were just burning propane inside.

This may sound like a design flaw, but ventilation is necessary for the warm, dry, and safe air being blown throughout your RV. Even though you should have your propane system and furnace inspected periodically, there is no way to modify this efficiency. The best ways to save on propane involve keeping the heat in your RV as long as possible or using other safe methods to heat your rig.

1. Close Your Gaps

Check around slides, windows, doors, and any other potential gaps and close them off. You may find that some gaps need repairing, while other areas may just require you to add a bit of insulating material. For example, my motorhome gets cold drafts from the air vents. In cold weather, I stop this draft by placing a cloth in the air filter intake of the engine. The trick is remembering to remove the cloth before starting the engine up.

One way to find gaps is to go around with a temperature gun in your RV and look for cold areas. If a particular area is colder than the rest of the rig, there is a reason. Sometimes it’s because cold air is seeping in, which means warm air is escaping too.

2. Insulate

A well-insulated RV will hold heat longer which will reduce the time your furnace has to run. Many of the same tricks people use in the summer to help keep their RV cool will also help in the winter. For example, placing those square insulating pillows in the roof vents can help a lot, considering warm air rises and vents are a significant source of heat loss.

In addition to vents, windows could always use a little extra insulation. There are several ways to do this but many use Reflectix material on the windows, just like in the summertime. To prevent condensation from forming behind it, we like to put our insulation on the outside of the windows.

Reflectix is bubble wrap with foil on either side. It is pretty inexpensive and can be cut to size.

In addition to window insulation and roof vent insulation, adding heavy curtains and carpets to your RV can help retain heat. The bottom line is the longer the heat stays in your RV, the less your furnace must run, which saves you on propane.

3. Use Supplemental Heating

If your RV air conditioner has a heat pump setting, you can use that electrical heat source to save a lot of propane. There’s a catch, though. Typically RV heat pumps don’t work well once outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

Another option is to use a portable electric heater to help take the chill out of the air. It’s not recommended to use one if you are not actively able to keep an eye on your rig, though typical portable heaters have a few safety concerns to consider.

  • They take 1,500 watts of power to run, so a 30 amp RV shouldn’t run more than one on high.
  • They should have three feet of clearance around them.
  • It’s not recommended to run them while sleeping.
  • Relying solely on portable heaters and not running your furnace when it is below freezing can prevent warm air from reaching your pipes in some models, which puts your plumbing at risk of freezing.

Using a heating blanket with temperature settings while sleeping can help you keep the temperature much lower while remaining cozy. They also make heated fitted sheets, so the warmth comes from the mattress itself.

4. Layer up Inside

Keeping the thermostat in your RV as low as comfortably possible will cut down on the time your furnace must kick on each day. That being said, if you bundle up while inside your RV, you can probably stand to keep it colder. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer while winter RVing. Thick PJs, comfortable sweaters, and thick wool socks or slippers are all acceptable RV wear.

A propane-saving trick for comfort is only to kick up the heat when you need it. For example, if you keep the thermostat at 65 degrees all day and bundle up, you are going to eat up all that propane savings by kicking it up to 75 for fifteen minutes while you take a shower. So you can get out, dry off and get back into some cozy clothes before dropping the temp back down.

Propane Saving Tips in a Nutshell

Propane saving tips aren’t all that complicated. Before heading out on your winter, RVing adventures just make sure you don’t have any gaps that let the cold air in, insulate your vents, windows, and floors, and keep the thermostat as low as you can comfortably stand it. Additionally, use supplemental heating sources like heat blankets and safely use space heaters to assist your RV furnace.

Do you know what else isn’t complicated? Feeling safe in your winter travels because you have Coach-Net’s 30+ years of experience providing roadside assistance and peace of mind to its members and RV technical assistance just a phone call away. So don’t forget to join or renew your membership before hitting the road today.

About The Author: Levi Henley

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

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Great Gifts that RVers Will Love

19 Tuesday Oct 2021

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Looking for a gift for your favorite RV traveler that won’t break the bank or overextend payload? All the gifts on this list match three important requirements: they are small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive.

Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp: Provides hands-free light while working under your rig or checking on your campsite after dark. Available in red, black, blue, and aqua.

Motorola Talkabout 200 2 Way Radio: Relying on cell phones to help your partner park the trailer? That doesn’t always work in remote areas. A pair of rechargeable walkie talkies can really come in handy, and it’s a good idea to purchase a set that isn’t just a kids’ toy. 

Kidde Code One Fire Extinguisher: Most RVs come equipped with a single fire extinguisher. Double your safety factor by keeping an extra one at the other end of your rig.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hike Medical Kit: This model is compact, weighs less than 8 ounces, and is extremely well organized. The sections open like flower petals, making it easy to find what you need when every moment counts.

Ambient Weather Temperature/Humidity Monitor: The Ambient monitor will take readings from sensors that you place in three different areas of your RV, as well as providing information about the temperature and humidity outdoors. Critical for avoiding interior condensation and keeping pets safe.

SUAOKI Solar LED Lamp: The SUAOKI lamp is extremely lightweight, collapsible, and can be charged by USB as well as the solar panel.

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker: This single serve coffee maker is less than 5 inches wide to maximize your counter space.

Plastic Bag Holder: Hangs from a hook, lightweight, and keeps all those plastic grocery bags corralled. Available in a variety of fun fabric options.

RV Devotional Book: Need some grace while on the road? Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers includes 60 entries that connect the Scriptures with stories of life on the road, mediations on nature, prayers, and life applications.

Sky Jo Game: Sky Jo is easy to learn and quick to play. Perfect for ages 7 and up on those rainy days.

Mainstays Oversized Picnic Blanket: This useful and fun 60’ x 70’ blanket has a waterproof exterior and folds up to form a carrying bag with attached handles and pocket. Vibrant colors and big enough for family outings.

Duraflame Fatwood Fire Starters: These are designed to work with wood or charcoal.

Fun Outdoor Tablecloth: Ready to replace that ratty old tablecloth? This one comes in a fun camping themed pattern. Plastic clips will help keep everything secure on those windy days.

*From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. Coach-Net did not receive compensation for this post.

About the Author: Nancy Bell Kimsey is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast whose hiking and camping experiences have ranged from backpacking and family tent camping to adventuring in a fiberglass travel trailer. She moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University and remained in the Tar Heel State throughout her career as an educator. She is a contributing writer for several camping publications and the author of Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers.

Nancy Bell Kimsey
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Fulltime RVer Tips: 3 Great Web Applications For RV Trip Planning

27 Monday Sep 2021

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My wife Natalie and I have been living in our RV full-time for over six years. We have put thousands of miles on our rig and have planned tons of trips in that time. As a result, we get asked about the best RV trip planning app out there. Honestly, we don’t use just one. There are several big contenders, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. So below, you will find the top three RV trip planning web apps we use and why.

RV Trip Wizard

RV Life produces RV Trip Wizard, and it is probably our main trip routing app. That is what puts it on top of the list. Many apps help you find RV parks, disbursed camping sites, and Walmarts, but not many of them will route you with RV-friendly directions. That is precisely where RV Trip Wizard shines.

Cost: $19/month or $49/year

Why We Love RV Trip Wizard

  • Safe Routing And Fuel Stops

Their site offers a free 7-day trial, and when you sign up, you are asked to input your RVs type, size, gas mileage, etc. RV Trip Wizard will use this information to choose the safest route for your rig. It will also use the fuel tank size and gas milage to tell you where you will need to fill up.

  • Time Estimates And Avoiding Tolls, Highways, Etc

Do you want to avoid highways or hate tunnels even when your RV will fit? RV Trip Wizard has many options to avoid different scenarios on your route. You can also allow Trip Wizard to estimate your travel time based on speed limit or choose an average speed that you typically travel.

  • Driving Radius Based On Mileage Or Time

The driving radius is a neat feature. You select a minimum, ideal, and maximum distance based on miles or driving time each day, and RV Trip Wizard will put that radius around your selected stopping location. This makes it easier to decide where your next stop will be. We used to have to measure each driving day manually on Google Maps before discovering this feature.

  • Trip Cost Estimate

You can input the average price of gas, campground stay, and daily food cost, and RV Trip Wizard will estimate the cost of your trip. Alternately, you can input the cost information for each stop to get an accurate estimate of how much your trip will cost.

  • Tons of Filters

Filter RV parks and campgrounds by type, amenities, price, rating, and more. There are tones of filters to narrow down the perfect RV park. It integrates with Campground Reviews, so you get real customer input without leaving the trip planning tool.

  • Points of Interest

RV Trip Wizard allows you to find and filter for different points of interest along your route from gas stations, dump stations, and Walmarts to area attractions.

  • Elevation

RV Trip Wizard shows you the elevation and estimated grades of your entire trip.

  • RV GPS

You can pull up your trips on the RV Life app to use it as an RV-safe GPS unit.

Here is a video of exactly how we use RV Trip Wizard to plan an RV Trip:

Allstays Pro

Allstays is a popular RV trip planning tool for RVers that doesn’t do routing. However, It provides many of the same filters as RV Trip Wizard for finding campsites, gas stops, and services.

Cost: About $35 a year

What It’s Good At

  • Walmart, Truck Stop, and Rest Stop Info

Allstays is good at listing a ton of information about truck stops and rest stops. It will tell you how many parking spaces and amenities are offered such as propane fills or an RV dump station. The same goes for rest areas. Do you need a rest area with an RV dump, WiFi, or any other services? Allstays will tell you.

In addition, when it comes to Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and other such locations, Allstays will tell you how many RV parking spaces Cracker Barrels have. The description will list other RVers’ experiences at Walmarts with the date for reference.

Allstays is good at giving info on places like Walmarts, truck stops, and rest areas that other services don’t give.

  • Free Camping

Allstays isn’t our preferred boondocking spot finder, but it does have a rather large database of free or almost free campgrounds. Using Allstays, we have been able to find locations that provide full hookups that allow free camping. You can find some of these locations with RV Trip Wizard, but Allstays seems to have more.

What It’s Not Good At

There is only one issue that prevents Allstays from being used exclusively, and that is its lack of routing. You can find just about everything you need to plan an RV trip. However, you must use other map software like Google Maps to plan the route.

The following video shows how we have used a combination of Allstays and Google Maps to plan and route an RV trip.

Campendium

Campendium, like the other services mentioned in the article, will allow you to find RV parks, dump stations, etc. This is our go-to for boondocking, overnight parking spots, and dump station finds.

Cost: Free (ad-supported), or you can get extra perks and additional functionality by becoming a supporter for $20 a year.

What It’s Good At

  • Boondocking

As stated above, if you are looking for boondocking locations, overnight parking spots, and dump stations, Campendium is where to go.

Campendium is our favorite app for finding boondocking spots and overnight parking.

What It’s Not Good At

It doesn’t do routing, list gas stations, or Walmarts.

How We Use All Three

Putting these three services together, we can plan our route any way we like. We do routing and RV park searching in RV Trip Wizard. If we plan a gas stop at a travel center or are interested in more info about a rest area or Walmart, we head over to Allstays to find the info we need. Finally, if we are looking for a boondocking or free spot, we search the area on Campendium. RV Trip Wizard allows you to enter a stop via GPS location which both Allstays and Campendium give for their locations.

When it comes time to hit the road, RV Trip Wizard allows us to open our RV Life app on our phone, pull up the preplanned trip, and tap navigate. The app gives turn by turn RV safe directions and even shows little icons indicating stores and gas stations along the route.

About The Author: Levi Henley

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

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Waste Water Tanks-Proper Maintenance And Storage

09 Thursday Sep 2021

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Most RVers take their waste water tanks for granted, dump some chemical down the black water tanks and dump them when they get full.  Although there isn’t a lot of maintenance required, there are things you need to know to keep the sensors reading correctly and some tips to reduce the awful smell that can sometimes be associated with them.

First a little bit about them. Most of the black and gray water tanks are made of rotocast plastic to produce a stronger seamless design.  The black water tank is intended for mainly toilet water and the gray water tank for shower water.  When it comes to waste water from the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms, it all depends on the layout of the sinks and which tank is closer to drain to.  This sometimes causes a problem when a kitchen sink is dumped into a small black water tank as it fills up faster and needs to be dumped more often.

Since the black water tank holds sewage, it needs a treatment or chemical to start the breakdown process and reduce smells.

It is important to use a treatment that has enzymes and utilizes an aerobic digestion process.  Chemicals like bleach, pine scented cleaners and other household products do not start the digestion process and create anaerobic digestion and gassing which could contain methane and other harmful gasses.  Also make sure the treatment product you use is formaldehyde and bonopol free.  There are several brands on the market such as the Thetford line that comes in either liquid or dissolving pouch. 

Another important product is to use an RV recommended toilet paper that will dissolve fast in liquid otherwise the paper will cling to the side of the tank and could cause false readings of the level sensors.  Check out the RV Repair Club Members video we did here: Selecting The Best Toilet Paper For Your RVs Waste System

By using the correct treatment and paper, the digestion and decomposition starts and will not only make for an easier to clean tank, but is also environmentally friendly and recommended by sanitary sewer treatment plants.

The gray water tank does not need a chemical or treatment every time since it’s mostly cleaner shower and sink water with maybe some soap or cooking grease.  However it can also get stale and create a smell that should be treated or cleaned periodically.  You can use normal household bleach with a 1 cup bleach to 20 gallon water solution and let it slosh around some or one of the products designed by OEM suppliers.  The Chlorine in bleach can cause damage to rubber seals if left in the tank and dump valves for extended periods of time so it’s best to rinse them out immediately if you use bleach.

Proper Dumping

This may seem trivial, however it is important to let the black and gray water tank get over ½ full before dumping and you should never leave the valves open when at a campground that has  a dump station at your site.  Leaving the valve closed not only keeps the smells from the underground sewage system out of your rig, but it also allows the tank to accumulate liquid that helps dissolve solids and allows the treatment to work.  If the valve is left open for the black water tank we get a situation called “Pyramiding” that eventually turns hard and that’s a far as I need to go with that!  In the gray water tank, we need the soaps and grease to continue to dissolve with the liquid and leave when dumped otherwise it can coat the side of the tank and cause improper monitor panel readings from the probes.

 When it’s time to dump, dump the black water tank first and let it drain until there is no sound of effluent running.  It’s a good idea to get a dump hose that has either a clear or translucent elbow to see if there is flow.

Once the tank seems drained, fill the black water tank at least 2/3 full with clean water.  The best way to do this is by hooking up a hose to a black water flush valve that will spray pressurized water around the tank and clean off the sides as well as the probes.  If you do not have a black water flush valve, you can hook a hose up to a flush wand and stick it down the toilet.  Make sure the hose is only used for this procedure.  Flush the black water tank several times until the liquid coming through the clear valve is clean.  You will be surprised how many times this takes!  After that, dump the gray water tank.

Maintenance

As stated earlier, there isn’t much maintenance required if you use the right chemicals and dump properly.  However since the dump valves are a push and pull type with rubber seals, it’s a good idea to dump some valve seal conditioner down the tanks to keep them lubricated and protect against chemicals that can deteriorate the seal. 

Valterra is the main supplier of dump valves and they recommend using a silicone lubricant spray on the posts of the handles but not WD40 as it will disperse the lubricant in the valve.  If you have a cable valve, the handle is on one side of the vehicle and the valve on the other.  Check to make sure the cable is tight and operating freely. 

The biggest issue with waste water tanks is typically inaccurate monitor panel level readings. Most manufacturers use probes that go through the tank with an energized probe at the lower level on one side and three probes up the side across from it.  As the liquid rises, it arcs across to create a closed circuit which allows the current to pass through and goes to the monitor panel.

Effluent, toilet paper, and even hard water deposits such as calcium and lime can coat the side of the tank and make the same closed circuit which means an inaccurate level reading.  As described above, using the correct toilet paper and pretreatment can help.  However if you are experiencing an inaccurate reading it would be a good idea to super clean the tank with Thetford’s Tank Blaster product which has been quite a success.

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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5 Must-Have RV Kitchen Appliances

12 Thursday Aug 2021

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I’ve mentioned before that I think one of the biggest benefits of RV travel is the ability to cook literally anywhere you land. We’ve made dinner in Walmart parking lots and at the top of a mountain outside of Yellowstone National Park. We’ve whipped up a delicious lunch sitting outside of a movie theater and in the middle of the desert. This truly is an incredible perk, and one we take advantage of every single day.

When we’re boondocking, we tend to use our propane stovetop and oven to cook in our RV. However, when we’re in campgrounds with hookups, we much prefer to cook using the electricity that is included in our camping fees and save our propane for when we really need it. Not only does this save us money, it also makes cooking much simpler, cuts down on the amount of moisture we’re putting into the air, and helps keep the temperature of our RV down.

In order to cook with electricity and take advantage of all these benefits, we use a few different small kitchen appliances. The following are our top small kitchen appliances for an RV, and they’re items we think every RVer should consider investing in.

Instant Pot Duo

First, we highly recommend an Instant Pot. These are incredibly popular with RVers, and once you use one you’ll probably understand why.

Not only does the pressure cooking feature on these appliances make cooking a quick and easy process—much appreciated after a long day of exploring—it has a number of other features as well. Instant Pots can also be slow cookers, yogurt makers, rice cookers, and a number of other things, making them an incredible and versatile addition to your tiny RV kitchen that really does earn its place in the cabinet.

Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer

We also own and love an Instant Pot air fryer. The version we have is the Vortex Mini which is the perfect size for both storing in our RV and using our small amount of counter space. That said, it is limited in terms of how much it can cook at a time, so those cooking for more than a few people might want to consider the larger version.

We love to make fried potatoes and sweet potato fries in our air fryer, but we also use it for baking. We’ve made cinnamon rolls and biscuits in it, and have plans to try muffins. We find that our air fryer is much faster than our oven and it cooks much more evenly.

DeLonghi Dedica Espresso Machine

Okay, I’ll admit that this one is a bit unusual. That said, our DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine and the burr grinder that sits beside it are the two small appliances we use every single day without fail. We love our coffee, and have found that with a couple of easy modifications, this grinder and budget espresso machine actually make very good espresso.

In fact, it’s so good that we often find ourselves feeling disappointed when we purchase espresso beverages from coffee shops.

We love that the Dedica didn’t cost us an arm and a leg. We also really appreciate its small footprint and the fact that it’s lightweight. It’s also nice that the machine tends to stay put on the counter during travel (we are brainstorming better options though). I highly recommend this machine for RV travel, and I’m not sure we would be quite as happy on our adventures without it.

George Foreman Grill

Yes, most people prefer to grill outside, and I totally understand the appeal of that. That said, our George Foreman grill has been a staple small appliance in our RV since we started and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

We love that this little grill cooks meat quickly and with very little effort on our part, and we often end up putting it to use on the busiest days when we’re too tired to do much else. The non-stick plates are easy to wipe off, making cleaning up after dinner a breeze—even when water and tank space are limited—making this an ideal boondocking cooking method.

hOmeLabs Chill Pill Countertop Ice Maker

Admittedly, we don’t have this particular appliance just yet. It’s high on my wishlist, but counter space in our RV is so limited I really don’t know where we would keep it. That said, if you do have the counter space to spare, this is an appliance you might want to consider.

The hOmeLabs Chill Pill creates plenty of ice for the average family and only takes 8–10 minutes to do so. Having one will save you precious freezer space and help ensure you always have ice for those iced espresso drinks or the beer or soda you drink around the fire in the evenings.

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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