Unexpected Items to Put on Your Van-Life Packing List

22 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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If you are planning a road trip vacation or looking to become a full-time van-lifer, there has never been a better time. There are a lot of adventurers taking the leap and hitting the road thanks to that little life-changing pandemic going around. COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in a lot of folk’s plans, so whether you are changing your summer vacation accordingly or finding yourself unemployed with the sudden opportunity to change course, you will be in good company. 

Pulling it all together requires a masterpiece in the art of planning because nobody wants to be 100 miles from the next town (without cell service, of course) just to realize they forgot something major. As you plan, you are going to find plenty of helpful packing lists to walk you through the basics, but here are the extras they forgot to mention. 

Extra Blankets

Elevation: call it earth’s original thermostat. You can spend your day driving through a 110º valley and with just a couple thousand miles straight up, you will be looking for your heaviest socks. This is where the extra blankets will come in handy. As you travel through any of the mountainous states, you will be delighted to have the extra covers when you snuggle into bed for the night. 

They will also save your upholstery, which is especially important if you’re renting or planning to sell your camper at the end of your trip. Tuck your blankets around couches or chairs like a makeshift seat cover. It’s an easy way to sneak in a couple of extra blankets without using up precious storage space, and it also makes cleaning up any crumbs or spills easy. You can toss a blanket in a standard washer and dryer and it’s clean in an hour. Alternatively, trying to remove a stain from the original upholstery can quickly turn into a day of tentatively blotting and asking the universe for a miracle. 

Camping Laundry Line 

It’s a small convenience, but for under $10, it can make your camping life just a little easier. There’s the obvious use — you might need it to dry your clothes — but it’s also great for airing out towels, rugs, and the aforementioned blankets between washes. 

Drink Koozies

Can’t beat a cold beverage in hot places, right? But seriously, koozies are surprisingly efficient at keeping cans and jars and anything else that wiggles from constantly bumping against each other as you’re driving down the road. They’re cheap, you’ve probably already got a drawer full of them somewhere, and they’ll slide right over everything from spaghetti sauce to mason jars. 

Chapstick 

Friends from humid places, this one is for you. If you so much as put your big toe into one of those “it’s a dry heat!” states, your lips will dry out in a second. They’re not kidding, it is a dry heat and chapped lips hurt. 

Accept That You Will Forget Things

Almost certainly, you are going to be 100 miles from the nearest town when you think of something you wished you had packed. That’s probably also where you’ll be when you see something taking up valuable space that you still haven’t used. It’s all part of the adventure! But with these items on your packing list, you’ll have a couple of bases covered that you didn’t even know you needed. 

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

6 Things That Need to Be Maintained on an RV

15 Wednesday Jun 2022

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

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

Importance of Maintenance Checks for RV

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

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

How Often Should I Perform RV Maintenance? 

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

Things to Maintain on your RV

1. Tires

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

2. Batteries & Lights

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

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

3. Oil and Oil Filters

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

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

4. RV Generator

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

5. Sewer System

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

6. Roof of your RV

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

RV Roadside Assistance

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

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

Author: Tim Setterfield

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

Brake, Bearing, and Axle Maintenance

08 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips

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The RV season is fast approaching and for many, it’s already here so it’s time to talk about brakes, bearings, and axle maintenance. Although there is not a lot of maintenance that is required, it is important to do periodic inspections to know what is happening to the brakes and inside the hubs and there are different procedures depending on your type of RV such as a trailer vs motorized.

Trailer Brakes

Typically trailers will have electric brakes designed into the hub of the axle that is activated by a brake controller inside the tow vehicle as the brake pedal is applied. Most larger trucks will have a brake controller built into the dash and electrical system while smaller units will need one installed.

Trailer brakes should be visually checked at least once a year and spring is a good time. Most trailer brakes will have a magnet and brake pads that push against the drum.

First, inspect the brake pad to ensure there is enough material still available to stop the rig. Most axle manufacturers such as Dexter recommend replacing the shoes if they are less than 1/16th of an inch thick. At the same time, the drum surface should be inspected for scratches or grooves.

If there are slight grooves, the drums can be “turned” which is a process of grinding or cutting the metal smooth however, this can only be done to a certain thickness and needs to be done by a professional.

This whole process requires some DIY ability, tools, and a place to work on it and the average RVer will probably just take it into a service center. Check out the video at RV Repair Club to determine if you want to tackle this yourself here.

What you can do on a regular basis is check the braking resistance and manually apply the trailer brakes with the brake controller a few times a year. Start by driving with the trailer connected at a speed of 10 mph in a parking lot and apply the brake controller manually without pressing the tow vehicle brake. You should feel resistance and the higher you set the controller, the more resistance.

If you do not feel a resistance, you can check to see if there is electrical power getting to the magnet in the hub. This can be done with a multimeter or expensive break force meter but a simple test is to use a compass placed next to the hub, apply the brake of the tow vehicle as it is connected to the trailer, and watch for the compass to spin. If the magnet is energized, the compass will go wild. If not, there is no power going to the magnet.

Bearings

Over the years there have been great changes in the bearings used in trailers as well as the way we lubricate them. Dexter has a great product called EZ Lube with a grease fitting on the outside that channels grease through the shaft to the inner bearing and pushes it through to the outer bearing. This applies new grease and pushes out any contaminated or overheated grease. However, they do still recommend repacking the bearing every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

The main thing to remember is, as the wheels turn going down the road, the bearings are exposed to extreme heat and friction and they must be lubricated no matter what type you have. Periodic inspection is a must and a good practice is to use an infrared temperature sensor to check the temperature occasionally to know what is happening behind the hub.

It is not uncommon to see 20-30 degrees higher temperatures than ambient however if there is a spike you know the bearings are starting to get dry and need to have them looked at before needing to have them replaced on the side of the road!

Axle Maintenance

There is virtually no maintenance needed on a trailer axle however, there are a few important weight considerations and jacking procedures. Axles have specific weight ratings termed Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the maximum weight that should be on an individual axle. It’s important to have your rig weighed to ensure you are not exceeding the GAWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Otherwise, the excess weight can make the axle bend and cause issues with tire wear and braking.

Most axle manufacturers do not recommend placing a jack on the axle or braces to fix or replace a tire as it could bend the axle. RV manufacturers have specified jack points on the frame for this purpose.

Tow Vehicles

Most trucks today have sealed bearings that can not be lubricated or visually inspected, but rather need to be replaced when they start to grind. Typically this is at a very high mileage. Over the past 5 trucks, I have had, I only replaced one bearing assembly with approximately 140,000 miles. You do however need to check the brakes occasionally and there are quite a few opinions on how often. Some say every 6 months while others say at every oil change. I typically like to check the brakes when I rotate the tires at approximately 5,000 miles. It all depends on the amount of driving/towing and the weight or severity of braking.

Most tow vehicle brake systems have a wear indicator that will start to squeal as the pads get low. You can also see an accumulation of brown brake pad dust on the rim. Less than ¼” of pad is typically when they should be replaced and inspect the rotor for grooves.

Most truck manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every 3 years as condensation can build up in the system. This is not an easy procedure and I have been using this tool for several years to determine the moisture level and quality of brake fluid.

Motorhome Brakes

Motorized vehicles utilize a hydraulic fluid braking system that pushes the brake fluid through tubes to extend the brake pads to the rotors at the individual wheel positions. Larger units such as “Diesel Pushers” have air braking systems. It is important to inspect the pads for appropriate and safe thickness yearly.

Most chassis manufacturers recommend checking the braking system once a year and as you can see, not an easy DIY job! Also, most larger chassis manufacturers such as the Class A gas and diesel models do not recommend rotating tires unless there is extensive wear on one so annually is a better schedule.

These also have sealed bearings so there is no inspection or lubrication recommendation for them.

Check your chassis manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule for specific details regarding your brakes and bearings.

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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Jason H. ~ “Dispatch was quick, polite, & fearless. He not only changed my tire, but he also climbed under the trailer to make sure I didn’t have any damage to electrical lines from the blowout. Great experience!”

Tips For Using Your RV Oven

08 Wednesday Jun 2022

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

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

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

Get an Oven Thermometer

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

Check the Door

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

Use a Pizza Stone

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

…or Put In a Muffin Tin

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

Turn on the Vent Fan

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

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

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

Turn to Other Appliances

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

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

Top 5 Things to Consider When Camping with your Dog

25 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in Tips & Tricks, Traveling with your Pet

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You’re ready to get away from it all with your dog by your side. What are the top five things you need to keep in mind as you head off on your camping adventure, possibly for the first time? Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

Desensitize your dog to fires and tents

When I was little, we used to “go camping” in our backyard. Firepit, marshmallows, tents, sleeping bags, the whole thing. This prepared me for going camping much further away from our home. Your dog needs to be prepared in the same way. Let your dog explore your RV while it’s at home(unless you’re a full-timer, of course), bring them outside as you sit by the fire pit, and let them acclimate to the smell, and feel, of camping.

Find dog-friendly places to camp

For some reason, not all campgrounds want dogs. Sad, for sure, but a simple hurdle that can be cleared with a little research. Look online, call around, and ask your fellow RVers. The last thing you want is to show up at a campground and not be able to bring your companion along for the ride.

Give your dog a job

It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have: they need something to do. Your dog may be a couch potato at home, but with new surroundings, it may feel out of place and unsure of itself. Wear that dog out, mentally and physically! Is your dog active? Take it on a hike. Does your dog attempt to entertain itself if it’s not kept busy? Brings their favorite chew toy or play fetch in a nearby body of water! This is a strange new world for your dog, so keep them moving!

Give your dog something that makes them feel at home

Going somewhere new is exciting, but your dog may quickly find that it misses that special something from home. Make sure they have a favorite toy or blanket, and of course, bring an adequate supply of dog food. Bringing something with a familiar taste or smell can help put your pup at ease in a new and unfamiliar place.

Plan for the long-haul

I always pack “extra” everything when I go camping. Double the socks, shirts, and anything else, just in case. Do the same with your dog. Hopefully, you’re never in a situation where you need to unexpectedly survive in the wilderness, but have these emergency items on hand just in case: extra food, a spare lead for the dog, blankets, medicine, and other first-aid equipment both for you and the dog. If your trip happens to run a day or two longer than expected, keeping these things at the ready will put you at ease should you need them!

Camping is fun, and camping with your dog is even more fun! Camping knowing you’ve thought through all the little details of bringing a four-legged friend along for the ride is even better.

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Stephen S. ~“Third time using technical services and all were excellent! We’ve used road assistance twice and the service was prompt and efficient!”

Considering Lithium RV Batteries? | Part 2

04 Wednesday May 2022

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In part one we discussed the difference between lead-acid, AGM, and Lithium batteries. Since then I have talked with our technical department and asked “how do you know if the lithium battery you are considering is good quality? They indicated that “lithium” is the new hot button in the RV industry and they are flying off the shelves. Many “opportunistic” companies are doing a “lick & stick” (his words exactly) by purchasing cheap overseas lithium and putting their sticker name on it. Many of these have prismatic and palmer cells that can not withstand the vibration and bouncing the typical RV encounters as well as temperature changes. This creates connectivity issues and produces thermal events.

Quality lithium batteries use cylindrical cells for the internal pack and protect them with molded ribs instead of foam filler. Also, the connection between these cells is best with mechanical connection rather than solder which is cheaper but is not as stable.

So how do you know? First, look for the UL listing and the file number. Then ask for an exploded view and description of the interior of the battery! If they can’t provide it, chances are the components are sub-par!

Then I asked; “What else should we look for in Lithium Batteries for an RV?” The answer was a good Battery Management System or BMS built into the battery. A BMS monitors the cells within the battery and keeps them from operating in an unsafe condition due to overcharging or undercharging. It can detect any shorts in the connections and balance the charge in each individual cell. If it does find an issue, it will shut the battery down before any damage can occur. This is especially important if your charger has a bulk charge stage or if you’re trying to get that last bit of sunlight in your solar panel charging system.

Temperature Is Important

The BMS will also monitor the temperature to make sure the battery either shuts down during extreme high and low temperatures or controls fans or heaters that could be part of the system. Extreme high temperatures can cause thermal runaway and charging a Lithium Battery at below-freezing temperatures will ruin the battery. The BMS will shut down the battery if it is not equipped with a cooling fan or heater. A quality Lithium Battery will either have an internal heater or heat pad/blanket that the BMS will activate when needed.

Now that we know what to look for in a quality Lithium Battery, there is more information you need to consider before jumping into the Lithium world! In Part 1 we talked about the WFCO converter that was used in the RV and how it only provided a 13.6-volt charge however you need to research what converter/charger or inverter/charger you have and how it operates. Most Lithium Batteries want 14.6-volts for charging and can be charged much faster than the typical lead-acid batteries. If your converter only provides 13.6-volts it will take longer to charge and will not charge 100% so you lose about 35% of what you paid for. Even worse, if you have a multi-stage charger it will start the bulk charge at 16-volts to break up sulfation in the lead-acid battery and then go to a float and equalizing charge. 16-volts will ruin a Lithium Battery unless it has a BMS in which case it will shut down and won’t charge!

One option is to install an upgrade to your converter such as the Progressive Dynamics 4655CSV model. This runs approximately $250 but is well worth it to get 100% out of your Lithium Battery.

If your converter, inverter, or solar charger is not putting out 14.6-volts I would recommend you consider upgrading the charger, lead-acid, or AGM. I did speak to a representative at Magnatek which is owned by Parallel Power Supply and they are using a stand-alone converter that puts out 13.8-volts and recommending it for use with Lithium. If you have a larger diesel pusher model and/or a residential refrigerator chances are you have a larger inverter that is also a battery charger and need to verify what voltage it is providing. Most newer models have a setting for Lithium.

DC To DC Charger

If your rig has the capability to provide a charge from the engine battery whether it’s a tow vehicle pulling a trailer with the 7-pin connection or a motorhome through the Battery Isolation Management solenoid (BIM) your alternator could potentially provide over 225 amps such as the case with a Mercedes model. This would require a DC to DC Charger that will regulate the amps. Battery Born recommends the Victron and Mike Sokol of The No Shock Zone recommends the Redarc model.

The Advantage Of Lithium Batteries

The biggest advantage of Lithium Batteries in my opinion is they do not sulfate and do not require much maintenance. Yes, the cost can be 5 times as much, however, the average lead-acid battery lasts about 2-3 years unless it is maintained religiously then it could last up to 4-5 years. The average Lithium Battery will last 8-10 years, so if you plan to keep your rig for more than 5 years, it will most likely cost about the same, however, you get all the other advantages.

A Lithium Battery can be drawn down to almost 100% vs a lead-acid battery at only about 50% and it will charge up about 5 times as fast so you get longer battery usage when dry camping and faster recharging so you don’t have to run the generator all day or worry about only getting a few hours of sun with a solar charging system.

Lithium Batteries are about ½ the weight of lead-acid batteries and you get the same amp hours out of one 100-amp hour Lithium vs two lead-acid batteries. So the Lithium Battery is lighter and takes up ½ the room in a compartment or on the tongue of your trailer.

Once you review all the information and what type of charging system you have, you can now decide if Lithium is the right choice for you and worth the money.

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

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

RV Repair Club

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

RV Protect

Rosita J. ~ “Coach-Net agents always ask at beginning of a conversation if you are in a safe place…that is awesome! Every agent we have dealt with has been attentive, patient, friendly, and quick to make note of the issue. Within minutes they were connecting us to a technician who talked us through fixing our problem. We are extremely satisfied with Coach-Net’s services.”

 

The Secrets Of State Parks

04 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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As full-time RVers, we have always made a point of seeing national parks during our travels. Who wouldn’t? These parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country and are probably some of the most popular destinations for RV travelers. This is for good reason, of course, and we 100% recommend seeing as many national parks as you possibly can during your travels.

That said, we also highly recommend weaving some state parks into your adventures.

Oddly, we’ve been on the road for 6 years now and have only just begun to dive into the magical world of state parks. Sure, we’ve visited a few of them here and there during our adventures, but I don’t think we really realized how amazing state parks can actually be until a couple of years ago. Since then, we have made a point of visiting state parks in almost every state we’ve visited, and we will continue to do so for as long as we continue to explore.

Read on to learn why we will do this, and why you should too.

Beautiful Places

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

As mentioned above, our country’s national parks are absolutely stunning. They are definitely some of the most beautiful places in the US, and possibly even the world. That said, state parks—which are often completely missed by travelers—can be just as beautiful.

From gorgeous beaches to magical wooded areas, we’ve seen pretty much every landscape you can imagine during our state park adventures. Some of our favorite hikes have been hidden away in these lesser-known parks, and some of the best views we’ve ever encountered were discovered in state parks.

If you are a fan of beauty in nature—and we’d say most RVers are—state parks absolutely need to be on your list of things to do as you travel.

Affordable Attractions

Beacon Rock State Park, Washington

We travel full-time. While we definitely like to see and do new things as we travel, we cannot live like we’re on vacation 24/7. This means we have to find affordable places to visit as we explore.

Often, we do this by using reciprocal museum memberships or theme park passes that work nationwide. We also have an “America the Beautiful” pass that allows us to visit national parks without paying entrance fees. State parks have made excellent additions to our list of free or inexpensive things to do. Best of all, there are state parks everywhere we go!

We’ve found that most state parks charge under $10 for a vehicle full of people to enter, and some are totally free. Sometimes, if we are in a state long enough, we will even invest in a state park pass that gives us access to all of the state parks without paying entrance fees. This was an excellent investment for us in both Washington and Texas in particular.

State park activities vary based on the natural landscape. Most have some hiking trails and many have a swimming beach of some sort. Several state parks also offer Junior Ranger programs, which are fun and a great way to get the kids engaged and learning during your visit. (We love using Junior Ranger programs in our road-schooling curriculum.)

Other activities we’ve enjoyed in state parks include sandboarding, kayaking, and bouldering, but these are far from the only options you’ll find.

Inexpensive Camping

Goose Island State Park, Texas

In addition to providing us with inexpensive entertainment, state parks also tend to offer inexpensive camping options.

Now, for the most part, we try to stay in the Thousand Trails system, and whenever we leave that system, we will stick to free campgrounds and boondocking locations. That said, when none of these options are available, state park camping can be incredibly helpful.

Some state parks will charge as little as $12 to $15 a night for camping, but we’ve found the average cost per night at a state park is closer to $25 or $30. In some cases, it makes sense to purchase an annual state park pass in order to save on camping fees, but you really have to look at each individual state and situation to know if this option is right for you. We’ve purchased state park passes to save on camping fees in Texas, and we know that the New Mexico State park pass is an excellent deal for campers.

All of the state park campgrounds we’ve stayed in have been lovely and well kept. Some provide electric and/or water hookups and most have a dump station. During our stay in Louisiana, there were even laundry rooms available and there was no charge to use the machines!

Other amenities that a state park may or may not have can include a playground, a dog park, a swimming beach or pool, showers, and toilets.

Clearly, state parks are a wonderful addition to any RVer’s travels. Why not give one a try on your next big adventure? We’re betting you’ll fall in love just like we did!

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

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Must-See Stops When You Go RVing on Route 66

20 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in RV Information, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Get Your Kicks on Historic Route 66

U.S. Highway 66 – Will Rogers Highway – Main Street of America – Mother Road

Historic Route 66 has many names. It runs from downtown Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and ends at the Santa Monica Pier in California. Of course, travelers cannot drive the entire route uninterrupted nowadays. But what remains “holds a special place in American consciousness and evokes images of simpler times, mom and pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road,” as the National Park Service so eloquently phrased it.

If you have not made the trip down Route 66, this spring or summer is as good as any time to do so. Grab the family and take off in the RV. There are several RV parks and campgrounds to rest at between sightseeing ventures along the route. Be sure to include these must-see stops on your Route 66 RV journey.

Ambler Texaco Gas Station

The first stop is Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station, also known as Becker’s Marathon Gas Station, in Dwight, Illinois. This filling station turned visitor’s center was the longest operational station on the route from 1933 to 1999. Much of the establishment has been restored to its original luster, giving visitors a snapshot of what things looked like in the 1930s.

Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch

St. Louis, Missouri’s iconic Gateway Arch is another popular stop on Route 66. Dubbed the “Gateway to the West,” this impressive structure is over 600 feet tall. Visitors can travel up the legs of the arch via an egg-shaped tram that seats five. Once at the top of the arch, they can take in sweeping views of the surrounding areas. On particularly windy days, spectators at the top will feel the arch sway side to side.

Meramec Caverns

There is plenty to see above ground along Route 66 and some pretty amazing sights below, like the Meramec Caverns in the Ozarks, near Stanton, Missouri. This 4.6 mile-long system of caves is a treasure trove of unique rock formations, and visitors can opt for a guided tour. Meramec Caverns also offers a slew of above-ground activities for families to enjoy, including zip-lining, wall climbing, boat tours along the Meramec River, and more. Plus, a restaurant, snack bar, and ice cream shop are located on-site.

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route

A mere 13 miles of Route 66 traverses through Kansas, but the little town that folks first pass through boasts big pride for the Mother Road. The old mining town of Galena is full of Route 66 attractions, including Cars on the Route. This service station that dates back to 1934 was transformed into a roadside café and a souvenir shop with all things Route 66. Vehicles designed to look like characters from Pixar’s Cars movie (particularly Mater the Tow Truck) sit outside the restored station and make for whimsical photo ops.

Pops 66 Soda Ranch

Pops 66 Soda Ranch

All this exploring will probably make you thirsty. Simply head for the 66-foot-tall neon, bottle-shaped sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma. Established in 2007, Pops is a full-service restaurant, gas station, and convenience store wrapped up into one family-friendly environment. And let’s not forget the soda pop! Thirsty customers can choose between over 700 different kinds of sodas and drinks, from classic to whacky flavors.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch

Like Galena, Kansas, Amarillo, Texas offers a variety of Route 66 attractions to anyone traveling through. Fans of Route 66 can check out the RV museum, Historic District (named after the route), and the Cadillac Ranch art installation. An Insta-worthy photo op, Cadillac Ranch is a line of 10 spray-painted Cadillacs half-buried in the ground. Visitors sometimes bring their own spray can and mark a car or two.

Blue Hole

You aren’t seeing a mirage when you pass through the desert of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. That’s the Blue Hole, a natural pool with hidden caves once used by cowboys and earlier Route 66 travelers as a place to cool off. Today people come to swim, dive, cliff jump, scuba dive, and snorkel in the crystal-blue water. The Blue Hole stays at a constant 62 °F and has a constant inflow of 3,000 gallons per minute, enough for the water to completely renew itself every six hours

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater

You don’t have to travel to the Moon to see a crater, just travel a bit further down Route 66 and stop at the Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona. Created about 50,000 years ago, when a meteorite hit the Earth, the impact made a dent in the Earth’s surface, measuring about .7 miles in diameter and is 560 feet deep. Visitors can take a rim tour, peruse the Discovery Center, and more.

Calico Ghost Town

Route 66 passes through its fair share of ghost towns. Some are entirely abandoned, some have a few residents, and others are tourist attractions. Once a bustling silver mining town in California, Calico Ghost Town was abandoned in the late 1800s and later transformed into an old west tourist attraction. Throughout the year, folks can go on ghost and mining tours, pan for precious minerals, ride on a train, or attend special events.

Don’t Hit The Mother Road Without the Mother of All Roadside Assistance Plans

“We’re here to help you enjoy your RV to the fullest. We offer products and services that help you travel worry-free and spend more of your time enjoying the great outdoors.”

–Coach-Net

When you purchase a Coach-Net membership, you invest in peace of mind. Help from a trusted RV expert is just a phone call away and is always available 24/7.

With Coach-Net Roadside Assistance, you receive:

  • 24/7 RV Technical and Roadside Assistance,
  • Tire and Wheel Protection,
  • Service Agreement for New and Used RVs,
  • Guaranteed Asset Protection,
  • Paint & Fabric Protection,
  • And much more. 

Learn more about how Coach-Net can make your Historic Route 66 adventures unforgettable.

What are other Historic Route 66 attractions you would add to this list?

About The Author: Natalie 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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Considering Lithium RV Batteries?

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

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

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

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

Is Lithium Worth The Money?

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

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

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

The History Of Lithium Batteries

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

You Get What You Pay For!

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

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

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

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

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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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Getting Ready for the Spring Camping Season

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Hopefully, the weather is warming up in your area and it’s time to get the RV back out on the road!

Of course, there are things that have to be done in order to ensure your RV is camp-ready. Some of these tasks must be saved until the weather warms up and you’re about to head out on your first trip, but a few are things you can be working on right now. Doing these tasks now will help pass the time while you wait, and more importantly, will save you time later when you’re itching to get on the road once again.

Not sure what you should be doing during the off-season to prepare for the next camping season? Here are some of my favorite tips.

Make Repairs

First and foremost, you will want to use the downtime of the off-season to make repairs to your RV. While you’re just sitting around anyway, you can…

  • Send your rig to the shop now and take advantage of these months you aren’t using it.
  • Make all DIY repairs while the weather is dreary in preparation for spring.
  • Replace appliances and broken parts.
  • Reseal things.
  • Replace filters.
  • Change oil where needed.
  • Perform any other maintenance tasks you’ve put off.

Doing these things now will help you pass the time until you can finally camp again, and they’ll help you get on the road as soon as possible when the sun starts shining again.

Clean Up

You probably don’t want to wash the outside of your RV until the snow has finished falling. That said, if you didn’t deep-clean the interior of your RV before putting it in storage, now is the perfect time to do just that.

Parking in the middle of nowhere really does a number on an RV’s interior. Dirt and dust get carried in left and right, and try as we might to keep up with a broom and dustpan, that day-to-day cleaning can’t possibly keep up. For this reason, we recommend using the winter months to clean things like curtains, carpets, furniture, window screens, and all the nooks and crannies you don’t necessarily worry about while out camping.

Doing so will leave you with a bright and shiny camper that is nice to stay in when you finally do head out on your first trip.

Update Your Look

If cleaning isn’t enough to make your RV feel inviting, you might consider using this time to make some updates to the interior of your home-on-wheels.

Even simple things like changing out the bedspread or shower curtain can make a big difference. New window coverings can also add a nice pop of color, while rugs can cover stained floors, and peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile can cover ugly brown or gray walls.

Making simple but colorful changes to your rig will make it feel more at home so you can fully relax while out on your RV adventures this spring and summer.

Plan Your Springtime Adventures

Believe it or not, now is the best time to start scheming and planning for the spring and summer months. Where will you take your RV? Where will you stay while you’re there? When will you go and what route will you take?

Make these decisions now and start booking campgrounds and attractions. Because camping has become so popular, some camping reservations are very hard to get unless you’ve booked in advance. On top of that, some attractions (such as national parks) require timed entry tickets, which also must be booked far in advance.

De-Winterize Your RV

Finally, as the days get warmer and hard freezes become a thing of the past, you will want to start de-winterizing your RV. You can choose to do this all in a single day or spread it out over several days. Just make sure you get it done before you hit the road.

The most important de-winterization tasks include:

  • Recharging and reinstalling your RV batteries.
  • Replacing alarm batteries and testing the alarms.
  • Testing all appliances.
  • Testing RV lights.
  • Checking tires for damage and adding air to them if necessary.
  • Refilling and reconnecting propane tanks.
  • Checking all seals and resealing anything that needs it.
  • De-winterizing RV plumbing by connecting to city water, running all faucets until the water runs clear, filling fresh water and repeating the process using the pump, flipping the water heater bypass to open, and allowing the tank to fill again.

You may also want to clean the exterior of your RV, sanitize your fresh water tank and lines, change your water heater anode rod, and do any other maintenance tasks that are due to be taken care of.

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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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