Road Trip Tips For Families

07 Wednesday Aug 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Tips & Tricks

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

Choose Short Drives 

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

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

Leave Early 

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

Pack Snacks 

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

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

Carry Entertainment 

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

Some of our favorite ideas for road trip entertainment include:  

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

Keep the Backseat Clean 

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

Here are some ideas I’ve had: 

Trash Can 

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

Pocket Organizer 

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

Middle Seat Basket 

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

Plan for Potty Breaks 

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

Include Fun Pit Stops 

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

Be Prepared for the Worst 

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

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

May contain affiliate links. 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

Understanding RV Hookups

07 Wednesday Aug 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, RV Safety

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RVing is fantastic because it allows you to travel in comfort, even if you happen to wander into the middle of the desert or park next to the beach. That said, in order to take full advantage of the comforts offered by your RV, you will need to have access to RV hookups.

Not sure what RV hookups are or how to use them? This is the article for you.

What are RV Hookups?

There are three types of RV hookups: water, electric, and sewer. Water hookups allow you to have running water in your rig. Meanwhile, electric RV hookups give you a place to plug your RV in so you have power running to your appliances. Lastly, the sewer hookup gives you a safe and sanitary place to dump your RV tanks via an RV sewer hose.

Where to Find RV Hookups

RV hookups are found in campgrounds and RV parks across the country. While hookups are available at many campgrounds, they aren’t always included in the list of amenities, and even those that have water and/or electricity for RVs may not have sewer hookups at each site. For this reason, you will want to call ahead to make sure that whichever campground you book has the hookups you’d like to have.

Note: Some RVs require 30 amps of electricity, and others require 50 amps. Make sure the campground in question has the right kind of electric hookup for your RV. If not, you might need a dogbone adapter.

Using RV Hookups

Wondering how you go about using RV hookups once you’re parked at a campsite? In this next section, we will go over each type of RV hookup and how to use it.

RV Water Hookups

To connect to an RV water hookup, you will need a freshwater hose and an RV water pressure regulator. Make sure you have a freshwater hose (blue or white) rather than a garden hose, as this will help ensure the water is safe to consume.

Start by connecting the water pressure regulator to the end of the freshwater hose. Screw the other side of the pressure regulator onto the campground water spigot and attach the other end of the hose to the camper at the city water inlet.

Turn the water on at the spigot and head into the RV to check the pressure at the faucets. Adjust as necessary.

RV Electric Hookups

If you want to use an RV electric hookup, you will need an RV surge protector. Make sure you buy the right one for your RV, as there are both 30-amp and 50-amp versions available.

Start by finding the correct outlet on the power pedestal. The 30-amp outlet will have spots for three prongs, and the 50-amp will have spots for four prongs. Plug the surge protector into the correct outlet on the power pedestal and flip the matching breaker into the “on” position. Check the surge protector display to ensure everything is okay with the connection.

If everything looks good, turn the breaker off, plug the RV power cord into the surge protector, and turn the breaker back on. This should give your RV power to run all appliances. That said, you’ll need to be careful not to run too much at once, as doing so will flip the breaker.

RV Sewer Hookups

Finally, you’ll want to hook up to the sewer connection point. For this, we recommend donning some disposable gloves. You’ll also need a sewer hose with all the correct connection pieces.

With your gloves on, remove the caps from the sewer hookup as well as the RV sewer outlet. Twist the threaded piece from your sewer hose kit into the sewer hookup. When that is tight, twist the connector on the end of the hose into the top of the threaded piece.

Carry the other end of the sewer hose to the RV and connect it to the sewer outlet by twisting it into place. Once all connections are secure, you can open the tanks and let the wastewater run into the sewer. We recommend opening the black tank first so that the follow-up gray water can wash the black water out of the hose.

Now that you know the basics of RV hookups, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Book a campground now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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.

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

8 Tips For Buying A Used Truck For Camping

07 Wednesday Aug 2024

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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

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

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

Know Your Weights and Capacities

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

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

Mileage Matters

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

Find Out How it was Used

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

Listen for Weird Sounds

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

Look for Leaks

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

Check Out the Tires

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

Test Everything

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

Have It Inspected

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

Getting The Correct Charging Profile For Your Battery Type

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Tech Tips

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For years, Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries were the standard for deep-cycle RV batteries. The only decisions that needed to be made were 12-volt or 6-volt and how many Amp Hours (Ah) were needed. FLA batteries have lead plates suspended in electrolytes in individual cells and are the cheapest, but require more maintenance. They gas when recharging and require more distilled water to be added frequently.  6-volt batteries have three cells that produce 2.1-volts and require two batteries connected positive to negative, in series to create a 12-volt bank. This however does not double Amp Hours.

12-volt batteries have six cells, each producing 2.1-volts and can run a smaller rig with just one battery.

In the mid-80s Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries were being developed for the military as they were less prone to sulfation, required no maintenance especially distilled water being added, and lasted longer. They also have positive and negative plates and electrolytes however fiberglass mats are placed between the plates and absorb the liquid. AGM batteries started showing up in the RV world sometime in the late 1980s as the demand for 12-volt power grew. There were also challenges with placement and since the AGM battery is completely sealed there was no maintenance and no leakage. Plus the gases that are produced are kept internally rather than vented so they can be placed almost anywhere.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) batteries have individual cells with no gassing and can be drained 100% of available amp hours. They do require a higher charging voltage and are much more expensive.

FLA and AGM batteries should only be drained to 50% Ah and discharging them lower than that will reduce the life expectancy. A fully charged FLA and AGM battery should read 12.6-volts and the misconception is a 50% drained battery is not 6.3-volts. Here is the discharge chart.

Voltage – FLA                                    State Of Charge                                Voltage – AGM

12.6-Volts                                         100%                                                  13.0-Volts

12.5-Volts                                         90%                                                    12.75-Volts

12.42-Volts                                       80%                                                    12.5-Volts

12.32-Volts                                       70%                                                    12.3-Volts

12.2-Volts                                         60%                                                    12.15-Volts

12.06-Volts                                       50%                                                    12.05-Volts

11.9-Volts                                         40%                                                    11.95-Volts

11.75-Volts                                       30%                                                    11.81-Volts

11.58-Volts                                       20%                                                    11.66-Volts

11.31-Volts                                       10%                                                    11.51-Volts

10.5-Volts                                         0%                                                      10.5-Volts

A FLA battery that is discharged to only 50% should last 300-500 cycles while an AGM battery can last 600-1000 cycles. Lithium Batteries can cycle anywhere from 2,000-10,000 and several of the high-line brands are guaranteed for 10 years and some even for a lifetime! If they are maintained and charged properly!

Proper Charging Profile

As an FLA battery is drained, sulfur coats the plates and needs to be conditioned or desulfated. A typical RV converter charges the battery at 13.6 volts until it reaches 12.6 volts and then drops to a maintenance charge of 13.2 volts. This does not break up the sulfation and the sulfation will thicken on the plates and the battery will not hold a charge or last as long as it is designed. FLA batteries require an initial bulk charge of 14 volts or higher and then an equalizing and float charge. Only a multi-stage charger will condition FLA batteries properly. This can be done with an inverter/charger or even a solar panel with a charge controller.

Winnebago Industries has worked with Progressive Dynamics to engineer their charger to put out 13.8 volts for 8 hours to condition FLA batteries. Other converters like the PD 9300 have programable charge profiles to customize the voltage for specific battery types.

The challenge with AGM batteries is every manufacturer seems to have a different charge profile and they can not agree on what is best. Recently I contacted my “Go To” guy at Progressive Dynamics and he stated that they have been working with battery companies and RV manufacturers for over 20 years trying to standardize charge profiles to best maintain batteries.

For example, the Go Power “Solar” AGM battery wants 14.4 V – 15.0 V for the initial charge then a float or maintenance charge of 13.5 V – 13.8 V. You can find the charge profile in the specification sheets.

Trojan Batteries require 14.4 V and a float of 13.5 V, and most don’t even give the parameters such as Interstate which is a popular replacement for RV owners.

What this means is that your typical deck-mounted converter/charger like this WFCO will not fully charge an AGM battery and could cause sulfation even though many brands advertise that AGM is not prone to sulfation!

Progressive Dynamics has introduced their 9300 Series which can be programmed for the different charge profiles.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) Mode

The patented Charge Wizard 4-stage system uses microprocessor technology to add intelligent charging capability. It constantly monitors the RV battery and automatically adjusts the converter output voltage based on the battery’s charge status – designed to eliminate battery over & under-charging problems associated with most other battery chargers and provide rapid yet safe battery recharging after dry camping. The Charge Wizard constantly monitors battery voltage and battery usage and then selects one of the following four operating modes to properly charge and maintain the battery. BOOST Mode 14.4 Volts – Rapidly brings the RV battery up to 90% of full charge. This mode is maintained for 4 hours. NORMAL Mode 13.6 Volts – Safely completes the charge. If light activity is detected after 33 hours in this mode, the Wizard switches to the storage mode. STORAGE Mode 13.2 Volts – Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss. EQUALIZATION Mode 14.4 Volts – Every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes prevents battery stratification & sulfation – the leading cause of battery failure. This functions as part of the Storage mode

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Profile

BULK Mode 14.0 Volts – Initial charge to 70% State of Charge. Occurring at startup, this procedure will last for 2 hours.

ABSORPTION Mode 14.7 Volts – Finish charge to 100% State of Charge. Running for a minimum of 1 hour, after which the converter switches to “FLOAT” mode when either the current drops below a preset limit or times out at 4 hours.

FLOAT Mode 13.6 Volts – Maintains charge. The converter will stay in this mode indefinitely as long as the converter has AC power. Once a week “DESULFATION” mode will activate for 1 hour then revert back to “FLOAT” mode.

DESULFATION Mode 14.7 Volts – Once a week for 1 hour to prevent sulfation and refresh the battery charge. This occurs as part of the “FLOAT” mode operation.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04)

Although the optimum charging voltage for the LFP battery is 14.6 VDC, many manufacturers are specifying a charge voltage of less than 14.6 volts and setting the high voltage cutoff at 14.6 volts through the Battery Management System (BMS). In general, this is not a user-adjustable function. Progressive Dynamics has run numerous tests at 14.4 volts showing that the battery can receive a full charge at the converter rating. Progressive Dynamics has developed a Lithium multi-stage charging profile with the ability to monitor the voltage and current. This allows the Charge Wizard to select the correct charging voltage as needed while providing DC power to the RV. These are automatic functions. The Charge Wizard will properly charge and maintain the battery while providing safe operating voltages within the RV.

CHARGE Mode 14.4 VDC – Initial charge to full. Automatically selected at start-up. After 1 hour and the current drops off, or 8 hours of charging has elapsed, the charger switches to

 IDLE MODE. IDLE Mode 13.6v VDC – This is a nominal voltage for an RV connected to shore power. This mode is continuous but will revert to CHARGE if the power demand is high or AC power is reapplied.

REFRESH Mode 14.4 VDC – Occurring during IDLE mode. Once every three weeks, a charge voltage is applied for 1 hour to refresh the battery.

So to get the ultimate life out of whatever type of deep cycle battery you have or looking to replace your existing battery with, it is important to do a little research regarding what voltage is required for initial charging and the charge profile. Some of the “big box” store batteries don’t show a charge profile or any other information as they don’t want your batteries lasting 5-7 years, rather see you come back in 2-3 years and buy more batteries. You really do get what you pay for!

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.

Tire Discounts

Karl P. ~ “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 and 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.”

What We Learned While Camping In Washington

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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My family was lucky enough to get to spend a couple of months camping in Washington during the summer of 2023. We had a magical time in the gorgeous state and wouldn’t hesitate to return again.

Planning to go camping in Washington yourself? Here’s what we learned during our travels.

When to Go

First, it’s important to note that camping in Washington is very much a seasonal activity. Sure, you could take your RV up there in December, but I guarantee you’d be freezing your tail off, and your RV water system would almost certainly see some damage from the trip. Instead, it is best to wait until the state thaws out a bit before you head there.

We visited during the months of June and July, and for the most part, the weather was beautiful. Even in July it was a bit chilly in northern Washington, so that is something to be aware of. Additionally, the state sees a lot of rain. Make sure your RV is well sealed before you head out!

I’d say June through August are probably the best months to spend time in this northern state unless you like colder weather.

Where to Stay

You’ll also find it worthwhile to explore the many Washington State Parks campgrounds. Camping fees at these parks are relatively affordable and the parks themselves are gorgeous.

  • Little Diamond
  • Mount Vernon
  • Oceana
  • Paradise
  • Birch Bay
  • Chehalis

What to Do

Once you figure out where to stay while camping in Washington, you’ll want to consider what to do during your visit. Fortunately, you won’t have any trouble at all finding fun and interesting ways to fill your time.

Here are some of our favorites.

National Parks

Washington is home to three incredible national parks that absolutely must not be missed. These include Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park.

Olympic is easily one of my favorite national parks out of the 40+ that we have visited, and North Cascades is so underrated it isn’t even funny. Take the time to visit these parks and give yourself at least a couple of days in each. Go on a hike, do some wildlife watching, and have the kids earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

Mount St. Helen’s

Mount St. Helen’s was an absolutely fantastic road schooling experience for the entire family. Our visit included a museum, a visitor center, Junior Ranger Badges, and a completely unguided and unlit hike through the Ape Cave lava tube (a totally cool experience, by the way).

This place is not only beautiful, it’s also an amazing place to learn about the science behind volcanoes, the astounding way nature recovers from huge events such as eruptions, and the importance of being prepared and responding quickly in the face of a natural disaster.

Seattle Attractions

We’ve visited Seattle a handful of times during our travels and we enjoy our time in the city every time (though I am always happy to return to the peace of our campsite outside of the city at the end of the day). The city is home to all kinds of museums, yummy food, and lovely parks.

Some of our favorite things to do in Seattle include:

  • Browsing Pike Place Market
  • Grabbing coffee from one of the numerous (and all excellent) local coffee shops
  • Visiting Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
  • Playing at the “Artists at Play” playground with a view of the Space Needle

Many people also love MoPop, but we have yet to visit this well-known attraction.

Numerous Museums

Speaking of museums, Washington is full of them. We highly recommend snagging a reciprocal museum membership from Kern County Museum before you visit so you can visit ASTC and NARM museums without paying an admission fee.

In some places, it is also possible to get a visitor library card and then snag a free museum pass through the library. We did this in Bellingham in order to visit both the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Mindport Exhibits.

Canada

When we ended up in northern Washington for a few weeks, we knew we had to drive over to Canada. We did it once, had a blast, and ended up driving over the border several more times before our visit was done.

Some of our favorite things to do just across the border included:

Espresso Stands

Last but not least, I must mention the coffee stands found in even the tiniest of Washington towns. These espresso shacks may not look like much, but everyone we visited served outstanding espresso. As an avid coffee fanatic, this was an incredible discovery, and my husband and I made a point of visiting as many espresso stands as we could. If you are a fellow lover of coffee, I suggest you do the same.

There you have it, my top tips for camping in Washington. I hope these suggestions help as you plan your own fantastic adventure to this spectacular place!

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

Hazard Protect

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

How to Shop for Replacement RV Furniture

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

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

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

Measure First

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

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

Watch Out for Weight

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

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

Keep Safety in Mind

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

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

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

Look for Multi-Purpose Pieces

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

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

Shop for Disassembled Furniture

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

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

Bolt Everything Down

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

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

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

The RV Extension Cord Guide

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

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

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

Choosing an RV Extension Cord

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

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

Amperage 

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

Length 

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

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

Durability 

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

The Best RV Extension Cords

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

Using an RV Extension Cord

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

Use a Surge Protector 

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

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

Don’t Link Cords 

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

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

Avoid Water 

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

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

Pull at the Plug 

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

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

May contain affiliate links.  

About the Author: Chelsea G.

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

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

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

5 Tips For Finding Affordable RV Campgrounds

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information

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The cost of everything—from rent to groceries and beyond—seems to have skyrocketed, and the price of camping has gone up right along with those things. This is a major bummer for those of us who prefer to pick affordable RV campgrounds to keep travel costs low.

The good news? While they are few and far between these days, it is still possible to find affordable RV campgrounds. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Look Into Memberships and Passes

First, I highly recommend looking into the many different camping memberships and passes out there. Some allow you to camp in various places with no additional fees. Others provide a steep discount on camping spots. Some are state- or region-specific, and some cover the entire country.

Depending on your camping style and how often you can get out, camping passes can be an excellent investment.

Some of my favorite camping passes include:

  • Thousand Trails — We personally have a big expensive membership due to our full-timing lifestyle, but even just the zone camping pass can be extremely helpful if you camp often in a particular region.
  • Passport America — This is a cheap membership that gets you deep, deep discounts on certain campgrounds.
  • Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts — Both of these are inexpensive memberships that give you access to campsites on privately owned land. Some have hookups, some don’t, but all provide unique experiences.
  • State Park Passes — We’ve had a few different state park passes over the years. Many of these come with a camping discount of some sort. The best one is probably the New Mexico State Park Pass.

Get Set Up for Dry Camping

Dry camping can save a ton of money. Many boondocking spots across the country are totally free (you can find them on Campendium), but there are also dry camping campgrounds that provide some amenities while remaining super cheap.

The thing is, you will want to be set up for dry camping before you dive into it. Having a generator and/or solar panel setup is crucial, and things like water bladders and “blue boys” are incredibly helpful.

Stay Longer

Many private RV parks charge less per night for long-term stays. If you are full-time or on an extended trip and need affordable RV campgrounds to make your travel affordable, try staying in one spot for a month or more and taking advantage of monthly rates.

Try Workamping

Another thing you can do if you’re full-time or are out camping for a while? Seek out working opportunities! Most “workamping” positions include a campsite, and most offer some sort of pay as well, so you can actually get paid to camp!

Search for Government-Run Parks

Depending on where you are, government-run parks are often less expensive than privately owned parks. Instead of RV resorts or parks run by big companies, look for the following:

  • State Parks
  • City Parks
  • County Parks
  • Forest Service Campgrounds
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds
  • Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Campgrounds

State park camping fees vary wildly from one state to the next, but are often very affordable. Likewise, county and city park camping fees range from totally free to $75+ per night. Forest Service, BLM, and Army COE parks are almost always super affordable RV campgrounds, and some are even completely free, but you might have to sacrifice some amenities in exchange for that low price.

To find affordable RV campgrounds run by these government agencies, try using the search features on Campendium or RV Life Campgrounds—both are useful tools that make it easy to search for campsites you can afford.

There you have it, five ways to find affordable RV campgrounds. Try putting some of these suggestions to use this summer to see how much you can save!

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.

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. 

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RV Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

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

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

Lack of Power

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

Plug-In

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

Flip the Breaker

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

Warm Air

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

Check the Capacitors

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

Check the Compressor

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

Weak Airflow

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

Look for Freezing

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

Look for Clogs

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

Cover Cracks and Holes

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

Check the Fan

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

Excessive Cycling

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

Check the Capacitors

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

Look for Ice

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

Have Parts Professionally Tested

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

Dripping Water

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

Clean the Drain Pan

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

Clean the Coils

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

Tighten Things Up

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

Smelly Air Conditioner

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

Weird Noises

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

Check the Fan

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

Get Rid of Vibrations

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

Test the Compressor and Capacitors

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

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

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

Should You Rent Out Your RV?

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

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

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

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

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

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV 

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

Make Some Extra Money 

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

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

Share Your Love of RVing 

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

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

Stay on Top of RV Maintenance 

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

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV 

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

Wear and Tear 

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

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

Time Commitment 

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

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

Potential for Damage 

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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