RV Storage Tips: Tucking Your RV In For A Long Winter’s Nap

23 Friday Oct 2015

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RV Storage TipsPurchasing an RV can be a great deal of fun but there are some key RV storage tips to help keep its value. One of the most important things that you will need to do is prepare your RV, inside and out, before putting it in storage so it will be in good condition when you’re ready to use it in the spring.

  • Whenever possible store your RV indoors.  If that is not an option, the next best option is to put a cover on it.
  • If you have to store your RV outside, make sure to clean it well with soap and water, but don’t wax places with decals or it may cause them to peel faster.
  • Run the generator with enough electricity to create at least 30 amps to keep the generator in good order. If you can, run the generator once a month while the RV is not in use.
  • Spray silicon on hinges and locks so they will still be easy to use when you’re ready to get the RV on the road again.
  • Clean the tires with soap and water. Make certain the tires are pumped to the manufacturer’s recommendation, and use plywood or another material to cover the tires in order to repel road salt or other chemicals.
  • Clean off the awnings with soap and water.  Remove sap or other debris, and make certain the awnings are dry before putting them away to avoid having mold and mildew problems.
  • Side-rooms should be cleaned also.
  • To winterize the inside, put RV antifreeze in hot and cold lines and in the sinks, shut off the LP, defrost the refrigerator, and pull down all blinds.
  • Remove all food so pests won’t be attracted, and plug all holes that a mouse or another pest could use to gain access to the RV.

There is a lot of work involved in getting your RV ready for storage, but you’ll enjoy it sooner and with less effort in warm weather when you take the time to put it away in good condition. These simple RV storage tips should make your summer enjoyment even greater as it will take less time in the spring to hit the road.

video thumbnailFor a more in-depth look into these winter RV storage tips, be sure to watch this handy video from our friends at RV Repair Club.

 

 

Source:  RV Repair Club

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Staying Fit Through The Holidays

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle

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Staying Fit Through The HolidaysIt’s happened again. Another winter is already here. We all know what THAT means. The yearly battle to stay fit and healthy through the holidays is about to begin. There are 35 days between Thanksgiving and New Years. In between those two holidays, we’ll each be faced with all sorts of fitness-busting temptations; parties, family gatherings, trips, and holiday stress. How have they been for you so far? Staying Fit Through The Holidays

It’s easy to throw your normal exercise habits out the window, justifying it with the typical holiday excuses: too busy, too stressed, too cold outside, etc. But slacking off on your fitness program isn’t doing you any favors. Consider this eye opener. According to Women’s Health, you can lose up to 20% percent of your cardiovascular fitness if you quit exercising cold-turkey between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  That’s a pretty hefty chunk of heart health! Don’t allow the holiday season to derail your fitness. Try these suggestions to keep you moving and exercising from Thanksgiving through the New Year….and beyond!

Do what you can where you are

Just because the weather outside is frightful and you can’t get your daily walk in doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Same goes for when you’re off in the RV over the holidays and away from your exercise equipment. You can always do bodyweight exercises, like squats or wall pushups, wherever you are. Need an example? Try my No-Excuses Bodyweight Workout.  Especially around the holidays, exercise needs to be non-negotiable. Adopt a “no excuses” attitude when you’re out of your routine, and you’ll breeze through this holiday season with your waistline intact.

Sneak in small bursts of exercises

The holidays can be such a busy time, which makes finding a large block of time for fitness tricky. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Fitness can be found anywhere. Out shopping? Take the stairs. Climbing up into the RV?  Keep stepping up and down 10 times before you actually go in. Watching the big game with the family?  Do some stretches or floor exercises. Heading out to a holiday party?  Lunge-walk your way out to the car. With a little creativity, you can sneak a ton of fitness into your day without setting aside a ton of time.

Start a fitness tradition

Staying Fit Through The HolidaysEvery Thanksgiving, my kids and grandkids join James and me in a 5k Turkey Trot event. It’s become one of the best parts of our family’s holiday tradition, and we all look forward to it.  4-year old Amelia walked the entire 5k last year for the first time, and was so proud of herself! She’s actually decided this year, she’s going to jog it. She can’t wait, and neither can we. Creating your own holiday fitness traditions with your loved ones not only keeps you exercising, it also gives you quality time interacting with your family and friends…and makes incredible family memories, like seeing your granddaughter jog her first 5k.  Much better than sitting around a TV for the day!

Recruit your family and friends to get moving

While the 5k might be too big of a commitment for you and yours, there are plenty of other things you can do right outside your door. Gather your loved ones around a game of flag football, volleyball, or whatever sport interests you. Sports not your thing? What about a yard game like croquet, horseshoes, or bocce ball?  Any movement is better than no movement! You can even plan group walks after meals, do a yoga DVD instead of watching a movie, or find a local fitness class you can all attend together. Having your friends join in your fitness fun makes it much more motivating. The more the merrier!

Download a fitness app

Staying Fit Through The HolidaysUsing apps to get through the holidays is a smart way to keep yourself motivated and on track. Apps like FitStar have pre-designed workouts, sort of like a digital personal trainer without the actual expense of a trainer. The Nexercise app turns your workout into a fun little game. Endomondo is a popular app that will keep track of your walks and jogs by mapping your route and showing your speed and distance. For you yogi’s, Daily Yoga is a great app with ready-made yoga classes. Apps like these are a powerful weapon to add to your holiday fitness arsenal.

Weigh in more frequently

The scale is sort of like your RV’s GPS…a tool we use to make sure we’re going in the right direction. During the holidays, it’s especially important to make sure we’re staying on track. Weighing in once a week will help you keep tabs on yourself through the holidays, and might just be the motivator you need for greater restraint. If your weigh-in is tomorrow morning, do you REALLY want that 2nd cup of eggnog?

Sticking to your exercise habits during the holidays can be difficult for even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast. But the craziness of the holiday season is no reason to lose all the fitness gains you’ve made this year so far. It really comes down to this: Eat smart, move lots, find creative ways to get exercise, and stay strong! It’s only 35 days. You’ve totally got this!

 

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About the Author:

Stefany Adinaro, a Coach-Net member since 2013, is an RVing exercise specialist and the self-proclaimed “better half” of The Fit RV website she maintains with her husband James. While she loves her RV adventures, her favorite adventure is being “Mugga” to grandbabies Amelia and Eli. To learn more, check out The Fit RV website!

 

Candy-Alternative Halloween Treats

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Favorite Recipes, Healthy Lifestyle

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Candy-Alternative Halloween TreatsHalloween doesn’t have to be filled with candy and other sugary treats! This year, try these homemade snacks you can feel good about.

Monster Mouths

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 medium green or red apples
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup peanuts

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Core apples
  2. Cut each into 8 thick slices
  3. Make each mouth by spreading about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter on an apple slice
  4. Add about 5 peanuts for teeth
  5. Spread another apple slice with about 1 teaspoon peanut butter
  6. Press on top of first apple slice

 Mummy Hot Dogs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 12 hot dogs
  • 1-2 cans prepared dough of your choice
  • 1 egg
  • mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
  2. Roll out the dough very thin, then use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut skinny strips of dough. Wrap each hotdog. Leave a little bit of open space around the “face” of the mummy. Keep wrapping in a crisscross pattern until covered. Tuck the end underneath the mummy dog (so that it doesn’t unravel during baking). Repeat with all hotdogs. Lay them on on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mat.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the glaze all over the top of each mummy dog.
  4. Bake 18-20 minutes, until the dough is nice and golden brown.
  5. Before serving, dot the mummy dogs with a little mustard, ketchup, or BBQ sauce for the eyes.

Boonanas

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 bananas
  • 8 mini chocolate chips
  • 4 chocolate chips
  • ½ tsp peanut butter (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Peel the bananas then slice them in half.
  2. Try standing them on the cut end and continue trimming the base until they are able to stand on their own.
  3. Press two mini chocolate chips into the banana, pointy side first, about ½ inch down from the tip.
  4. Press one chocolate chip pointy side first into the banana, below the mini chocolate chips.
  5. Serve standing on a plate, use a little peanut butter to help them stay standing if needed.

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Winterizing Your RV

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

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Winterizing Your RVThis is the time of year where many of us prepare to put our motorhomes and trailers away for winter.  In this column, I will review the steps required to properly winterize your RV.

Before starting, make sure you know the locations of your fresh water tank drain valve/cap, water heater bypass valve(s), water pump winterizing valve and tube, as well as the low point drains. This information can be found in your owner’s manual or visit an RV service center for assistance. If your unit does not have a water heater bypass or water pump winterizing tube I highly recommend installing them, as they make the winterizing process much easier. For this procedure, I will assume these components are present.

The first step is to completely empty the black and gray water holding tanks. This likely requires a visit to your local dump station. It is a good idea to have a sufficient volume of fresh water on board to flush the black tank after dumping.

The remaining steps are presented in the order I recommend, although slight modification may be required for your unit:

  1. Ensure the water pump is turned off.
  2. Open any cold and hot water tap.
  3. Drain the fresh water tank by opening the drain valve or removing the drain cap.
  4. Open the low point drains on both the cold and hot water lines. Close them when water no longer flows.
  5. Turn off the water heater (propane and AC).
  6. Drain the hot water tank by removing the plug (for aluminum tanks) or anode rod (for steel tanks). Note!  Be extremely careful during this step, as personal injury may result from scalding if the water is still hot. Ensure you are standing out of the flow path.
  7. Once the hot water tank is completely empty, replace the plug or anode rod. It is a good idea to use Teflon tape (PTFE) on the threads. Do not use a steel plug in place of plastic, as this can result in galvanic corrosion between the two metals, possibly causing the plug to fuse to the tank threads. Inspect the anode rod for wear and replace if required. Do not use an anode rod in an aluminum tank such as an Atwood, and always use an anode rod in a steel tank such as a Suburban.
  8. Turn off all water taps.
  9. Close all water filter shutoff valves, drain the filter bowls, and remove the filter elements.
  10. Close the water heater bypass valve(s).
  11. Winterizing ValveOpen the winterizing valve for the water pump and insert the tube into the antifreeze bottle.
  12. Turn on the water pump.
  13. Starting with the tapset furthest away from the water pump, open the cold water tap until antifreeze flows out of the faucet. Repeat the process with the hot water tap. Let the antifreeze run long enough to fill the P-trap.
  14. Repeat this process for all tapsets in the RV, including all outside faucets. Periodically check the antifreeze bottle and replace it if the level goes too low for the pickup tube.
  15. Flush all toilets until antifreeze flows into the bowl.
  16. If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, winterize it according to manufacturer instructions.
  17. Once all plumbing fixtures have been winterized, close the water pump winterizing valve and remove the antifreeze bottle.
  18. If there is antifreeze left over, pour some into each drain and toilet bowl to ensure the P-traps are filled with antifreeze.
  19. Antifreeze does stain, so be sure to wipe up any spills.

To ensure you have easy access to this handy checklist every year, feel free to download, print, and share with your RVing friends.

About the Author:

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and  Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Fall Foliage RV Road Trip – Blue Ridge Parkway

02 Friday Oct 2015

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Fall Foliage RV Destination

When you live in a two-season place like Florida or California, autumn colors seem like a privilege strictly reserved for East Coasters. Sometimes the only way to really know that it’s fall is by observing the latest shopping mall fashions! If you’ve never experienced a “real fall” and you have your own RV, there’s no reason to miss out on this once a year visual feast. Just pack up your gear and head across the country for a fall foliage RV road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Fall Foliage RV Road Tripping in Appalachia

Many RVers have a New England fall foliage excursion on their bucket list but if you’re not into crowds you can skip it. Instead, consider a meandering journey down the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers equally beautiful scenery with more solitude, wide open spaces and open RV campsites. The best part is that you can take your time getting there; prime foliage viewing in this area begins a few weeks later than in the northeast. This allows you to extend your fall foliage RV road trip well into November, when other areas have already peaked.
Crooked Road - Virginia music trailStart your trip in Virginia at Shenandoah National Park and you’ll kick off your excursion with a 105-mile long, 300 square mile autumn showcase with three RV-friendly campgrounds to call home. If you’re looking for a more down-home, country feel, try taking a drive along the Crooked Road, Virginia’s music heritage trail. You’ll wind along country roads with lush fall canopies while enjoying authentic folk music that’s like nowhere else in America. Along the way, Virginia farmer’s markets and stands are stocked with autumn’s best produce and festivals celebrate the cooler days ahead.

Keep traveling south and catch the brilliant palette of North and South Carolina forests, where you’ll get many opportunities to enjoy the reds, oranges and yellows that blanket these gently rolling mountains. And last but not least you can conclude your journey in the hilly, treed mountains of North Georgia. These tall forests have such spectacular fall color that the Georgia state parks system even has a “Leaf Watch” website to showcase the best parks, viewing spots and other seasonal activities.

Before You Go to Appalachia

RV driving down road at Shenandoah National ParkMother Nature won’t make promises about when leaves will turn or which locations will have the best fall color. Do Internet searches for phrases like “Fall foliage report for (city name)” and you’ll find current information on places you want to visit. As you plan your fall foliage RV road trip destinations, keep an eye on the weather and remember that warm days and cool nights offer the greatest promise for colorful scenery. However if frost conditions occur, leaves will turn color faster so you’ll have to plan accordingly.

Something else to consider is that camping reservations are a good idea in the east. Despite the popularity of leaf peeping season, this is the time of year when many smaller RV parks shut down for the season. Always call ahead to the campgrounds you want to visit.

Finally, make sure your rig is prepared for changing seasonal conditions. From the air in your tires to the oil in your engine, don’t leave home without making sure your RV is ready because shoulder seasons like fall are unpredictable can hit RVers with any number of dramatic weather events. If the worst happens and you need help on the open road during harsh fall weather, having a Coach-Net Emergency Roadside Assistance plan in place gives you peace of mind wherever and whenever you travel off the beaten path.

 

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com.

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What A Smart Idea!

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by in Tech Tips

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Smart RVThese days we have smartphones, smartwatches, smart cars, and even smart homes. Why not a smart RV? Believe it or not, such a thing is looming very closely on the horizon!

There is a fresh start-up company located on the west coast of Canada looking to take the RV industry by storm by introducing the most advanced RV monitoring system available. The product is currently in the very early stages of development, so you’re reading about it here first.

I should back up a bit and explain what a smart RV is. Suppose you could monitor your coach or trailer systems from anywhere in the RV? Perhaps you wanted to check your battery voltage while sitting in bed reading a book or maybe monitor your propane level while outside cooking a steak; that’s smart! Imagine doing it away from your RV from anywhere in the world. That’s even smarter!

The product, from start-up company Interactio, will make it possible to use your smartphone, tablet, or any other web device to access your RV systems from anywhere you have an internet connection, whether you’re sitting in the rig, or thousands of miles away. You may ask why you would want to communicate with your RV remotely. Many RV and boat owners store their units away from their homes during the off-season. I have done this in the past and constantly worried about both security and the overall well-being of the RV. The remote system will allow you not only to monitor critical and non-critical systems, but also to control your RV functions, such as lights, locally or from afar.  I have already presented some examples of what was possible, but imagine being able to do everything from monitor and control your battery charging to controlling lights for security purposes. The system will even include a video surveillance camera. Imagine being able to check on the interior of your RV remotely using streaming video! Since the product is still in development, it remains unknown which specific functions will be available upon launch, but some possibilities include:

Will smart RVs be the next big thing?LP, battery, fresh, gray, and black water level monitoring, fridge temperature, interior and exterior lighting, internal climate monitoring and control, generator start/stop/status, hydraulic coach levelling, electric awning control, and even remote engine start.

Of course,  each RV will be different in terms of which features it can support. Additionally, this product will be geared towards the after-market, so any coach can be upfitted with the system. However, it is important to note that the complexity of the various sensors will vary greatly. This means that not all features will be available in all installs.

Although there are a few other products available that offer control and monitoring, this is the only one geared specifically towards RV’s and promises to provide a much greater level of control over more systems at a lower price.

In case you enjoy the boating lifestyle along with RVing, the Interactio system is also being developed for boats. Keep an eye open for the offering from this Canadian startup, and should the product launch be successful, be sure to get in line to purchase one of these systems. As a technophile, I am anxiously awaiting this product to hit the market; I am sure to be an early adopter.

About the Author:

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and  Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by in Favorite Recipes, Healthy Lifestyle, Tailgating

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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken MeatballsThese meatballs are a MUST for any tailgate party. It’s the best part of hot and spicy wings with none of the mess. Even the pickiest eater will love these!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions

  1. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken MeatballsPreheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Panko, egg, garlic and onion powder and green onions; season with salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1¼-to-1½-inch meatballs, forming about 24 meatballs.
  3. Place meatballs onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until all sides are browned.
  4. Place meatballs into your slow cooker.
  5. Add buffalo sauce and gently toss to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours.
  7. Serve immediately, drizzled with blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Source: www.jocooks.com

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Getting To Know You

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

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Getting To Know You!It’s that time of year again when the Snowbirds pack up the RV and head South.  With warmer temperatures in your future, where are you headed this winter?

 

Preparing For The Perfect RV Tailgate Party

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

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RV Tailgate PartyFootball has officially begun!  And where there is football there are some awesome tailgate parties.  With an RV, tailgating is taken to a whole other level.  You have access to a full kitchen, air conditioning, and your own bathroom.  To help prepare you for your game-day adventure, check out these tips to ensure you have the perfect party.  So, get in the team spirit, grab your favorite jersey and let’s hit the road!

Prepare Your Menu

RV TailgatingFood is an essential for any tailgate party but to make sure you can relax and enjoy the party, prepare what you can in advance.  You can’t go wrong with some game-day basics like chips and dips and then move on to something heartier like burgers, wings or even ribs.  You can find some great tailgating recipes in our recipe section.

If you are having a large group, it’s a good idea to make it a potluck.  That way you can enjoy different dishes without having to do all of the cooking.

Finally, make sure you pack any extra items you might need including bottle openers, plastic baggies, aluminum foil, extra ice, extra plates, garbage bags, storage containers, and paper towels.

Prepare For Parking

  • Because your RV takes up more space than other vehicles, some cities and stadiums have RV parking policies.  These policies may even include special permits.  Also, some lots are parking only while others include hookups.  It will definitely pay off to do a little research before arriving.
  • Make sure you arrive early so you get the perfect spot with enough room for your awning, tables, chairs and guests.

Prepare Your RV

  • Be sure to start your RV refrigerator several hours before the game.  This will ensure your food stays cool.  It also helps to load your fridge with pre-cooled food and beverages so that it doesn’t have to work too hard.
  • Make sure you know the limits of your generator.  Trying to run several appliances can trip a circuit breaker.  And, just in case, be sure you know where the breaker panel is located.  It’s a good idea to run the generator a day or two before the big game to make sure it’s working properly.
  • Make sure to put water and chemicals in the black tank before the first use.  Dump and flush the tank first and then add enough water to cover the bottom.  Also, be sure your guests know what items can and can’t be flushed in an RV toilet.
  • Make sure your RV is serviced according to your owner’s manual so that everything is in working order.  Don’t forget to check your tires, filters, fluid levels, air conditioning, and batteries.

Prepare For The Elements

RV TailgatingYou never know what Mother Nature has in store so always be prepared by packing these essentials:

  • An awning or umbrella to protect you from the sun on a nice day, or the rain on a cloudy one.
  • Portable outdoor fan or heater
  • Sunglasses
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Appropriate clothing for the temperature outside
  • Plenty of water and non-sugary beverages on hand to stay hydrated – un-sweetened iced tea and Gatorade are good choices.

Prepare For Your Departure

  • ALWAYS clean up after yourself.  Bring plenty and trash bags and don’t litter.
  • Be a responsible drinker and if you do drink, please have a designated driver to make sure you get home safely.

Prepare For The Unexpected

As much as we want everything to run smoothly, sometimes things just happen.  It could be a flat tire on your way to the game or a dead battery as you are trying to leave.  It’s always a good idea to have an RV-specific roadside assistance plan to help you out when you need it most.  Coach-Net will ensure you get there and back safely!

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How to Survive the Scariest Full-Time RVing Adventures

28 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by in Roadside Assistance, RV Information

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Full-Time RVing AdventuresMany people dream of taking the leap to a full-time RVing lifestyle however most will wait until after their retirement party to hit the road. My husband and I had the same idea, but after we saw one too many friends not make it to those so-called “golden years,” we thought “Why wait?” We took a full-timing leap of faith in our mid-30s and haven’t looked back.

One of the things we’ve learned to love most about the full-time RVing lifestyle is the excitement that accompanies a change of scenery. Moving day is a thrill, especially if we’ve been stationary for more than a month. But even after eight years on the road, the moment our wheels turn a hundred butterflies start flying around in my stomach as I start to fret about all the “What Ifs?”

RV Travel What IfsWhat if:

  • a tire blows out?
  • we run out of fuel?
  • a lightening storm fries our electrical system?
  • the RV sinks into a mudhole after a long rain storm?

My worries are justified because these things really do happen out there on the road. Experienced full-time RVers will tell you that the lifestyle has a million rewards punctuated by occasional pitfalls that can put the brakes on any new adventure. But since you can’t live your life in fear, you have to hope for the best while preparing for the worst. The way we do this is by sticking to our disaster preparedness plan that includes an adequate cash emergency fund, good full-time RVing insurance, RV warranty coverage and a reputable roadside assistance plan. With these key elements in place we can handle whatever comes our way.

For example, a few weeks ago while traveling through Utah our truck’s “Check Gauges” indicator lit up like a Christmas tree. Since it’s wise to pay attention to any kind of vehicle warning but especially when traveling through triple digit temperatures, we popped the hood and were horrified to discover that nearly all of the engine oil had disappeared from our Dodge diesel truck. Somewhere between California and Utah, nearly 12 quarts of oil spilled out of the engine and much of it already baked onto the front, sides and rear of our fifth wheel.

Roadside Assistance: Help Is On The Way!Anxious to get on with our trip but smart enough not to move the truck another foot, we dialed up the Coach-Net customer hotline and within the hour our pickup was on a flatbed tow truck en route to a Coach Net-approved repair shop. Two days later we left Utah with a repair bill that put a dent in our emergency savings fund, but thanks to our Coach-Net Premiere Towable Plan our diesel engine survived the ordeal because our Dodge was towed instead of driven to the shop.

This wasn’t our first brush with a roadside calamity. From tornado evacuations to tire blowouts, most full-timers like us will endure a few scary experiences that make stationary people wonder why on earth we choose to live on the road. And although it does seem slightly crazy to tow everything you own on the highways of America, the reality is that we don’t worry a whole lot because of the strong emergency preparedness plan we have in place. Every RVer has that option too. From the rooftop air conditioner that can be covered by Coach-Net’s RV Protect Service Agreement, to the roadside assistance plans for every budget, road trippers like us can roam with total peace of mind when Coach-Net is along for the ride.

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com.

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