Avoid These Common RV Winterization Mistakes

07 Wednesday Feb 2024

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

In this article we will discuss the most common RV winterization mistakes that you can make, and why you definitely donโ€™t want to make them.

Mistake 1: Putting Antifreeze Where It Doesnโ€™t Belong

This one wonโ€™t actually cause any damage to your RV over the winter. That said, putting RV antifreeze in the wrong places still isnโ€™t something you want to do. The two places this stuff shouldnโ€™t go when winterizing your RV water system? The freshwater tank and the water heater.

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

Mistake 2: Not Running the Outdoor Shower

You donโ€™t want RV antifreeze in your water heater tank or your freshwater tank, but you absolutely do want it to run through all of your water lines. The way to do this is to open each tap (and the toilet) until the water that runs out is pink.

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

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Wastewater Tanks

Another place some people forget to put RV antifreeze when going through the RV winterization process? The waste water tanks. While you certainly donโ€™t have to fill the entire waste tanks with antifreeze, it is still a good idea to dump a few cups of the stuff down the tanks to keep any water that might remain there from freezing.

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

Mistake 4: Leaving the Batteries in Place

RV batteries will drain over time. In some cases, parasitic draws that are found in many RVs will cause this to happen fairly quickly. That said, even if you unhook the batteries entirely, they will eventually be drained. This is a problem because while charged batteries wonโ€™t freeze, dead batteries will. Besides, itโ€™s bad for batteries to be drained completely.

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

Mistake 5: Inviting Pests to Your RV

Okay, so you probably arenโ€™t going to invite mice and other critters to make themselves at home in your RV on purpose. That said, forgetting to plug up small holes where the animals can enter is pretty much as good as inviting them in. Add in any food that you forgot to grab out of the pantry, and youโ€™re almost certainly going to return to an infestation.

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

Mistake 6: Skipping the Seals

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

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

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

Dalton R.ย ~ย โ€œNo improvements needed! Iโ€™ve called several times and found the help I need every time! Extremely satisfied with the service. Iโ€™m a technician so being able to get ideas and where everything is I can usually get it fixed up. Overall VERY pleased with this service!โ€

Stay Warm This Winter With This Easy Furnace Maintenance

10 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety, Tech Tips

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Winter is upon us and even if you are one of the lucky RVers that goes South for the winter, temperatures can get below freezing and you want the RV furnace to be in tip-top shape. That means doing a little preventative maintenance.

Most RVers take the furnace for granted as there are typically no filters or lengthy ductwork like the residential models. We just turn the thermostat to the desired temperature and wait for the heat to kick on.

Forced air furnaces such as the Suburban and Dometic brands have either ducted vents going through the rig, or direct airflow coming from the unit. They all operate fairly similarly and should have some basic maintenance performed occasionally.

How The Furnace Works

When the temperature drops to the set point on the thermostat, 12-volt power is sent to the module board on the furnace which starts the fan or blower. It is important to have fully charged house batteries or plugged into shoreline power as the blower motor will start but the gas valve will not open unless there is sufficient power to provide airflow, more on that later.

The fan draws outside air in through the vent purging the burner chamber and exhausting it outside so no outside air enters the rig. The fan also draws interior air through the cold air return and routes it over the burner assembly, past the sail switch, and out to the vents. This air-lifts the sail switch until it gets to the โ€œclosedโ€ point, which sends 12-volt power to the module board letting it know there is sufficient airflow and to open the gas valve. Low batteries or insufficient airflow will not lift the switch to the closed position and therefore the furnace will not light. However, it will continue to blow cold air until the battery goes completely dead.

Once there is sufficient airflow and the sail switch gets to the closed position, the gas valve opens and the spark ignitor lights the furnace.

It is important to inspect and clean the exterior intake and exhaust vents so there is no obstruction. Mud daubers and spiders like the smell of propane and can clog up the vent and restrict airflow. There are even aftermarket screens available that will help keep them out without restricting airflow.

Make sure all vents and ductwork are clear and there is good airflow. Do not cover or close vents inside the rig as this will reduce airflow and keep the sail switch from rising or even increase the temperature at the furnace which would create the limit switch to shut off the furnace. Make sure any ductwork weaving through cabinetry or under the sofa is not kinked or obstructed.

If you see excessive black soot on the outside exhaust vent, it could be a sign of improper combustion due to low LP pressure, improper air-to-LP mixture, a dirty burner chamber, or other issues. It is a good idea to have the furnace cleaned and inspected periodically by a certified RV Service Center.

Supplemental Heat

Keep in mind that your RV furnace can only provide a limited amount of heat and trying to heat the entire rig as well as the lower compartments in basement models may not be possible. Using a supplemental heating system helps customize the heat zones and extends the LP life as well. Catalytic heaters such as the Camco Olympian or Mr. Heater allow you to drop the overall temperature down to 60 degrees or lower and just heat the portion of the RV you are using such as the living room during the day or bedroom at night. No need to keep the entire rig at 70 degrees.

These heaters are safe and produce very little moisture or carbon monoxide. They can be portable using the small LP cylinder or hard plumbed to an existing LP system.

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 โ€“ a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Alfred S. ~ โ€œIโ€™ve Been A Member Since 2001 and Iโ€™ve NEVER Had Any Problems!โ€

Letting Your Kids Plan Your RV Travels!

10 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping

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One of the best things about traveling with kids? The opportunity to teach them new things while you explore the world around you. This can be done by visiting museums, historic sites, and national parks, but you can also start learning before you ever leave home by giving your kids a chance to plan your RV travels.

Thatโ€™s right, we are suggesting you allow your little ones to decide where youโ€™re going to take your RV and what you’re going to do when you get there!

That said, we arenโ€™t suggesting you let them loose with no direction whatsoever. Instead, you can give them some limits and instructions and then give them the freedom to make responsible decisions. This is an excellent way to work on budgeting, planning, problem-solving, geography, and more.

Set a Budget

First and foremost, you will want to decide on a budget. How much can this RV trip cost in total? Once you know that, sit down with your kids and discuss average campground fees and attraction fees to decide how to allocate those funds. Write down each line item you need to account for and how much you have set aside for each, and make sure those numbers are visible for the kids to see.

If you have very young children, it might help to provide a physical representation of the funds. LEGO bricks work well for this. Decide how much each block represents, create a stack for each budget line item, and remove the blocks as they have been โ€œspentโ€ throughout the planning process.

Pick a Place

Once your kids know what kind of budget theyโ€™re working with and what they need to plan to pay for, help them decide where to go.

Very young kids may need you to provide a list of options, along with a sneak peek of what is available to see and do in each place. Older kids can do the math to figure out how many miles they can drive on the gas budget they have (remind them to account for the return trip!), after which they can circle the radius theyโ€™re working with on a map and consider the towns within that circle to decide on a destination.

If your big kids arenโ€™t sure what to expect of the towns in the radius theyโ€™re given, encourage them to do a bit of research to discover what kinds of attractions each one has to offer before they make a decision. Let them know that bigger towns and cities are generally printed bigger on the map and tend to have more options in terms of attractions. You might also remind them to keep an eye out for national parks, which can be in the middle of nowhere but tend to be amazing RV destinations.

Offer Tools

With a destination picked out, the next steps involve choosing a campsite as well as deciding which things to see and do. Your little travel planners will need some tools for this step, but unless your kids are pretty old and responsible, we highly recommend supervising them as they read reviews and gather information online.

Campendium is a good tool for finding campsites. Have your child type in the place they plan to visit and they will get a whole collection of camping options presented to them. From there, they can narrow their options based on a budget and then choose based on reviews and amenities offered. Of course, little ones who cannot read will need you to help with this by typing and reading for them, but you can still present them with options.

As far as attractions go, you can use Google or Trip Advisor to search for options in the area and read reviews. When your kids find something they want to do, have them write it down along with notes on why they want to visit and then find the admission cost for the entire family. Once they have a good list put together, allow each child to pick a certain number of attractions, reminding them to stay within budget.

It might help to split the attraction budget evenly between your kids, so each child has the same amount to spend on attractions.

Introduce Money Saving Ideas

Remind your kids that while they are welcome to spend every dollar in the budget, they can also save in one budget category in order to move money over to another category, or even save that money for a future trip. If they seem into this, offer some money-saving suggestions.

If you have any reciprocal memberships (ASTC, AZA, etc) let them know that, and give them a list of attractions included with the membership. Let them know that some towns offer free attractions such as small museums, parks, and even zoos. Have them look for national historic sites, which are sometimes free, and find the library calendar for the area to find free events.

You can also show them how to find free camping options on Campendium by filtering their search by cost. Just make sure they are aware that choosing a boondocking site will mean making some sacrifices.

Ask Questions and Create an Itinerary

Once your kids have a campground chosen and a list of attractions picked out, have them present it to you. Ask them questions about why they chose what they did, what they plan to do when you get there, etc. If you foresee problems with their selections, let them know that and see if they can come up with a solution.

Once youโ€™ve gone over the plan together and it seems solid, have the kids sit down and write out an itinerary. Remind them that you will need some downtime each day and that driving from one attraction to the next does take time. Generally, itโ€™s best to only visit one attraction each day, but we know this isn’t always possible.

This is also the point where you will need to book the campsite theyโ€™ve selected. If itโ€™s an online booking process, you can walk your kids through it, allowing them to make all of the selections along the way.

Pack Everything Up

Finally, your kids will need to pack everything up. We recommend handing them a printed RV packing list and then allowing them to start gathering things, crossing them off as they go.

If you want to take it a step further, you might also let your kids create a simple meal plan and grocery list. Have them choose foods they can help make so they can take full ownership of this aspect of trip planning as well.

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 sonโ€™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.

Sarah M.ย ~ย โ€œCoach-Net is, to this day, the best service availableโ€

Quick Tips For Storing Your Clothes In Your RV

10 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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As a full-time RVer with kids, clothes sometimes seem like the bane of my existence. Theyโ€™re everywhere and I can never quite keep up with the constant laundry and putting things away. Of course, a lack of RV clothes storage doesnโ€™t help much, something that led me to look for better RV clothes storage options.

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

Downsize, Downsize, Downsize

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

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

Try Rolling Your Clothes Together

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

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

Vacuum Up Out-of-Season Items

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

Vacuum bags remove the air from the clothesโ€”making them more compactโ€”and putting them in a storage bay gives you your drawers and closet back.

Use Tools to Put Vertical Space to Use

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

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

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

Think Outside the Box

If your RV just doesnโ€™t give you enough clothes storage options, you can always think outside the box to add some of your own.

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

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

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her sonโ€™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,ย Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Susan M.ย ~ย โ€œWhat a great service! I truly donโ€™t know what Iโ€™d do without it!โ€

Your Guide To Camping In The Everglades

18 Monday Dec 2023

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

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

Located in southern Florida, the Everglades offer a lovely, warm escape from winter snow and ice, as well as some seriously beautiful plants and animals. Here you can enjoy the great outdoors without even breaking out a coat, and you wonโ€™t have to worry one bit about winterizing your RV.

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

Best Spots for Camping in the Everglades

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

Long Pine Key Campground

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

Flamingo Campground

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

Midway Campground

If you donโ€™t mind staying outside of the park, Midway Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is another good option. This campground is about 30 minutes away from Everglades National Park and offers electric hookups, potable water, a dump station, restrooms, and easy access to all the area has to offer.

Our Favorite Things to Do in the Everglades

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

Explore the Visitor Centers

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

The visitor centers in the park include:

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

Take a Hike (or a Stroll)

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

Attend Ranger Programs

Ranger programs are always a good way to learn more about any given national park. In Everglades National Park, we really like the nighttime ranger walk along the Anhinga Trail. Because it takes place at night, this walk often allows guests to see alligators in their most active state, something you certainly wonโ€™t soon forget.

Hop on an Airboat

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

โ€ฆor Opt for a Tram (or a Bike)

Donโ€™t want to ride an airboat? You could hop on the Shark Valley tram instead. This tram takes you on a tour of the park, so you can see lots of awesome scenery in a short amount of time.

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

What You Need To Know About Towing Capacity

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

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

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One of the most popular questions I get is โ€œWhat can my truck actually tow?โ€ It ranks just below my refrigerator isnโ€™t cooling, my batteries are dead, my roof air conditioner isnโ€™t running efficiently, and my slide room doesnโ€™t work. OK, so itโ€™s in my top five but I do get it asked quite often!

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

Then The Math Changed!

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

What Is The Truth?

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

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

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

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

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

Going through all these three digit codes and matching the one to the RVSEF guide I found mine had the 3.42 and according to the ownerโ€™s manual, had a trailer towing capacity of 9,200 lbs and a GCWR of 15,000 lbs which I found on line and confirmed in my ownerโ€™s manual. Next I needed to weigh both the truck and trailer to make sure I wasnโ€™t overloaded in any of the weight ratings.

Here Are The Numbers That Are Important

GCWR โ€“ Gross Combined Weight Rating

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

GVWR โ€“ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

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

GAWR โ€“ Gross Axle Weight Rating

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

Tongue Weight

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

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

Hitched To Trailer

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

Trailer weight โ€“ 4,340 lbs.
Combined weight, truck and trailer โ€“ 10,880 lbs.

Unhitched truck

Front โ€“ 3,400 lbs.

Rear โ€“ 2,580 lbs.

Hitch weight or payload from trailer โ€“ 660 lbs.

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

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

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

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

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

RV Repair Club

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Ray M. ~ โ€œWeโ€™ve had a service plan with Coach-Net with 2 different RVs and weโ€™re so glad we do.  Twice in less than a month, weโ€™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.โ€

Amazing Reasons To Try Off-Season Camping

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Cold season is here, and in many places, this means the slow travel season has hit as well. For some RVers, this is the time when the RV gets winterized and put into storage, but it doesnโ€™t have to be that way. Off-season travel is totally doable, and in some cases, it even has some perks that you just donโ€™t get when traveling during peak season.

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

Snag Better Campsites

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

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

Avoid Crowds

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

Take Advantage of Discounts

One thing we absolutely love about off-season travel? The discounts and lower rates that come along with it. You see, when the hordes of tourists leave, many attractions and campgrounds lower their rates or offer special discounts that they wouldnโ€™t offer during peak season, in order to encourage people to visit. This means youโ€™ll likely be able to stay in a campsite for less money and see all the things you want to see without breaking the bank.

Stay Longer

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

Have Unique Experiences

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

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

The Exceptions to the Rules

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

Drawbacks of Off-Season Travel

Itโ€™s also good to understand that off-season travel does have its drawbacks. For instance, youโ€™re more likely to encounter foul weather when visiting a place during the off-season. Additionally, some tourist attractions will close down completely when the crowds disperse for the season. Nevertheless, we continue to enjoy off-season travel and donโ€™t plan to stop any time soon!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

The Best RV Clubs for Making Friends on the Road

29 Wednesday Nov 2023

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

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

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

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

Family Campers and RVers

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

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

iRV2 Forums

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

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

Nomad Near Me

Another RV club that doesnโ€™t cost anything but still offers lots of opportunities for connection is Nomad Near Me. This is a social media platform specifically for nomads. It resembles other social media platforms and is totally easy to use.

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

Fulltime Families

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

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

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

Republic of Nomads

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her sonโ€™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.ย ~ย โ€œOutstanding. 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.โ€

A Guide To Lassen Volcanic Camping

16 Thursday Nov 2023

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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My family just finished with a whirlwind tour of several California national parks. This was a fantastic experience and we adored every single park we visited. That said, Lassen Volcanic National Park stood out from the rest, and since that visit, I have been recommending Lassen National Park camping to everyone.

Considering a visit to California and want to visit this park yourself? Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect Lassen Volcanic National Park camping trip.

When to Go

First, itโ€™s important to know that while this park is open year-round because it is at such a high elevation, this place sees tons of snow in the winter. The snow causes huge sections of the park to be closed in the winter and even well into the spring, as the large amounts of snow take a while to melt.

Because of this, we recommend visiting Lassen in the summer or early fall. This will ensure you get to see all of the park. Itโ€™ll also help ensure you have the best weather possible while you explore.

Where to Stay

While it is possible to drive an RV as you explore this park, we donโ€™t actually recommend it. Parking lots can get really busy, and many are on the smaller side. On top of that, we found that there were some steep climbs that many rigs likely wouldnโ€™t do so well with.

Instead, we recommend finding Lassen National Park camping spots to park your RV at before you go exploring. Not only will this make exploring easier, but itโ€™ll also give you a chance to stay for a few days so you can see and do everything.

Manzanita Lake Campground

The first RV campground option we want to mention is the official Lassen National Park camping area: Manzanita Lake Campground. This one is run by the National Park Service and is quite nice.

Itโ€™s located right by Manzanita Lake, which is great for kayaking and fishing, and the sites are well-spaced and shaded. There are no hookups at the campsites, but potable water, pay showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station are all available.

Mud Lake Trailhead

Hoping to boondock on your Lassen Volcanic National Park camping trip? Youโ€™re in luck! The park is surrounded by Lassen National Forest, meaning there are dispersed camping options nearby.

One of our favorite dispersed camping options near Lassen is Mud Lake Trailhead. This one is just up the road from Manzanita Lake Campground and is large enough for most RVs. No, it doesnโ€™t include any amenities, but it is free and in a great location, so itโ€™s a win in our book.

Hat Creek Resort and RV Park

If you need to have hookups, we recommend turning to Hat Creek Resort and RV Park. Unfortunately, this park can be a little tight, but overall it is a good home base for a few days.

The sites have full hookups and the staff is kind and helpful. There are sports courts and a game room onsite, and campers have access to the water. Other amenities include clean restrooms with showers, an onsite store, and laundry facilities.

What to Do

Once you figure out where to stay during your Lassen Volcanic National Park camping adventure, the next question is what to do. Honestly, there are so many things to see and do in this park that one could easily stay busy for a week or more.

Here are some of our favorites.

Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

We highly recommend starting your visit at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Here, you can watch a very informative park video to orient yourself. There are also exhibits about the park, as well as a well-stocked gift shop, a water bottle refill station, and restrooms.

Sulphur Works

Sulphur Works is a quick stop but is one worth making. Check out bubbling mud up close and look out over several other geothermal features from the sidewalk. (Mind the signage about staying on the sidewalk too, because that boiling mud can and will burn you.)

Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell was the highlight of our trip to the park and is a must-do while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park. To get there, you have to take a ~1.5-mile hike, mostly uphill. From there, you can see the incredible field of geothermal features from above.

For a closer look, continue walking down into Bumpass Hell and follow the boardwalk across the field, marveling at the steaming and bubbling happening all around you as you go.

Boiling Springs Lake

Another bizarre place that you really should visit if you have the time, Boiling Springs Lake is a lake of water that contains underwater steam vents. These vents cause the water temperature to sit right around 125 degrees (ยฐF) and the steam rising off the water is otherworldly.

Manzanita Lake

Lastly, we highly recommend spending a bit of time out on Manzanita Lake. This lake is lovely, and as mentioned before, it is an ideal place for kayaking or fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for river otters, which are sometimes spotted here, but keep your distance, as otters can be aggressive.

Hopefully, this guide helps you get started as you plan your Lassen Volcanic National Park camping trip. We know youโ€™re going to love it!

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 sonโ€™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.

Don H.ย ~ย โ€œYou were able to fix my issue over the phone! amazing!โ€

Everything You Should Know About National Historic Parks

08 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in RV Information

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As RVers, we are all well aware of how incredible our countryโ€™s national parks are. In fact, weโ€™d even go so far as to say national parks are at the top of our list in terms of places to visit in an RV. That said, national historical parks also find their way onto that list. The odd thing? Many people donโ€™t even really realize these awesome places exist!

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about national historical parks in the US. After reading this, weโ€™re betting youโ€™ll want to find a national historical park along your next road trip route and experience one of these great parks for yourself.

What is a National Historical Park?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

First, letโ€™s talk about what exactly a national historical park is. Like national parks, these parks are managed by the National Parks Service. However, instead of offering grand views and amazing natural areas, national historical parks protect historically significant places, using them to teach visitors about the past.

Most national historical parks have at least one historical building on their grounds, and some play host to several historical structures. All of these parks feature a visitor center, and most have exhibits and/or a movie to help guests understand the significance of what they are looking at when they walk through the park.

Why Visit National Historical Parks?

Hartwell Tavern on the Bay Road in Lincoln, Minute Man National Historic Park

Why would one want to visit national historical parks? To learn, of course! A visit to one of these parks makes history come alive, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the past and really understand how people must have lived and worked during the time period being represented.

National historical parks are the perfect places for road-schooling families to squeeze in a memorable history lesson. In fact, by planning plenty of NHP stops along your route, adding in some reading and documentaries, and participating in the junior ranger program at each site, you can easily build a lovely, unique American history curriculum.

That said, national historical parks are definitely not just for schooling families, and in our opinion, you should visit them whenever you can, no matter your age or how you school your children.

Can You Camp at National Historical Parks?

Since youโ€™ll be traveling by RV, you may be wondering whether you can camp onsite while visiting national historical parks. Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. Unlike national parks, the vast majority of national historical parks do not have onsite campgrounds, meaning you will almost always have to find camping nearby.

There are a handful of exceptions to this rule. These include:

All of these parks feature onsite camping, making them extra fun spots for RVers to explore.

Where to Find National Historical Parks

If national historical parks sound interesting to you, you may be wondering how to go about finding them. Just like national parks (and other NPS-run sites), all national historical parks are listed on the National Parks Service website, and you can use the siteโ€™s built-in map to see options where youโ€™re going.

Prefer a list? Below is a complete list of all the national historical parks and the states they are located in.

As you can see, we are big fans of national historical parks, and if you have any interest in history, weโ€™re betting you will be as well. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to one of these incredible parks today!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her sonโ€™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.

Kim D.ย ~ย โ€œYou guys went above and beyond !!!! What a tremendously blessed experience!!!!โ€