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Trailer Maintenance Tasks Every RV Owner Should Know

07 Wednesday May 2025

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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It’s finally time to pull the travel trailer out of storage and get back out on the road to enjoy some camping! That said, you will want to make sure to take care of some basic maintenance tasks before you head out.

Not sure what kinds of maintenance tasks you need to be doing? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will discuss all of the most important trailer maintenance tasks that my husband and I try to make a point of staying on top of.

Resealing the Seams and Roof

Easily the most important travel trailer maintenance task there is, resealing the seams and roof of your trailer is a must-do at least every 12 months. This is so, so important because those seals are what keeps water out of your RV walls and roof. Water damage happens quickly and is difficult and expensive to fix. Fortunately, resealing is relatively easy.

To reseal the seams on the roof and sides of your trailer:

  1. Clean each seal to remove dirt and loose bits.
  2. Apply RV sealant over each seam, making sure to cover the entire seam.
  3. Allow to cure.

Slide Maintenance

You’ll also want to take good care of your slides. Make sure to lubricate the slide mechanisms every couple of months. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the slide seals. These rubber pieces wear out over time, but replacing them is as simple as sliding them out of place and sliding a new set in.

Maintaining the Water System

Your RV water system does need a bit of maintenance from time to time as well. For one thing, it is super important that you winterize the system before the first freeze of the year. Replacing the anode rod in your water heater (if it has one) is also a must-do. Additionally, you’ll want to use a back-spray tool to clean the waste tanks after each trip and clean the fresh tank and lines once a year.

To clean the fresh system:

  1. Pour a bleach-and-water mixture (¼ cup bleach to 15 gallons of water) into the tank.
  2. Pump it through the lines using the RV water pump.
  3. Allow it to sit for 12–24 hours.
  4. Drain the system completely.
  5. Add clean water to the tank.
  6. Run it through the system.
  7. Drain it all again.

Checking the Tires

Your RV tires are crucial. Without them you aren’t going anywhere, and if one happens to give out while you’re on the highway, it can be incredibly dangerous.

  • Check tires before every trip, looking for cracks, bubbles, etc.
  • Install a trailer TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system).
  • Replace tires at least every six years.
  • Use tire covers when parked for long periods of time.

Greasing the Wheel Bearings

Many trailer owners are not aware that they should be greasing the wheel bearings once a year. Now, I’ll be honest and say I’ve never done this particular job myself, because we always take it into a shop to have it done. That said, we have friends who do the job on their own and they don’t seem to have an issue.

The video below explains the process:

Brake Maintenance

Last but not least, I have to mention brake maintenance, which is very important for obvious reasons.

  • Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and drums for issues at least once a year, replacing worn parts as needed.
  • Test the brakes before hitting the road each trip. If they don’t engage properly, skip the outing and address the problem first.
  • If your trailer has hydraulic brakes, look at the brake fluid before each trip and top it off as needed.

As you can see, owning a travel trailer does require quite a bit of maintenance work. That said, we find that it’s totally worth the freedom that comes along with it! I think you’ll probably agree.

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.

Spring RV Cleaning: Top 5 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do This Season

03 Monday Mar 2025

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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Spring is almost here! For us in the upper portion of the country, our rigs have been hibernating either in a nice climate-controlled shed plugged into an electrical source or left outside in the frozen tundra , hopefully with a cover that at least keeps the mountains of snow from melting and trying to sneak into the rig.

We’ve posted articles regarding de-winterizing and exterior maintenance, however, there have been some new materials that have been introduced in the RV industry as well as some new products that will help with maintenance. Here is a list of what I feel are the main items that need to be addressed before you hit the road this summer.

1. Inspect, Clean, And Condition Your Roof

Most RV owners don’t think about the roof until they have a leak inside the rig. “Out of sight, out of mind” is pretty common, and once you see a leak inside the rig, the damage has already been done! Recently, we brought in a 1996 Forest River Salem at the RV Lifestyle and Repair Club to do some renovations, and it had a floor leak. In an RV, there are very few floor leaks rather than floor damage from a leak that started on the roof and channeled down to the floor where the damage was actually visible.

It is important to inspect the roof material for pinholes, cracks, or cuts and tears that would allow moisture to penetrate. Rubber membrane materials such as EPDM, TPO, Alpha System,s and others recommend cleaning with a mild detergent and conditioning depending on the material. Check with your specific material manufacturer.

The most important maintenance you can do in my opinion, is to check the sealant at the roof to the sidewall joint, front cap, and all around anything that is attached to the roof, such as TV antenna, roof vents, sewage vents, and such. All have a self-leveling lap sealant around the edge, but this can get dried, brittle, and crack, allowing moisture to penetrate.

2. Check Your Tires

“The wheels on the bus go round and round”, but only if they are in good shape! Tires are the most critical component of an RV, but they are also the most neglected. Few owners check the pressure every time they hit the road, and most just do a visual check or the thump with a trucker’s bat! If your tires are 10 psi less than the recommended pressure, it reduces the carrying capacity by 25%! Check the sidewall for weather checking, which is cracking due to exposure to the sun, and anything over 1/8” is a failure waiting to happen. A tire may look good visually with good tread, but there are hidden dangers, such as cracking between the tread bars, inside blisters, and age. Check the DOT marking on the side, as the last 4 digits indicate the month and year the tire was made. Anything over seven years is suspected of failure due to heat and component degradation. If the tires are always covered when not in use and the pressure is checked regularly, you might get more life out of them.

3.  Check Your Propane System And All Appliances For Leaks

Most RV owners take their propane systems for granted. It either works or it doesn’t, and then they start to pay attention. Spring is a good time to check the LP system for leaks, inspect the DOT Cylinders or ASME tank, and check and clean appliances.

DOT Cylinders are used on travel trailers and 5th Wheel RVs and come in 20lb, 30lb, and 40lb cylinders typically found on bigger rigs. They are typically removed and refilled at an LP filling location,n at which time they are required to inspect the cylinder for rust, damage, age, and an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD Valve). This is a rectangular-shaped valve and limits filling to 80%.

According to the RV Safety And Education Foundation (RVSEF), DOT Cylinders were originally required to be re-certified after 12 years, then in 2017 it was changed to 10 years but went back to 12 years in 2020 so there is quite a bit of confusion especially since some of the documentation has not been updated. Also, the cylinder must be recertified every 5 years after that, but the NFPA code still shows 7! Here is a link to the article by RVSEF.

ASME tanks on motorized do not have to be recertified, just inspected for rust and damage.

The bottom line is that now is a good time to visually inspect the cylinder for dents, rust, and especially hoses and connections going to the cylinder and tanks, as the rubber can get weather-checked and cracked. If it is over 10 years old, get it recertified.

Checking for leaks can be done the old-fashioned way with a leak testing solution at every connection however, that takes a long time, and there are some new gadgets that make it simple. An LP sniffer like this one is a great tool to verify connections quickly and in a general vicinity rather than at all individual connections. You can find it online or at Home Depot.

An LP Safety product that I came across recently is Gas Stop, which is a 100% automatic shut-off in case of a major leak or regulator failure and is also great for detecting a minor leak anywhere in the system right at the dial on the tank or cylinder. It is easy to install and can also be used to determine the level of LP in the tank or cylinder. Check out the video on our site here.

4. Water Heater Prep and Sanitation

More rigs today are equipped with a six or ten-gallon 120-volt and LP water heater. When you put your rigs to bed for the winter, you drain the water lines and water heater tank and can either add RV antifreeze or blow out the lines with compressed air. In either situation, most RVers drain the water heater completely and, rather than fill the six or ten-gallon tank with RV antifreeze, opt to use the water heater bypass valve and leave the tank empty. If you have a 120-volt/LP model, it is critical that you do not operate the water heater on 120-volt power without water in the tank! It’s easy to do. You bring the unit out, plug it into shoreline power to charge the battery, and check all the appliances and the 120-volt switch for the water heater is in the outside compartment, and you don’t see it. The heating element gets cherry red and shorts out and ruins the water heater. Make sure the 120-volt switch is off or you have water in the tank.

The water heater drain plug is not at the absolute bottom of the tank, rather about 2” above, so there is typically about 2” of water sitting in the bottom of the tank. This is not an issue with freezing as there is plenty of room in the tank for expansion; however, that hard water from the campground source has calcium, rust, and lime that will sit there for several months and can get really skunky! This is a good time to use a water heater flush tool to go into the drain hole and blast out all the junk in the bottom of the tank.

This would also be a good time to sanitize the fresh water tank, lines, and water heater with either a ¼ cup of bleach in 50 gallons of water or the Thetford Fresh Water Sanitizer.

5. House Battery System

If you have flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries, hopefully, you stored them properly and did not let them drain down and freeze. This is a good time to check the fluid level and fill the breather vent in each cell with distilled water. With either FLA or Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), pull the positive and negative cables off the battery and thoroughly clean them with a wire brush or, better yet, a battery cleaning tool. Reconnect the cables and spray with a protective spray such as CRC Battery Terminal Protector

If you have Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, you should have pulled the negative cable, and since these don’t gas at all, there should be no corrosion. However, it is a good idea to inspect all connections and cables at this time.

And with any battery, give them a good charge at the recommended rate, voltage, and time according to the manufacturer before using them.

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

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

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Lewis C. ~ “I recommend Coach-Net every chance I get!”

What To Do In The Smoky Mountains With Kids

04 Wednesday Sep 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Our family’s most recent camping adventure saw us visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve been to this park three times now, and I’m sure we’ll visit again. This is just one of those magical natural areas that calls you back again and again.

One of my favorite things about this area is that there are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. This means we can all get outside and enjoy nature together, no matter how young our youngest family member happens to be at the time.

Wondering what to do in the Smoky Mountains as a family? Here are my top picks.

Start in a Visitor Center

I always recommend starting any visit to a national park in a visitor center. For this most recent visit, we chose to check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It housed several exhibits about the animals found in the park, which the kids enjoyed.

It was also home to a gift shop where you could pick up Junior Ranger books. We did have to pay a small fee for a Junior Ranger book here, which is unusual, but it was one book for the whole family and was of higher quality than usual, so I was okay with it.

There are plenty of other visitor centers in the park, and all are worth checking out.

Take a Hike

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. There is one trail behind the aforementioned visitor center that is just perfect for families. It’s called the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to Cataract Falls, and it winds through the trees, over a creek, past a cool historic cabin, and all the way to a pretty little waterfall.

Other trails that we have enjoyed in the park include the Little Brier Gap Trail to the old schoolhouse, and if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls.

Hop in the Water

Hot humid weather is the norm in Tennessee in the summer. For this reason, we spent a good chunk of time in the water during our last visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

All of our swimming this time was done in the river from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area, where we also saw a few people tubing down the river. That said, there are also some cool swimming holes in the park, including Midnight Hole, which features a waterfall!

Enjoy a Firefly Show

Our most recent visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park just happened to be during peak firefly season. This was awesome because it meant fireflies were absolutely everywhere in the park as soon as the sun started to set.

It also meant the synchronous fireflies were putting on a show in certain parts of the park. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the lottery to see the synchronous fireflies during “peak week,” but we did go to the viewing area the day after this peak time when tickets were no longer required, and we ended up seeing a spectacular show.

Note: If you choose to do this, arrive early. We got there a good two hours before sunset and still ended up in the very last available parking spot.

Take a Driving Tour

Finally, I highly recommend taking at least one scenic drive during your visit. My favorite one is the loop through Cades Cove, which usually allows you to see a ton of wildlife as well as some cool historic buildings, the Cades Cove Visitor Center, and an old grist mill.

We’ve seen several bears in Cades Cove in the past, but this last time, we got to see one on a hiking trail. It was so close we actually had to stop and back up in order to maintain a safe distance. It hung around for several minutes, and it was so cool to see it sniffing around and climbing a tree.

There you have it, 5 awesome things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. Now you never have to wonder what to do in the Smoky Mountains again. Instead, simply pick something from this list, head outside, and have an amazing time reconnecting with nature and with one another!

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.

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

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.

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!!!!”

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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The 4 Best Florida State Parks

08 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations, We Love It. We Live It.

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One of my favorite things to do while traveling in my RV is to visit the various state parks across the country. Last winter, we spent several months in Florida, and thanks to an annual state park pass, we spent much of that time exploring the state parks. Guys, these parks are some of the best our family has found! 

Here are our favorites!

Homosassa Spring State Park 

This pretty park is a wonderful place to learn about Florida’s amazing animals. It was once a privately owned zoo-like tourist attraction that changed hands multiple times before becoming a state park in 1989. At that point, the park switched focus, providing habitats for injured and disabled animals native to Florida. The exception? Lu, the beloved hippo, is not a Florida native but still calls the park home.  

I absolutely loved the manatee talk offered at this park and highly recommend arriving in time to hear it. It was the perfect addition to our road schooling day, and our whole family learned some new things about these magnificent creatures.  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is another privately owned attraction later bought by the Florida State Park System. This one features super fun mermaid shows performed within the spring itself. An underwater viewing theater allows guests to watch the mermaids as they swim and dance in the spring.  

We visited this park with friends. The kids in our group appreciated the mermaid show, and my youngest loved the mermaid meet-and-greet. As a road school mama, I thought the ranger’s talk about reptiles was an excellent addition, and the whole group had fun on the boat tour. 

Note: This park is also home to a small water park. Unfortunately, this part wasn’t open when we visited, but it looked worth checking out, mainly if you see it in the summer.  

Honeymoon Island State Park 

Unfortunately, much of our winter time on the west coast of Florida was chilly. Nevertheless, we loved visiting Honeymoon Island State Park and even went multiple times to see as much as possible.  

Of course, the beach here is absolutely gorgeous. Our four-year-old loved playing on these huge mounds of sand, and watching the sunset over the water was a treat. In addition to the beach, we enjoyed the playground and the many walking trails in the park. 

Our favorite part? We saw owls high up in the trees! 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park 

Our final favorite state park is in the Florida Keys (actually, we liked a lot of the state parks in the Keys). Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park was probably our favorite place when we went to Key West. This park is home to an old fort with quite the story behind it. Wandering the fort and reading the signage are great additions to any roadschooling curriculum. 

After we explored the fort, we went to the beach area. This beach is a bit rocky, so I recommend water shoes, but on a calm day, there is decent snorkeling out by the big rocks in the water. Additionally, watching the cruise ships leave the port from the beach is pretty magical. 

Note: Other state parks in the Keys are also well worth visiting. Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, and John Pennekamp are particularly excellent! 

If you plan on heading to Florida at any point in your RV travels, I 100% recommend visiting these state parks and any others you may come across. If you will be in the state for a while, the annual state park pass is definitely a worthwhile purchase, but even if you pay to visit a few spots individually, these parks offer incredible value.  

Which one will you check out first? 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the fantastic opportunity to participate 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 world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area to visit the Disney parks. Still, 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 O. ~ “All the agents were very friendly and followed up with phone calls to check the service provider’s arrival. This is our third request regarding our coverage, and we have been very pleased with the service!!”

Spring Roof Maintenance And Inspection

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Although we have had a pretty mild winter, most of us have winterized our rigs last fall and put them to sleep for several months and now is the time to think about getting them ready for the camping season. One of the most important things I believe an RV owner can do is to clean, condition, and inspect the roof material as well as all the sealants.

Can I Walk On My Roof?

It depends on many factors as all RVs are not created equal and some of the less expensive models have wooden framework that has very little structural integrity. Most of these models will have a sticker on the top that states no weight or a limited weight. If you are not sure what your roof can hold for weight capacity use a scaffold on the side of the rig or “bridge” the weight using a long piece of paneling to distribute the weight across the top. I have an 8’ piece of ½ “ paneling cut to 2” wide that I lay across the roof in case I feel the roof can’t hold my weight.

Another consideration is safety with a slick roof material and the risk of falling. I have found that most of the rubber membranes actually have good footing even when wet while I thought they would be very slippery. It would be wise to have a safety tether which you can get at any home improvement store. And have someone there to assist you as well.

It is a good idea to stay clear of anything that has a cut into the roof and installed such as the air conditioner, roof vents, and skylights. Most of these do not have any framework surrounding the opening so it would be a weak spot.

Proper Cleaning And Roof Materials

There are several different roof materials that have been used over the years starting with aluminum back in the 1980’s, then fiberglass and rubber membranes introduced in the late 1980’s and early 1990s. My “go to” cleaner is Dawn Dish Soap (Blue) which is great for oils, bird droppings, and tree sap and is also environmentally friendly. Remember the ducks in Alaska! Some readers in past articles have commented that it has particles that will scratch the material and sidewall and will also deteriorate the wax on the sidewall however I have used it for over 30 years and I do not believe the small concentration of the product will do any harm to the materials of your rig.

There are several roof materials such as EPDM, TPO, PVC, and fiberglass so it is important to know what roof material your rig has and what the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommends for cleaning and conditioning. EPDM and TPO have a recommended conditioner that can be purchased from Dicor while most PVC membranes such as Alpha Systems recommend cleaning with Murphy’s Oil Soap and no conditioning. Fiberglass materials from Kemlite (Crane Composites) just recommend cleaning although I do use a UV deterrent to keep it from fading.

You can determine if your roof material is EPDM by removing the frame from a roof vent and looking at the excess material. EPDM starts as a black membrane and has the color added to the top. The underside will still be black so if it is EPDM, you will want to clean it at least once a year and then condition it with Dicor EPDM conditioner or 303 Protectant. This will keep it from chalking and deteriorating due to exposure to the sun. Make sure you keep the side of the unit wet when cleaning as the white milky chalk will run down the sides and be very difficult to clean after it dries.

TPO can also be conditioned with 303 Protectant or a rubber roof conditioner that has UV protection. Alpha Systems has a product they call a PVC material and only needs to be cleaned with Murphy Oil Soap occasionally while other companies that make a PVC material claim there is no maintenance. I still think it is a good idea to clean it at least once a year.

Whatever material your roof has, it is necessary to inspect the seams at least twice a year to look for cracks or separation and reduce moisture penetration. Materials will expand and contract with daily temperature changes and sealants will separate or become brittle with exposure to the sun. If the sealant has cracks or pulled away from the seam, moisture can penetrate the area and once you see a water stain inside the rig, it’s too late. Visually inspect all seams around the roof to the front, sidewall, and back cap. Also inspect any openings in the roof such as roof vents, skylights, and plumbing vents. If you see a sealant that looks to have a crack or pulled away, it is time to remove the affected sealant and reseal it with a self-leveling sealant designed for your roof material. Common silicone is not the best application for every type of roof. Make sure you get the best sealant for your application.

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.

Bill W. ~ “VERY happy with the services provided by Coach-Net”

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 won’t have to worry one bit about winterizing your RV.

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

Best Spots for Camping in the Everglades

First, let’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 you’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 don’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 it’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 won’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.

…or Opt for a Tram (or a Bike)

Don’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 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.

Dickie N. ~ “You 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!”

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, it’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. It’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 don’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 wouldn’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 it’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.

It’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? You’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 doesn’t include any amenities, but it is free and in a great location, so it’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 (°F) 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 you’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 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.

Don H. ~ “You were able to fix my issue over the phone! amazing!”