Tag Archives: RV Camping

Getting Ready for the Spring Camping Season

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

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

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

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

Make Repairs

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

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

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

Clean Up

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

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

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

Update Your Look

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

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

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

Plan Your Springtime Adventures

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

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

De-Winterize Your RV

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

The most important de-winterization tasks include:

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

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

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

Richard M. ~ “Early on a Saturday morning, everyone was supportive, professional, and courteous in helping me diagnose the problem. The Tech was honest in the diagnosis and rendered sound courses of action.”

Riding The RV Water Sports Vacation Wave

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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Water sports vacations have long been a holiday favorite, driven in part by the ever-expanding RV market. Statistics show there were almost six times as many RVs shipped for sale in the US last year as compared to 1980. In the past two years, US RV ownership has risen a buoyant 12 percentage points. Taking RVs on a water sports vacation can also be seen as a pandemic response. Safer staycations have increasingly replaced overseas plane and hotel, or even interstate, travel. The success of any RV water sports vacation hinges on some forward planning, and a little mindfulness in keeping vehicles, equipment, and bodies protected, in and out of the water.

Prepare, Load, and Store

Before travel, items inside the RV should be locked down. Small belongings can be placed in the sink, televisions on the floor, and any latched doors firmly shut. Water sports equipment also needs securing. Jet skis, kayaks, or any other personal watercraft are usually transported on a trailer attached to the RV. Careful attention to the RV’s haulage weight is essential. On-site, water sports equipment should be stored inside or undercover where possible to avoid damage from continuous exposure to sun and rain. Jet skis and other water sports equipment can be stored and secured on their trailer to protect them from the elements and dissuade theft.

Keeping Sand at Bay

A beach vacation allows infinite possibilities for traipsing sand around. Invest in doormats for wiping shoes, a rug for seating sandy toes on outside, and brooms to sweep the sand away. A water bowl by the door encourages feet cleaning before entering the RV. 

Park and Play

Knowing how to park and protect an RV by the beach or lake is crucial. RVs can be parked on sand but should be secured by having hard surfaces placed underneath leveling jacks or tires to counter any sinking. Any side of the RV that is exposed to the ocean should be covered with sheets of mesh, plywood, or plastic. Tides should be carefully considered when choosing an appropriate beach spot to park. If RV vacationing by a lake in an RV resort, study the campsite maps before arrival and request a site that provides some privacy. Ideal site choices border woods or nature, don’t sit close to access roads, and are situated far from bathrooms and other amenities.

The same safety attention given to the RV needs to be taken when engaging in water sports. Whether it’s ocean or lake swimming, in calm or wavy waters, keeping an eye on currents, depths, and any potential perils, like uneven rocky surfaces, is essential. Only attempt operating personal watercraft with the required skills. So, for instance, if you’re on a jet ski for the first time, make sure to go super slow; give yourself time to get a feel for it first. 

Going on a water sports RV holiday offers an infinite array of possibilities in direction, activity, and pleasure. A little planning and attention go a long way, especially in times of increased uncertainty and change, and certainly when RV’ing and water sports are concerned.

Author: Alicia Rennoll

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Kevin K. ~ “Maurice, an RV Tech talked me through a problem that only a mechanic would know. He had the experience to find the problem with my slides and fix them.”

De-Winterizing Your Rig

02 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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RV Shows are back on this spring and attendance is record-breaking! I conduct seminars at RV shows around the country and what I have experienced is the excitement of RVers of all types wanting to get out and use their rigs. Some are looking to buy for the first time while others are seasoned veterans and itching to pull the covers off their sleeping beauties!

There have been several articles written about the steps to bring your RV out of storage and de-winterizing them. However, it is always a good idea to refresh your memory to make sure you look at all aspects of the rig and a few new tips on some of the new materials and appliances being used in RVs today.

Let’s start with the 120-volt/LP water heater. Hopefully, you drained all the water out last fall before putting it to bed. If so, you must fill the tank with water before turning the unit on, or it will burn out the heating element and ruin the water heater. BUT…before you fill it with water, now is a good time to do a thorough cleaning. If you look at the drain plug on your water heater, you will see it is not at the very bottom of the tank, rather an inch or more up the side which means you probably did not get all the water out. The small amount of water will not do any damage as it freezes, however, it is probably getting very “murky” and full of lime and calcium. Most owners do not realize this and every year the sediment gets thicker and thicker until it gets so thick it insulates the water from the heating element and does not run efficiently. It is a good idea to flush out all the sediment with a flush tool such as this one available on Amazon here.

Check All Sealants And Condition The Roof

The drastic temperature changes throughout the winter and spring can be rough on sealants and materials that are a vital part of keeping moisture out of your rig. Your roof material is most likely either a rubber component or fiberglass. Rubber material such as EPDM and TPO needs to be cleaned periodically and conditioned. Cleaning can be done with mild dish soap such as Dawn (Blue) and water with a soft bristle brush or broom. I would not recommend a pressure washer and you can literally peel the membrane away from sealants or openings. Conditioning depends on the type of material however DiCor has conditioners that are recommended by most membrane manufacturers. Alpha Systems recommends just cleaning with Murphy Soap and the new PVC-type membranes just recommend cleaning and no conditioning.

It is also important to visually inspect all sealants from top to bottom. Most manufacturers use a self-leveling sealant at the roof to front cap joint, sidewall to the roof, and around anything mounted to the roof. As the temperature changes, the materials expand and contract which means the sealants will do the same. If they get brittle due to exposure to the sun and elements, they will crack and must either have additional sealant added or remove the old sealant and reseal. Keep in mind you must use a sealant that is designed for your type of roof material or hard-front fiberglass cap! Standard residential silicone typically will not adhere to this type of material and will not seal. Check with your manufacturer or Dicor to get the correct product.

Another seal that is often overlooked is the rubber bulb and flap seal of slide rooms. The longer this is exposed to the sun and elements, the dryer the material gets and less chance of sealing.

There are several products that claim to be slide seal lubricants, however, I like 303 Protectant or ProtectAll All-purpose conditioners as they have UV protection built-in and actually condition the rubber material.

While you are conditioning the seals, inspect the top to make sure the seal has not been damaged by retracting the room with debris on the top? And check underneath to make sure the rollers are in good working order.

Sometimes the room can get out of alignment and not seal properly. Check the inside to make sure no moisture was able to penetrate at the corners which would lead to a soft floor and eventual expensive repairs.

A few years ago one of our local owners uncovered his rig for the spring, plugged it in, went inside to turn on the roof AC and it started “snowing”! A squirrel had worked its way under the cover and made a nest in the white insulation of the fan housing. After chewing most of the beaded insulation, it blew through the ductwork and created quite a mess. We were able to replace the insulation but it took a long time to clean out all the ductwork. What a mess, so make sure you inspect everything for “critters”. This is the unit before we uncovered the damage.

Tires

Tires are the most vulnerable component on an RV and typically the most neglected. It’s not uncommon for tires to lose pressure when just sitting and especially sitting for several months without being checked. Check the pressure and the sidewall for weather checking to help reduce tire failure further down the road. Spring is also a good time to have the bearings repacked and brakes checked on trailers. Most axle manufacturers recommend once a year. Even bearings with easy grease applications recommend inspection and repacking every year. Check with your axle manufacturer which is typically Dexter or Lippert.

LP System

I like to check the LP system in the spring when I bring my unit out of storage. This can be done with a water column test which is a little technical or with a simple tool available on Amazon. I use this tester at all the appliances to verify there are no leaks. You can also use an LP leak test solution but it takes much longer to test every connection. Do not use soap and water as the soap can damage components in the connections.

When opening the LP container valve, do it slowly as there is an excess flow valve that will shut down the flow if opened rapidly. This can take several minutes to reset as the backflow needs to bring the pressure down.

Another maintenance item I perform during de-winterization is the cleaning and inspecting the back of the absorption refrigerator. Remove the exterior vent and you will see the LP supply line, spark ignitor, burner tube, and cooling unit. Use an air compressor and blow off all the dust and clean the soot that forms in the burner assembly and flue. Make sure you have safety glasses as this can be a mess!

If your rig has a refrigerator vent on the roof, remove the cap and make sure the rectangular vent with a screen covering it is clean so it does not restrict the hot air from venting out.

Then I use a dollar bill and place it between the refrigerator door and cabinet, close the door and see what type of resistance I get. If the dollar pulls out easily, your door is not getting a good seal and warm moist air can get inside and cause excessive frosting or insufficient cooling. It’s not uncommon for the door to settle while banging it down the road and might need to be adjusted or shimmed.

Make a checklist

Just like your pre-departure checklist, it is a good idea to customize one for your rig to bring it out in the spring and not leave anything to memory. Conducting a thorough inspection and proper maintenance can help reduce failures and deterioration of materials down the road.

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.

Peter B. ~ “Took my information and connected me to a technician within 5 minutes. Very reassuring to have the ability to get quick answers to technical questions.” 

How Routine Maintenance Checks Help Alleviate Financial Stress

08 Tuesday Feb 2022

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

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It should be a given, right? 

Whether you’re buying your first RV or owning one for years, it’s a well-known fact that motorhomes, or any vehicle for that matter, require maintenance.

Unfortunately, the basic checks that stop an RV from breaking down on you during your family road trip are often overlooked. 

It’s surprising how such little effort put into maintenance can affect the vehicle long term. That’s not to mention what it can do to your bank balance. 

Let’s jump in and take a look at what some of these basic checks are and why they can alleviate financial stress… 

What Should a Routine Maintenance Check Include For An RV? 

These simple but crucial checks will help your motor home run smoothly and be less likely to leave you stranded roadside. 

Tires 

The first thing you should always check is your tires. Specifically, check the air pressure. 

Make sure all tires are full to the required air pressure (PSI). This can easily be done at most gas stations and will usually only cost a few cents. 

This seems obvious, but it’s surprising how often owners don’t do this. Driving an RV with low air pressure can not only damage the wheel itself but also ruin the whole axle of the vehicle. 

Yep, skipping this super basic check can have massive implications… 

Electrical 

When you’re on a big trip with your family, you’re going to want to check the electrics and make sure they’re working properly. 

The last thing you want is to be left unable to charge any devices or use appliances—especially the kid’s iPads—on those longer drives. 

Water and Waste 

Water and waste are two essentials, especially over long distances and camping with little to no facilities. 

If you’re using a self-contained vehicle, check all your water tanks are full and all the necessary pumps work. 

The same goes for your waste tank. Check the tank itself is all in order and that the pipes/system works well. 

The very last thing you want is for a small crack or disconnected pipe to leak. You don’t need me to tell you why that would be bad… 

Vehicle Fluids 

Like humans, vehicles need fluids to run smoothly. 

Check the water level of your rig and ensure there’s enough coolant. There’s nothing worse than an overheated RV in the middle of nowhere just because you forgot to top up the water and add coolant. 

Lights 

Another essential. For long drives (particularly at night) you’re going to want strong lights that work well. It’s not just your headlights that are going to help keep you and other road users safe, either. It’s your signaling lights and brake lights, too.

As well as this, working reversing lights will be massively handy if you’re pulling up to a back-in-site in pitch black dark. 

How Routine Checks Alleviate Financial Stress 

Now that we know some of the basic checks you need, let’s see why these are so important and how performing them can alleviate vehicle-related financial stress. 

Safety (For You and Others) 

When it comes to checking your RV’s all in working order, it’s not just about how safe your RV is and how much easier your trip will be. 

It’s other road users too! 

Having working lights, indicators, and, generally, a vehicle that works well makes the road safer for everyone. 

A vehicle that hasn’t been checked can not only be costly to repair, but also be dangerous to other road users. 

Surprise Breakdowns 

There’s nothing worse, right? 

You’re heading down the highway, music on, on the way to your annual family camping trip, only for the engine to start making strange noises. All of a sudden, you’ve gone from puttering down the road to chugging into the pullout unable to go any further. 

The initial worry of missing your family trip is then overtaken by worrying how much this breakdown is going to cost you! 

Taking proper care of your vehicle helps it run smoothly, efficiently and these sorts of situations are way less likely to happen. 

Vehicle Efficiency 

When you have clean oil, water topped up, correct coolant levels and a clean air filter, your rig runs more efficiently. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a class A, B or C… having everything right (especially fluids) allows the engine to run as efficiently as possible. 

This can save you a ton of cash in the long run. Although savings might not be visible initially, this well-oiled, fluid-filled vehicle will squeeze in a lot more mileage for every time you fill the gas.

You can check your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by using one of the best OBD2 scanners. A small handheld device that checks your vehicle’s performance. 

Lower Value Depreciation  

If you don’t look after your RV, it goes without saying it will eventually lose value. 

All the wear and tear on a vehicle (and engine) that hasn’t been looked after and has been running inefficiently for years at a time is going to drastically lower its value if you were to sell it later. 

With vehicles already having the highest rates of value depreciation of pretty much anything you can buy in 2022, this can equate to thousands of dollars lost. 

So, there we go. 

Now you know exactly what you should be checking on your RV, this can either be regularly (perhaps twice or three times annually) and definitely before any lengthy trip. 

It’s also very clear how disregarding such basic and easy to perform checks can have a major effect on your finances. 

We hope this post will help to keep your RV running smoothly and alleviate any potential costs. 

Take the time to perform checks and if you want to take things seriously, choose an OBD2 scanner as well. 

Happy RV’ing.

Author: Tim Setterfield

M.N., Porter, TX ~ “I was very impressed that the service provider driver called me on my cell phone to let me know when he would arrive.  Very courteous and efficient.”

The “Gremlin” In Your House Battery System

02 Wednesday Feb 2022

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

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Remember the 1984 original release of the movie “Gremlins”? If not, according to Wikipedia:

“The term “gremlin”, denoting a mischievous creature that sabotages aircraft, originates in Royal Air Force (RAF) slang among the British pilots stationed in Malta, the Middle East, and India in the 1920s.”

I like to use the term “gremlin” to describe an intermittent incident, failure, or event that is difficult to explain.

There are several areas gremlins hide in an RV, the 12-volt electrical system, appliances, 120-volt electrical system, and even in roofs. And how about those annoying refrigerators that won’t cool efficiently only to hit 34 degrees sitting in the service bay! We’ve all experienced some type of gremlin in our RVs and it can be not only frustrating, but expensive. For this blog, we are going to focus on the gremlins that can plague our 12-volt electrical systems.

12-volt DC Deep Cycle Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries have been a frustration for years for RV owners and typically last about 2 years, however they should last 5-6 years. The deep cycle batteries in your house system are designed to be drained down to approximately 50% of their amp hour or power storage capacity and recharged either by a converter, inverter, or solar panels many times, or “cycles”. They are measured in amp hours which means the approximate amount of time they can provide power to 12-volt systems such as the lights, roof vents, water pump, and any appliance running on LP. Lead acid batteries can only be drawn down about 50% of their capacity so a Group 27 battery with 100 amp hours can only provide about 50 amp hours.

Lead acid batteries are simply storage devices for power and as that power is drawn out of the battery, sulfur attacks the lead plates and coats them. If this coating is not removed during the recharging process, it gets thicker and eventually limits the storage capacity.

Traditional converters that are part of the distribution center simply start the charging state at 13.6 volts and then reduce to 13.2 volts when the battery reaches 12.6 volts. This is the voltage that the battery will no longer accept a charge so it is a maintain state. 

This is a typical distribution center with the circuit breakers for 120-volt applications and the converter behind the grill at the right. This type of charge will not break up the sulfation and will limit the batteries chemical to electrical conversion. Sulfation can also occur when a battery is stored without a full charge during the winter as all batteries will experience a slight drain if not connected to a charging or maintenance system.

To properly charge a lead acid battery, your system needs a multistage charger that starts with a bulk or de-sulfation stage which is a high voltage charge that literally boils the acid and breaks up the sulfur. This also causes excess gassing and acid depletion. This means more maintenance is required on each cell. Chargers like the Progressive Dynamics models with Charge Wizard, inverters with chargers, and solar panels with charge controllers all have the multi-stage chargers that will properly charge and maintain a lead acid battery.

You can get more information on the Progressive Dynamics products here: www.progressivedyn.com/rv/charge-wizard

The gremlin in this case is in the actual condition of the lead acid battery. If the battery is sulfated, it can be charged to 12.6 volts which is a fully charged lead acid battery, however it will drop fast and not provide the amp hours it was originally designed for. And it can not be accurately tested by local auto shop and service center equipment. According to my sources at Lifeline Battery, Trojan, and US Battery, the only way to truly test a batteries condition is to properly charge the battery and place it on a 25 amp load machine and verify how many hours it provides power which almost never happens! And I get this all the time, “I had the batteries checked by a technician and they are fine”, “The batteries are 12.6 volts so I know it’s not the battery”, “The batteries are only 6 months old and register 12.6 Volts so I know they are good”.

If an appliance such as the refrigerator or air conditioner has intermittent performance, the first gremlin I look for is 12-volt power. Yes, even though both of these run on 120-volt AC power, they require 12-volt DC power to run the control module, thermostat, and other components. If your batteries are sulfated, they can draw down fast and limit the DC supply to those components before the converter kicks in and starts to charge. The first thing I recommend when there is intermittent functions is to connect a portable charger to the house batteries to see if that eliminates the situation. Then you know it’s not the batteries and can dig deeper into the system.

I get many questions from readers that the system did not work while out camping only to bring it to a dealership and it works fine! What typically happens in this situation is while you are camping, there are several variables that affect the operation such as higher ambient temperatures that would make the roof air conditioner and refrigerator run more often drawing more power and sometimes at the same time. Other components will be used such as the interior lights, water pump, water heater, all of which come on at times you are not aware of and draw power. Then you take it to the dealer and they plug it into a good 30 amp service with nothing else on and the appliance works great. Next time you take it out, it doesn’t work again! One reader indicated they had an issue with a furnace and the service center actually pulled the unit out and bench tested it three times and it worked every time! This tells me that the unit is working fine and there is an issue with air flow restriction, temperature, or the house battery since the furnace was isolated on the bench?

That is why it is important to test in real world situations and always document everything being used.

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

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

RV Repair Club

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Must-See Roadside Attractions for RVers

02 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Are you guilty of taking random detours on your RV route to see oddball roadside attractions? Don’t be ashamed! These impulsive pit stops are one of the best parts of taking an RV trip. There are so many jaw-dropping and equally head-scratching sights, like the following must-see roadside attractions. And as an added bonus for RVers, many of these attractions offer RV parking, on-site camping, or are located near RV parks.

Unclaimed Baggage Center

Source

Scottsboro, Alabama

Ever lost your luggage at the airport? If it was never returned, it might be on sale at the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage, Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama. According to the company, “Over 99.9% of domestic airline’s checked bags are picked up at the carousel. After airlines conduct an extensive 3-month tracing process there are still a small percentage of bags left unclaimed.” 

Unclaimed Baggage Center purchases lost luggage and then sells, donates, or recycles the contents. Customers can find an array of everyday goods like clothes, cameras, jewelry, electronics, and sports equipment at discounted prices. And they may also find some far-out treasures like medieval armor, a vintage scuba helmet, and rare antiques…whatever fits in a suitcase.

London Bridge

Source

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

The London Bridge did, in fact, fall down. But portions were sold in auction, dismantled, and reassembled to create the bridge spanning Lake Havasu City’s Bridgewater Channel today. The bridge is a marvel for history buffs. 

Folks can walk or drive across and take a guided tour that points out marring sections created during World War II, like strafing scars from German aircraft fire. The lamp posts lining the bridge were made from the melted-down cannons seized by the British from Napoleon’s army after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Salvation Mountain

Source

Niland, California

Just east of the Salton Sea shines the colorful hillside masterpiece of the late Leonard Knight. Impassioned by his spirituality, Knight was motivated to create a message of biblical and religious proportion. Fashioned out of adobe clay and donated paint, this 50-foot tall and 150-foot wide art piece is something that must be seen in person to truly appreciate, regardless of one’s beliefs. The surrounding desert landscape is also a popular boondocking site where RVers have overnighted.

Winchester Mystery House

Source

San Jose, California

While it is stunning on the outside, the historical Winchester Mystery House is quite bizarre on the inside. This 160-room Victorian mansion was once the home of Sarah  Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune. From 1886 to 1922, Winchester made unusual additions and modifications to the home, creating a labyrinth filled with staircases and doors that led to nowhere. It has 40 staircases, 13 bathrooms, and 47 fireplaces, among other additions. While the public is at odds about this wealthy woman’s motives, some speculate she built the home to confuse and trap evil spirits that haunted her. Guests can tour the home and grounds and discover the fascination behind this over 100-year-old architectural wonder for themselves.

UFO Watchtower

Source

Hooper, Colorado

The UFO Watchtower is essentially an observation platform with a 360-degree view of the San Luis Valley and, even better, an exceptional stargazing vantage point. It’s a location that has reportedly been the scene of countless alleged UFO sightings and activity. Extraterrestrial seekers come to glimpse a UFO for themselves, and others just want to see what all the hype is about. Folks can even opt to dry camp overnight as the attraction allows camping.

Garden of a Thousand Buddhas

Source

Arlee, Montana

Travel 20 miles north of Missoula and find the tranquil and beautiful Garden of a Thousand Buddas. In short, the site is a public park, botanical garden, and Buddhist Center. The gardens are open daily, and visitors can tour the dramatic setting that includes 1000 buddhas and 1000 stupas perfectly positioned. The gardens are meant to evoke a sense of positivity and enlightenment in all those that enter.

World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

Source

Mount Tremper, New York

Recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, this psychedelic attraction was created in a silo measuring 60 feet tall and 37.5 feet in diameter. Spectators are treated to a mind-bending visual and sound experience dubbed the Kaleidoshow. It can be viewed by either laying on the floor or leaning against the wall. The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope was eventually made a part of the Emerson Resort and Spa in Mount Tremper.

Travel Apps That Locate Nearby Roadside Attractions

There’s an app for everything, and apps like Roadside America and Roadtrippers allow RVers the opportunity to locate nearby roadside attractions along their route. 

The Roadside America app, for instance, helps users find unique places worth stopping at along their route. The app starts at $2.99 for its basic feature and is only available on iOS 12.3 and higher.

Road trip planner apps like Roadtrippers and RV Trip Wizard are all-in-one programs. Users can plan their road trips, including final destination, camping/lodging along the route, and even plotting pit stops like roadside attractions in the interim. These are available on iOS and Android.

Don’t Hit The Open Road Without This Helpful Resource Also

There are many resources like trip planning apps to help folks along their travels. But one of the best resources you could have as an RVer is a trusted roadside assistance program like Coach-Net’s Roadside Assistance. With Coach-Net’s full suite of RV protection products like

  • 24/7 RV Technical & Roadside Assistance
  • Tire & Wheel Protection
  • Service Agreement for New & Used RVs
  • Paint & Fabric Protection
  • Guaranteed Asset Protection

…you can have solid peace-of-mind coverage! Learn how you can make the connection to carefree RVing with the help of Coach-Net!

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Natalie Henley and her husband, Levi, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years.  They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com.

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Robert E. ~ “I called in pretty late and didn’t think I’d get assistance with my slide out. I spoke with Mary and she helped me solve the problem I was having. She was real knowledgeable and walked me through a few steps and had my slide out going back in. Thanks for the help at a crazy hour!”

Coach-Net Camping: Christmas At Lake Murray

02 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by in We Love It. We Live It.

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Melissa has been a part of our Coach-Net family for over 8 years. She started with us as a Dispatch Agent, was promoted to an Agent Manager, and now works with our Vendor department as a Vendor Network Specialist! Melissa and her family go camping several times a year. She’s down-to-earth and kind. She’s a “what you see is what you get” type of person and around here she’s known as “Momma Mel”.

We had the opportunity to take Rosie (the company Airstream) out over Christmas, so we packed up and took the whole family out to Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma. We searched for a place that we could take our dirt bikes to ride, and out of everywhere we looked these trails looked the best. It was not a long drive, only 1hr 12mins from where we live in Krum, TX. The drive itself was a little boring – rather flat & it was winter time so the color theme was drab. Once we arrived at the park there were evergreens in abundance! It was beautiful! The campground attendants were very nice & the facilities were extremely clean.

Our trip began on Christmas Day and we stayed for two nights & three days! We had so much fun that our youngest daughter said we should go camping every year for Christmas! Perhaps we’ve started a new Christmas family tradition!

 Although it was not our first RV experience, it was the first time we had camped in Rosie and the first time we’d been camping over Christmas. We had quite a large group come with us! It was my husband, myself, six of our 7 kids with their significant others, one grandbaby, future granddaughter (my oldest is 7 months pregnant), and several more! We also brought our “fur babies”: Bongo, Autumn, and Monster. No, we could not all fit in the Airstream Flying Cloud, so we brought several tents and used some of the primitive campsites. 

My favorite memory was being able to spend Christmas with my family. Due to work schedules and extenuating family circumstances out of state this year I have not been able to personally attend any of the family camping trips in 2021. So, this was the perfect ending to a tough year!

The only challenge on the trip was that the campsite was under a burn ban so we couldn’t make use of the fire pits and could only use the smaller grills provided at each campsite. With the size of our group and the quantity of food that had to be prepared, I was super happy to have had the Airstream at my disposal. Lucky for us we could not have asked for better weather! It was a perfect low of 48 and high of 75 for the day! Ideal for camping.

One of these days we’d like to go again! I would really love to explore more of what Lake Murray has to offer…or maybe we’ll go further north. I hear the Arbuckle Mountains are beautiful. I’m originally from South Carolina and have not explored much outside of Texas.

My family and I love RVing and camping. It allows an open space where you can just turn off the electronics and just BE with each other enjoying the fresh air. 😇 The children worked on art and crafts. The older kids worked with spirit animal and ancestor oracle cards. Of course, they all tore up the many trails in their dirt bikes. I’m thinking that the next ATV toys we purchase will be dune buggies so the older folks can romp through the woods as well.

CAN’T WAIT UNTIL NEXT TIME 😍

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R.B. ~ “I could not have asked for better service from Coach-Net and the tow driver.  Very helpful, responsive and professional.  Both helped take a lot of the trauma out of a tow.”

Tips for Picking the Perfect Campground

18 Tuesday Jan 2022

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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One of the most important things you can do to make sure your next RV trip goes off without a hitch is to book the best campground for you. Where you stay can really make all the difference in the world, so paying attention to details when choosing a campground is a must.

That said, most people don’t book campgrounds every day, and many don’t know what to look for in an RV park. That’s why we’re here. The tips below will help you pick the perfect campground for you, your travel party, and your camping style.

Consider Your Camping Type

Some people visit RV parks simply to have a place to park while they see the sights. On the flip side of that, there are those who camp purely to escape into nature with no intention of ever leaving the campground.

It’s important to know what you want to get out of your camping experience. Obviously, those looking for a nature escape won’t want an RV park that is mostly concrete, and those who merely want a place to park probably won’t want to be out in the countryside, far away from everything.

Know How Long You’ll be There

How long you’ll be staying in a particular place might make a difference when choosing a campground. You see, some campgrounds are geared toward more stationary RVers, offering long-term rates but fewer amenities. Meanwhile, there are campgrounds that are focused purely on transient guests. Of course, there are some that offer a mix of long-term and transient sites.

Know what you’re looking for and don’t be afraid to call and ask about weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual rates if need be.

Be Sure Your Whole Party Will Be Welcomed

Some campgrounds welcome kids with open arms, offering playgrounds and even kiddie pools. Other campgrounds allow kids but aren’t particularly welcoming towards them, and then there are those who don’t allow children at all.

Pets are another thing to consider, as some parks invite them to stay, while others don’t want them on their grounds at all, and still, others do allow them but have very specific rules to be followed.

Check out the rules for children, pets, and party size to make sure your whole family is welcome in the park you are considering.

Pay Attention to Location

Location is incredibly important. If you are visiting an area to see a particular site or attraction, make sure that place is within a reasonable distance from the campground. Keep in mind that some cities are quite sprawling, so simply staying in the same city as the attraction may not be enough.

Another thing to watch out for? The part of town you’re in. While many campgrounds are in rural areas surrounded only by peace and quiet, some city RV parks might not be in the best areas. Try to do some research to make sure the park you choose is in a safe place.

Research the Campsites

Once you know the location will work for you, you’ll want to do a bit of research on the campsites themselves:

  • If you require full hookups, make sure that option is available.
  • Need a super long site? Ensure the park has sites big enough for your rig.
  • You might also want to find out whether the sites have concrete pads, whether Wi-FI and cable TV are included, and—if you’ll be staying long-term—whether or not utilities are included in the rate you’ll be paying.

Check for Amenities

The campsites themselves are one thing, but the amenities included in your stay should also be taken into consideration. If you have kids and a playground is a must, check to see that one is available. Want a pool? A hot tub? What about a clubhouse? These are all things you can find if you are willing to search for the right campground, and we recommend taking the time to do so.

Read Reviews

Often, what a website says about a campground and what the place is actually like are two different things. For this reason, we recommend using the campground website for your initial research and then branching out to see what other campers think by reading reviews. This will give you a real feel of the place and help you know what to expect.

Some good sites for reading reviews include Campground Reviews, The Dyrt, and Campendium.

Join Camping Membership Clubs

Lastly, if you plan to camp often, we highly recommend joining some camping clubs. While you will still have to research each campground before you book it, joining a club will help narrow down your options while also giving you a discount on the included campgrounds. This makes camping more affordable, allowing you to go out more often.

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!!!!”

Get Inspired and Be Entertained on Your Next RV Trip to Alabama

12 Wednesday Jan 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama

Whether you winter in the Gulf Shores, go RVing to popular events, or take a road trip to historical markers, Alabama has all sorts of fun and unique locations to explore. The following are just a smidgen of the many areas, celebrations, and landmarks sprinkled throughout the state. Find your sweet spot of adventure in Sweet Home Alabama the next time you RV through the South.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Enjoy Miles of White Sand and Turquoise Water

Experience endless summers in Southern Alabama. While other folks in other parts of the country are shivering in snowstorms, snowbirds are soaking in the sun and tranquil turquoise waters along Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The 32 miles of pristine beachfront on the Alabama coastline is a haven for water sportsmen. And there are even more land activities on and just minutes away from the beaches. From fishing to boating and hiking to biking, there really is never a dull moment for vacationers or season dwellers.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of Alabama’s top winter destinations because of their varied accommodations and, of course, warmer weather.  This area has also been referred to as the “New Florida” for snowbirds. While not as long as the Sunshine State’s shoreline, Alabama’s coastline offers two prime assets. It’s not as busy and congested, and it’s more affordable than Florida. Other than that, RVers can still enjoy the same activities, white sands, and salty air!

Mardi Gras

Mobile Knows How To Put on a Mardi Gras Parade

Although there is an ongoing debate on its origins, Mobile, Alabama, lays claim to the first celebration of Mardi Gras. The first festival was reportedly started by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois in 1703 when Mobile was the capital of French Louisiana. Fast forward to today, and Mardi Gras is a multi-week-long extravaganza. Like downtown New Orleans, downtown Mobile transforms into a wonderland of sorts, filled with the sights and sounds of live music, parades, parties, and other frivolities.

If your RV travels include scoping out local happenings, you won’t want to miss this annual shindig. While in town, make it a point to stop by the Mobile Carnival Museum and get the lowdown on the rich history behind this legendary event and the city’s unique ties to its beginnings.

Museums Dedicated to Black History

Just One of Many Telling Exhibits at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

From Birmingham to Montgomery and places near and far, Alabama has been the backdrop to decades of monumental events in the black community. An Advance Local Media article from 2020 mentions, “Montgomery alone had more slave depots than churches at the dawn of the Civil War in 1861. Many men and women helped the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he rose to national prominence on Alabama soil. The Lowndes County Freedom Organization was the precursor of the national Black Panther Party.”

There are a number of museums throughout the state that highlight the triumphs and tribulations of black history through exhibits, artwork, presentations, and educational seminars. For example, the Legacy Museum in Montgomery features a comprehensive history of the nation, focusing on the legacy of slavery. And the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Other moving museums and sites that preserve and interpret black history include:

  • National Voting Rights Museum, Selma
  • Freedom Rides Museum, Montgomery
  • Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Montgomery
  • National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery
  • Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
  • Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery

Cathedral Caverns

The Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, Alabama is Quite Extraordinary

The amazing sites don’t just stop above the ground. Alabama has some pretty out-of-this-world places right below your feet. Cathedral Caverns State Park is home to the Bat Cave or what is now referred to as Cathedral Caverns because of its cathedral-like appearance.

Visitors to the state park can take a guided tour of the majestic underground, which features one of the largest stalagmites in the world (“Goliath”), measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Other fascinating natural cave formations include the “caveman” perched atop a flowstone wall, a “frozen” waterfall, and a large stalagmite forest.

RVers can stay overnight or longer as the park has a camping section. And if anyone gets tired of cave exploration, there are miles of hiking trails throughout the park and even gem mining.

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Most Trusted Passenger on Your RV Trip to Alabama

Of course, this list is only scratching the surface of possible places to experience on your next RV journey into Alabama. There are plenty more cities, big and small, to explore, historical landmarks to learn about, thrilling attractions to get the heart pumping, and natural wonders to build up your sense of wanderlust. Alabama is a state all its own waiting to be discovered.

All you have to do is pack up the RV and point your rig south. And don’t forget to buckle in your Coach-Net roadside assistance. With Coach-Net’s full suite of RV protection products, you can have peace-of-mind protection for a carefree journey. Coach-Net provides unlimited towing, jumpstart, fuel delivery, locksmith, tire assistance, winching, and technical support.

Get even more valuable benefits with the premier plan. Besides 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance, it includes concierge services, global emergency travel services, tire discounts, camping discounts, and so much more. Learn more about Coach-Net’s dynamic roadside assistance programs.

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and work camp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Swain W. ~ “Service was excellent and follow up was fantastic. It means a lot to be taken care of when you are down. Very happy with everyone’s performance I would not have known what to do or who to call if I had not had Coach-Net. You all were excellent.” 

RV Heater Types, Maintenance, & Troubleshooting

05 Wednesday Jan 2022

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

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Over the years we’ve seen more and more RV enthusiasts not putting their RVs away for the winter or even heading South for warmer temperatures, rather using their rigs for winter activities. I remember some chilly nights at -20 degrees in Fargo ND, a weeklong trip with my own personal “Ski Chalet” in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and every February we drag out several motorhomes to use as “green rooms” for bands at the Winter Dance Party in Clear Lake IA!

Whatever your type of winter camping, making sure your furnace is operating at the utmost efficiency is important. Let’s take a look at the different types of heaters used in the RV Market:

RV Heater Types

Forced Air Ducted

For years, Suburban, Dometic, and Atwood Hyrdoflame were the main brands available and they all worked in a similar manner. The thermostat would be set to the desired temperature and when the ambient temperature inside the rig gets to that setting it would create a closed circuit and send the 12-volt power to the module board of the furnace calling for heat. The furnace would start the blower motor which exhausted any old air in the intake, burner assembly, and exhaust port. It also pushed air over the burner assembly to the vents drawing interior air for circulation. As the air flowed over the burner assembly it raised a sail switch in the round shroud and once this switch lifted high enough, it would create a close circuit sending 12-volt power back to the module board indicating there was enough airflow to open the gas valve and start the spark sequence. A forced-air–ducted vent furnace typically has an exterior mount and can only be accessed for service from the outside.

Once the burner was lit, air moving over the burner assembly was heated and distributed through the coach by either flexible ductwork under cabinets or under furniture or by a plenum under the floor to floor vents similar to a residential design.

Forced Air Direct Discharge

This design operated the same as the vented version but is used in smaller units without vents and the air is supplied directly from the vents on the furnace itself. It has a much more compact design and can be accessed from inside the rig.

Heat Pump

Another option for heat that has been a source of confusion for many RVers is a heat pump option that is labeled “Electric Heat” on a thermostat. Most heat pumps operate through the roof air conditioner and in simple terms, the unit runs backward and draws BTUs out of the outside air through the coils and evaporator to provide heat inside. These models only are efficient down to about 55 degrees outside temperatures and only supply mild supplemental heat from the 60-65 degree ambient temperature range. The confusing part is the label on the thermostat makes it look like it’s an electric heater that can be used any time you are plugged into shoreline power!

Almost every year I get a call from the group at the Winter Dance Party complaining the heaters don’t work in the units sitting outside as green rooms. In every case they ran the propane out using the forced air heater and switched it to “Elec Heat” and it just blows cold air. That’s because it is 0 degrees outside and there are NO available BTUs for the heat pump! However, it is a good source of free heat in that 55-65 degree range to top off the inside of your coach if you are plugged into shoreline power and not paying extra for it!

Heat Strip

Some roof air conditioners have a heat strip feature that does work on 120-volt power which heat a thin wired strip around the perimeter of the shroud inside the roof air conditioner, however, it is not typically enough to keep the rig warm.

In-Floor Heating Systems

Several models have been introduced over the years including Aqua Hot which has an onboard boiler that heats a liquid solution and routes it around the rig to heat the interior and water heater. I have also seen a few electrical versions of a wired-in-floor system using pads with coils but these are usually an aftermarket installation.

Making Your Forced Air Type More Efficient

There’s not a lot of maintenance required with forced air models either vented or non-vented however, there are things you need to understand to prevent issues.

Proper 12-volt House Battery Power

Even though they run on propane, your furnace needs at least 10.5 volts of DC power to the module board for it to open the gas valve and light. The deceiving part is the fan will run all the way down to 4-5 volts so it seems to have power, just won’t light? Most often the issue is a sulfated battery that can’t keep up even when plugged into shoreline power with all the other appliances running as it seems they are fully charged, but drop off fast if sulfated. I constantly get the question, my furnace will not run and my batteries are good? The only way you can tell your batteries are holding a full charge and providing the amp hours designed is to charge them properly, hook them up to a 24 amp draw machine, and count the hours! Since this is almost never done, hooking up a digital meter only tells you the current charge, not the efficiency. If the batteries are sulfated, they will start off at 12.6 volts but drop fast and a low battery will not provide the power needed to get the airflow out of the fan and raise the sail switch, therefore the gas valve will not open and the unit will not light. If your fan is running, but your furnace does not light, hook up a portable booster to verify it has enough power. If it still does not light, read on.

Low LP Pressure

All LP appliances need 11” of water column pressure to operate properly and this is provided by the regulator at the LP cylinder. If you know you have proper 12-volt power and hear the click of the gas valve opening and the spark trying to light and it does not light, the chance is you have low LP pressure. This can be tested at the furnace by a certified technician, or you can do a quick test by turning on a stove burner and watching the flame. It should be a steady blue one. Turn on a second and then a third and notice the flame. Then turn on another LP appliance such as a water heater or refrigerator and notice the flame. Sometimes appliances work fine for a while then stop. This could be a situation where it is the only appliance working and there is enough LP pressure and 12-volt power for one but when the water heater or refrigerator kicks on at the same time, there isn’t enough of one or the other? This little test will simulate several appliances drawing at the same time.

Sufficient Air Flow

Not only does the sail switch need to be raised at the fan motor shroud, but there must be good airflow out of the direct discharge as well as the vents. If you have rugs over the vents or anything blocking the airflow, it will create back up in the furnace could affect the sail switch but most likely create a rise in temperature building up and the high limit switch will shut the unit off. This is a temperature sensor at the far end of the burner assembly as a safety feature. Keep all vents open and free-flowing.

Maintenance

Even though I mentioned earlier there is very little maintenance required, it’s important to make sure there is good airflow in and out of the outside intake/exhaust vents as well as the interior air return. Spiders and mud daubers love propane and heat and will plug the holes needed to bring fresh air into the burner chamber and exhaust outside.

Make sure they are clean and the air is flowing freely. Sometimes it might be necessary to install a screen over the vent to prevent the build-up of foreign material! If your exhaust vent has an abundance of black soot or what looks like a potential extremely hot situation that has created a burned effect, get it looked at by a certified technician.

Also check inside to make sure there isn’t a build-up of pet hair, dust, or other items that can get drawn into the air return for proper circulation.

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

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

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Jim G. ~ “The young lady who assisted us was very kind, she listened to our needs and passed along the specific RV information to the service provider. The service provider used was local to us and very good. The service was efficiently, safely, and expertly given.”