Tag Archives: RV Life

Best RV Stops: Family-Friendly Children’s Museums Across the U.S.

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

When our son was younger, we would make a point of visiting children’s museums wherever we went. Now that our daughter is old enough to appreciate these museums, they are making their way back into our travel plans.

In this article, we will discuss the best children’s museums we’ve seen so far. Choose one from this list when planning your travels, and you really can’t go wrong!

The Magic House

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is home to a number of great attractions. There is a free zoo that is amazing, as well as a free science center, a history museum, and an art museum. The city is also home to the incredible City Museum, which should be on every traveler’s must-see list. Another favorite St. Louis spot of ours? The Magic House.

I have fond memories of visiting the Magic House when I was little, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the museum met my expectations all these years later. The place plays host to climbing structures, sand- and water-play areas, an outdoor play area, and the crown jewel: a kid-sized city where kids can try out different occupations for a while.

Houston Children’s Museum

Houston, TX

Houston is another city with lots of wonderful museums to choose from. The Health Museum is fantastic, as is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Of course, you definitely don’t want to miss the Houston Space Center, nor do you want to skip the amazing Houston Children’s Museum.

The latter museum features one of the bigger kid cities I’ve seen, and the city is complete with currency, meaning kids can get “jobs” and earn “money” to go spend at the businesses in the tiny town. Other cool things in this museum include a huge outdoor play area, an awesome indoor climbing structure, and a super fun maker space where kids can create new inventions.

Children of Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA

One of the more unique children’s museums we’ve seen, Children of Gettysburg is small, but it has a very specific purpose, and it does its job well. The purpose? To present the story of Gettysburg in a way that kids can understand and appreciate.

The museum follows a set of children from various backgrounds through the events of the Battle of Gettysburg. Everything is explained in a way that kids can connect with and digest, and there are plenty of hands-on activities to engage young visitors and help them dive into the world of the 19th-century children they are learning about.

My kids especially loved the last room where they could care for an “injured soldier” and make a speech as President Lincoln.

Bay Area Children’s Museum

San Francisco, CA

Bay Area Children’s Museum may be a lesser-known children’s museum, but we thought it was absolutely magical. In fact, we loved this museum so much that we returned for a second round of fun a couple of years after the first.

The museum is set up in several different buildings, which I appreciated, as it helped my busy little guy focus on the thing he was doing rather than being distracted by all of the other exhibits. There was a lovely outdoor space between the buildings with the coolest “natural” play area. We really loved the art room at this museum and probably could have stayed there all day long.

How to Save on Children’s Museum Visits

One of the things I don’t love about children’s museums is how expensive they can be. Fortunately, we have found some ways around that:

  • Many children’s museums offer free or cheap days each week or once a month. Look for these days and try to plan your travels around them if you can.
  • Additionally, some museums will offer coupons or Groupons. Search for these before paying full price; you never know what you might find.
  • Lastly, a lot of children’s museums are part of reciprocal museum programs. ASTC is a science museum reciprocal program that offers members free admission to all member museums. ACM is a children’s museum reciprocal program that offers cardholders half-off admission to the museums in their program. Both include plenty of children’s museums all across the country.

As you can see, there are lots of amazing children’s museums scattered across the country, and really, these are just a handful of them. Hopefully, this article inspires you to check out a few of these super fun spots 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.

The RV Extension Cord Guide

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

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

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

Choosing an RV Extension Cord

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

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

Amperage 

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

Length 

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

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

Durability 

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

The Best RV Extension Cords

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

Using an RV Extension Cord

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

Use a Surge Protector 

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

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

Don’t Link Cords 

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

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

Avoid Water 

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

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

Pull at the Plug 

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

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

May contain affiliate links.  

About the Author: Chelsea G.

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

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

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

Getting The Correct Charging Profile For Your Battery Type

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Tech Tips

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Voltage – FLA                                    State Of Charge                                Voltage – AGM

12.6-Volts                                         100%                                                  13.0-Volts

12.5-Volts                                         90%                                                    12.75-Volts

12.42-Volts                                       80%                                                    12.5-Volts

12.32-Volts                                       70%                                                    12.3-Volts

12.2-Volts                                         60%                                                    12.15-Volts

12.06-Volts                                       50%                                                    12.05-Volts

11.9-Volts                                         40%                                                    11.95-Volts

11.75-Volts                                       30%                                                    11.81-Volts

11.58-Volts                                       20%                                                    11.66-Volts

11.31-Volts                                       10%                                                    11.51-Volts

10.5-Volts                                         0%                                                      10.5-Volts

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

Proper Charging Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) Mode

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

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Profile

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

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

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

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

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RV Repair Club

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Tire Discounts

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

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.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

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.

Hazard Protect

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!!!!”

RV Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

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

Lack of Power

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

Plug-In

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

Flip the Breaker

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

Warm Air

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

Check the Capacitors

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

Check the Compressor

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

Weak Airflow

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

Look for Freezing

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

Look for Clogs

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

Cover Cracks and Holes

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

Check the Fan

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

Excessive Cycling

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

Check the Capacitors

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

Look for Ice

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

Have Parts Professionally Tested

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

Dripping Water

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

Clean the Drain Pan

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

Clean the Coils

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

Tighten Things Up

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

Smelly Air Conditioner

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

Weird Noises

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

Check the Fan

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

Get Rid of Vibrations

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

Test the Compressor and Capacitors

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

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

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

5 Tips For Finding Affordable RV Campgrounds

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

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. 

Hazard Protect

Aww Shucks!

John A. BC.~ “I live in a smaller city in Canada and was curious about how effective the service would be here … but I was pleasantly surprised. The contact person was patient and though it took him a few minutes to locate me, he was very helpful. This is my second experience with Coach Net – the last being in Nevada with my RV, and both experiences were very good. Thank you and keep up the good work!!”

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.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

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!!”

8 Tips For RVing In The Desert

01 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in RV Safety, The Great Outdoors

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

It may still be hot summer weather right now, but winter will be here before you know it, and it’ll be time to take your RV to warmer places. And one of the best options for this? Camping in the desert!

Yes, camping in the desert is a wonderful thing when the weather in most of the rest of the country is chilly and gray. That said, there are some things you should know before you go. If you’re planning a desert camping trip this winter season, be sure to keep the tips below in mind.

Know When to Go

First, it’s important to note that the time of year you go camping in the desert is key. As mentioned above, the desert is a wonderful place to be in the winter, when it is sunny and wonderfully warm compared to the vast majority of other places. On the flip side, the hot summer months are far from comfortable, and camping in the desert during that time of year could even be downright dangerous.

For this reason, we highly recommend planning your trip for wintertime. If you must visit in summer, make sure you book a site with electrical hookups so you can run your A/C.

Drink Lots of Water

Even in the winter, the desert is a very dry place. This, coupled with the warmer weather, can easily lead to dehydration.

Since nobody wants to feel the effects of dehydrating while trying to enjoy an RV getaway, we suggest always carrying a bottle of water and keeping a way to refill your bottle close at hand. Sipping water throughout the day (rather than drinking it only when you’re thirsty) is absolutely the way to go.

Wear Sunscreen

Camping in the desert during the cooler winter months does not mean you’re safe from the sun’s rays. These rays are especially powerful in the desert where shade is hard to find and the terrain often reflects the light back up at you.

For this reason, sunscreen and sunglasses are desert camping essentials that you should wear every single day you’re there.

Bring the Right Clothing

The right clothing can also make all the difference in the world. Lightweight, light-colored clothing is best. A good hat with a wide brim will provide you with shade when there is no natural shade to be found, and dressing in layers will ensure you stay warm when the temperature drops suddenly as soon as the sun goes down.

Protect Those Feet

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a huge percentage of your time barefoot. It’s supposed to be healthy for your feet and it certainly is more comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit hazardous when you’re camping in the desert.

This is because the desert is home to all kinds of prickly plants as well as plenty of snakes and other critters. Stepping on these plants and animals at all wouldn’t be good, but doing so without shoes on is even worse.

Be Aware of Critters

Speaking of snakes, it’s important that you are aware of what kinds of animals you might find while camping in the desert so you can be properly prepared.

For instance, the desert is home to rattlesnakes. Generally speaking, these snakes will leave you alone as long as you don’t bother them, but you definitely want to watch your step so you don’t disturb them. Coyotes, cougars, and scorpions are other creatures you’ll want to watch out for.

Pack a Source of Shade

As mentioned above, shade is hard to come by in the desert. Therefore, we recommend packing your own source of shade so you can enjoy the outdoors without sitting in full sun. Your RV awning should work nicely for this, but if you don’t have an awning on your RV, a stand-alone canopy can do the same job.

Prepare for Dust

Last but not least, we must mention the dust. The desert is probably the dustiest place you will ever camp, and that dust likes to get into everything.

Put your electronics into cases to protect them. You’ll also want to put out an outdoor rug—as well as a tub of water for rinsing your feet before entering the RV—to try to reduce the amount of dust that gets tracked inside. When you’re finished with your desert camping adventure, make sure to replace the air filters on your vehicle(s) and your generator, as well as your air conditioner filter.

Hopefully, these tips for camping in the desert help you have a safe and wonderful time exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the USA. Now pack up the camper and get ready to make some great memories!

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.

~Ralph Playdon ~ “This is my first time using your services and I am blown away.”

Tips To Ward Off Insects In And Around Your RV

12 Tuesday Sep 2023

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Having lived in Northern Iowa my entire life, I am way too familiar with mosquitos and other annoying insects in and around my RV. Nothing is more annoying than the buzz of a flying insect in the middle of the night! Aside from harsh chemicals and nasty traps, there are some things you can do to keep them out of your rig and some safe and natural deterrents.

Check and seal all slide-outs.

Almost every RV has at least one slideout and this is a very easy entrance point for all types of insects. When the room is extended, check around the entire perimeter as there are often gaps at the top or especially lower corners. Verify the seals are in good condition, not torn, and not pulled away from the flange. Even with good seals, there may be gaps that need to be filled with temporary foam insulation or even a swim noodle cut down.

Check all entrance areas such as windows, doors, and roof vents.

It is not uncommon to have slight gaps in screen doors, especially where the notch for the deadbolt on the entrance frame is al. Check around the edge, especially in the corners and on the floor. Make sure the screen is in good condition with no holes or tears. Do the same with the window screens and the roof vents. Most appliances with outside access such as the furnace, water heater, and the roof air conditioners are enclosed enough to keep insects out however it wouldn’t hurt to pull off the cover and make sure the evaporator cover is tight. This is a shot of removing the evaporator cover from an older unit. If there are any gaps, use HVAC silver tape to cover them up.

Also, pull off the outside refrigerator vent cover and inspect the compartment to verify there are no gaps for access to the inside.

Keep your doors and windows shut.

This may seem like a fairly elementary point however most RVers don’t realize how often they go in and out of their rig leaving the screen door open for a very short time, especially when grilling outside or tailgating. Running in to get a cold one could let in enough flying pests to ruin an evening. If you do need to go in and out frequently, take a look at an awning screen room. This will allow you to enjoy the patio area of your rig, go in and out as you please, and keep the pests out. Just make sure all the edges are tight against the awning frames and the RV. Check out the tips for essential oils that can be used in these areas below.

Stay away from water and don’t let standing water around your rig.

Water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mayflies, and other annoying flying pests. The farther away from water the better however that is not always easy to do. The more you can clean up stagnant water around your campsite the better such as fire pits and low spots. According to the CDC female mosquitos lay eggs in water and the eggs can hatch into larvae within 2 days and into full-fledged flying pests in 5 days.

If you come across standing water or can’t get rid of it, there are options to kill the eggs and larvae naturally. Several companies sell a Mosquito Dunk which is a natural product made with BTI that will kill the larvae within 24 hours.

Adding a few drops of dish soap to the water will kill not only the larvae but any adult mosquito that lands on the water. Adult mosquitos can stand on top of water due to the tension strength of the surface. The soap weakens that strength and the adult mosquito sinks and drowns and also suffocates the eggs and larvae. Another option is to use a few drops of cinnamon oil which will not only kill the larvae but also is a great deterrent.

Keep the RV and campsite clean.

Flies are attracted to smells from decaying food in garbage, fermentation from soda or beer, and sewage. Mosquitos are attracted to Carbon Dioxide which is emitted by humans, lactating, body heat, dark clothing, and uric acid which would be mostly from pets. Keep your campsite clean, get rid of the garbage often, and walk your pet to another area to tinkle! I’m not sure about the dark clothes but it is worth some research.

Try these popular deterrents

  • Wind: Mosquitoes are lightweight and any amount of wind will blow them around and hamper their ability to fly, so run a fan to keep them from your area. However, this most likely won’t keep them from coming inside.
  • Insect repellent: There are several good sprays that you could use on the seals around the slide rooms, screens, and doors. Some have DEET, while others are all natural.
  • Natural scents: Mosquitoes do not like citronella, cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, and other mint scents. Some RVers have used lavender, catnip, cedar, and even garlic.
  • Smoke: A campfire with a little bit of smoke is a great deterrent if you like the smell of smoke lingering for a long time. Unfortunately, no matter where I sit around the campfire, the smoke follows me!
  • Use Thermacell: I ran into a product years ago that is one of the best mosquito deterrents I have found. Thermacell is available in a portable belt pack version for hiking, a lantern for around the campsite, or the Thermacell Patio Shield available on Amazon.

The butane cartridge heats the pads and there is very little heat and no smell and works well.

  • Reduce carbon dioxide (CO2): Our bodies give off CO2, and that attracts mosquitoes. Proper ventilation, as well as wearing proper clothing, will reduce the smell of CO2. Wash your face and arms periodically. An old-school option is two teaspoons of vanilla extract with a cup of water in a spray bottle, which is almost as fun as a video game!
  • Camp in cooler weather: Mosquitoes are inactive in temperatures below 50 degrees. Maybe it’s not the most ideal camping conditions, but worth the note.

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.

Sherilyn G. ~ “I didn’t have to wait very long at all! The tech was able to get my problem fixed over the phone. It was great! Than you so much!”

6 Things Every RVer Should Know About Caring For RV Slide Toppers

09 Wednesday Aug 2023

Posted by in Tech Tips

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

RV slide toppers—these RV accessories are very common, but rarely discussed. Most RV owners don’t pay their slide toppers much mind at all until the toppers start giving them trouble.

We’re hoping to use this article to help educate RV owners everywhere about RV slide toppers. Here, we will discuss what exactly RV slide toppers are, as well as the maintenance required to keep them in tip-top shape.

What is an RV Slide Topper?

Before we go further, we should take a minute to discuss what slide toppers are. As you might have guessed, slide toppers literally top the slide. They are small awnings that jut out over each RV slide-out, protecting it from rain, hail, and debris.

They’re nice because they can help prevent the water leaks that slide-outs are infamous for. They also provide protection from the sun’s rays, helping keep your rig cooler and helping seals last longer.

Not all RVs have slide toppers though. If your rig doesn’t have them and you’d like to install a set, you should start with an RV slide topper kit like this one.

Keep Your Toppers Clean

Whether your RV slide toppers were installed aftermarket or came standard with your RV, the first step toward ensuring they last a long while is keeping them clean.

Be sure to brush any debris off before retracting the slide awnings, so that sticks and other pointy objects don’t damage the fabric. You’ll also need to clean the fabric every few months with a long-handled brush and some water mixed with dish soap in order to remove dirt and tree sap.

Try to Let the Awning Fabric Dry

If at all possible, before pulling the slide toppers in, try to let the awning fabric dry after cleaning and/or rainstorms. This shouldn’t take a long time and it will help protect your RV slide toppers from developing a layer of mold or mildew, something that is nearly impossible to get rid of.

Need to break camp in the rain? Consider putting the slides back out when you get home to let the toppers dry before you put the RV into storage.

Pull RV Slide Toppers In During High Winds

Strong winds can cause some serious damage to RV slide toppers. Not only will they blow the fabric around—potentially leading to tears—but they can also cause branches to fall from trees, something that can damage both the slide toppers and the slides themselves.

Since these are things you certainly don’t want to be dealing with while trying to enjoy a camping trip, we strongly recommend pulling your slides and slide toppers in when high winds roll through.

Note: It also doesn’t hurt to pull the slides in if heavy hail begins to fall.

Check Your RV Slide Toppers for Tears

Over time, awning fabric starts to wear out, making it very easy to tear. For this reason, it’s good to keep a close eye on the fabric, especially after a few years of use.

Each time you go to retract your slide toppers, make sure to do a quick inspection for tears. If you do find a tear, repair it with some awning tape before you pull the slide in, as retracting the awning with a tear can actually cause further damage.

Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric as Needed

No matter how well you care for your RV slide toppers, there will come a time when the fabric really does need to be replaced rather than just repaired.

The good news? This is a job you can likely do yourself with the help of a friend or family member. Better yet, most replacement RV slide topper fabric is thicker and more durable than the topper fabric they use in the RV factories, meaning you should get even more life out of your RV slide toppers once you replace the fabric.

The video below gives easy-to-follow instructions on replacing your RV slide topper fabric.

There you have it! Everything you need to know to take excellent care of a set of RV slide toppers. Be sure to add these tasks to your RV maintenance list so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of these awesome RV accessories for years to come.

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.

Sandra L. ~ “Both times we’ve had to call Coach-Net, they have been very friendly, compassionate, and helpful. This last time the representative even called me back to say he talked to his manager and they would help us even more by paying part of the second service call fee. Unexpected and amazing!”