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Trailer Maintenance Tasks Every RV Owner Should Know

07 Wednesday May 2025

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

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

Resealing the Seams and Roof

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

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

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

Slide Maintenance

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

Maintaining the Water System

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

To clean the fresh system:

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

Checking the Tires

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

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

Greasing the Wheel Bearings

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

The video below explains the process:

Brake Maintenance

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

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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.

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

03 Monday Mar 2025

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

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

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

1. Inspect, Clean, And Condition Your Roof

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

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

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

2. Check Your Tires

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

3.  Check Your Propane System And All Appliances For Leaks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Water Heater Prep and Sanitation

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

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

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

5. House Battery System

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

10 Top-Notch Roadschooling Resources

09 Thursday Jan 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping

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My family has been roadschooling for 9 years now. In this time, we have used a lot of resources. Some were great, others not so much. In this article, I will share with you the top 13 road school resources that we use in our schooling.

In-Person Learning

It can be difficult to find in-person learning opportunities when traveling. That said, we have managed to find some, and have really enjoyed plugging into a community and learning something new any time we have a chance.

Junior Ranger Program

As a national parks nerd, this one is at the top of my list. The Junior Ranger program allows kids to learn about their parks by doing hands-on activities and attending ranger programs during their visit. Once they have completed the requirements, they return to a ranger station or visitor center, where they are sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive a badge.

This program is available at every NPS site across the country.

Local Libraries

I am constantly amazed by what local libraries will offer completely free of charge. We have attended painting classes, Cricut workshops, a coding camp, dance classes, and more—all for free, and all through various public library systems.

Take a look at the library website wherever you’re headed next and see what kinds of classes, workshops, and events you might be able to attend.

Parks and Recreation Departments

When it comes to classes, I love to check the local Parks and Recreation Department website wherever we are traveling. Sometimes the department has very little to offer, but other times they have a whole collection of fun classes and camps available.

In most cases, Parks and Rec classes are less expensive than classes offered by a private organization. They also tend to be more laid back, meaning dropping in for a single month could be 100% okay. Just call to ask!

Apps and Websites

Apps and websites are some of the very best resources we roadschoolers have at our fingertips. That said, there are hundreds of options out there, making it overwhelming to find the right fit.

Below are the apps and websites we have found work best for us. 

Kahoot Math Apps

We love the Kahoot math apps. They make math easy to understand and provide kids with a fun way to practice their skills between lessons.

Teach Your Monster to Read

If your kid is having a hard time learning to read, Teach Your Monster to Read is the app for you. This app is what helped reading click for my son years ago, and now my 4-year-old daughter is using it to learn to read.

Duolingo

Duolingo is an ideal app for kids who want to learn a second language. It gamifies learning, helping to motivate students and make the learning process more fun.

Khan Academy

Currently, my son is using Khan as his primary curriculum. He appreciates that the lesson videos are short and concise, and he can move on quickly once he understands a concept. I appreciate that it is relatively hands-off for me and totally free.

Outschool

We also love Outschool. My son uses it to take science classes and art classes, both with teachers he adores and classmates he has connected with.

Note: We also used Prodigy Math for a time. While it wasn’t ideal for my son, I thought it was amazing, and therefore want to give it an honorable mention.

Reading Materials

Because we can only carry so many books in our tiny home-on-wheels, ensuring our kids always have new things to read can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Here are the solutions we have found.

Epic

Epic is a book subscription service that gives users access to hundreds of kids ebooks. I really liked that the platform was kid-friendly and that I knew my son was only given access to age-appropriate material.

Libby

If you want to use your local library system while traveling, Libby is an excellent app for that. This app allows you to check out ebooks through your local library using your library card.

Little Free Libraries

Want some real books too? Little Free Libraries are great for that! Look for these libraries as you travel, and whenever you find one, trade some books your family has already read for books that are new to you.

Local Libraries

Believe it or not, you can also make use of the local libraries wherever you travel much of the time. Most library systems offer some sort of non-resident library card to visitors. You may have to pay a small fee, but in exchange you will be given access to everything the library has to offer.

Thrift Stores

Another way to get some physical books in your kids’ hands is to visit thrift stores. Usually, thrift stores offer books for just a dollar or two, meaning you can pick up several new books without spending a fortune. While you’re there, be sure to donate any books you are no longer using to make space for the new ones!

Note: Our friends use the Everand app and adore it. This is similar to Epic, but with books for all ages. It does look amazing and might be worth looking into if you need even more options.

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.

What To Do In The Smoky Mountains With Kids

04 Wednesday Sep 2024

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

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

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

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

Start in a Visitor Center

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

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

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

Take a Hike

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

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

Hop in the Water

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

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

Enjoy a Firefly Show

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

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

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

Take a Driving Tour

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

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

The RV Extension Cord Guide

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

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

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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!”

What We Learned While Camping In Washington

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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My family was lucky enough to get to spend a couple of months camping in Washington during the summer of 2023. We had a magical time in the gorgeous state and wouldn’t hesitate to return again.

Planning to go camping in Washington yourself? Here’s what we learned during our travels.

When to Go

First, it’s important to note that camping in Washington is very much a seasonal activity. Sure, you could take your RV up there in December, but I guarantee you’d be freezing your tail off, and your RV water system would almost certainly see some damage from the trip. Instead, it is best to wait until the state thaws out a bit before you head there.

We visited during the months of June and July, and for the most part, the weather was beautiful. Even in July it was a bit chilly in northern Washington, so that is something to be aware of. Additionally, the state sees a lot of rain. Make sure your RV is well sealed before you head out!

I’d say June through August are probably the best months to spend time in this northern state unless you like colder weather.

Where to Stay

You’ll also find it worthwhile to explore the many Washington State Parks campgrounds. Camping fees at these parks are relatively affordable and the parks themselves are gorgeous.

  • Little Diamond
  • Mount Vernon
  • Oceana
  • Paradise
  • Birch Bay
  • Chehalis

What to Do

Once you figure out where to stay while camping in Washington, you’ll want to consider what to do during your visit. Fortunately, you won’t have any trouble at all finding fun and interesting ways to fill your time.

Here are some of our favorites.

National Parks

Washington is home to three incredible national parks that absolutely must not be missed. These include Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park.

Olympic is easily one of my favorite national parks out of the 40+ that we have visited, and North Cascades is so underrated it isn’t even funny. Take the time to visit these parks and give yourself at least a couple of days in each. Go on a hike, do some wildlife watching, and have the kids earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

Mount St. Helen’s

Mount St. Helen’s was an absolutely fantastic road schooling experience for the entire family. Our visit included a museum, a visitor center, Junior Ranger Badges, and a completely unguided and unlit hike through the Ape Cave lava tube (a totally cool experience, by the way).

This place is not only beautiful, it’s also an amazing place to learn about the science behind volcanoes, the astounding way nature recovers from huge events such as eruptions, and the importance of being prepared and responding quickly in the face of a natural disaster.

Seattle Attractions

We’ve visited Seattle a handful of times during our travels and we enjoy our time in the city every time (though I am always happy to return to the peace of our campsite outside of the city at the end of the day). The city is home to all kinds of museums, yummy food, and lovely parks.

Some of our favorite things to do in Seattle include:

  • Browsing Pike Place Market
  • Grabbing coffee from one of the numerous (and all excellent) local coffee shops
  • Visiting Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
  • Playing at the “Artists at Play” playground with a view of the Space Needle

Many people also love MoPop, but we have yet to visit this well-known attraction.

Numerous Museums

Speaking of museums, Washington is full of them. We highly recommend snagging a reciprocal museum membership from Kern County Museum before you visit so you can visit ASTC and NARM museums without paying an admission fee.

In some places, it is also possible to get a visitor library card and then snag a free museum pass through the library. We did this in Bellingham in order to visit both the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Mindport Exhibits.

Canada

When we ended up in northern Washington for a few weeks, we knew we had to drive over to Canada. We did it once, had a blast, and ended up driving over the border several more times before our visit was done.

Some of our favorite things to do just across the border included:

Espresso Stands

Last but not least, I must mention the coffee stands found in even the tiniest of Washington towns. These espresso shacks may not look like much, but everyone we visited served outstanding espresso. As an avid coffee fanatic, this was an incredible discovery, and my husband and I made a point of visiting as many espresso stands as we could. If you are a fellow lover of coffee, I suggest you do the same.

There you have it, my top tips for camping in Washington. I hope these suggestions help as you plan your own fantastic adventure to this spectacular place!

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.

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Getting The Correct Charging Profile For Your Battery Type

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Tech Tips

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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.

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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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Should You Rent Out Your RV?

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks, We Love It. We Live It.

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Many RV owners simply cannot take their RVs out as much as they would like. Family and work commitments make it impossible to head out every weekend, and weekdays are generally completely out of the question. 

Some RV owners don’t like seeing their rig sitting unused week after week, so they rent their RVs out to others. This is a great option for some, but it definitely isn’t for everybody.  

Should you rent out your RV? Only you can answer this question. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider so you can make that call properly. 

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV 

First, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come along with renting out your RV.  

Make Some Extra Money 

The most obvious pro and the main reason many RV owners are choosing the RV rental route? The money, of course. While most people who rent out their RVs report making only enough to cover the costs of RV ownership, some make enough to make renting RVs their full-time job.  

This will all depend on your area, the type of RV you have, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend renting it. Really, though, even just covering the costs of maintenance, storage, insurance, and the RV payment should be enough to make renting your RV worthwhile.  

Share Your Love of RVing 

Another major benefit of renting your RV out is that it gives you an opportunity to share your love of RVing with others. Many people who rent are heading out on their first-ever RV trip, and as the RV owner, you get to be a part of making their experience a great one. 

Have a customer who has already been on multiple RV trips? In this case, you can talk RVing with another enthusiast and share tips and tricks.  

Stay on Top of RV Maintenance 

A lesser-known pro of renting your RV out is that it encourages you to stay on top of RV maintenance. Cleaning, resealing, and repairing your RV are certainly not the most glamorous parts of RV life, but they are necessary. If you rent your RV out, you will have more reason to make sure these necessary tasks get done so your RV lasts for years to come.  

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV 

What about the drawbacks of renting your RV out to others? There are a few of those, too, and they should be considered.  

Wear and Tear 

When you rent your RV out when you aren’t using it yourself, it is used much more than it might have been otherwise. This means more wear and tear on everything in and on the RV. Your tires will need to be replaced sooner, your furniture will likely become worn more quickly, and the appliances might need repairing earlier than they would have otherwise. 

You have to decide if the money you make from renting out your RV is enough to cover this extra wear and tear.  

Time Commitment 

While you won’t be heading out for a full camping weekend whenever your customers are, renting your RV out is still a time commitment. You have to be available for pick-up and drop-off, as well as the walkthroughs accompanying those. You must also make time to clean the RV and perform necessary repairs between rentals. 

Before you jump in, make sure you actually have enough time to rent out your RV and everything that goes with it.  

Potential for Damage 

Last but not least, we do have to mention the possibility that your RV could be damaged while out on a rental trip. Yes, most renters tend to be very respectful, but accidents happen, and sometimes these accidents can result in a damaged RV.  

Rent through a reputable platform such as Outdoorsy to ensure you have good episodic insurance coverage in case any accidental interior or exterior damage happens while your RV is on the road. Requiring that your renters purchase Coach-Net roadside assistance (a perk that’s automatically added to all Outdoorsy bookings) can also bring you peace of mind and help in situations where renters need extra assistance.  

There you have it, the top pros and cons of renting your RV out to others. Should you rent out your RV? Consider the benefits and drawbacks listed above and then decide for yourself.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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5 Tips For Finding Affordable RV Campgrounds

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information

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The cost of everything—from rent to groceries and beyond—seems to have skyrocketed, and the price of camping has gone up right along with those things. This is a major bummer for those of us who prefer to pick affordable RV campgrounds to keep travel costs low.

The good news? While they are few and far between these days, it is still possible to find affordable RV campgrounds. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Look Into Memberships and Passes

First, I highly recommend looking into the many different camping memberships and passes out there. Some allow you to camp in various places with no additional fees. Others provide a steep discount on camping spots. Some are state- or region-specific, and some cover the entire country.

Depending on your camping style and how often you can get out, camping passes can be an excellent investment.

Some of my favorite camping passes include:

  • Thousand Trails — We personally have a big expensive membership due to our full-timing lifestyle, but even just the zone camping pass can be extremely helpful if you camp often in a particular region.
  • Passport America — This is a cheap membership that gets you deep, deep discounts on certain campgrounds.
  • Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts — Both of these are inexpensive memberships that give you access to campsites on privately owned land. Some have hookups, some don’t, but all provide unique experiences.
  • State Park Passes — We’ve had a few different state park passes over the years. Many of these come with a camping discount of some sort. The best one is probably the New Mexico State Park Pass.

Get Set Up for Dry Camping

Dry camping can save a ton of money. Many boondocking spots across the country are totally free (you can find them on Campendium), but there are also dry camping campgrounds that provide some amenities while remaining super cheap.

The thing is, you will want to be set up for dry camping before you dive into it. Having a generator and/or solar panel setup is crucial, and things like water bladders and “blue boys” are incredibly helpful.

Stay Longer

Many private RV parks charge less per night for long-term stays. If you are full-time or on an extended trip and need affordable RV campgrounds to make your travel affordable, try staying in one spot for a month or more and taking advantage of monthly rates.

Try Workamping

Another thing you can do if you’re full-time or are out camping for a while? Seek out working opportunities! Most “workamping” positions include a campsite, and most offer some sort of pay as well, so you can actually get paid to camp!

Search for Government-Run Parks

Depending on where you are, government-run parks are often less expensive than privately owned parks. Instead of RV resorts or parks run by big companies, look for the following:

  • State Parks
  • City Parks
  • County Parks
  • Forest Service Campgrounds
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds
  • Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Campgrounds

State park camping fees vary wildly from one state to the next, but are often very affordable. Likewise, county and city park camping fees range from totally free to $75+ per night. Forest Service, BLM, and Army COE parks are almost always super affordable RV campgrounds, and some are even completely free, but you might have to sacrifice some amenities in exchange for that low price.

To find affordable RV campgrounds run by these government agencies, try using the search features on Campendium or RV Life Campgrounds—both are useful tools that make it easy to search for campsites you can afford.

There you have it, five ways to find affordable RV campgrounds. Try putting some of these suggestions to use this summer to see how much you can save!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. 

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