Tag Archives: RV Tips

Tips For Using Your RV Oven

08 Wednesday Jun 2022

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

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We love having the ability to cook in our motorhome no matter where we may end up parking. That said, it took us a while to get used to our RV oven. Not only is lighting the thing a little bit complicated, but even once we figured out how to light it, we had trouble getting the right temperature and dispersing the heat to avoid burned spots.

Now though, we use our oven on a regular basis. Here are our top tips and tricks for getting the most out of the oven in your RV.

Get an Oven Thermometer

First, I highly recommend grabbing an oven thermometer. You see, we’ve found that the ovens in our RVs rarely meet the temperature we set them to, resulting in prolonged cooking times. An oven thermometer allows you to see exactly how warm your oven is so you can adjust the dial accordingly.

Check the Door

Another common RV oven problem? The door doesn’t shut all the way. If you find that your oven is never coming to temperature, check the door to make sure there isn’t a gap that’s letting heat escape. If there is, you can solve the problem very easily by leaning something against the oven door to keep it shut tight. We use a simple folding step stool for this, which comes in handy for all sorts of other things too!

Use a Pizza Stone

Perhaps the biggest RV oven complaint is that the heat in these tiny ovens is hard to disperse properly. This leads to hot spots, resulting in food that burns in one spot—usually the middle of the bottom—and is undercooked in other areas. One way to solve this problem is by placing a pizza stone under whatever you’re baking.

…or Put In a Muffin Tin

Some people say the pizza stone doesn’t quite do it for them. If you find that the stone isn’t working for you, you might turn to a muffin tin instead. That’s right: a regular, cheap muffin tin turned upside down under your baking dish will actually help evenly distribute heat! The end result is food that is cooked evenly throughout.

Turn on the Vent Fan

Obviously, RV ovens are hot, and that heat can spread into the living space of your RV while the oven is doing its thing. This leads to an uncomfortably hot tiny home during the summer months, especially if you can’t run your A/C for any reason.

Not only that, but because RV ovens run on propane, they also release moisture into the air. This leads to issues in the colder months, as the moisture tends to create condensation on the walls.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to both of these problems. Running the vent fan helps get rid of the heat and moisture in the air while the RV oven is running. This trick works equally well when using the RV propane stove. Therefore, you should always run your kitchen vent fan while cooking.

Turn to Other Appliances

Our last tip for using your RV oven? Don’t use your RV oven! While this isn’t always the best option, it is a good option to have. There are a number of small electric kitchen appliances that you can use for baking purposes. When you have access to electricity, it often makes more sense to use one of these instead of the RV oven.

Some of our favorite small kitchen appliances to use in place of the oven include:

That said, absolutely any air fryer, countertop oven, or toaster oven should do the trick just fine.

Hopefully, these tips help you get some baking done in your RV so you can have cakes, casseroles, and all of those other delicious baked goods you enjoy at home while out on the road. What will you bake first?

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.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Camping with your Dog

25 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in Tips & Tricks, Traveling with your Pet

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You’re ready to get away from it all with your dog by your side. What are the top five things you need to keep in mind as you head off on your camping adventure, possibly for the first time? Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

Desensitize your dog to fires and tents

When I was little, we used to “go camping” in our backyard. Firepit, marshmallows, tents, sleeping bags, the whole thing. This prepared me for going camping much further away from our home. Your dog needs to be prepared in the same way. Let your dog explore your RV while it’s at home(unless you’re a full-timer, of course), bring them outside as you sit by the fire pit, and let them acclimate to the smell, and feel, of camping.

Find dog-friendly places to camp

For some reason, not all campgrounds want dogs. Sad, for sure, but a simple hurdle that can be cleared with a little research. Look online, call around, and ask your fellow RVers. The last thing you want is to show up at a campground and not be able to bring your companion along for the ride.

Give your dog a job

It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have: they need something to do. Your dog may be a couch potato at home, but with new surroundings, it may feel out of place and unsure of itself. Wear that dog out, mentally and physically! Is your dog active? Take it on a hike. Does your dog attempt to entertain itself if it’s not kept busy? Brings their favorite chew toy or play fetch in a nearby body of water! This is a strange new world for your dog, so keep them moving!

Give your dog something that makes them feel at home

Going somewhere new is exciting, but your dog may quickly find that it misses that special something from home. Make sure they have a favorite toy or blanket, and of course, bring an adequate supply of dog food. Bringing something with a familiar taste or smell can help put your pup at ease in a new and unfamiliar place.

Plan for the long-haul

I always pack “extra” everything when I go camping. Double the socks, shirts, and anything else, just in case. Do the same with your dog. Hopefully, you’re never in a situation where you need to unexpectedly survive in the wilderness, but have these emergency items on hand just in case: extra food, a spare lead for the dog, blankets, medicine, and other first-aid equipment both for you and the dog. If your trip happens to run a day or two longer than expected, keeping these things at the ready will put you at ease should you need them!

Camping is fun, and camping with your dog is even more fun! Camping knowing you’ve thought through all the little details of bringing a four-legged friend along for the ride is even better.

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Stephen S. ~“Third time using technical services and all were excellent! We’ve used road assistance twice and the service was prompt and efficient!”

Considering Lithium RV Batteries? | Part 2

04 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips

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In part one we discussed the difference between lead-acid, AGM, and Lithium batteries. Since then I have talked with our technical department and asked “how do you know if the lithium battery you are considering is good quality? They indicated that “lithium” is the new hot button in the RV industry and they are flying off the shelves. Many “opportunistic” companies are doing a “lick & stick” (his words exactly) by purchasing cheap overseas lithium and putting their sticker name on it. Many of these have prismatic and palmer cells that can not withstand the vibration and bouncing the typical RV encounters as well as temperature changes. This creates connectivity issues and produces thermal events.

Quality lithium batteries use cylindrical cells for the internal pack and protect them with molded ribs instead of foam filler. Also, the connection between these cells is best with mechanical connection rather than solder which is cheaper but is not as stable.

So how do you know? First, look for the UL listing and the file number. Then ask for an exploded view and description of the interior of the battery! If they can’t provide it, chances are the components are sub-par!

Then I asked; “What else should we look for in Lithium Batteries for an RV?” The answer was a good Battery Management System or BMS built into the battery. A BMS monitors the cells within the battery and keeps them from operating in an unsafe condition due to overcharging or undercharging. It can detect any shorts in the connections and balance the charge in each individual cell. If it does find an issue, it will shut the battery down before any damage can occur. This is especially important if your charger has a bulk charge stage or if you’re trying to get that last bit of sunlight in your solar panel charging system.

Temperature Is Important

The BMS will also monitor the temperature to make sure the battery either shuts down during extreme high and low temperatures or controls fans or heaters that could be part of the system. Extreme high temperatures can cause thermal runaway and charging a Lithium Battery at below-freezing temperatures will ruin the battery. The BMS will shut down the battery if it is not equipped with a cooling fan or heater. A quality Lithium Battery will either have an internal heater or heat pad/blanket that the BMS will activate when needed.

Now that we know what to look for in a quality Lithium Battery, there is more information you need to consider before jumping into the Lithium world! In Part 1 we talked about the WFCO converter that was used in the RV and how it only provided a 13.6-volt charge however you need to research what converter/charger or inverter/charger you have and how it operates. Most Lithium Batteries want 14.6-volts for charging and can be charged much faster than the typical lead-acid batteries. If your converter only provides 13.6-volts it will take longer to charge and will not charge 100% so you lose about 35% of what you paid for. Even worse, if you have a multi-stage charger it will start the bulk charge at 16-volts to break up sulfation in the lead-acid battery and then go to a float and equalizing charge. 16-volts will ruin a Lithium Battery unless it has a BMS in which case it will shut down and won’t charge!

One option is to install an upgrade to your converter such as the Progressive Dynamics 4655CSV model. This runs approximately $250 but is well worth it to get 100% out of your Lithium Battery.

If your converter, inverter, or solar charger is not putting out 14.6-volts I would recommend you consider upgrading the charger, lead-acid, or AGM. I did speak to a representative at Magnatek which is owned by Parallel Power Supply and they are using a stand-alone converter that puts out 13.8-volts and recommending it for use with Lithium. If you have a larger diesel pusher model and/or a residential refrigerator chances are you have a larger inverter that is also a battery charger and need to verify what voltage it is providing. Most newer models have a setting for Lithium.

DC To DC Charger

If your rig has the capability to provide a charge from the engine battery whether it’s a tow vehicle pulling a trailer with the 7-pin connection or a motorhome through the Battery Isolation Management solenoid (BIM) your alternator could potentially provide over 225 amps such as the case with a Mercedes model. This would require a DC to DC Charger that will regulate the amps. Battery Born recommends the Victron and Mike Sokol of The No Shock Zone recommends the Redarc model.

The Advantage Of Lithium Batteries

The biggest advantage of Lithium Batteries in my opinion is they do not sulfate and do not require much maintenance. Yes, the cost can be 5 times as much, however, the average lead-acid battery lasts about 2-3 years unless it is maintained religiously then it could last up to 4-5 years. The average Lithium Battery will last 8-10 years, so if you plan to keep your rig for more than 5 years, it will most likely cost about the same, however, you get all the other advantages.

A Lithium Battery can be drawn down to almost 100% vs a lead-acid battery at only about 50% and it will charge up about 5 times as fast so you get longer battery usage when dry camping and faster recharging so you don’t have to run the generator all day or worry about only getting a few hours of sun with a solar charging system.

Lithium Batteries are about ½ the weight of lead-acid batteries and you get the same amp hours out of one 100-amp hour Lithium vs two lead-acid batteries. So the Lithium Battery is lighter and takes up ½ the room in a compartment or on the tongue of your trailer.

Once you review all the information and what type of charging system you have, you can now decide if Lithium is the right choice for you and worth the money.

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

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

RV Repair Club

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

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Rosita J. ~ “Coach-Net agents always ask at beginning of a conversation if you are in a safe place…that is awesome! Every agent we have dealt with has been attentive, patient, friendly, and quick to make note of the issue. Within minutes they were connecting us to a technician who talked us through fixing our problem. We are extremely satisfied with Coach-Net’s services.”

 

Must-See Stops When You Go RVing on Route 66

20 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in RV Information, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Get Your Kicks on Historic Route 66

U.S. Highway 66 – Will Rogers Highway – Main Street of America – Mother Road

Historic Route 66 has many names. It runs from downtown Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and ends at the Santa Monica Pier in California. Of course, travelers cannot drive the entire route uninterrupted nowadays. But what remains “holds a special place in American consciousness and evokes images of simpler times, mom and pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road,” as the National Park Service so eloquently phrased it.

If you have not made the trip down Route 66, this spring or summer is as good as any time to do so. Grab the family and take off in the RV. There are several RV parks and campgrounds to rest at between sightseeing ventures along the route. Be sure to include these must-see stops on your Route 66 RV journey.

Ambler Texaco Gas Station

The first stop is Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station, also known as Becker’s Marathon Gas Station, in Dwight, Illinois. This filling station turned visitor’s center was the longest operational station on the route from 1933 to 1999. Much of the establishment has been restored to its original luster, giving visitors a snapshot of what things looked like in the 1930s.

Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch

St. Louis, Missouri’s iconic Gateway Arch is another popular stop on Route 66. Dubbed the “Gateway to the West,” this impressive structure is over 600 feet tall. Visitors can travel up the legs of the arch via an egg-shaped tram that seats five. Once at the top of the arch, they can take in sweeping views of the surrounding areas. On particularly windy days, spectators at the top will feel the arch sway side to side.

Meramec Caverns

There is plenty to see above ground along Route 66 and some pretty amazing sights below, like the Meramec Caverns in the Ozarks, near Stanton, Missouri. This 4.6 mile-long system of caves is a treasure trove of unique rock formations, and visitors can opt for a guided tour. Meramec Caverns also offers a slew of above-ground activities for families to enjoy, including zip-lining, wall climbing, boat tours along the Meramec River, and more. Plus, a restaurant, snack bar, and ice cream shop are located on-site.

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route

A mere 13 miles of Route 66 traverses through Kansas, but the little town that folks first pass through boasts big pride for the Mother Road. The old mining town of Galena is full of Route 66 attractions, including Cars on the Route. This service station that dates back to 1934 was transformed into a roadside café and a souvenir shop with all things Route 66. Vehicles designed to look like characters from Pixar’s Cars movie (particularly Mater the Tow Truck) sit outside the restored station and make for whimsical photo ops.

Pops 66 Soda Ranch

Pops 66 Soda Ranch

All this exploring will probably make you thirsty. Simply head for the 66-foot-tall neon, bottle-shaped sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma. Established in 2007, Pops is a full-service restaurant, gas station, and convenience store wrapped up into one family-friendly environment. And let’s not forget the soda pop! Thirsty customers can choose between over 700 different kinds of sodas and drinks, from classic to whacky flavors.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch

Like Galena, Kansas, Amarillo, Texas offers a variety of Route 66 attractions to anyone traveling through. Fans of Route 66 can check out the RV museum, Historic District (named after the route), and the Cadillac Ranch art installation. An Insta-worthy photo op, Cadillac Ranch is a line of 10 spray-painted Cadillacs half-buried in the ground. Visitors sometimes bring their own spray can and mark a car or two.

Blue Hole

You aren’t seeing a mirage when you pass through the desert of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. That’s the Blue Hole, a natural pool with hidden caves once used by cowboys and earlier Route 66 travelers as a place to cool off. Today people come to swim, dive, cliff jump, scuba dive, and snorkel in the crystal-blue water. The Blue Hole stays at a constant 62 °F and has a constant inflow of 3,000 gallons per minute, enough for the water to completely renew itself every six hours

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater

You don’t have to travel to the Moon to see a crater, just travel a bit further down Route 66 and stop at the Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona. Created about 50,000 years ago, when a meteorite hit the Earth, the impact made a dent in the Earth’s surface, measuring about .7 miles in diameter and is 560 feet deep. Visitors can take a rim tour, peruse the Discovery Center, and more.

Calico Ghost Town

Route 66 passes through its fair share of ghost towns. Some are entirely abandoned, some have a few residents, and others are tourist attractions. Once a bustling silver mining town in California, Calico Ghost Town was abandoned in the late 1800s and later transformed into an old west tourist attraction. Throughout the year, folks can go on ghost and mining tours, pan for precious minerals, ride on a train, or attend special events.

Don’t Hit The Mother Road Without the Mother of All Roadside Assistance Plans

“We’re here to help you enjoy your RV to the fullest. We offer products and services that help you travel worry-free and spend more of your time enjoying the great outdoors.”

–Coach-Net

When you purchase a Coach-Net membership, you invest in peace of mind. Help from a trusted RV expert is just a phone call away and is always available 24/7.

With Coach-Net Roadside Assistance, you receive:

  • 24/7 RV Technical and Roadside Assistance,
  • Tire and Wheel Protection,
  • Service Agreement for New and Used RVs,
  • Guaranteed Asset Protection,
  • Paint & Fabric Protection,
  • And much more. 

Learn more about how Coach-Net can make your Historic Route 66 adventures unforgettable.

What are other Historic Route 66 attractions you would add to this list?

About The Author: Natalie Henley

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

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Getting Ready for the Spring Camping Season

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

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

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

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

Make Repairs

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

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

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

Clean Up

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

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

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

Update Your Look

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

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

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

Plan Your Springtime Adventures

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

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

De-Winterize Your RV

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

The most important de-winterization tasks include:

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

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

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

Considering Lithium RV Batteries?

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

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

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Over the past few years, I’ve written several articles about deep cycle batteries such as “RV Battery Types and The Power They Provide” in May of 2018, “Choosing The Right Battery For Your RV” in October 2020, and others along the way.

For the past 6 months, RV shows have started back up and I have been conducting seminars again and it seems that Lithium batteries are the rage! I would guess mostly due to the fact that the lead-acid batteries used in most of the new rigs for the past 20 years have been failing miserably in just a couple years. I ask attendees at the seminars about who has changed batteries every 3 years and once in a great while I’ll find an owner that has had the same batteries for over 3 years! Mostly because he has a multi-stage charger in his rig and they have not sulfated.

Is Lithium Worth The Money?

This is the most important question to ask yourself when it comes to upgrading to Lithium batteries and it really depends on how much dry camping you are planning to do and how long. A good friend of mine just bought a motorhome that has two Interstate batteries that will not hold a charge and had not been maintained very well if at all.

As you can see, the batteries are bloated, there is corrosion at the terminals, and a rat’s nest of wiring. These batteries are also 6-volt batteries as they only have 3 cells and so they are connected in series which means the positive cable of one battery is connected to the negative battery of the second battery which gives a 12-volt “bank”. This is not original equipment, rather someone that obviously did not maintain his batteries very well and when the original set went bad, they ran to an interstate distributor who set them up with these. I did a little research and this rig has a WFCO converter which is the charger and it provides a 13.6-volt charge when the battery is drained to 50% capacity and drops to a 13.2-volt maintenance charge when the batteries get to 12.6-volts. This will do nothing to break up the sulfur that will coat the plates during normal operation so it will get thicker and thicker with every cycle and eventually look like this. I also find it ironic that the fill caps have the quick-flick bar as I call it so you can just pinch the two bars together and take all three caps off at once. The problem is…the batteries have little or no water/acid so it was a waste of product!

The first question I asked was; “How often do you plan to boondock or dry camp?” Then I had to explain what that meant as he is really new! “How often are you going to camp where you will not have shoreline power to plug into so you can recharge your batteries?” “Never” was his answer, so buying a $1000 Lithium battery would be a waste of money! In his situation, a good set of Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries would be the best as they require little maintenance and are not as affected by sulfation. He could get by with just one 12-volt deep cycle that would give him 100 amp hours but then since the Flooded Lead Acid batteries can only be drawn down about 50% he might want to go with two 12-volt FLA batteries just in case he wants to tailgate at a football game. The two 6-volt batteries that are currently in there only increase the voltage when connected in series, not the amp hours so he would need to go with four 6-volts instead. There are several advantages of 6-volt batteries that were covered in the previous articles, mostly longevity in cycles and years of use.

The History Of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries have been available for over 40 years and there is still some concern from owners about their safety. You hear stories about them catching on fire and even have to take them out of suitcases in checked luggage when flying. The Lithium batteries that are available for the RV market are not the same type, rather Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFEPO4, and are very safe. Initially, these batteries were too expensive for the RV market but new technology and completion have brought the price down to a more manageable level if you consider $1000 manageable? However, the value of this type of battery price compared to FLA or AGM is a Lithium battery can last 3-5,000 cycles at which time it has a 75% capacity and can outperform the others for 10 or more years.

You Get What You Pay For!

This is so true in so many products and especially Lithium Batteries. I talked with several different manufacturers such as Go Power, Renogy, and a new one called Expion 360. For the past 7-8 years I have been working with Zamp Solar out of Bend OR with my seminars at shows and videos on RV Repair Club. I believe they make some of the best quality solar panels on the market and are rugged enough to withstand the brutal wear and tear of RV use. John Yozamp is the original founder of Zamp Solar and was an avid camper frustrated with poor-quality solar panels. I won’t bore you with all the quality details, however, he sold Zamp and has started another company to supply a superior Lithium battery to the market…Expion 360. I talked with John and their technical department and there are so many cut-rate batteries flooding the market that will not stand up to RV use. Many are made for the solar explosion in the residential and industrial market and the batteries are housed in a climate-controlled room and never move. These are made of thinner plastic, cells are divided by paper board or foam, and connections are soldered, all of which will not last in an RV.

And there is so much more. In part 2 we will discuss the importance of a smart Battery Management System incorporated into the actual battery, cold weather charging issues, and if your converter will properly charge a Lithium battery or ruin it!

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.

RV Protect


Thomas Z. ~ “Unbelievable service, and from the time we called in till he showed up 40 minutes. Super! Follow-up calls. Excellent experience. Kudos to Coach-Net”

RVing in Texas: From the Mountains to the Sea and Caverns In Between

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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The Lone Star State has much to offer in the way of varying geography.  From the sunny shores of the Gulf of Mexico to the rugged ridges of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park and everything in between, Texas is a haven for outdoor adventurers, like RVers! The following are a mere handful of these majestic natural wonders to travel to on your next RV trip. 

Big Bend National Park

The mountains loom over the desert landscape at Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas, along the Texas-Mexico border, where the Rio Grande River makes a sharp turn. There are over 1,200 square miles of diverse terrain, and elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to almost 8,000 feet at the highest peak of the Chisos Mountains. This mixed topography also gives way to various plants and animals, from the cactus gardens and diamondback rattlesnakes in lowland basins to conifer groves and white-tailed deer in the high country.

Big Bend National Park offers wilderness sightseeing, and it’s a treasure trove of geological features, including sea fossils, dinosaur bones, and volcanic dikes. The park also provides a range of recreation opportunities for all ages and skillsets, like:

  • Hiking (more than 150 miles of trails)
  • Bicycling
  • Floating the Rio Grande
  • Fishing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Scenic Drives
  • Stargazing
  • Ranger-Led Programs 
  • Camping (4 developed camping areas in the park can accommodate RVs)

And perhaps the best time of year to go RVing to Big Bend National Park is in fall and spring when temperatures are mild during the day and cool after sundown.   

Padre Island National Seashore

The white sands and salty waters of Padre Island National Seashore set the scene for a vacation paradise.

Padre Island National Seashore, dubbed the Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island in the World, is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre. Like the national seashore, Laguna Madre has its own claim to fame as one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world.

Padre Island National Seashore stretches 70 miles long and hosts a variety of pristine coastline, dunes, prairies, and tidal flats. Over 380 species of birds call the island their home, and it’s also the nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Every summer, the park releases the hatchlings from the nests. The event is frequently open to the public.

Many outdoor and water sports enthusiasts are drawn to this location for its wide array of recreational activities, RVing included! Visitors can enjoy:

  • Windsurfing on Laguna Madre
  • Canoeing and Kayaking
  • Beachcombing
  • Beach Driving
  • Bicycling
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Birdwatching
  • Camping

Five areas of the park are designated for camping. While RV hookups are not provided at any campsite, an RV dump station and a water filling station are conveniently available.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The striking El Capitan limestone cliff is the most iconic feature in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located just south of the New Mexico state line and north of U.S. Highway 62/180. The 86,416 acres of diverse landscapes consist of deserts and dunes, canyons and mountains, a variety of flora and fauna, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef. The park is home to the highest point in Texas, the Guadalupe Peak, standing at 8,751 feet above sea level. Still, the park’s most iconic feature is El Capitan, a mammoth limestone monolith that dominates the skyline.

RVers, hikers, and thrill-seekers venture from near and far to enjoy the natural wonders and beauty at Guadalupe Mountains National Park throughout the year. However, the best weather is in the spring and fall. Activities in the park include:

  • Hiking (80 miles of trails)
  • Backpacking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Stargazing
  • Fall Color Viewing (begins mid-October and continues through mid-November)
  • RVing/Camping (three developed campgrounds in the park)

Natural Bridge Caverns

Families will enjoy underground and above-the-surface adventures at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Family-owned and operated Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio is a natural underground wonder with added fun attractions. Uncovered by college students in 1960, the cavern can be viewed by the public via guided tours. Underground chambers feature “otherworldly formations. Each formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time,” according to the attraction’s website.

Above the surface, ticket holders can brave a 60-foot high aerial adventure ropes course, find their way out of a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze, go gem and fossil mining, and much more. A number of RV parks are located within minutes of Natural Bridge Caverns, making it an easy commute to all the excitement and thrills.

Don’t Leave Home Without Us

Do you have roadside assistance? Since 1987, Coach-Net has been a trusted company, offering emergency roadside services tailored to the specialized needs of RVers. Whether you own a towable RV or a motorized one, Coach-Net can get you started on a premier plan that includes:

  • 24/7, All-Inclusive Roadside Assistance,
  • Concierge Services,
  • Global Emergency Travel Services,
  • Tire Discounts,
  • Camping Discounts,
  • And much more.

Don’t let unexpected breakdowns and unforeseen costly repairs ruin your travel plans. Instead, give Coach-Net a call to see how they can help you travel worry-free, or join now and see what traveling with peace of mind really feels like.

About The Author: Natalie Henley

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

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Riding The RV Water Sports Vacation Wave

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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

Prepare, Load, and Store

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

Keeping Sand at Bay

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

Park and Play

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

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

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

Author: Alicia Rennoll

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

6 To-Do’s Before Taking Your Spring Break Vacation in 2022

08 Tuesday Mar 2022

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In 2022, about 65 million U.S. leisure travelers are expected to take an RV vacation. While summer is a popular time for many families to travel, many choose to take advantage of spring break. Maybe you want to avoid the overcrowded summer resorts and national parks, or perhaps you’re just eager to break out of your winter hibernation. Here’s what you should do to proactively plan a successful spring break trip that you and your whole family can enjoy.

1. CONDUCT MAINTENANCE CHECKS & MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS

Ideally, you’ll want to conduct regular maintenance checks to stay on top of short-term and long-term RV upkeep. Although they may be inconvenient on the front end, routine maintenance checks alleviate financial stress by preventing surprise breakdowns, increasing vehicle efficiency, and lowering value depreciation. Some key areas and appliances to focus on during routine maintenance include a generator, washer/dryer combo, vent fans, or roof coatings.

If you find yourself struggling to complete these projects, look to alternatives to help you finish them. For example, if you want to complete a DIY project yourself, research what supplies you’ll need, an expected timeline to finish and the total cost. Or if you don’t have the finances to readily make these improvements, speak to a trusted financial advisor to help look for alternatives to fund these projects.  

2. PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Even if you think your spring break destination will be filled with warm weather and sunny skies, spring travel can quickly be derailed with changing forecasts and road conditions. Even though you may not encounter extreme conditions, you may confront unexpected storm watches or storm warnings. To be safe, pack an RV emergency kit and brief everyone on the items included, how to use them and when to use them. If you have small children, you can even practice simulations before the trip so they feel comfortable and confident.

Another strategy to be prepared is to research and download the best weather apps for your needs. Apps range from all-service weather apps to weather apps that give hyper-local forecasts. Before leaving, be sure you’re clear about any upgrades or features of these apps that might have additional fees.

3. COORDINATE LEGS OF YOUR TRIP WITH LOVED ONES

Before taking off on your spring break trip, use this as an opportunity to see any family or friends that you haven’t been able to. Especially with the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, holidays, vacations, and trips with loved ones have been especially difficult. However, now is a great time to revisit old traditions and establish new ones.

Plan a day trip with your extended family or friends at a location that’s convenient for everyone to get to. Or, check something off of everyone’s bucket lists and visit a national or state park that no one has been to yet. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, gain inspiration from travel Instagram or TikTok accounts or social media influencers.

4. PACK SPRINGTIME HEALTH NECESSITIES

After a long winter season, it’s important to prepare for a change in the conditions. After rain, snow or chilly temperatures, you might forget the seasonal allergies that you or your family experience. Be sure to pack any springtime allergy medications or remedies that you’ve found work best such as eye drops, nasal sprays or inhalers. When packing these supplies in your RV, be sure to keep items like over-the-counter or prescription medicines in safe, locked areas that children cannot get ahold of.

It’s also important to know the springtime climate and conditions of the area you’re going to. While seasonal allergies might not affect you at home until later in the spring, certain areas are known for early or high pollen counts. A great way to educate yourself on your destination is by using an online allergy map. By adding the zip code of your destination to the interactive map, you can see yesterday, today’s and tomorrow’s allergy report, a 5-day outlook and the top allergens that are currently in the area.

5. PLAN SURPRISES TO KEEP KIDS ENGAGED THE WHOLE TRIP

Leading up to the trip, it’s important to allow your kids to be involved in the planning, preparation and decision making. To make your spring break more kid-friendly, ask them what they want to do during rest breaks, what they want to pack for clothes or what on-road entertainment they want to bring. This is not only a great way to keep them engaged and excited about the trip, but it allows them to take the initiative and responsibility to pack any additional items or accessories they might need like chargers or headphones.

Although, you might find that during the trip your kids are becoming bored or impatient, especially towards the end. To keep everyone in a good mood, find some time before the trip to plan little surprises without breaking the bank. A great example of how to do this is with DIY busy bags that you can make with inexpensive items from the drug store.

6. FIND ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO CAPTURE TRIP MEMORIES

Prior to the big departure day, take time to talk with your family about how you all plan to remember the trip. Rather than relying on your smartphone camera the whole time, talk about creative ways that you can document the trip for years to come. If you like to write or draw, buy journals for every family member to use during breakfast or by the campfire.

If your children like collecting material objects like shells or rocks, ask them to pick special items up and keep them in a safe place until the trip is over. When you get home, you can use these materials to create a vacation or memory keeping DIY craft. With options from flower press books to souvenir jars, this is a great way to let your kids’ creativity shine.

By starting preparations early, you can give yourself peace of mind that everything will be taken care of and thought through before day one of your spring break vacation. Remember though, roadblocks and unexpected turns are bound to happen. And when they do, try to find a sense of adventure in them.

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De-Winterizing Your Rig

02 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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

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

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

Check All Sealants And Condition The Roof

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tires

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

LP System

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

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

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

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

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

Make a checklist

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

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

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

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