Tag Archives: RV travel

Leveling And Stabilizing Are Important For More Than Comfort

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

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Levelers, stabilizers, leveling jacks, scissor jacks, chocks, there are almost as many names for devices that level and stabilize as there are products available. However, these products play an important part in not only leveling and stabilizing your rig but also helping with structural integrity and proper appliance performance!

Leveling Jacks

Most RV owners are familiar with leveling jacks and there are have been several brands over the years. HWH and Power Gear were the big names in hydraulic leveling jacks in the 1990s and 2000s and were powerful enough to lift the tires off the ground of a 22,000 lb diesel pusher.

Lippert Components Inc (LCI) has purchased Power Gear as well as several lighter weight leveling jack providers such as Kwikee that had an electric system and have several of their own LCI brands. The important thing to remember about whatever type of leveling jack you have or are going to install is that they are doing more than just leveling your rig for a comfortable night’s sleep.

In my early days at Winnebago, we tested chassisโ€™, welded foundations, and finished motorhomes on sine wave test tracks as well as computerized pads to determine what type of stress would be applied to various components in an unlevel situation or excess road vibration. At the time we were testing various slide room mechanisms and did over 14,000 extensions and retractions and what we found was in an unlevel condition, not only does the chassis/floor twists but the sidewall does as well and the room has resistance and eventually had created issues with operation. With that, all units with a slide room had leveling jacks as standard equipment.

Back when HWH was โ€œTHEโ€ hydraulic leveling jack provider they designed a joystick extension and retraction pad that would only allow a bilateral extension procedure. The photo above is from a 2003 Winnebago Brave and you can see the top and bottom levers would control the front and back jacks. You would push those from center to activate and the center lever extended and retract the jacks in the direction you pushed the lever and it would always extend two jacks in a bilateral direction only. This meant if you pushed the lever forward, the two front jacks would extend, down meant the two back jacks would extend, and side to side following suit. This was designed to reduce the stress of extending one jack on an uneven spot and twisting the chassis. The system also had a pressure-sensitive feature so as you extended the two jacks in whatever direction, they both would come down and if one hit the ground before the other, it would pause until the other hit the ground and raise the coach evenly. This eliminated any twisting in the chassis and ultimately in the sidewall, slide rooms, and other areas of structural importance.

While developing a training program, we put one front tire of a standard chassis on a 12โ€ car ramp to show the twist that occurs on a chassis. We saw that the compartment doors and entrance doors popped open. Yes, this is extreme however imagine what just a slight unlevel condition of 3-4โ€ would do in a campground to the structure of your rig! I have gotten numerous photos of rigs that have the sidewall material shifted from the trim over the years.

So the importance of leveling is keeping the structural integrity of the chassis, flooring, and sidewall in a level plane which will allow the slide rooms to operate without stress and limit the stress on the sidewall to roof structure as well.

One last note on leveling the rig, your absorption refrigerator needs to be level to allow the coolant solution to flow back down to the boiler assembly through the zig-zag tubing. We have covered that many times before.

Stabilizing

Even after all that work of leveling your rig, it might not be stable which means a rock and roll situation that is much more than just annoying! Tires are inflated with air to provide a smooth cushion while driving but are not meant for providing stability when stationary. The four-point leveling jacks do provide superior stabilization, however, most of the other systems could use some assistance. For instance, if you have scissor jacks, they help level smaller rigs and keep them from tipping front to back but provide poor stabilization.

In fact, without additional support and wheel chocking, these can be damaged easily. Most trailer owners add some type of leg support for stability or even wheel stabilizers.

5th wheels pose a larger problem with the long overhead in the front that can get a little spongy and even cause some issues with structural integrity.

These are photos of a unit that has shifted considerably and now has very expensive repairs needed. Itโ€™s best to level and stabilize the rig and many 5th wheel owners also add support to the kingpin with a tripod support.

Some even add some additional side-to-side support for the larger rigs.

In addition, every technical support rep and engineer that I have talked with recommends leveling and stabilizing the rig before extending and retracting the slide room. If the rig is out of level and not stabilized, the chassis will shift, the floor will twist, and the sidewall will twist meaning you are trying to extend a square room in a twisted hole and will have resistance.

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 โ€“ 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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Martin Colin. ~ โ€œPolite respectful helpful and reassuring. Just what you need when your RV is stuck in the mud on a wet and rainy Friday eveningโ€

Avoiding Low Clearance Bridges & Steep Grades In Your RV

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

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Getting behind the wheel to drive an RV can be nerve-wracking. There are a lot of extra things to think about in order to safely get from point A to point B, and you definitely donโ€™t want to do anything to hurt your home-on-wheels, let alone your family.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep both your family and your rig as safe as possible. Choosing not to follow closely, avoiding driving in heavy rain or high winds, and making sure your RV is not overloaded (and is loaded properly) are some of the more important considerations.

Another consideration? Making sure you choose an RV-friendly route.

An RV-friendly route is one that avoids super steep grades, which can be difficult for a big rig to climb and could cause you to lose control on the descent. Such a route should also avoid low-clearance bridges that might swipe off the top of your trailer or motorhome.

Not sure how to make sure you avoid these things? Here are our top tips for doing just that.

Begin with an RV Trip Planning Tool

First, we recommend purchasing and using RV Trip Wizard to plan all of your travel routes. This handy tool will alert you of hazards such as low-clearance bridges. It also has a feature that allows you to see elevation changes, as well as how steep a climb is.

Other features of this wonderful tool include a huge database of campgrounds and campsites, the ability to calculate when fuel stops will be needed and add them into the trip, and even a way to figure out exactly what a particular trip is going to cost.

Use an RV-specific GPS

An RV-specific GPS is another great way to ensure you donโ€™t run into any steep grades or low-clearance bridges. You could choose to purchase a GPS device made specifically for RVs, or you might just download an RV GPS for your smartphone.

  • As far as devices go, we recommend a Garmin RV GPS. These awesome gadgets tend to give the most accurate information, something that can save you from a lot of frustration and even potentially hazardous situations.
  • Prefer an app? For this we like the RV Life app. This app pairs with the RV Trip Wizard tool, and even lets you transfer routes directly from one to the other.

Either way you go, your new RV GPS should put you on roads without road hazards, and either option will allow you to download routes, something that is crucial when driving through the middle of nowhere.

Pick Up a Truckersโ€™ Road Atlas

Because driving through the middle of nowhere happens often when RVing, and because technology isnโ€™t always reliable, itโ€™s a good idea to have a hard copy of a Truckersโ€™ Atlas on hand. These hefty books are chock-full of great travel information, including how steep grades are and whether there are any low-clearance bridges along a given route.

Being able to cross check your GPS against this bookโ€”or use it as a backup should the GPS give out on youโ€”might just be a lifesaver.

Grad the Mountain Directory Books or App

Another great option is to use the Mountain Directory books, ebooks, or app. These offer super easy-to-read info on each and every grade in the country. The information is incredibly accurate, making this another excellent cross-referenceโ€”and if you get a hard copy of the book, it can also be a good backup to the GPS.

Look into LowClearances.com

Want to make sure youโ€™ve covered all your bases? LowClearances.com is another great resource. This website provides information on over 7000 low-clearance bridges in the US. Their database can be added to nearly any GPS device and is compatible with a number of navigation apps, meaning you can plug all of these bridges into whatever GPS you use and rest assured you wonโ€™t run into something you can’t fit under.

Keep an Eye Out for Signs

Obviously, you will also want to pay attention to what the signs are telling you as you drive down the road. Construction work and traffic accidents can change the layout of a road pretty quickly, meaning that while itโ€™s unlikely you will run into trouble if youโ€™re using the tools mentioned above, it is still possible. Signs should let you know of these changes so you can stop and find another route before itโ€™s too late.

By putting these tools to use, paying attention to signage, and knowing the height of your rig and what it can handle in terms of grades, you should be able to choose a route that is safe and comfortable for you. Of course, itโ€™s also a good idea to have roadside assistance ready and waiting to help you should something go wrong.

Why not grab these tools, sign up for roadside assistance, and start planning your next trip today?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her sonโ€™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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Ramon O. ~ โ€œThe follow up calls were great and you can tell that the agents on the phone really cared and made sure and followed through on my service request. The first person who took my car was very reassuring and let me know that I would be taken care of. Great customer serviceโ€

Propane Saving Tips For Colder Weather RVing

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

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

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As the colder end of fall approaches and winter starts arriving, an RV can be a very cozy camping option. However, keeping one warm can go through quite a bit of propane. So why does an RV propane heater use so much propane, and how can one make propane last as long as possible during their short-term or long-term winter RVing trips? Follow these propane-saving tips below to help you stay toasty in your rig and go easier on your wallet this winter.

How an RV Propane Furnace Works

Your RVโ€™s propane furnace is a pretty simple device. Propane is burned to heat air which is forced through the ductwork of the floor by an electric fan. Openly burning propane in an enclosed space without ventilation is generally quite deadly due to carbon monoxide gas. For this reason, the propane in an RV furnace burns in a tube and heating element that vents directly outside your RV. The air in your RV is blown over the heating element to heat it.

This necessary ventilation carries as much as 30%-50% of the heat generated by burning propane and blows it outside. That means you need to burn up to twice as much fuel to get the same amount of BTUs worth of heat inside your rig as you would if you were just burning propane inside.

This may sound like a design flaw, but ventilation is necessary for the warm, dry, and safe air being blown throughout your RV. Even though you should have your propane system and furnace inspected periodically, there is no way to modify this efficiency. The best ways to save on propane involve keeping the heat in your RV as long as possible or using other safe methods to heat your rig.

1. Close Your Gaps

Check around slides, windows, doors, and any other potential gaps and close them off. You may find that some gaps need repairing, while other areas may just require you to add a bit of insulating material. For example, my motorhome gets cold drafts from the air vents. In cold weather, I stop this draft by placing a cloth in the air filter intake of the engine. The trick is remembering to remove the cloth before starting the engine up.

One way to find gaps is to go around with a temperature gun in your RV and look for cold areas. If a particular area is colder than the rest of the rig, there is a reason. Sometimes itโ€™s because cold air is seeping in, which means warm air is escaping too.

2. Insulate

A well-insulated RV will hold heat longer which will reduce the time your furnace has to run. Many of the same tricks people use in the summer to help keep their RV cool will also help in the winter. For example, placing those square insulating pillows in the roof vents can help a lot, considering warm air rises and vents are a significant source of heat loss.

In addition to vents, windows could always use a little extra insulation. There are several ways to do this but many use Reflectix material on the windows, just like in the summertime. To prevent condensation from forming behind it, we like to put our insulation on the outside of the windows.

Reflectix is bubble wrap with foil on either side. It is pretty inexpensive and can be cut to size.

In addition to window insulation and roof vent insulation, adding heavy curtains and carpets to your RV can help retain heat. The bottom line is the longer the heat stays in your RV, the less your furnace must run, which saves you on propane.

3. Use Supplemental Heating

If your RV air conditioner has a heat pump setting, you can use that electrical heat source to save a lot of propane. Thereโ€™s a catch, though. Typically RV heat pumps donโ€™t work well once outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

Another option is to use a portable electric heater to help take the chill out of the air. Itโ€™s not recommended to use one if you are not actively able to keep an eye on your rig, though typical portable heaters have a few safety concerns to consider.

  • They take 1,500 watts of power to run, so a 30 amp RV shouldnโ€™t run more than one on high.
  • They should have three feet of clearance around them.
  • Itโ€™s not recommended to run them while sleeping.
  • Relying solely on portable heaters and not running your furnace when it is below freezing can prevent warm air from reaching your pipes in some models, which puts your plumbing at risk of freezing.

Using a heating blanket with temperature settings while sleeping can help you keep the temperature much lower while remaining cozy. They also make heated fitted sheets, so the warmth comes from the mattress itself.

4. Layer up Inside

Keeping the thermostat in your RV as low as comfortably possible will cut down on the time your furnace must kick on each day. That being said, if you bundle up while inside your RV, you can probably stand to keep it colder. This doesnโ€™t mean you have to suffer while winter RVing. Thick PJs, comfortable sweaters, and thick wool socks or slippers are all acceptable RV wear.

A propane-saving trick for comfort is only to kick up the heat when you need it. For example, if you keep the thermostat at 65 degrees all day and bundle up, you are going to eat up all that propane savings by kicking it up to 75 for fifteen minutes while you take a shower. So you can get out, dry off and get back into some cozy clothes before dropping the temp back down.

Propane Saving Tips in a Nutshell

Propane saving tips arenโ€™t all that complicated. Before heading out on your winter, RVing adventures just make sure you donโ€™t have any gaps that let the cold air in, insulate your vents, windows, and floors, and keep the thermostat as low as you can comfortably stand it. Additionally, use supplemental heating sources like heat blankets and safely use space heaters to assist your RV furnace.

Do you know what else isnโ€™t complicated? Feeling safe in your winter travels because you have Coach-Netโ€™s 30+ years of experience providing roadside assistance and peace of mind to its members and RV technical assistance just a phone call away. So donโ€™t forget to join or renew your membership before hitting the road today.

About The Author: Levi 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 workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote โ€œSeasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.โ€ You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Stuart O. ~ โ€œAll aspects of the issue were handled very well. I felt like Coach-Net really understood the urgency of our situation and handled it appropriately.โ€

Fall For These Majestic Waterfalls In Tennessee On Your Next Road Trip

26 Tuesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music.”

โ€• Roland R Kemler

With over 500 waterfalls, many located in the eastern part of the state, Tennessee is a perfect place for RVers to camp near and scout out these natural wonders. So the next time your RV travels take you through the land of country music, barbecue, whiskey, and more, be sure to step away from the bustling cities.  Instead, stay awhile at these parks and explore some of the state’s most amazing majestic waterfalls.

Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Located between Spencer and Pikeville, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a paradise of more than 20,000 acres featuring cascades, gorges, waterfalls, and streams. One of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States at 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is the namesake of the state park and its most famous waterfall. Visitors can access this sheer-drop waterfall and other waterfalls like Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades utilizing the park’s almost 50 miles of hiking trails.ย 

RVers wanting to stay a while and explore more of Fall Creek Falls State Park’s hidden treasures have five separate camping areas to choose from within the park. Other fun activities include rock climbing, a treetop agility course known as the Canopy Challenge Course, boating, interpretive programs, biking, fishing, swimming, birding, and golf.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls

The vacation destination Lookout Mountain, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, has a few gems to experience above and below the surface. Ruby Falls is a 145-foot high waterfall located 1,120 feet beneath the mountain. Soon after the accidental discovery of the falls in the 1930s, the cavern became a tourist destination. Today, folks from all over the world flock to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.

The tour of Ruby Falls lasts about an hour. It takes ticket-holders 260 feet down in a glass-front elevator to the cavern trail that winds around unique cave formations leading up to the thundering falls. The cavern stays a consistent 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year so bring a sweater if that sounds chilly.

While RV parking is available, it is limited, and the drive up the mountain is rather steep. However, there are RV parks located in and around Chattanooga.

Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, Tennessee, is a day-use park known for its many outdoor activities (like hiking, fishing, and bird watching) set to the backdrop of dense forests, rocky cliffs, and the Falling Water River. Now a designated Tennessee State Natural Area, the river and surrounding land served various purposes through the ages, including hunting grounds for Native Americans and a hydroelectric power source for nearby Cookeville.

Perhaps the most sought-after features of the park are its four waterfalls. The River Trail on the Service Loop Road leads to the top of the waterfalls cascading down from over 250 feet into a large pool, the most spectacular one being the Burgess Falls. This waterfall plunges more than 130 feet into the gorge.

Foster Falls

South Cumberland State Park

Day-use visitors and overnight campers can get up close and personal to the Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park. Beginning at the Foster Falls Visitor Center in Sequatchie, Tennessee, a moderately challenging hike leads to the waterfall that drops from 60 feet into a gorge. The refreshing water is perfect for swimming year-round, save winter.ย 

South Cumberland State Park offers all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, hunting, cave tours, rock climbing, fishing, interpretive programs and events, wildlife viewing, and primitive tent and RV camping.

Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls State Park

Another popular swimming hole is in Cummins Falls State Park. This day-use park can be found nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River.

The Cummins Falls drops down from a height of 75 feet. The first portion of the falls plunges 50 feet into a shallow pool, and the second portion cascades 25 feet into a larger, deeper pool.  Any visitor wanting  to enter the gorge or visit the base of the waterfall must now obtain a permit from the park.

A Word of Caution Regarding Waterfalls

Not to strip away the fun of waterfalls, but venturing to one of these natural beauties comes with a word of caution. Trauma surgeon Jonas Karlsson, MD, offers advice based on his experiences treating patients with fatal or nearly fatal injuries around waterfalls.

1. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

2. Stay on developed trails. Do not stray from observation decks and platforms.

3. Pay attention to warning signs and rules posted near waterfalls.

4. Never climb on or around waterfalls.

5. Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools.

6. Supervise children and pets carefully.

7. Never play in the stream or river above a waterfall, or try to take photos at the top of a waterfall.

-Gathered from Waterfall Safety

Waterfalls Aren’t the Only Thing You Can Fall Forโ€ฆ

Fall for the protection, security, and peace of mind that Coach-Net’s Premier Motorized Plan brings to RVers everywhere. You can rest easy knowing that Coach-Net has you covered with its 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance, Concierge Services, Global Emergency Travel Services, Tire Discounts, Camping Discounts, and so much more. When you sign up for our roadside assistance program before you set off, you’ll have the help you need whenever you need it. So get Coach-Net and get on with your Tennessee waterfall adventures!

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 workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote โ€œSeasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.โ€ You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Mike S. ~ โ€œI am very pleased I chose Coach-Net! When I needed you, you were there for me!โ€

Great Gifts that RVers Will Love

19 Tuesday Oct 2021

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Looking for a gift for your favorite RV traveler that wonโ€™t break the bank or overextend payload? All the gifts on this list match three important requirements: they are small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive.

Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp: Provides hands-free light while working under your rig or checking on your campsite after dark. Available in red, black, blue, and aqua.

Motorola Talkabout 200 2 Way Radio: Relying on cell phones to help your partner park the trailer? That doesnโ€™t always work in remote areas. A pair of rechargeable walkie talkies can really come in handy, and itโ€™s a good idea to purchase a set that isnโ€™t just a kidsโ€™ toy. 

Kidde Code One Fire Extinguisher: Most RVs come equipped with a single fire extinguisher. Double your safety factor by keeping an extra one at the other end of your rig.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hike Medical Kit: This model is compact, weighs less than 8 ounces, and is extremely well organized. The sections open like flower petals, making it easy to find what you need when every moment counts.

Ambient Weather Temperature/Humidity Monitor: The Ambient monitor will take readings from sensors that you place in three di๏ฌ€erent areas of your RV, as well as providing information about the temperature and humidity outdoors. Critical for avoiding interior condensation and keeping pets safe.

SUAOKI Solar LED Lamp: The SUAOKI lamp is extremely lightweight, collapsible, and can be charged by USB as well as the solar panel.

Keurig K-Mini Co๏ฌ€ee Maker: This single serve co๏ฌ€ee maker is less than 5 inches wide to maximize your counter space.

Plastic Bag Holder: Hangs from a hook, lightweight, and keeps all those plastic grocery bags corralled. Available in a variety of fun fabric options.

RV Devotional Book: Need some grace while on the road? Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers includes 60 entries that connect the Scriptures with stories of life on the road, mediations on nature, prayers, and life applications.

Sky Jo Game: Sky Jo is easy to learn and quick to play. Perfect for ages 7 and up on those rainy days.

Mainstays Oversized Picnic Blanket: This useful and fun 60โ€™ x 70โ€™ blanket has a waterproof exterior and folds up to form a carrying bag with attached handles and pocket. Vibrant colors and big enough for family outings.

Duraflame Fatwood Fire Starters: These are designed to work with wood or charcoal.

Fun Outdoor Tablecloth: Ready to replace that ratty old tablecloth? This one comes in a fun camping themed pattern. Plastic clips will help keep everything secure on those windy days.

*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. Coach-Net did not receive compensation for this post.

About the Author: Nancy Bell Kimsey is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast whose hiking and camping experiences have ranged from backpacking and family tent camping to adventuring in a fiberglass travel trailer. She moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University and remained in the Tar Heel State throughout her career as an educator. She is a contributing writer for several camping publications and the author of Grace on a Rambling Road: Devotions for RV Travelers.

Nancy Bell Kimsey
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Boondocking Power Options

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Tech Tips

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Boondocking is a great way to save money while traveling. It can be fun and make your trip feel more like camping when you stay in a disbursed camping area for several days without the creature comforts of an RV park. Unfortunately, that means doing without a power hookup as well. There are several boondocking power options available to RVers. The trick is choosing the one(s) that fit your power needs and budget.

Gas/Propane Generator

Probably the most widely used power option for RVers is a gas or propane-powered generator. Motorhomes and Class Cs come with them built into the RV, and there are plenty of ways they can be carried with you or mounted on the back of fifth wheels and travel trailers.

Simply put, a fossil-fuel-powered generator, whether the fuel is gasoline, diesel, or propane, works by burning a fuel to spin a magnetic AC generator. This is similar to how the alternator in your car works.

Traditional Generator

A traditional generator sends the AC it generates directly to the outlets. The power may go through a voltage regulator of some kind, but you are generating AC power and using it for the most part. Unfortunately, some generators produce rather dirty power this way. What do I mean by dirty power?

AC power is called alternating current. Instead of flowing in one direction like direct current (DC), it alternates back and forth. Think of it like generating heat by rubbing your hands back and forth. When power comes out of your wall at home, it smoothly flows back and forth at the same rate, or frequency, all of the time. On a graph, this looks like a nice smooth sine wave.

Because a generator must rev up and down to maintain a constant voltage, it may not look as smooth. It might look jittery. This is called harmonic distortion. Traditional generators can have a lot of it. That doesnโ€™t make them bad. Many modern generators have safeties built-in. If you need raw power to fire up your RV air conditioner several hours a day while boondocking, you will need a powerful generator to run it.

Pros

  • Many price points and sizes to choose from
  • Easy to keep running by adding more fuel

Cons

  • Depending on the size, they are quite heavy.
  • Trailer owners may have to get a mount built for it.
  • Cheaper ones tend to produce dirtier power, which isnโ€™t necessarily good for electronics like computers.

Inverter Generator

Inverter generators are quieter than traditional gas-powered generators. They work by adding a few steps to the process of getting power. Power is produced the same way as a traditional generator and then sent through a rectifier to convert the AC power to DC. An onboard computer chip sends the power through an inverter (hence the name) to clean up the power and turn it back into AC.

Pros

  • They are smaller and lighter than most traditional generators.
  • They tend to be quieter.
  • They produce power with less distortion, which is better for electronics.

Cons

  • They are typically more expensive when you compare total power output.
  • They donโ€™t typically produce as much power, so without additions like a SoftStartRV, they may not run a larger air conditioner that well.

Solar Power

Solar power is an excellent addition to any RVerโ€™s boondocking power solution. As you probably already know, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to charge your RV batteries. But there are a lot of other parts that go into making a solar system work too, and finding the right setup for you and your needs can be confusing and costly.

Fortunately, there are many articles and calculators online that can help you determine what size of solar system you need.

Many who install solar on their rig also opt for lithium batteries because they work very well with solar, require little to no maintenance, and can be placed anywhere because they donโ€™t have to be vented like lead-acid batteries.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low Maintenance
  • Free Power
  • Silent
  • Always charging your batteries when the sun is out

Cons

  • They can be costly.
  • Unless you have a very expensive and hefty system, you arenโ€™t going to be running your air conditioner with solar.
  • Many RVers will have to get the system wired up if their rig isnโ€™t prewired (not plug and play).
  • They arenโ€™t very useful when you arenโ€™t using your RV.

Portable Solar Generator System

A portable solar generator system combines a new addition to the power market, portable power stations, and solar panels. Though they havenโ€™t quite gotten there yet, they aim to replace gas-powered generators eventually.

What is a portable power station?

Several companies like Jackery, Goal Zero, Bluetti, and Ecoflow produce portable power stations, and they all come in different sizes. They are all the same type of device, though. A lithium battery pack, an inverter, and a solar charge controller are all wrapped in a portable box with various output plugs. The power station can usually be charged three ways, a wall outlet or gas generator, a carport, and solar panels.

Using solar panels with a portable power station makes it a solar generator, especially if the power station supports pass-through charging (you can use it while itโ€™s charging up). Some larger power stations can run just about everything on an RV, including a 1000W microwave.

Why get a portable solar generator over installing solar on an RV?

Using this type of system for solar power has a few advantages over installing a solar system on your RV. They are typically cheaper when you consider they have every component needed for solar charging, and you donโ€™t have to pay to get them installed on your RV. They are also portable so that you can use them for power around your campsite or in your home as an emergency backup power source.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low Maintenance
  • Free Power
  • Almost Silent
  • Portable Power
  • Useful when not RVing
  • May be less expensive than installing a solar system on your RV

Cons

  • Some of the larger units will run an RV air conditioner, but probably not for long periods.
  • Though they are technically a generator, it still takes time to charge them up with the sun.
  • The solar panels made for many of these units are portable and less durable than roof-mounted solar panels.
  • They require a bit more daily setup than a built-in RV solar system (power station and solar panels must be taken outside and set up to charge).

Which Power Option Should I Get?

There is no best option for every RVer out there. I can speak from personal experience and say that my motorhome has a generator built-in, but I also have a Jackery Explorer 1500 Solar Generator setup. When I need to run my air conditioner while boondocking, I use the generator and charge up the Explorer 1500 while itโ€™s running. I charge the Explorer 1500 up with solar and run almost everything else like laptops, a microwave, TV, fan, etc. when I donโ€™t need to run the AC.

If you only boondock a few times a year, you probably only need one power option. In contrast, those who spend much of their RV time without hookups will probably want the benefits of having a gas-powered generator and a solar option to cover all of their needs. Itโ€™s always better to have more options than you need in an emergency.

About The Author: Levi 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 workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote โ€œSeasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.โ€ You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Laura H. ~ โ€œWe got the help we needed on a holiday to get us where we needed to go. Not sure we could have received this service from a regular auto club. Thank you Coach-Net.โ€

Saved in Vinton, Louisiana

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

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It had been a long couple of months. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, our family had inadvertently turned what was supposed to be a 4 week road trip into an entire summer on the road. We ended up circling the United States on our journey, making our way as far east from California as Washington DC. It had been a summer filled with some incredible adventures, and time well spent considering summer activities back in California were largely suspended. Having just spent some extended time in the south and in New Orleans, our family was en route west to California from Louisiana. We had hoped to make it as far as Austin, Texas during our long drive that day.

Cruising along Interstate 10, my husband noticed a tow truck in his side mirror, flashing his lights. We slowed a bit, and the tow truck driver pulled alongside us, pointing towards the rear of our Coachmen Mirada motorhome. Weโ€™d had people flag us down a couple times in our travels, and always for storage compartment door having inadvertently flung open. We knew that would be highly uncommon while cruising straight at highway speeds, but decided to pull off the highway at the next exit to take a better look. After pulling off into a gas station in Vinton, Louisiana, we realized what the helpful tow truck driver had been point to. One of our rear dualie tires on the right side of the coach was flat.

Just like that, we found ourselves stranded on the border of Louisiana and Texas in 110ยฐ heat. Justin took a few laps around the RV, and I began calling for roadside assistance. 

It was hot. The kids were grumpy. We were seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (No offense to the wonderful people of Vinton, Louisiana. Itโ€™s obviously not โ€œnowhereโ€ to you, but in that moment, it felt that way to us!)

Thankfully, our family had multiple avenues to explore in terms of finding assistance. We had roadside assistance coverage through AAA and State Farm for our personal auto, and figured we had our bases covered. Out of habit, we pursued the same channels weโ€™d have used if our Honda Odyssey had gotten a flat, with Justin calling AAA while I called State Farm.

Trying to get RV roadside assistance through automobile channels was a terrible idea. Even trying to get the State Farm and AAA agents to properly identify the vehicle make and model in their systems was a process, and it became clear they had no frame of reference on how to support us. As we sat on the phone frustrated, Justin noticed the sticker on our windshield for Coach-Net. Having just bought the Mirada earlier in the year with one year of Coach-Net roadside included, we hadnโ€™t yet used roadside assistance, and had completely forgotten about it as an option.

Right out of the gate with Coach-Net, it was clear this was a different experience. The Coach-Net agent was both helpful and friendly, immediately identifying both our coach and tire size, and promptly began working to identify an available mobile repair technician in the area to assist. 

While Justin was on the phone with Coach-Net, I wandered the area around the gas station. As luck would have it, I discovered a sign literally right across the street from the gas station that read โ€œRV Park 500ftโ€ with an arrow pointing right. I headed over to investigate, and stumbled upon our border oasis, complete with 50A hookups and an outdoor pool with not only one, but TWO waterslides. It was almost as if it magically appeared just for us that day!

We pulled out of the gas station and crawled our way to the RV park, feeling blessed to hook up and get both A/C units cranking while we waited for the repair tech. In the sweltering humid heat of the southern summer, this pool was like a mirage for the kids and I, who immediately jumped in to cool off.

Being in rural Louisiana in the height of summer, it took a few hours to find a local tire shop with the right tire and an available tech to change the flat roadsides (or poolside, as it were). We were back up and running with our new tire not long after the tech arrived, but the kids were having so much fun at the pool by then that we decided to stay put and enjoy our spot in Vinton, continuing on our journey to Austin the next morning. DOUBLE WATER SLIDES FOR THE WIN!

Vinton, Louisiana will live forever in family lore following our detour. If thereโ€™s anything our time on the road has taught our family, itโ€™s that sometimes the unexpected adventures are the most memorable!

About The Author: Allison Gagnon

The Gagnon family is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, outdoor-exploring, RV-obsessed family of six. They are on a quest to visit all 63 National Parks in the United States, and have a passion for exploring the countryโ€™s natural treasures and adventuring with their four children while they are still young. These adventures are made possible, in part, via travel in their 36-foot Coachmen Mirada motorhome. Having already visited 52 National Parks, theyโ€™ve found a sweet spot in the delicate balance between living a full, and sometimes, hectic life at home and finding respite in outdoor adventures with every chance they get. You can follow along on their journey at www.gagnonsgone.com. 

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Martina N. ~ โ€œFriendly and fast service! Highly recommended especially for new RV owners!โ€

Camping With Coach-Net: Brooke At Lake Lewisville

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in We Love It. We Live It.

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Brooke is one of our awesome Inside Account Executives! She, her husband and 3 daughters were able to take a long weekend together in Rosie the Airstream for the first time on Lake Lewisville. They fished, road bikes, and spent time with friends who came along! Here’s her experience!

My family and I went camping on Lake Lewisville this spring, and it was our first time to enjoy the company Airstream, Rosie. It was a great location for our family since we have 3 little girls that love to be out in nature and there was a perfect tree for them to climb, lots of room to play, and even a little play area for them to enjoy. It was only about 45 minutes from our house but it still seemed like we were out in the โ€œwoodsโ€ which was perfect.

We were able to head out and set up the Airstream Friday afternoon and enjoyed a nice, long weekend and back to our normal week relaxed and refreshed.

My husband and I rented an RV a couple of summers ago, so this wasnโ€™t our first time out camping. We went to San Marcos with the RV we rented from Outdoorsy and it was a great experience. It was so nice to enjoy some time away from โ€œcity lifeโ€ and get out away from it all to relax with friends and family.

This camping experience was great for our girls. The only time they came inside the Airstream was to sleep. The stayed outside and enjoyed bike riding, riding their scooters, playing with friends, roasting sโ€™mores, and a million other things! Including playing in the mud ๐Ÿ˜Š

Setup & take down was super easy. We didnโ€™t face any โ€œchallengesโ€ which made the trip even more enjoyable.

We are already discussing our next trip; we just must decide where we would like to go next. We love going to the river down in San Marcos, so that is top of our list. The campsite is always so nice, clean, and the people are super friendly.

We are still new to the RVing experience but canโ€™t wait to continue enjoying the experience, meeting new people, and exploring new places.

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Dickie N. ~ โ€œYou had us on the road within two hours on Christmas day! The follow up by Coach-Net to assure we were taken care of was great! Thank you!โ€

Fulltime RVer Tips: 3 Great Web Applications For RV Trip Planning

27 Monday Sep 2021

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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My wife Natalie and I have been living in our RV full-time for over six years. We have put thousands of miles on our rig and have planned tons of trips in that time. As a result, we get asked about the best RV trip planning app out there. Honestly, we donโ€™t use just one. There are several big contenders, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. So below, you will find the top three RV trip planning web apps we use and why.

RV Trip Wizard

RV Life produces RV Trip Wizard, and it is probably our main trip routing app. That is what puts it on top of the list. Many apps help you find RV parks, disbursed camping sites, and Walmarts, but not many of them will route you with RV-friendly directions. That is precisely where RV Trip Wizard shines.

Cost: $19/month or $49/year

Why We Love RV Trip Wizard

  • Safe Routing And Fuel Stops

Their site offers a free 7-day trial, and when you sign up, you are asked to input your RVs type, size, gas mileage, etc. RV Trip Wizard will use this information to choose the safest route for your rig. It will also use the fuel tank size and gas milage to tell you where you will need to fill up.

  • Time Estimates And Avoiding Tolls, Highways, Etc

Do you want to avoid highways or hate tunnels even when your RV will fit? RV Trip Wizard has many options to avoid different scenarios on your route. You can also allow Trip Wizard to estimate your travel time based on speed limit or choose an average speed that you typically travel.

  • Driving Radius Based On Mileage Or Time

The driving radius is a neat feature. You select a minimum, ideal, and maximum distance based on miles or driving time each day, and RV Trip Wizard will put that radius around your selected stopping location. This makes it easier to decide where your next stop will be. We used to have to measure each driving day manually on Google Maps before discovering this feature.

  • Trip Cost Estimate

You can input the average price of gas, campground stay, and daily food cost, and RV Trip Wizard will estimate the cost of your trip. Alternately, you can input the cost information for each stop to get an accurate estimate of how much your trip will cost.

  • Tons of Filters

Filter RV parks and campgrounds by type, amenities, price, rating, and more. There are tones of filters to narrow down the perfect RV park. It integrates with Campground Reviews, so you get real customer input without leaving the trip planning tool.

  • Points of Interest

RV Trip Wizard allows you to find and filter for different points of interest along your route from gas stations, dump stations, and Walmarts to area attractions.

  • Elevation

RV Trip Wizard shows you the elevation and estimated grades of your entire trip.

  • RV GPS

You can pull up your trips on the RV Life app to use it as an RV-safe GPS unit.

Here is a video of exactly how we use RV Trip Wizard to plan an RV Trip:

Allstays Pro

Allstays is a popular RV trip planning tool for RVers that doesnโ€™t do routing. However, It provides many of the same filters as RV Trip Wizard for finding campsites, gas stops, and services.

Cost: About $35 a year

What Itโ€™s Good At

  • Walmart, Truck Stop, and Rest Stop Info

Allstays is good at listing a ton of information about truck stops and rest stops. It will tell you how many parking spaces and amenities are offered such as propane fills or an RV dump station. The same goes for rest areas. Do you need a rest area with an RV dump, WiFi, or any other services? Allstays will tell you.

In addition, when it comes to Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and other such locations, Allstays will tell you how many RV parking spaces Cracker Barrels have. The description will list other RVersโ€™ experiences at Walmarts with the date for reference.

Allstays is good at giving info on places like Walmarts, truck stops, and rest areas that other services donโ€™t give.

  • Free Camping

Allstays isnโ€™t our preferred boondocking spot finder, but it does have a rather large database of free or almost free campgrounds. Using Allstays, we have been able to find locations that provide full hookups that allow free camping. You can find some of these locations with RV Trip Wizard, but Allstays seems to have more.

What Itโ€™s Not Good At

There is only one issue that prevents Allstays from being used exclusively, and that is its lack of routing. You can find just about everything you need to plan an RV trip. However, you must use other map software like Google Maps to plan the route.

The following video shows how we have used a combination of Allstays and Google Maps to plan and route an RV trip.

Campendium

Campendium, like the other services mentioned in the article, will allow you to find RV parks, dump stations, etc. This is our go-to for boondocking, overnight parking spots, and dump station finds.

Cost: Free (ad-supported), or you can get extra perks and additional functionality by becoming a supporter for $20 a year.

What Itโ€™s Good At

  • Boondocking

As stated above, if you are looking for boondocking locations, overnight parking spots, and dump stations, Campendium is where to go.

Campendium is our favorite app for finding boondocking spots and overnight parking.

What Itโ€™s Not Good At

It doesnโ€™t do routing, list gas stations, or Walmarts.

How We Use All Three

Putting these three services together, we can plan our route any way we like. We do routing and RV park searching in RV Trip Wizard. If we plan a gas stop at a travel center or are interested in more info about a rest area or Walmart, we head over to Allstays to find the info we need. Finally, if we are looking for a boondocking or free spot, we search the area on Campendium. RV Trip Wizard allows you to enter a stop via GPS location which both Allstays and Campendium give for their locations.

When it comes time to hit the road, RV Trip Wizard allows us to open our RV Life app on our phone, pull up the preplanned trip, and tap navigate. The app gives turn by turn RV safe directions and even shows little icons indicating stores and gas stations along the route.

About The Author: Levi 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 workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote โ€œSeasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.โ€ You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Bobby H. ~ โ€œWe experienced a tire blow out on our 40ft fifth wheel. The agent that helped us was very calming and helpful. The service was prompt and exactly as described. The service provider was very professional, prompt and helpful. We are very pleased with your service. This was the first time we have had a need in over two years. Now we are even more at ease while we travel knowing Coach-Net has our back.โ€

Red White & Bethune: The “American Dream”

09 Thursday Sep 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

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Meet the Bethunes, a true “American dream” family who had it all, or so they thought. They sold everything, bought a bus, and are now living their true dream life all across the country! Check them out!

When we were growing up, we were sold the same โ€œAmerican Dreamโ€ as you probably were. You know the one? Where you work all the time to try to afford the big house, newest car, white picket fence, and a Golden Retriever. All the while you are working very hard every day at a job you hate so that you can pay for your โ€œdreamโ€.

Two years ago, that was us. We had a successful Pet Styling Spaw, our kids were getting a private school education, and we had our โ€œdream homeโ€ on two acres of land in the Tampa Bay Area. From the outside, it looked like we had the PERFECT life, but in all reality, we were just burning the candle at both ends to trying to do it ALL.

Every summer, we would take a month-long trip in our RV to a different destination. This summer was no different, we had an AMAZING time with our 3 kids, laughing and making irreplaceable memories all summer. When we pulled into our driveway with our Monaco Windsor Class A, we were already dreading going back to โ€œrealityโ€.

 As I was loading my arms up with a basket of dirty laundry, my husband Kyle turned to me and uttered a question that would change the trajectory of our lives, forever. โ€œBabeโ€, he whispered, โ€œWhat if we sold everything, the house, the salon, all of our crap, and we bought a bus, remodeled it, and traveled the country?โ€

 A look of terror instantly came over my face as his question ended. My brain was frantically buzzing and about to short circuit. What in the world was he thinking!? We couldnโ€™t possibly do that. You arenโ€™t allowed to do that until your kids are grown and you retire. Itโ€™s totally out of the question. No. No way can we do this. 

I looked down at my expectant husband and I calmly answered โ€œBabe, you know we canโ€™t do that, itโ€™s just not possible.โ€ I kissed him on the forehead and sullenly went back to loading all our massive amount of laundry back into our โ€œdream homeโ€.

For the next two weeks, as I was shaving dogโ€™s backsides, I kept dreaming each day of that beautiful life where we are at the Grand Canyon watching our kids laugh, play, and be free. I saw all our oversized smiles as we lived in the outdoors, experiencing new places, journeying wherever we wanted. THAT was a dream life, I thought.

On that 14th day of daydreaming, after work, tired and covered in dog hair, I walked up to my husband, and I gushed โ€œLetโ€™s do it.โ€ He had an extremely puzzled look on his face as he questioned, โ€œUh, do what?โ€. In that moment a massive grin spread across my lips and up into my eyes as I stated, โ€œBuy a bus, remodel it, sell our house, get rid of all the crap, and live a life of our dreams, traveling across the country.โ€

And the rest, my friends, is history. 

We bought a bus, spent 4 months remodeling the ENTIRE thing, front to back. We sold our house, getting rid of all the excess material possessions we truly didnโ€™t need. Then, we moved into our TRUE dream home, a 1983 Silver Eagle Bus. 

We have been in that bus for nearly a year and a half now and I have to say, this was the single most important decision of our entire lives. Fulltime with our 3 kids and 4 dogs has truly SAVED our family.  Our marriage has never been stronger, the relationship with our kids has never been this connected, and we can finally say that we are totally happy, 100% to our core.

When we look back, we wonder what took us so long to take this leap. I suspect it was that society told us what was expected of us, we were supposed to live a certain way. We were told that you grow up, get married, buy a house you canโ€™t afford, make sure you have new cars, donโ€™t forget the white picket fence, have kids, send them to school, get the Golden Retriever, and never have family dinners around the table because youโ€™re working too hard to pay for all the things that are supposed to make you happyโ€ฆ.

We are incredibly thankful that we created this new dream life of ours. To us, THIS is what life is all about. Now, we disconnect from technology to truly connect with each other. Our kids are experiencing places that some adults will never get the opportunity to see. We get to meet new people, from all walks of life, right here in the USA. Our kids can BE KIDS and live outside. They get as dirty as possible, go fishing, hiking, and learn about this beautiful country we live in. More importantly, we are raising kind humans that have love for everyone and nature. 

As you can imagine, after we have curated this beautiful dream life of ours, we want to make sure that we protect it. The only one we trust with our little family is Coach-Net. No matter what this new life brings us, we have the peace of mind knowing that they are by our side. Whether that be from roadside assistance, having a RV problem and being able to speak with their RV Specialists, or having the most important tire and wheel protection. We feel safe and secure, Coach-Net will be there for us, no matter what we come across in our travels. 

Coach-Net isnโ€™t just for Full Time RVers, it is for weekenders too! Being a weekend camper, you may not be as hands on with your rigs as the full time RVers are. This means that unexpected things are bound to come up when you take your RV out to go camping. Make sure that you have that protection behind you, so you can sit back and relax once you get to your camping spot. Coach-Net even has protection for towables in addition to your daily driver.

Want to know our only regret though? That we didnโ€™t start this amazing life sooner. Donโ€™t have any regrets of your own, live a life you WANT to wake up to and make sure to bring Coach-Net with you along the way!

About The Author: The Bethune’s

We are a Tampa-based family of 2 adults, 3 kids, and 4 dogs living in our remodeled 1983 Silver Eagle Bus! We are a Full-Time Family who is always up for an adventure.

Tag along as we show you America, through our lens!

Tune in and get to know usโ€”weโ€™re just an average American family!

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Willie D. ~ โ€œWe LOVE Coach-Net!โ€