Tag Archives: RV travel

So You Bought Your First RV: Part 2

28 Tuesday Jul 2020

Posted by in RV Newbie

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In Part 1, we covered getting set up with the right tools and accessories for systems such as freshwater, dump tanks, electrical, and taking the shakedown cruise.  In this blog, we’ll cover some tips for driving/towing, storage, and the all-important pre-departure checklist.

Driving

Driving an RV whether you are maneuvering a big rig or towing a trailer is not difficult, it’s just different.  You need to figure out how your rig handles turns. Does it cut sharp or swing wide at the back end? What is it’s departure angles?

RV DrivingBefore you hit the road, you need to measure your rigs height, width, length, and weight and have it posted somewhere in the cab where you can see it when you approach a tight situation.  Keep in mind, the numbers posted in the brochure are not exact for every unit.  You need to measure the actual height, width from the outermost point such as mirrors or awnings, and the height.  Jot these numbers down on a label or even masking tape and put them on the dash or somewhere visible for that moment you come across a low clearance warning and do not want to guess!  I can guarantee if you have a 10’ 6” travel trailer or motorhome and you go through a 10’4” bridge or tunnel, you will come out with a 10’4” rig!

Set Yourself Up For Driving

Prep your mirrors It’s important to sit in the driver’s seat and set your mirrors, seat position, and then get acquainted with all the functions of the rig before hitting the road and trying to find where the wiper functions are when it starts to rain!  Sit in the seat and adjust the position of the seat to ensure you can see the mirrors, adjust the steering wheel to see the speedometer and critical gauges.  This may seem elementary, however, I have driven dozens of units that I could not see the mirrors due to the “A” pillar, could not tilt the steering wheel and see the speed on the dash, and other issues.  If you have a truck and trailer, your mirrors need to be wide enough to see the side of the trailer.  It is also a good idea to install a rearview camera on the back of the trailer to help see what you can’t!

Practice Your Right-Hand Turn

After you become familiar with all the functions, identify blind spots, and are comfortable sitting behind the wheel, you will want to practice making a right-hand turn!  Some vehicles will “cut” the corner short and your back wheels will jump the curb while others with a longer back end will have a wide swing.  Find a parking lot at a large church during the week, or high school/junior college on the weekend and set up a simulated corner.  Interstates are 14’ wide while most city streets are 12’ or less.  Typically you will only have a sharp right-hand turn in a city so set up your cones or markers at 12’ and practice making the turn so you know how far into the intersection you need to go to make it through the turn.  This will help you be prepared when it comes time to make the turn which is a big part of RV driving and towing.  The more you can practice tight situations such as turning, backing up, and driving in traffic the more prepared you will be and have a more comfortable driving experience.

Practice Backing Up

Smaller travel trailers will have a tendency to turn faster and sharper while 5th wheel trailers take a much longer time and distance to react.  Using the same parking lot, practice backing into a simulated camping space before trying to learn the tricks of the trade at the campsite! When training new RVers in driving classes, I have them parallel to the site and scribe a line from the back driver’s side wheel of the trailer back to the spot in the campsite where they will finish.  Then they put their hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.  The direction you move your hand is the direction the trailer will go!  Look at the mirror, focus on the back wheel, and follow the line.  This will make them concentrate on where the wheel is going and not everything else on the trailer and tow vehicle.  Once you get familiar with how the trailer reacts, it becomes easier.  Another tip is to pull up to the camping spot and perform what I call an “S” maneuver which is turning slightly to the right and then the left.  This puts your trailer at a slight angle to the spot so you are not making a hard turn backing up.

Practice Backing Up

And whether you have a truck and trailer or motorized, it’s a good idea to have someone help you when backing up.  Develop good clear signals which large sweeping gestures rather than just using hand signals which the driver might not be able to see.  I also use a gesture pointing to my nose or behind and then a large direction gesture to tell the driver that the hose of the trailer/motorhome needs to go over in that direction or rear end…you get the idea!  The best stopping gesture I recommend is a large sweep of crossing your arms which is very visible.  Don’t stand directly behind the unit as the driver can not see you as well and it could be dangerous!  Many people like to use cell phones to communicate however there typically is a gap or delay in the signal which could mean not stopping in time.  It’s best to have good gestures or use walkie talkies.

Develop A Pre-departure Check List

Camping Checklist Having a list to verify your TV antenna is down, steps are in, electrical and water is unhooked and everything is secure before you leave will help reduce headaches and save you money not having to fix or replace things! Create a customized checklist for your rig by adding your personal items and accessories, follow it every time before heading out and then hit the road with confidence.

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 ClubRV 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Melia J. ~ “I already refer you to friends and family! Your service and response time is the best in the business. Thank you!”

So you just bought your first RV: Part 1

03 Wednesday Jun 2020

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

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So you just bought your first rv: part 1

According to the latest statistics, RV’s are flying off the lot with record sales this spring even with the pandemic.  And maybe it’s because of the pandemic?  After all, who wants to go to a crowded airport, sit next to a total stranger, get into a rental car that someone else just drove, and spend the night in a hotel that you have no control over who was there and how well it was sanitized!

OK, maybe I’m being a little overdramatic, but having your own rig that you know is sanitized and only used by you and your family is the next best thing to sheltering at home if you take the precautions we discussed earlier.  Campgrounds, State Parks, and National Parks are slowly opening up and you can experience the thrill of the open road whether it’s for just a weekend, several weeks, or even full-timing.  But there are a few tips and preparation items you should know about to make the time more enjoyable and less of a hassle.

Have the right tools and accessories

Before you take off on your RV adventure, take some time to review the videos and blogs on connecting to the campground.  You will want to have the appropriate connectors, meters, and dump station accessories

Shore Power

The shoreline power typically has a 15 amp, 30 amp, and sometimes a 50 amp service.  If your rig has a 50 amp power cord, but your campground only has 30 amp and 15 amp, you will need an adapter to step down to 30 amp and also need to understand power management meaning you can not run both roof air conditioners at the same time.  It’s also important to check the voltage and wiring of the campground source prior to plugging your rig in.  This can be done with a multimeter or a Surge Guard connection that is a great accessory to have as it not only protects against campground surges, but also shows the amp draw of your rig, voltage, and shuts down if the voltage drops.  Another good tool to have is a non-contact voltage tester to safely test appliance cords, extension cords, and outlets for power.  It’s also a good idea to take along an extension cord that is the same amperage as your shoreline power and no longer than 25’.

For the water system, you will want a pressure regulator and possibly an inline filter as the campground water could have higher pressure than your plumbing can handle and most will have hard water full of lime, calcium, and rust.  You will also need a lead BPA free water hose certified for drinking water.  Typically these are white, however, Valtera and others make a coil hose certified for drinking water shown in the photo.

Water System

Next is the wastewater system which is your black water tank that gets waste from the toilet and some sinks, and gray water tank which is your shower and sinks.  The black water tank needs to have the correct treatment as it will break down the waste properly and reduce sediment and build-up that can cause faulty level readings and clogs.  Bacterial treatments break down the waste and control odors just like a municipal treatment plant, however, they are less effective at high temperatures typically above 90 degrees.  Thetford, Dometic, and others have introduced enzyme-based treatments that do break down the waste, but do nothing for the odor so an additive is introduced which creates other strong scents that may be annoying.  If you are sensitive to flowery scents, I would recommend trying a few to make sure you can tolerate the scent.  Do not use household products like bleach, pine based cleaners, or others as it will cause a rotten egg odor and not break down the waste.  Some products contain formaldehyde which is very effective however very caustic and prohibited in some states.

Bathroom Materials

With the recent events of the world, toilet paper has become almost as precious as gold?  With the shelves empty at every store across the country for the first few months of the pandemic it made me wonder; “what were these people using before?”  Using the correct toilet paper in your RV is important as the typical residential brands do not break down and can clog your system.  Even brands that are considered “septic approved” are not good for your RV.  We conducted a test of several brands including RV specific and septic tank approved and the best for dissolving quickly was Thetford and Campco.  The paper needs to dissolve quickly or it will cling on the sidewall of the tank and give a false monitor panel reading, or clog the valve.

You can find more information on recommended nitrate gloves for dumping, black water flushing systems, and dumping procedures at www.rvrepairclub.com

Conduct a short “Shake Down Cruise”

Whether you bought from a dealer or private individual you more than likely got a quick walk around the unit showing how things worked buy like most of us, if you remember 10% it would be on the high side!  Too many new RVers fill their rigs up with bedding, food, and toys and expect to head out to the campground or boondocks and run things just like home.  Unfortunately most encounter something that does not work or even breaks down.  A large volume of service calls are owners that do not understand how a system works and need help.  It’s a good idea to park the unit somewhere close to home and spend some time getting the refrigerator to operate on both 120-volt power and propane.  Run all the LP appliances, entertainment systems, and make sure you know how to get the TV antenna working and a channel search if you want to use the TV and or satellite dish.

The water system can be a bit confusing as well, knowing how it works with the on-demand water pump and freshwater tank vs pressurized water from the city fill AND making sure all the drain valves are closed!  I remember taking a new unit on a training trip many years ago and filling up in Corpus Christi for a weekend on the Padre Island beach and hearing the sound of running water.  Looking under the coach you could see a half dozen streams of water pouring out.  Since it was a new prototype, there was no manual and I had to look underneath to find the stream, go inside and guess where the valve was and do this for every valve.  One valve was actually located underneath the wardrobe’s false floor that was stapled down.  That was later changed in production.

Taking the steps to get the right equipment, knowing how to connect to the campground, and how systems work will make for a much more enjoyable RVing experience.

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 ClubRV 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

George H. ~ “Nicolas was awesome with the service and keeping us updated. Thank you so much Coach-Net for the great service. We’ll be recommending Coach-Net all the time! Keep up the great service.” 

Easing Back Into RVing

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety

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Easing Back Into RVing

 

Campers are ready to camp! Several states lightened the restrictions for several businesses to open with limited occupancy but still practice social distancing regulations which means 6’ separation and other criteria which we will cover later. Some parks and campgrounds are opening in a limited capacity, however, if you plan to travel, you need to be prepared. For example, several campgrounds are limiting only local RVers and some have a restriction that out of state or even out of county RVers need to quarantine for around 15 days! You don’t want to get stuck in a campground unexpectedly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned about not “celebrating” too soon.  One of the concerns or warnings of the CDC and WHO is that when restrictions get lifted slightly, people are creatures of habit and go back to their old habits.  So we are not saying that just because you can go to restaurants, hair salons, and even camping locations that you should flock to them immediately.  On the contrary, if we are allowed to venture out we need to do a little homework and adjust our RVing accordingly. 

The point is, if state parks, campgrounds, beaches, and other recreational points of interest open, it doesn’t mean you can just throw caution to the wind and go there without doing some research.  If implemented properly, your RV is the perfect “shelter at home”.

Here are some tips to safely RV during the next few months:

Intra-state traveling is not advised due to “hot spots” around the country that might get you into a quarantined area.  If you do need to travel, check with campgrounds directly or on their website/Facebook page.

Protect Yourself And Others During Your Travel

Wash Your HandsWash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes or nose.  Avoid close contact with others, stay at least 6 feet away, and avoid close contact with others.

Here is the recommendation from the CDC on protecting yourself:

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that many people come in contact with. These include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Avoid touching high-contact surfaces in public.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately when you return home from a public place such as the bank or grocery store.
  • When in a public space, put a distance of six feet between yourself and others.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you are sick and contact your doctor.

 

Disinfecting

Now is the time to pay very close attention to your usual cleaning routine and use a disinfectant to kill germs.  Here is a current list of products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-COV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

Continue reading below for an overview of the CDC’s recommendations for disinfecting different surfaces.

Sanitize Surfaces

Hard Surface

Wear PPE protective gloves such as a 5-7 mil nitrate glove, most RVers have these to use when dumping the holding tanks.  Clean the surface first with a mixture of soap such as Dawn Dish Soap in water, then disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant which could be a spray or towelette.

Soft Surfaces

Inside your RV you will find several soft surface items such as carpets, fabrics on couches and chairs, bed linens, window treatment, and even older woven wood window blinds.  If possible, get them laundered with the hottest water possible.  If not, treat them with a CDC recommended disinfectant spray as listed previously.

Cell Phones, Computer Screens, TVs, and Other Electronics

The most important thing you can do is stay away from populated areas or businesses that might have crowds such as supermarkets or discount stores.  Even though they are trying to enforce social distancing, I have walked into a few home improvement stores and large chain grocery stores and walked right back out as not everyone is participating!

Protective Mask

If you do go out, wear an approved face mask, nitrate gloves, and always carry hand sanitizer!  Sanitize before going in and after coming out.  Don’t use the public restroom.  Most campgrounds that are open have not opened the restrooms, showers, and even pools.  Use the one in your rig.  At the fueling station, wear nitrate gloves and wipe the pump handle down with disinfectant spray or wipes as well as the touchpads.

Some restaurants are opening inside dinning to 50% capacity plus social distancing.  Many have refused to open inside rather siding on the cautious side to provide only curbside and drive-thru dining which is difficult for big rigs.  Most grocery stores are providing delivery either with employees or delivery services such as UberEast or Drive Hub.  You can go online and shop/pay and have it delivered to your rig out in the parking lot.  Most campgrounds are too far away for delivery but some campgrounds have worked out an arrangement with a local store for delivery once or twice a week if several RVers participate.  So cook your own food!

Above all, use extreme caution and do not put yourself into a dangerous situation.  RVing can still be enjoyed if you abide by the recommendations of the CDC and take it slow, don’t rush to the most popular and populated tourist areas.

Stay Safe.

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 ClubRV 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Marian D. ~ “Your RV Tech was very knowledgeable and call rep was very patient and helpful! The RV tech was able to walk me through the issue so I could do it on my own and it worked. Saved me a trip to the dealer for work. Excellent service!” 

Coach-Net Camping: Ray At Ray Roberts

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in RV Information, We Love It. We Live It.

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Camping With Coach-Net

Ray has been a part of Coach-Net’s marketing team for a little over a year and a half. He enjoys being outdoors, camping, and stops to fish anytime he comes across a new pond. He also enjoys drumming and exploring new places to eat. Ray was able to take the RV out last November and loved every second of it! Read on to find out more about his trip!

  1. Where did you go?

My wife and I had the opportunity to take the company Airstream (Rosie) out to Lake Ray Roberts – Johnson Branch in North Texas. It was beautiful. We were surrounded by forested areas and hiking trails, it was pretty much heaven. We were also lucky enough to reserve a campsite right on the water which was awesome. We both love spending time on or near the water so that was a big plus! 

Ray & CB (Wife)

2. How long was your trip?

We took Rosie out for a short and sweet two-day weekend trip heading out on a Friday afternoon and came back on Sunday. Just enough time to have a nice little get away and be back for work the next week! 

3. Was this your 1st time RVing?

This was not my first time RVing! Both of my grandparents have had RV’s in the past. When I was young, they would take us on trips to the Grand Canyon, California, and various Texas lakes. So I’ve had experience RVing, however, this was my first time being in charge of a full rig myself.

Rolling Up Awning

4. What’s the fondest memory of your trip? 

One evening a storm was rolling in and in any other camping circumstance that might be a bummer. However, seeing as we don’t have a covered outdoor patio at our house, we popped open a few of the Airstreams windows and watched from inside as the storm move in. Storm watching is something my wife and I enjoyed doing as kids, but aren’t able to from our home, so it was a sweet little relaxing hour or two that we were able to spend together. And don’t worry, we were safe, it wasn’t a bad storm, just a little rain, and thunder to keep us entertained! 

5. Did you find anything challenging about your RV trip? 

Airstream Behind Truck The most challenging aspect of the trip was pulling the airstream behind the truck. I have pulled a few 10-12ft flatbed trailers in the past to move into my home or help friends move, but hauling a 23ft Airstream down the highway was a new and daunting task. No, it’s no 40ft RV, but it was without a doubt the biggest trailer I’ve ever hauled. However, it was definitely worth the nerves.

6. Would you go again? 

I would absolutely go again! My wife and I go tent camping 4 to 5 times a year, but having the ability to camp any time of the year, with all the amenities Rosie comes with was a game-changer. We loved camping in the RV and will definitely take her out again!

7. Where would you like to go next? 

One place we would love to visit is Caddo Lake in east Texas. I’ve been to plenty of Texas lakes, but I haven’t been to the only natural lake Texas has! It’s definitely a bucket list trip of mine! 

8. Why do you love RVing? 

Airstream MattRVing allows us to bring the comforts of home to the beauty of nature. In my mind, it’s the best of both worlds, one moment you’re out exploring and breathing in the fresh air and the next you’re nice and cozy on the couch in your RV. I can’t really ask for more! 

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Lance C. ~ “My first experience with Coach-Net service, and wow was I ever pleased!”

RV Tire Care

05 Thursday Mar 2020

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety, Tech Tips

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RV Tire Care

What Goes Around Comes Around With RV Tires!

“Tires are the most vulnerable component on an RV and the most neglected!”  This was a quote from John Anderson, founder of The RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) almost 30 years ago and still rings true today.  It’s one of the biggest topics in almost every RV forum and campground fireside discussion.  “Nitrogen”, “Gotta go to a Load Range E”, “Put on Coopers”, we’ve heard them all.  John started weighing RVs after numerous blowouts on his personal rig and started with “A Weigh We Go” which turned into RVSEF and after weighing over 50,000 rigs in a 20-year span, found a large percentage of RV tires are either overloaded, or underinflated.  With this experience, they have developed an educational effort that has greatly reduced the number of tire failures in the industry as well as extending tire life which every RVer should know.

Tire Pressure

Proper Inflation

Most RV owners read the information stamped on the sidewall of the tire to get the recommended tire pressure or PSI.  The number stamped on the tire is maximum pressure at maximum weight, not the correct tire pressure for your rig!  The only way to get proper inflation is to have your rig weighed by individual wheel position and consult the tire manufactures tire chart.

RV Tow

It is best to have the weight taken by the individual wheel position which can be accomplished by RVSEF and their weight teams at Rallies and other functions.  According to RVSEF, it is not uncommon for some floorplans to be 1000 pounds heavier on one side of the rig due to appliances, slide rooms, and personal belongings.  It is important to find the heaviest weight on an individual tire to compare that to the chart.  You can find the RVSEF locations and tire charts at www.rvsafety.com

Check Tire Pressure

Once you have the proper inflation it’s important to check that inflation every time you hit the road.  Most RVers occasionally check the pressure and do a quick visual inspection for the rest of the time.  You can not see the difference between a properly inflated tire and one that has 10 psi less at a glance and that 10 psi reduces your carrying capacity by 25%!  Check the pressure every time you hit the road, and we recommend a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) such as the one we tested from TST Systems.  We have over 100,000 miles on a test trailer that is still giving accurate readings!  This system not only gives the pressure but the temperature as well.

Track System Technology

Nitrogen (N2)

There is considerable debate about the advantage of using pure nitrogen in tires vs the standard air from a compressor.  The advantages stated by the “pro-nitrogen” side is there is less air loss through the sidewall of the tire due to the size of the N2 molecules vs the atmosphere air provided by air compressors.  The other advantage is the air from most compressors supplied-air has a higher moisture content due to the condensation created from the compressors which can cause rust on the metal components and cause “rot”.

Most tire and rim manufacturers state these claims are overstated as the standard air supplied in the past 50+ years is 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen with the remaining 1 percent a mixture of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases.  Yes, some air compressors that are not periodically drained or “purged” of condensation will have moisture in the air, however, it is not a sufficient amount to cause damage to the rim or valve.  The only advantage to N2 in tires that I have found has been the temperature on high volume trailers.  We have tested trailers for the past 3 years and the N2 tire filled trailers average 10 degrees lower temperatures?

Foreign Tires

The internet is full of blogs and articles about the quality of foreign tire failures.  I contacted Trey Selman of the RV Safety and Education Foundation which has been working with tire manufactures, RV manufacturers, dealers, and consumers for over 30 years and is what I believe is the utmost authority when it comes to RV tires and here was his response:
“While many tires can be used on trailers the primary type of tire is a Special Trailer (ST) tire. These tires have been used for many years and until very recently they have ALL been foreign-made and are all relatively inexpensive. So, this is not really a new phenomenon. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one ST tire brand/model that is manufactured in the US. And this one has only been available for the past couple of years. This companies previous model was also produced overseas before the current new model that is about 2 years old.

But just because a tire is made overseas does not necessarily make it bad. There will always be various qualities of tires but what is more often the problem with RVs is the lack of understanding about overloading the tires, the stresses of RV use on tires, and trying to make the tires last longer than they should because of these differences.”

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 ClubRV 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 ProtectAww Shucks!

Dale S. ~ “I was very pleased with the customer-first mentality. I experienced excellent communication, everything was taken care of in a very timely manner, and the process was very smooth. I would 100% recommend Coach-Net to anyone.” 

Reducing Travel Stress

07 Thursday Nov 2019

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks

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Reducing Travel Stress

Seeing the country in an RV is an absolute blast the vast majority of the time. There’s really no arguing with that fact. However, many people find those travel days are pretty stressful, which can, unfortunately, take some of the fun out of RVing, especially for the more anxious among us.

In fact, if you find yourself stressing out about driving your RV anywhere, you might even choose not to go anywhere at all, meaning you and your family miss out on all the awesome adventures they could be having.

If this sounds like you, it might be time to find some ways to take some of the stress out of RV travel days. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do just that, so you can continue on your wanderings and have a blast doing so.

Carry Quality Route-Planning Tools

The first thing to consider is how you will get from point A to point B. Having only a vague idea of what your path will be can be highly stressful. Additionally, running into obstacles such as low bridges and steep grades can be both dangerous and anxiety-inducing.

RV GPS

For this reason, we highly recommend investing in an RV-specific GPS, as well as a Trucker’s Atlas. Together, these tools will help you navigate across the US with confidence, ensuring you never run into these kinds of issues.

Take Your Time and Plan for Stops

Traveling too quickly is another way to add stress to your travel days. If at all possible, slow your travel down, allowing yourself a few days to meander to your final destination. This will make the whole experience more relaxing and will allow for impromptu detours to see cool roadside attractions, as well as plenty of stops to stretch your legs, get a bite to eat, and use the restroom.

Care for Your Vehicle and Tires

Being stuck on the side of the road isn’t anyone’s idea of a great travel day. Obviously, this isn’t something you can always avoid. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent breakdowns and tire blowouts.

Before every trip, make sure to check your fluid levels and schedule tune-ups on your motorhome or tow vehicle at least twice a year, just to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.

RV Walk Around

Walk around and check your tires before hitting the road as well, making sure to look for bubbling, uneven wear, worn tread, and other such issues. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure while you’re at it, and be sure to replace your tires when they begin to wear out—or every five years, whichever comes first.

Budget Wisely

When issues do arise, not having the money to deal with them can be a huge stressor. For this reason, it is very important to budget wisely, making sure to account for every expense and budgeting in plenty of emergency money.

Having an emergency fund will make problems along the way much more manageable and will remove a huge amount of anxiety.

Keep a Toolkit on Hand

Another way to remove anxiety when issues arrive is to ensure you have the tools to deal with the problem. Keep a toolkit in your vehicle as well as in your RV. An emergency kit is always a good idea as well, and having charged cell phones can be a lifesaver.

RV Tool Kit

Invest in Roadside Assistance and Insurance

Last but definitely not least, you will want to make sure you have excellent roadside assistance and insurance before any RV trip. Knowing there are people who have your back no matter what may happen will definitely help you relax, and if an issue should occur, the whole experience will be much more pleasant if you have some great companies to lean on.

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.

Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

William M. ~ “What I loved about Coach-Net’s service is that they kept calling us back to check and see how we were, giving us regular updates until the service provider arrived. I would highly recommend Coach-Net to anyone with an RV!”

Why Solar Power Should Be Your Next RV Investment

27 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

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RV Solar Power

Renewable energy fever is engulfing the United States, and this is extending to people who like to live their life on the road, too. Batteries are coming down in price, as is equipment, while also improving in strength, with The Verge reporting that a super-powered battery charger that provides 16 amps – household current levels. For RV and tech enthusiasts, turning to solar power should become a question of when, rather than if. The benefits are not hypothetical, but are available to be gained today.

The range question

For RV owners, it’s understandable why solar power can be treated with a little trepidation. Endurance is a key part of the RV experience, and range anxiety – the fear that the vehicle will give up the ghost far short of a safe stop – features prominently among all US vehicle owners, according to the Washington Post. However, advancements in solar technology mean that this should no longer be a worry. Most of note are the RV charging bays that are currently being positioned throughout the country, and particularly in hot counties like California. These will allow you to charge electric batteries on the fly.

Effectiveness of solar

Solar Powered RVRV owners value their independence, and solar panels can help to achieve. However, it hasn’t always been this way, as noted by green energy advocates Energy Sage. Previously, solar panels were only useful for those engaging in boondocking. However, as solar panels have now reduced in price and weight considerably, it means that your appliances can be charged effectively and efficiently by simply getting out on the road. It’s financially feasible to get a solar panel RV setup going and keep charge during the day at a background level; this will be financially sound regardless of whether you look for off the beaten track or not.

The reform of batteries

Key in the changes making solar effective for RVs is the innovation and expansion of solar energy batteries. Japanese innovators have now produced new consumer-level batteries that will promise to reform the system entirely and make transporting electric energy far easier. Furthermore, big business, including Samsung, have outlined how the next generation of solar battery will be able to store and safeguard greater levels of juice than any other system before. For RV drivers, this has two major benefits. Firstly, moving into colder areas where there are fewer opportunities for solar-based energy will be less impactful. Secondly, you will have a greater range and quite simply be more durable on the road, and all for less cost.

When taking all of the factors into account, setting up a solar rig for your RV is becoming a no brainer. The energy is free, there are no longer constraints on your range or the power of charging available, and you’ll be doing a favor to the natural beauty that RV owners so often are able to take in. For the next improvement to your on-the-road rig, consider getting into renewable energy.

Author: Ali Walker 

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Camping In Texas State Parks

23 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by in RV Information

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Texas State Park

Looking for an awesome place to take your RV this summer? Why not head down to Texas? Texas is an amazing place to explore, and because it’s so big, there is a lot to see and do. One of the best ways to experience Texas in an RV is by camping your way through the state’s incredible state parks.

Texas has some of the best state parks around, offering guests amazing views, awesome recreation opportunities, and even surprisingly clean bathrooms. Not only that, these parks are also incredibly diverse, featuring everything from mountains to beaches, as well as some seriously awesome caves (among other things).

Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about these state parks and why you simply must visit them.

Texas State Parks We Love

Let’s begin by discussing some of the parks we’ve visited and fallen in love with. These particular parks were simply outstanding, and we 100% recommend them to anyone with the time to work them into their travel schedule.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Located in Glen Rose, TX, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a dino-lover’s dream come true. Here, visitors can see actual dinosaur tracks and walk in the footsteps of these amazing creatures.

Dinasour Valley

Summer is the best time to visit, as the tracks can be covered by water during other times of year, so be sure to plan accordingly. Additionally, you will want to make sure to bring good hiking gear, as some of the tracks can be a bit difficult to reach.

Galveston Island State Park

Everyone loves a good old-fashioned beach day. What if you could spend several days in a row on the beach? At Galveston Island State Park you can do exactly that.

While several of the park’s campsites are located across the road and about a mile and a half from the beach, there are a few sites that are sitting right by the water and a quick two-minute walk will have you at the beach and ready to play. What could be better than that?

Just be aware that this park does book up quickly in the summer!

McKinney Falls State Park

The location of this park simply couldn’t be better. McKinney Falls State Park is located within Austin city limits, meaning you can easily drive into the city during your stay and experience all the music, barbecue, and fun Austin has to offer.

McKinney Falls

That said, the park is secluded from all this hustle and bustle, and gives campers a great place to escape at the end of a long day of exploring. Hiking is a wonderful way to spend a day in this park, and the gorgeous falls are wonderful to look at. Best of all, the water in this park is nice and cool—perfect for swimming on a hot Texas summer day.

Other Bucket-List State Parks in Texas

While we have seen quite a few of the Texas state parks, we have yet to visit them all. For that reason, a few of these parks are still sitting on our bucket list. These are parks that we’ve heard about from traveling friends, and based on what we’ve heard, we highly recommend you add them to your list of things to see as well:

  • Big Bend Ranch State Park
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park Colorado Bend State Park
  • Longhorn Cavern State Park

Saving Money While Camping in Texas State Parks

One of the very best things about using Texas state park campgrounds is the fact that these campsites are so well kept, yet so inexpensive. We’ve visited state parks all over the country, and feel these parks are far better than most—and yet in our experience, their rates range from only $18–$25 a night.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Logo

That said, the parks do charge campers their day-use fee on top of the camping fees. This can add up quickly, especially if you take your whole family camping, and will easily eat up any savings you may have had by staying in a state park over a private park. Luckily, there is a way around this issue.

The Texas State Parks Pass is an annual membership that allows you free entry to all of the parks, as well as waived day-use fees when camping. On top of that, those who own a Texas State Park Pass will receive half-off their second night of camping, saving you even more money.

We think this pass is well worth the $70 investment, and found it paid for itself in almost no time. Therefore, it is definitely something you’ll want to look into if you plan to camp in these parks often.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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10 Great Ways to Experience Agritourism in Your RV

20 Thursday Jun 2019

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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10 Great Ways to Experience Agritourism in Your RV

Have you ever experience agritourism? If not, you’re really missing out.

This unique type of tourism involves visiting farms across the country and getting a true understanding for how each one works and where our food comes from. In some instances, agritourism might mean picking your own fruit or veggies; in others it could mean milking a cow or experiencing a wine tasting.

In all cases, this is a wonderful and unique kind of travel that everyone should try at least once.

To make a good thing even better, agritourism and RVing go hand in hand. After all, if you’re going to be traveling in your RV, you might as well check out what each area has to offer in terms of local foods. Plus, because RVing tends to take you to rural areas, you might even find that there are a few farms mere minutes from your favorite camping spots.

Wondering how you can jump into this amazing new world? Below we’ve compiled a list of awesome options. Try these ideas this summer for a rewarding and delicious camping season.

Head to a U-Pick Farm

GreenBeansBy far the best kind of agritourism for kids, “U-pick” farms can be found in almost every state. A visit to one of these farms is super rewarding thanks to the fact that you get to take home whatever you pick, and because the only cost is that of the food you pick, you can even wrap your visit into your grocery budget.

Want to do more than just pick fruits or vegetables? Look for a farm that has additional activities. Many will offer pony rides, hayrides, bounce houses, and more. This is especially true of pumpkin farms, which tend to have all kinds of kid-friendly activities during the fall months.

Take a Dairy Farm Tour

Many dairy farms are happy to offer tours to visiting guests, and these tours are incredibly interesting. Some will allow you to milk a cow, and most at least give you an opportunity to check out the incredibly complex cow-milking machines.

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to find a dairy farm that gives visitors an opportunity to see end products begin made. These might include ice cream, butter, or cheese.

Visit a Winery

WineryIf you’re a fan of wine, visiting a winery is a great option. Most wineries will share their process with you, and almost all of them give wine tastings. Want to bring the younger campers along? Be sure to ask beforehand. Some wineries do allow children to attend tastings, and some might even provide grape juice for the younger palates.

Wineries can be found in many different states. That said, some of the very best wineries and vineyards are located in California. Therefore, if you’ll be in this area, you will want to be sure to add a winery to your agenda.

Invest in a Harvest Hosts Membership

Those that want an even more in-depth view of what goes on each day on a farm should invest in a Harvest Hosts membership. This super cool camping membership allows RVers to park their rigs at farms and vineyards all over the country, giving them lovely boondocking spots for the small price of a yearly membership.

Many hosts allow guests to participate in daily farm chores and activities, making this an ideal way for campers to get up close and personal with the world of farming.

These are just a handful of the ways a person can join the world of agritourism. Why not give them a try? If you love the experience, you can seek out other amazing opportunities to check out local farms!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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Tips for Snowbirds Heading Home

03 Wednesday Apr 2019

Posted by in RV Information, The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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Snowbirds Heading Home

 

Have a detail pre-departure checklist

It’s officially spring and may be time for the “snowbirds” to migrate back North as the snow melts and the temperatures reach back into the tolerable levels! Whether you left your permanent house in the North and headed south in an RV or a full-time RVer that just follows the warm weather, there are a few tips for making the trip more enjoyable and hopefully prevent issues on the road.

Plan Your Route With The Least Amount Of Traffic

Navigate Home

Popular snowbird locations such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida are also popular locations for spring break, bike week, baseball spring training and a whole host of other events that bring thousands of people to the area which means traffic, full campgrounds, and often times higher fuel prices!  It’s a good idea to do some research to see what might be an issue along the way and either go at a different time or even take a different route if possible?  You can easily check with campgrounds along the proposed route to find out what might be better for your situation.

Tie Up Loose Ends Down South

When preparing to take off in the Fall, RVers make sure they have mail forwarded, medical prescriptions transferred, gas/power/water shut off at a home, and all services taken care of.  When heading out in the spring, make sure you have made arrangements for all these services to transfer to your new or next destination.  Make arrangements for any medications you might need to get refilled along the way.  If you are going back to a permanent home, verify everything is good to return and there are no surprises such as new development or a change in ordinance that does not allow RVs in the driveway.  Conduct an “exit interview” with the campground you are leaving to ensure you have no outstanding fees and can get any deposit you might have back.  If you want to return the following year, this is a good time to make a reservation and get the best spot which might cost you a deposit but could be well worth it.   Also, alert family members that you are leaving, the route you are taking, and estimated arrival times in various locations.  Then stay in touch during the journey to keep them informed!

Get a Good Weather Tracker

It’s important to watch pending weather conditions along your route and possibly reroute or wait for a storm to pass.  Conditions may look good, but it’s not uncommon for a storm to suddenly pop up out of nowhere in the mountains or other areas that could be a major issue to traveling.  Some of the most popular weather tracking applications for Rvers are The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) and WeatherBug (www.weatherbug.com)  Both are free for Android and OS applications and are easy to use.  Features include detailed forecasts, severe weather alerts for not only your immediate area but also destinations down the road, Doppler Radar, and even cameras showing live conditions.

Have Your Rig Winterized Ready

Many first-time RVers start their journey North with good weather in moderate temperatures and don’t expect to run into freezing conditions.  However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to suddenly dip below freezing especially if you travel through the mountains.  If you have water still in the fresh water tank, lines, water pump, and water heater, you will have some expensive repairs coming!  Either blow all the water out of the unit or use RV antifreeze.  You can always carry gallons of drinking water that are protected by the heater in the living area, plus bring some extra gallons and leave them in the shower stall to use for the toilet if you have not used RV antifreeze.

Check Your Tire Pressure –  Often!

Check your tire pressure before you leave and every day you travel on the road.  Make this part of your pre-departure checklist.  Use a certified tire pressure gauge or get a set of tire pressure monitor sensors (TPMS).  Also, you need to weigh your rig and refer to the tire manufacturer’s tire chart for proper pressure.  The PSI stamped on the side of the tire is for maximum pressure at maximum weight.  If your rig is not loaded to the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) this will not be the proper pressure.  Tire charts can be obtained at the RV Safety & Education Foundation’s website – www.rvsafety.com

Bearings And Brakes

It’s a good idea to carry an infrared temperature gun to occasionally test the hubs and brakes to see what might be happening.  If the ambient temperature is 80 degrees, it’s not uncommon for bearings, hubs, and brake drums to run a higher temperature of 90-100 degrees.  However, if you see the temperature spike to 120-130 degrees, it’s time to have them checked before needing roadside assistance.  A simple test once a day while driving will help verify they are operating properly.

Don’t Forget Spring Maintenance

Most RVers that store their rigs for the winter use the Spring for their annual maintenance.  Items such as cleaning and conditioning the roof, awning material, and checking all the seals.  Cleaning the refrigerator vent, checking and conditioning the slide room seals, and applying UV protection to the sidewall.  Make sure you do your annual maintenance either before you leave, or after you get home. Check your owner’s manual for tips, or visit www.rvrepairclub.com for detailed maintenance videos.

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 ClubRV 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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