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RV Tips

Read these 229 RV tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Explore 26 categories of tips ranging from 5th Wheel Trailers to Used RVs. Gurus keep the rv tips, advice and answers flowing to readers and fans, in exchange for promotion, free book publishing services and donations to the charity of their choice. Readers, Gurus, Charities—Everybody wins at LifeTips.com.

Waking Up Your RV After Winter Storage

If you are a warm-weather camper, there are a few things to remember when starting the season after a snooze. Whether your RV storage is indoor or out, here's what you need to remember to get going again:

  • Fill your holding tank with a 50/50 percent bleach/water solution to kill any mold or fungus that may have grown over the winter and flush with fresh water. Hook up a pressurized fresh water line and turn on all sinks, including outdoor shower, to flush out all traces of antifreeze.
  • Treat your black and grey tanks with RV tank treatment solution from your RV store.
  • Inspect your appliances. Gas appliances need to be inspected for cracked or worn hoses.
  • Inspect electrical system for corrosion and/or malfunctions. Turn on all lights, radios, and operate any electrical equipment to be sure it works.
  • Test for carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Check tire pressure and condition of tires. Be sure pressure is at the recommended level for your RV.
  • Open all doors, drawers and cabinets and check for critters who may have camped out over the winter. They probably don't want to live with you either!
  • Clean your RV inside and out with recommended cleaner from your RV store to get a good start on the season.
Remember that none of these tips can replace the need for regular maintenance during indoor or outdoor RV storage.

Outdoor RV Heaters

If you use your RV for tailgating or winter camping, outdoor RV heaters are a must. These high-BTU heaters are made to create warmth in a campsite or tailgate area and can heat up to 100 square feet in just minutes by using radiant heat. It should be easy to put together and take apart and it should cool down quickly so you can store it away easily after use.

Look for outdoor RV heaters that are easy to store, carry, and that will run for a number of hours on their gas source. (Most use propane). You should also look for one that radiates heat in a complete 360-degree circle. Try to find one with pushbutton ignition for easier starting, as well. Remember, these RV heaters are for outdoor use only.

Portable RV Garages for Protection at Home

Have you decided to invest in proper motorhome storage this year? If you like the idea of having your own RV storage garage, there are several options on the market. Choose from peak roof style, rounded, square and double-wide. A portable RV garage offers a temporary shelter in several sizes to fit your RV storage needs. They are made with polyethylene fabric, heavy-duty metal frames, and tubes and a slip-fit system that connect for easy construction. Water-proof with UV protective covering, portable covered RV storage units offer accessibility, protection and they are movable!

Be sure to check city ordinances and neighborhood covenants for rules related to residential RV storage on your lot.

RV Bike Racks

If you're like many RVers, you have kids and a ton of gear to haul when you take off for a trip. Chances are, your kids want to bring their bikes along to enjoy in the campground. With RV bike racks, you can carry several bikes, leaving your other storage areas free for other necessities. Luckily, there are quite a few imaginative ways to carry your bikes effectively. RV bike racks come in several handy styles. Some fit on the roof ladder, keeping them out of the way yet easy to access when you arrive at your destination. Others fit over the existing trailer hitch or spare tire on your trailer. Still others attach to the rear bumper of your RV, and extend to hold several bikes. Don't leave the bikes at home on your next RV adventure. RV bike racks make it convenient and easy to take your bikes along for the ride!

Don't Let Your RV Get a Chill! Check Temperatures and Winterize!

Is your indoor or portable RV storage temperature controlled? If you are fortunate enough to have a temperature controlled RV garage, you may not need to winterize your RV. Monitor your RV temperature frequently. If the internal temperature falls below freezing, you will need to winterize your RV.

  • To winterize, empty and flush out your holding tanks. This will keep the water lines from freezing and bursting. Drain the fresh water tank and water heater (leave the drain plug out - do not open the safety valve - it may not seal properly).
  • Pour two to three gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze through the plumbing. Put antifreeze in each sink, shower/bath, and stool.
  • Use a manual hand pump to push the anitfreeze through the system.
  • It is recommended to purchase a hot water heater bypass kit. This will allow you to empty your hot water heater to avoid freezing damage without using an excessive amount of antifreeze.
  • Remove the battery for winter storage. Store the battery in a warm spot but not in your living area.
Don't forget to de-winterize and do a safety check after storing your RV for long periods!

5th Wheel Camping Trailers

One of the advantages of towing a trailer rather than driving a motor home is that you have a vehicle available when you arrive at your campsite. 5th wheel trailers make it much easier to unhitch the trailer quickly, and then leave the trailer in the campground while you go sightseeing. With a motorhome, you have to tow a vehicle along with you, or drive the motor home wherever you go, and that can be expensive with gas prices the way they are!

5th wheel camping trailers have another advantage, too. They're more stable than traditional travel trailers, and they have more room inside. If you have a large family, a 5th wheel trailer can give you the room you need at a much more affordable price than a full motor home. 5th wheel camping trailers usually run from $14,000 to $100,000 for a new model, to $1,000 to $45,000 for a used model, depending on the age and model of the 5th wheel trailer.

RV Cover Accessories

If covered RV storage is the best fit for you, consider the following accessories to compliment your classic RV cover:

  • Tire guards - Tire guards keep the rain out and protect against damaging light, heat and tire wall cracking. Cracks can cause a tire blowout - a chance you don't want to take on the highway! Tire guards come with bungee attachments to keep them from blowing away in high winds.
  • Spare tire covers - Protect your spare from damage using a tire cover while parked and on the road.
  • RV mask - A front-end mask for Class A motorhomes protects the nose guard from nicks, stones, scratches, and bugs while allowing for battery-tray slide out. A mask can be used with or without an RV cover. Masks should fit tight and be removed to dry if the felt backing becomes wet.
  • Windshield cover - For your pickup truck, SUV, or Class C motorhome, use a windshield cover for privacy when parked. Covers also protect your windshield from the elements during storage.
  • Wiper blade and mirror covers - To protect Class A wiper blades and mirrors from UV damage and aging, use wiper blade and/or mirror covers. They can be used with or without an RV cover to protect against the elements.
  • Air conditioner cover - Protect your air conditioner from the weather while your RV is parked. Air conditioner covers come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to get the right fit!
  • Rooftop vent covers - Vent covers insulate and block light and heat from the interior of your RV.
  • RV cover patch kit - Keep a patch kit available in case of rips and tears. Your RV cover should come with a warranty, but even temporary holes or tears in the cover may cause damage to your RV in bad weather.
Note: When purchasing an RV cover and accessories, be sure to get the right size to ensure full protection from the elements!

What's a SURV?

The newest addition to recreational vehicles is the Sport Utility Recreational Vehicle (SURV), also known as toy haulers. These models come in trailer or motorhome form, and they provide ample storage for all those toys you like to take with you when you camp out, like dirt bikes, ATVs and the like. Essentially, a toy hauler is an RV with its own attached garage.

When you buy a toy hauler, look for one with a vinyl or metal floor that is easy to clean. It should have tie-downs to keep your gear secure. Some even come with gas hoses so you can refill your toys right there in the garage. Many have beds that hide away in the ceiling when you're not using them, as well. You can park your toys outside and use the area for additional guests when you go camping. Toy haulers are one of the most popular, fastest growing segments of the RV market.

Resources for Buying Used RVs

If you are buying a used RV, know where to find information about used RV prices. NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) is the largest publisher of value guides in the world and offers appraisal guidelines for vehicles, including RVs. NADA lists prices that reflect the market and consumer information (safety, insurance, FAQ on RVs). So if you want to find out if a used motorhome is considered a used RV of value or priced too high, consult NADA or visit: nadaguides.com for more information

Kelly Blue Book is another resource you can use to determine reasonable used RV prices. The "Official RV Guide - Motor Homes, Campers, Van Conversions (1986-2007)" provides used values plus list prices on new units. Also see the "Official RV Guide - Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Folding Trailers."

Fixing Up a Used RV

If you've found a used RV for sale that you would like to restore, consider the cost of your planned improvements. If the cost of the repairs you plan to make exceeds the cost of the used RV, you may want to reconsider. Also know that when the amount of work involved is too great, buying a dilapidated RV will offer little used RV value.

If you decide that repair work is for you, prioritize your list of tasks. Put the most important repairs at the top of the list and be sure to begin with functional changes first, so you can enjoy your RV even during cosmetic restoration. Take note that you don't want to do a job like painting before you install fixtures like counter tops. You will expend twice the energy repainting when you damage the finish by hammering and fitting the new counter tops. Remember that restoration takes time and effort, so by planning ahead you'll be enjoying quality time in your RV in no time.





 
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