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Hi, I'm Sherril Steele-Carlin, one of the hundreds of writers here at LifeTips.com. Enjoy these 229 RV Tips! If you’re a business, why not hire the expert writers at LifeTips? And if you’re a writer, apply for freelance writing gigs.
Toilet Paper for Waste Tanks
Your RV dealer will be glad to sell you RV/Marine type toilet paper ´specially´ made for your waste tanks. Usually this is more expensive than regular toilet paper and may not be needed. To check if your TP is OK to use in your RV, put one square of it in a glass of water. It should begin to dissolve quickly. If it does it is OK. Look for toilet paper in the store that says it is OK for all septic systems. Usually the cheapy TP is the best.
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Camping World Inc. Tip: Why Buy a Used RV?
Do you plan to buy a used motorhome? If so, you may find used RV prices to be quite agreeable compared to buying a new one.
New RVs depreciate dramatically in the first few years of ownership, where you will find used RVs do not. Used RVs come in many sizes and prices, so the best way to start your search is to look up a used RV dealer who specializes in used RV sales, and will only sell reliable and clean units with a warranty or service plan.
Look for units that have been supplied with accessories and equipment from the previous owner. You might find luxury items that do not come standard with new units. Because there are more used RVs on the market than new, being an informed shopper will help you find a used RV value you can't resist!
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Sanitizing
Buy a container of waterless hand sanitizer and store it with your tank dumping supplies. After you are done dumping, use the sanitizer before getting back in your rig. This will prevent germs from being transferred to door handles and sink faucets while you clean up.
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Camping World Inc. Tip: Sit Down and Look Around
Buying recreational vehicles isn't like buying a car. There's a lot more money and comfort at stake. Before you buy an RV, make sure you spend quite a bit of time investigating its features and comfort. For example, sit down in the RV with the slides in and out. Can you move around the RV with the slides in? Can you access all areas of the RV when the slides are closed? If not, you may be stuck if you're forced to park in an area where you can't use the slides, such as a narrow campsite.
Spend at least an hour sitting in the seats. Are they still comfortable after that amount of time? Can you easily access the passenger and driver's seats? Check out the bed too, and make sure it's big enough for you and your spouse, as well as comfortable and easily accessible. Check out storage space inside and out, as well. If you spend several hours investigating two or three RVs before you buy, you'll make sure you find the recreational vehicle that's perfect for your family.
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Disconnect Your Battery
If you will not be using your RV for any length of time, disconnect the battery. Your RV has many systems that draw a small amount of current all the time. Things like your propane leak detector, tank monitors or digital clocks will draw enough current to drain you house batteries if you are not pluged in.
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Camping World Inc. Tip: Discount RV Accessories
When you shop for discount RV accessories, keep a close eye out for quality. All discount RV accessories may not be such a good buy if they don't hold up to one camping trip or camping season. Quality tables, chairs, and other accessories may cost a little more in the beginning, but they will last longer than many bargain brands and will probably be a little more comfortable. Look for rugged high-impact polyethylene that won't fade or rust for tables and chairs and look for models that fold away easily, so they'll fit in your storage compartments. The frames should be weather-coated steel, so they'll stand up to abuse and won't bend or crack under pressure. You may pay a bit more for these features, but you'll end up with chairs and tables that will last season after season.
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Make a Difference
You can make a difference in the world by volunteering your time to different groups. RVers are in demand as volunters because we have the ability to go where help is needed most. Lots of groups, like Habitat for Humanity, even have a program called "RV Care-A-Vanners" that travel to build sites and donate their time and energy!
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Camping World Inc. Tip: 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.
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Head light signals
Use the following signals when driving your RV: When you are being passed and the other vehicle has gotten around you and has sufficient room to return to the lane, flash your head lights slowly a couple of times so they know they are clear. If you are passing someone, look for the same signals. Most car drivers do not use these signals, but most RV and semi-truck drivers do.
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Save Money
Camping World´s President Club saves you 10% off RV supplies and equipment. Plus as a President Club member you get 10% discount on the Passport America 50% Discount Camping Card which saves you 50% on RV Campsites all across America. Great savings.
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Set-up
When setting up the awning on your RV make sure to keep one end lower than the other. This will let any water that accumulates run off. Even if it is not raining you can still get water build up from morning dew or condensation drip from your roof AC.
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Save money with Passport America Campgrounds
Camping at Passport America Campgrounds saves RV´ers 50% off campsites. They have over 1000 plus campgrounds to choose from all across America. You can check out their campgrounds online at www.passportamerica.com
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Finding a Good Campground
There are publications that rate campgrounds such as Trailer Life and Woodalls that some RV´ers use to guide them along their trips. However some campers find that what is a top rated park in the book isn´t to them. For example a small ma & pa operation might get a low rating in the book but be a 10 to an RV´er because of the friendliness, cleanliness & woodsy country atmosphere. After January 2005 check out MyRVparks.com, a free online campground guide that also lists fun activities & special events at RV parks all across America. PassportAmerica.com also lists all of their parks online too with detail information.
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RV Values online
NADAguides.com is a great place to go & for FREE see what your RV is worth money wise. Looking to trade in your RV, Sell your RV or buy an RV this information is valuable and comes in handy. It´s very convenient and easy to look up. This way you know yourself exactly what it´s worth without relying on someone else´s opinion or valuation.
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Cleaning Tips
To keep your refrigerator clean and smelling good between uses, remove any food from it. Wipe the inside down with warm water and baking soda. Allow it to dry. Always store the RV with the refrigerator and freezer doors propped open to prevent mildew.
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Crosswind Care
When you are driving your RV, be aware of crosswinds. Crosswinds are caused by the wind blowing against the side of the RV. Sudden crosswinds may cause the RV, especially if it is over-loaded, to suddenly swerve into another lane. If you must drive in windy conditions, be sure to reduce your speed so you have enough time to react.
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Small Coolant Leak Fix #1
One old trick for fixing a small radiator leak is to drop a couple whole peppercorns into the radiator. The pepper will expand in the hot coolant and may be drawn to the leak by the pressure of fluid leaking out and my seal the hole. This doesn´t always help but it is worth a shot so you don't get stranded somewhere.
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Find Other RV´ers Online
Internet Clubs and Newsgroups are a great way to trade RV information and keep up with other travelers. MyRVparks.com is the whats happening in the RV industry- chat & message boards. They let you know whats going on in RV parks such as fun activities and special events. RV.net under rv search also provides valuable information from other RV´ers. You can type in your RV subject of interest and see what other RV´ers have to say.
