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Nobody’s got all the answers. We all need advice. Millions of readers get the advice they need from LifeTips. Gurus create the expert tips for readers, and get all kinds of benefits including donations to the charity of their choice. Readers, Gurus, Charities—Everybody Wins!
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RV TipsRead 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 StorageIf 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:
Outdoor RV HeatersIf 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 HomeHave 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 RacksIf 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.
5th Wheel Camping TrailersOne 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 AccessoriesIf covered RV storage is the best fit for you, consider the following accessories to compliment your classic RV cover:
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 RVsIf 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 RVIf 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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