3 Tips to safely manage your RV power sources

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It makes no difference if you’re set up in your RV at a campground or “boondocking” in a camper off the grid, your vacation is enriched with a constant and reliable source of electricity. But remember that any power source could be dangerous to people and electrical appliances when not managed effectively.

By simply following these three basic safety and maintenance tips you’ll keep yourself and your RV furnishings secure.

  1. Understand Your Power Sources

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and campers are built to be plugged into the grid or run off auxiliary power from a 12-volt battery or an external generator.

If your RV can be plugged into the campground AC grid, it usually comes with a heavy-duty cord rated for 30 amps and 120 volts. If the campground provides 30 amp outlets, you’re ready to go.

In several small campgrounds, you could be connected to a lower household plug offering 15 or 20 amps. You can use an adapter to draw on this power source, but the likelihood of power surges and poor electricity might damage the compressors in your air conditioner and refrigerator.

Use few appliances and devices when connected to the lower amperage to avoid over tasking the power source and damaging your appliances.

Even when you’re plugged into the grid, your camper is made to convert some of the AC power to 12-volt DC power to run these devices. The battery is charged up again when you’re plugged into AC power, solar power panels, or when the RV engine is running.

The third source of power possible in an RV is the onboard or auxiliary generator. The onboard or exterior generator gives you enough power to run your 120-volt appliances and furnishings. This can recharge your RV battery to use your DC devices. Generators offer you more options when off-grid.

  1. Maintain Your Battery and Generator

The most damaging thing you can do to a generator is fill it with fuel, make use of it once or twice, and then just allow it sit. The fuel left in the carburetor forms a lacquer that fouls the fuel jets at least and makes the generator fail to start. Run your generator for 30 minutes weekly to always keep fresh fuel circulating.

If you won’t run the generator for some time, start it and run it for five or ten minutes. Then, cut off the fuel supply while the generator is still running. Allow the engine die on it own. Now, you can store the generator long-term without having to worry about fuel damage.

Your 12-volt RV battery additionally needs upkeep. At all times remove the battery from the RV before working on it. Keep any open flames or smoking materials far away from the battery also Check the electrolyte levels in the battery and fill it up with clean distilled water if need be. If you have a “no-maintenance” battery, you can’t actually check it, but you can do the following to all batteries:

Always keep connections thoroughly clean

Hand tighten terminal connections

Spray connections with terminal protector

Campers often drain 12-volt batteries accidentally by leaving a light or a radio on all through the day when no one is inside the RV. Find out if your battery has a shut-off switch. Turn the battery power off when you’re out of the camper, and you won’t lose power. If your battery doesn’t have this switch, your RV supplier could order one for you.

  1. Protect Yourself from Surge Suppression and CO2 Poisoning

Electrical surges contribute to a number of problems in your RV, and some of them might pose a shock hazard to you and other people in or around the camper. Make use of a top quality surge suppressor to keep your electrical system protected from high- and low-voltage conditions. Surge suppression as well protects your RV from damage on account of inappropriately managed electrical service.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an extremely real danger when using generators close to people’s living quarters. It is a hazardous gas that is generated by burning fuel. If it accumulates indoors, it could kill people and pets.

Never put generators indoors or anywhere close to your RV windows. Check out the airflow around your generator to be sure fumes don’t enter. Buy CO and smoke detectors to alert you to dangerous interior air conditions.

 

RVshare is helping RV owners make payments and family vacations for less

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Renting a spacious, comfortable RV can be hugely expensive, and a good number of people, who end up buying one, make payments all year long despite the fact that it sits idle 11 months of the year. But one local company has been making a giant stride in connecting RV owners with renters while helping families enjoy the RV life for less. They have also helped many RV owners turn a liability into a small business.

General RV in North Canton, has a fleet of completely new coaches that they rent out during the summer, and an entire department committed to training renters on how to operate them. Models that sleep 4 to 10 people average $1,500-2$,000 for weekly rental including 700 miles and generator time as well as insurance for both the renter and the dealership. Their rates are 10-20 percent lower than traditional RV fleets, and provide families more flexibility.

What was before now a money pit in the driveway has suddenly turns into a small business in a driveway for many families. The typical RV, most of which are financed, goes unused for 50 weeks or most times of the year. Now Investments of $20,000-$30,000 for travel trailers, and $60,000-$200,000 for driveable RV’s are now paid off through the Rvshare rental arrangements. Many owners are thrilled renting their RV to cover their payment.

Other RV owners after noticing the demand are also planning to make as much money as they can. Those who have been renting theirs have made as much as $80,000 in a year, from a single RV. More normal range is $20,000-$30,000 annually for spacious travel trailer which goes for $125 a night. This is certainly much less than hotels stay at most vacation destinations.

However, renting one of these vehicles isn’t like renting just any car. They are complex vehicles to drive and operate. A rental pick up will most likely take two-three hours because the owner will probably spend that much time showing the renter the best way to use the RV, take them for a test drive on the highway and back.

RV share additionally manages the deposit and payment process, insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance, such as any towing or tire replacement needed.

RV Share’s Co-founder and CEO says that demand for the 30,000 RV’s listed on their site is higher than supply. They average 800,000 hits monthly and their staff has tripled during the past eight months.

3 Tips On How To Rent An RV For Your Family Road Trip

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Traveling by RV is one of the best vacation getaway experiences, particularly in today’s fast-paced technology obsessed world. There’s absolutely no substitute for hitting the open road and experiencing all that nature has to offer. But Purchasing an RV isn’t always a workable option for many families, however renting an RV has been made easier than ever, thanks to websites like RVshare.com.

Here are 3 great tips on how to rent an RV for that perfect family road trip you desire.

  1. Plan Your Trip Details

The starting point to planning the ideal RV getaway is to start planning! Below are a few questions to ponder over as you begin.

Where are you going?

The options are limitless when you travel by RV, but it’s vital to specify a destination, and how you plan on getting there.

How big is your group?

Once you know where your family adventure is taking place, you’ll need to do a head count of who’ll be going with you. This will help you determine the type of RV you need and know how much room you’ll need to have.

What’s your budget?

Planning a budget is one of the most significant features of your RV vacation. Your budget shouldn’t just include your RV rental. It is important to plan out for attractions and activities, food, fuel along with overnight parking and camping.

What are your RV must-haves?

Every family has completely different needs with regards to their RV rental. While some might be okay with the very least (beds, toilet, etc.), others might want far more luxury so, making your list of must-haves will make finding your RV rental incredibly easy.

  1. Find a Reputable RV Dealer

Getting a premium quality RV rental might seem intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Thankfully, websites like RVshare.com offer you access to the best RVs nationally. You can browse through a huge number of motorhome options, some available for under $100/day. The most exciting part is that peer-to-peer networks like RVshare let you rent directly from RV owners, helping you get a better quality rig at the best price.

What’s even better, all rentals obtainable on RVshare come from reliable and trustworthy dealers, and each rental provides 24-hour roadside help to ensure you and your family always feel safe out on the highway.

The RV rental process is not difficult. Just search by location, features and RV type and you’ll find just what you’re searching for. Then, choose your travel dates and book your rental using an easy-to-navigate form. You’ll be ready to talk directly with the RV owner to arrange your trip details and address any other questions you might have about the RV rental.

  1. Ask Questions

Since websites like RVshare.com let you communicate with the RV owner all through the reservation process, you’ll have a good chance to learn all about your RV rental, ensuring it’s the perfect one for you and your group. Here are just some questions you might want to ask:

Does the RV have GPS?

Are there rear and side-view cameras to help out with parking and turning your RV?

What does it cost, on average, to fill up the RV?

In the long run, the more you know about your RV rental in advance, the more at ease you’ll feel in the motorhome you choose. And there will be less room for unforeseen surprises during your trip.

Hopefully this will help you with how to rent an RV for your next family road trip.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your RV

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The American highways have consistently offered interesting possibilities for adventure. If you have a recreational vehicle now may very well be a good time to be out on the road and experience all the fun you can. But before you start your vacation it’s important to ensure you’re well equipped. Preparation simply means ensuring your vehicle can handle the challenges of a rough stretch on the highway and some precautionary maintenance.

Below, you’ll find a couple of things you should do to secure and maintain your RV to safely and securely create memories you’ll always remember.

GENERATOR SERVICING

One of the major benefits of traveling in an RV is that you can enjoy a level of comfort and mobility at the same time. That comfort is offered partly by a power generator which governs the fixtures and features inside your RV and if that power generator eventually goes out, you might experience a horrible time. So it’s better to avoid that trap completely.

Your generator requires the same care and attention as every other motor. Ensure the oil is changed routinely, and both the air and oil filters remain properly clean and clear. Additionally ensure you run your generator when the RV isn’t being used. A generator that sits dormant could possibly be at risk of having the motor seize or failing to effectively process fuel, leaving you without power and with worries.

TANK SANITATION

Having access to fresh water is another vital convenience that comes with an RV, so remember to always have your fresh water tank full. However, as the level in the tank reduces, it might turn out to be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Dark, damp spaces represent a potential threat, so it’s really important that you’re conscious of that threat and do something to neutralize it.

Flushing your tank with clean water on a consistent basis can help remove any unwanted intrusions. It’s also wise to consider buying sanitation products that are purposely designed to work as cleaning solvents when they’re introduced to the system. These can work in both a cleanup and prevention role, providing a further layer of protection that can keep your tanks clean and ensure that you won’t spend your time on a trip fighting an illness from bad water.

PROPER COVERAGE

In most cases, it’s best for us to fix the things that we see daily. Other damage might escape notice until it’s far too late. Sunlight and weather can potentially result in discoloration and cracks that might not be noticed until it’s too late.

Getting up in the middle of the night to a leak in the roof of your RV is a very horrible experience. Preferably, keep your RV undercover to guarantee the best protection you can find.