RV Towing Tips: 3 Ways To Tow A Car Behind Your Motorhome

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There are actually 3 popular ways of towing vehicles behind an RV. The one that’s ideal for your situation would be determined by a number of factors.

Your first choice is to take the vehicle on a flatbed or closed in trailer.

This trailer is going to support the entire vehicle and will have its own brakes and lighting system, guaranteeing its acceptance by almost all states.

Advantages: You’re not putting in unnecessary mileage to your second vehicle, and you can practically bring along any kind of vehicle you choose.

Disadvantages: Cost. It is absolutely a huge investment that will significantly affect your mileage. The overall combined weight can often be more then the capabilities of the average motorhome. For the average RVer, this isn’t a really practical solution.

A second approach is by using a tow bar, keeping all 4 of the car’s wheels on the road.

This is a usual option to transport a vehicle behind an RV. Again, every state differs as to what is acceptable. Safety cables and the Festiva are wired so that its taillights are activated by the taillights of the motorhome. This set-up works very well for quite a lot of situation.

One great thing about tow bars is the fact that a lot of them fold up, which makes them small for storage when not in use.

The only drawback would be moving in reverse. You cannot back up the RV while you have a car on a tow bar.

If the front wheels of the car turn the wrong way it will drag the car — putting great stress on the steering components.

A good number of motorhomes have an extended overhang to the rear. There are quite a few feet of motorhome beyond the rear wheels this multiplies the stress when trying to turn in reverse. Severe damage can happen to your towed car except if you unhook it from the motorhome when situations arise and you are compelled to back up.

Don’t assume that because a vehicle is a stick transmission it could be towed. Not every car can be towed with 4 wheels on the road. Consult with the manufacturer. Often this is covered in your owner’s manual. A lot of standard transmission cars can be towed, although not all. Some have a transmission lubrication pump that needs the engine to be running. Many automatics could be towed also. Saturn is one manufacture that declares their cars can be towed.

The final way is to make use of a tow dolly.

This is a great compromise. Front wheel drive automatic cars could be towed with their front wheels mounted on the 2-wheel tow dolly.

 

Manufacturers differ in how they make their tow dollies. For instance, Kar Kaddy has a steering system that mimics the natural steering whenever you tow with a tow bar. Other brands make use of a “wagon” method, as the required flexibility in steering is supplied by a center pivot point.

Tow dollies can have surge brakes, or possibly electric brakes — meeting the requirements of many states and enabling you tow a more sizeable car. You will still find it difficult to back up with a tow dolly, but at least you won’t be stressing the steering parts of your car.

Towing a car is a critical issue. Whichever method you choose, ensure you have safety devices in position and fully operational always.

8 Signs you are totally ready to try an RV Adventure

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The best RVers are usually a bit of a contradiction. They’re as well the most wonderful, kind-hearted — and without doubt, slightly whacky people you’ll ever meet. But have you ever wondered if you have the qualities for an RV road trip? Most likely, if you’re this interested in the RV lifestyle, you’re well on the road to taking the plunge.

Here are eight signs you’re really ready to take on those RV trips you’re musing about.

You like meeting new people.

Getting new connections is one of the finest parts of rving — RVers are an amazing group of people. And when you start your journey in your rig, you’re inevitably part of the club; you’ll always get the opportunity to meet new friendly faces, just by virtue of exploring a new destination.

You’re fascinated by cultures that are unlike yours.

Even if you stay right in America, you’re guaranteed to come across some new ways of thinking, including some that might challenge your own. That’s an integral part living in such a big and diverse nation.

So when you stop in Austin, ensure you try the barbecue. And if you’re up in Vancouver, don’t forget the salmon, even if it’s not your best fish. Try talking to someone whose outfits is different from yours or someone who speaks in a different way than you do? You would possibly learn a lot of new things — not just about the other person, but about yourself.

You’re great at organizing and planning…

The most successful travelers have at least a touch of natural planner in them, from routing unique itineraries to working out the number of nights to stay in each destination.

 You don’t freak out when things don’t go just as you’d planned.

It’s essentially the first rule of traveling: Not everything will go as planned. The happiest campers anticipate that and have no problem rolling with the punches — after all, if you needed predictability, you could have just stayed home.

You want to travel at your own pace.

Even though it’s indisputable that a plane can get you to your destination quickly but whenever you travel in an RV, you set the schedule —  you  are not subjected to some airline’s delay or undependable bus schedule. You choose whether you want to stop early for the day. Your bed’s already made up and set! All you need to do is locate a good place to pull off and set up camp.

There are some stuff you just don’t want to part with.

Traveling always suggests surrendering a bit in the way of possessions and creature comforts, and RVing is definitely not an exception. Even a 40 foot diesel pusher has very limited room!

However if you wish to hang onto your books, clothes, or special kitchen equipment while you’re out travelling the world, it’s quite easier to tote along your must-haves in a motorhome than on an airplane.

You’re not scared of getting a bit dirty.

While most people worry about possibly-nasty RVing must-dos like draining the wastewater tanks, it’s actually not that bad. Camping is really about getting closer to nature, and yes, at times you might find yourself with some dirt underneath your nails. So as long as you’re an intrepid enough traveler to deal with that — or bring along a scrub brush — you’re golden.

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.

3 RV Park Tips Every First-Time Camper Needs to Hear

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According to estimates by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), there are approximately 30 million RV enthusiasts across the country. When you’re camping at an RV park with your own RV, you have nearly all the luxuries of a home on wheels, but RV camping can be a challenge if you’re a new traveler.

An RV isn’t the same as a camping tent or a camper that you carry behind a truck; here are some tips to help newer RV campers out when going to any RV parks for the very first time:

Know About Different Campgrounds – Before you pack up and proceed to the first state park you see, it is advisable to be familiar with all the different places that you could go RV camping, there are a great deal of options you possibly have not considered before. A fast Google search could help you determine where the most popular places are, it also won’t hurts to seek advice of friends and family members about their favorite RV camping spot.

Check out Franchise RV Parks/Campgrounds – Often times RV Parks or campground locations that fall under a franchise organization set superior standards for cleanliness, accommodations and services. In addition a lot of franchise parks have several locations with various camping options and facilities to select from.

Prepare For Communication – A pair of handheld two-way radios can be hugely beneficial during any camping adventures that may occur outside your RV. As a matter of fact these radios may even be of assistance when you’re attempting to park your RV at a campground for the first time. If nothing else, it definitely beats checking for hand-signals, having to shout back and forth, or looking to park without any assistance at all.

There are a number of benefits to having an RV when you go camping, but any new RV traveler ought to take some additional time to prepare using the tips outlined above. RV camping shouldn’t be handled like tent camping — it’s a separate experience completely. But when you get the hang of it, you might just be a convert for life.

3 RV Destinations and Road Trip Tips for Seniors

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Most people never shake off the craving to be out on the open road. Even in the dead of winter people are on the lookout for spaces to set up camp and delight in the beauty of nature. Older road warriors, those fortunate folks with the freedom to travel on retirement could take full advantage of cold weather season with trips to warmer climes; however it might take a little more planning. These recommended warm weather destinations for senior travelers can help get the RV rolling down the line.

Gulf State Park: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf State Park provides seniors the chance to explore Alabama’s Gulf Coast while having fun in a big, modern campground. Located slightly over a mile from white sand beaches, the campground offers senior travelers a 15 % discount. With typical temps in the 60s and high 50s, it’s somewhat cooler than many warm weather destinations, but it’s still a well known place, so ensure you make reservations before going.

Pack the bikes or hiking shoes and get the most of the Branyon Backcountry Trail that winds for miles through the area. Further ideas for outdoor recreation include fishing Lake Shelby or having fun in saltwater fishing from the park’s large pier as well as golfing at Refuge Golf Club or walking the park’s almost four miles of beaches.

Henderson Beach State Park: Destin, Florida

Make a trip to Florida’s Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico and you’ll find white warm sandy beaches, emerald green water along with a state park for you to camp among the dunes.

Henderson Beach State Park has boardwalk access to the beach along with a nature trail through coastal scrub habitation. It’s close enough to Destin to delight in shopping and food services but quiet enough to offer guests peace and serenity.

Before you leave for your journey, ensure you make a record of your routine medications, emergency contacts, doctor, insurance and allergy data. This can be done quite easily with tools like the My Medications App from the American Medical Association. In case of an accident or illness during the vacation, first responders or traveling companions would have life-saving information at their fingertips.

Point Mogu State Park: Malibu, CA

Looking to visit both mountain and shore this winter? Point Mogu State Park, off Hwy is the ideal place. Senior travelers will find the Sycamore Canyon campground comfortable and readily close to beaches and trailheads.

Active seniors will enjoy the more than 70 miles of trails. Favorite jaunts on foot include Danielson Road and the trails in Sycamore Canyon. Ensure you pay a visit to the beach at least once—you will possibly see gray whales passing by in winter.

If you’re intending to hike or take day trips to museums or other attractions ensure you take along a lightweight cross-body bag or backpack with inner compartments for your essentials. This will keep the weight off your shoulders, enable better balance while hiking and also leave your hands free.

Whether it’s camping in a 40-foot motorhome or getting comfortable in a luxury resort, travelling in the golden years can expand our possibilities in unusual ways.  Choose one place that fits your interests and physical abilities and then do some simple planning to keep your trip safe and sane.

Top 3 Tips for Buying an RV

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RVing is the perfect type of adventure travel. It is practically fun and the excitement is just outside your door. Regardless of whether you are at the beach, in the mountain ranges or close to the river, you just need to walk into the outdoors to experience life the way it was intended to be lived.

Here are Top 3 Essential Tips for Purchasing your first RV

1: Buy the Biggest RV You Can Afford

Bigger will always be better when it comes to RV. Bigger RV’s provides you with more space to spread out and more storage space to bring a lot of stuff. A bigger RV means more bathrooms, more bunks, more counter space, a bigger fridge, more seating and even more slideouts to make your living space a whole lot larger. You don’t have to break the bank but buy the best RV you can afford since it is a major investment.

2: Buy a Diesel Pusher

There are absolutely no reasons why you should consider buying a gas RV.  If you travel extensively and need reliability, big tanks and mega power it far better to buy a Diesel Pusher because it has a workhorse, and you’ll love it.

A diesel engine has a lot more power for the mountain roads you’ll travel. It also has much better fuel efficiency, which is important when driving into the most remote places. A diesel pusher makes for a considerably quieter ride as the engine is in the back. The generator is in the front, so if you are running it for the a/c at night you are not kept awake by its loud humming. Another great reason is that diesel engines last longer.

3: Buy Used

If it’s an option, buy used. Competition for quality used RV’s is very fierce out there and as such there are lots of deals out there. Wait patiently, don’t go for the first “decent” rig you find. Rather, be careful and wait for the best deal. But if you have a very specific make and model and can’t be flexible on the floor plan, you’ll be forced to hit a dealer and pay the big bucks!

So there you have it, great 3 Tips When Buying an RV. Of course there are lots of other things to consider, like your type of travel you’ll, limits on size for the places you will be visiting, the number of miles, the size of your family … but these are great tips.

Top 3 tips to RV with your pet

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If your pet is a member of your family and you are interested in making your RV has everything your pet might need, here are 3 great tips to help you move along with it.

Keep the pet cool

If your RV is not a latest model, you might have a ventilation and excess heating problem. As a way to effectively ventilate the RV, you’ll have to put in a highly effective exhaust vent fan to ensure your pet do not suffer too much from the heat. Additionally, it is advisable to buy a vent fan with a built-in thermostat to ensure the temperature is always safe, so that you don’t have to worry if you forget to switch on the fan manually.

Bring a pet first aid kit along

Anyone who lives with a pet understands the value of having a pet first aid kit. If you are not sure about how to create a pet kit, just buy a first aid kit for humans and add the following items from a pet store:

  • Pet specific medications
  • Eye and Ear Cleaners
  • Self Cling bandages
  • Strips to prevent biting

Talking with your vet before leaving for every trip is extremely important, he can suggest what to bring with you depending on the location.

Keep the odor away

Regrettably, our pet can sometimes smell and this could potentially pose a challenge for a couple of days. One great tip is to have only a little fabric inside the RV. You can change the pieces with leather or vinyl. This will help considerably since these materials don’t allow scents to go through and stay in them. In addition you could take along a portable steam cleaner each time you go out for a trip.