Posts

Things You Need To Know Before Driving A 5th Wheel

/0 Comments/in /by

Fifth-wheel trailers are famous for their unique appearance and designs such as the bulging front part and many other fascinating features. Even though they come with a fairly peculiar shape, a great number of fifth wheels feature bi-level floor plans, which implies that there’s enough space to bring your buddies and loved ones on your RVing expeditions.

The simple reason they are labeled as fifth-wheel trailers is due to the kind of hitch needed for attaching them to a pickup truck.  So, In case you thoughtfully and carefully make a choice of a fifth wheel, you should consider these set of questions.

What Truck is the most suitable for Fifth Wheel Towing?

When considering fifth wheel towing, choosing the best truck is crucial. Most people believe that any truck is going to work. Although it is possible to make virtually any truck work there are some specific ones that make towing Incredibly Simple. Check out for the specifics if you desire ease of towing.

3/4 Ton Pickups are the most suitable. As nearly all half-ton trucks have the ability to pull fifth wheels with an amazing ease. The 3/4 Ton Pickups are also recommended because they are stronger and have power over the trailer.

The length of bed is also very important. Should you have a shorter bed, you could get extensions. A more extensive bed is as well great for fifth wheels, it eliminate the necessity of purchasing added extensions for the hitch.

The right way to Hook up Your Hitch

Prior to taking off, it is advisable to understand the right way to hook up your fifth wheel to a hitch. Carefully hooking up your fifth wheel hitch is essential, and if you don’t feel safe doing it or it seem like it hasn’t been hooked up appropriately, allow an expert check it out. You can find out if your hitch is connected properly as your fifth wheel should sag. Needless to say, how to hitch your fifth wheel is dependent on the type of hitch you purchased and your fifth wheel, however you ought to find good resources to show you how to get it attached.

Study how to Drive

In the event you haven’t driven a fifth wheel before, it is highly recommended that you practice. Driving a fifth wheel is quite different from driving a truck you unquestionably have to get used to it. The greatest thing to keep in mind is to invest time and effort.

Driving fast and seeking to reach a destination fast in a fifth wheel is simply not safe.

Attempt backing up, making smooth turns and knowing how it feels to brake. As soon as you think you have perfected it, make a short distance journey to begin with.

Steps To Cleaning Your RV

/0 Comments/in /by

If you are pulling an RV from storage probably for the first in a year there is a good chance it is going to need professional and thorough cleaning to ensure it is travel ready. And like most people, the idea of cleaning an RV thoroughly seems like an overwhelming task. On the other hand taking it to the expert for cleaning is not a cost-effective option even though it is the quickest and easiest but here are 3 simple steps to cleaning with a modest budget.

Do away with the junk

The starting point to cleaning your RV is to do away with the trash and clutter that could be occupying your RV space. Any extras from previous camping should be thrown out, including stuffs you purchased the previous camping season that have expired or no longer useful, from canned foods to cleaning items, get rid of them all to allow for a free space. Getting rid of all the trash you don’t need is the first and most important step to extensively cleaning your RV.

Organize

Seeing that you’ve thrown out all the excess junk, you can pay attention to re-organizing your RV and making the most of your space. There are numerous products and accessories that can help you keep your stuff well organized without spending much money. Some office solutions are highly effective for organizing your RV stuffs. Wire baskets and desk organizers are great for holding smaller items in your RV’s kitchen or bathroom. Plastic bins or totes are a great option for storing larger items and makes it handy to locate anything at any given time.

Time to clean

The final step in making the interior of your RV ready for any journey is a thorough cleaning. There are a number of products available in the market that are great for maintaining and cleaning your RV and your are familiar with most of them because they are your regular household cleaners. Wipes and a dust rags should be used to give sparkling clean effect to your interior. Windows, kitchen equipment and sinks should be given special attention.  Cleaning items are cost effective and can be purchased at any campground grocery store.

Exterior

Cleaning up the exterior of any RV is slightly challenging as RV’s are generally bigger than other vehicles. If you are courageous enough you could get on the roof top of your RV and thoroughly clean it yourself, it would definitely save you a substantial amount.

The ideal procedure for cleaning the exterior is to begin at the very top and then move downward, just like any car. Virtually any car washing solution will work however it is advisable to check the condition of your RV especially if the outside finish is beginning to oxidize in order to use the appropriate washing solution. An all-purpose heavy duty cleaner should be used in case of deterioration of the finish or oxidization. Pump sprayer should be used to do away with the implanted dirt. New RV’s with glossy finish can make use of a wash and wax solution to keep the RV looking shiny and looking new.

Motorhome Driving Tips

/0 Comments/in /by

An overwhelming number of people across North America and beyond have heeded the subtle and tempting call of the open road by embracing the RV lifestyle. Most of these adventurers have either bought brand new RV’s or rent RV’s for short term vacations. Around 70% of these people are under 55 and a great number travel with children. The RV lifestyle is an ever growing trend. For some it is an inexpensive way to travel and have great fun while living on a lean budget.

Even as many people desire this lifestyle only few understand how demanding controlling an RV trailer can be especially those who are only used to driving small cars. However, being familiar with the challenges in advance and acquiring sufficient expertise and practical knowledge to conquer them is a great key to success when it comes to driving an RV.

Here are 3 aspects that are generally difficult for new drivers:

Lack of visibility

One huge problem that a large number of Rvers battle with is a lack of visibility. This is made even more difficult by the absence of rearview mirrors. Getting efficiently aligned side mirrors is the most effective approach to overcoming this challenge. Additionally, when backing up it’s highly recommended that you always stop and check your environment several times. If the absence of a rearview mirror is going to put you off from driving an RV there is good news for you. You could try an RV’S with rearview cameras instead.

Turning

A second principal issue for driving a travel trailer is turning. With an RV you’ll require sufficient room for turning. For this reason driving on narrow or restricted roads is a dreadful idea for a number of reasons: To begin with, you could possibly not fit in your lane or hammering cars parked on the roadside. Apart from that, turning an RV demands swinging out before the actual turn or else you might wind up colliding with the curbs.

Staying within lanes

As a final point, staying within lanes is a challenging part for most Rvers. The highway provides considerably more space compared to side roads, however it still has a couple of risk factors.

Instead of checking out your borders to determine if you are within your lane, just look forward. By putting your attention ahead you are going to slowly and eventually fall between the lines. As soon as you are familiar with the dimensions of your RV, driving within your lane on the highway is going to come naturally.

Even as people learn in different ways, no one should embark on a long RV trip without experience. To acquire this experience, you should consistently rehearse backing up, turning, and parking in vacant parking spaces and unpopulated highways. With persistence and expertise, you’ll figure out how to comfortably tow a travel trailer for your future vacations.

Yearly RV Maintenance Tips & Tricks

/0 Comments/in /by

Reliable and routine maintenance is part of the life of every serious Rver. However that shouldn’t be a hindrance to purchasing and living the RV life for anyone who wants to be a part of this adventurous lifestyle – besides, practically any appliance or machine we use frequently requires routine maintenance to function optimally. In the same way, the routine maintenance of your RV would ensure it live up to its full potential and for a much longer time while you reap the astonishing benefits that come with RV living as well as the unending pleasure and adventures it affords.

Trying to recollect the maintenance you carried out on your RV the previous year can seem like an overwhelming task. However to be more diligent in the management and maintenance of your Rv you must first of all make it a habit to log the things you do as well as the time, so you know when a particular task is due or overdue. You can get a simple form for this on the flipside of your Owner’s Manual.

These days it is almost a habitual practice for most people to service their home’s A/C and furnace on a regular basis, the same ought to go for every functional RV’s system. Even though there are a lot of precautionary measures you can personally take on a more consistent basis, such as changing filters or cleaning connections, it’s a good idea not to handle the more complicated ones yourself. You should have your heating and cooling systems as well as other sophisticated components handled by a professional one or more times annually.

The temporary adventurous types of terrain or moving load makes brakes particularly on trailers and motorhomes wear out. Hence, regular visual inspections for wear as well as having brakes serviced every year by a professional are highly recommended. Likewise, for towable RVers, make use of brakes collectively to evade accelerating wear.

Thoroughly clean the Vacuum carbon monoxide and smoke detector covers with a mildly dampened towel, Never spray the front panel with cleaning solutions and change as soon as possible if there are any problems.

Propane tanks ought to have some regular TLC. Consistent spot checks for connection stability, dings, paint deterioration and corrosion are a great step to take. If you are planning to touch up or repaint a canister, make use of light reflective color. It’s as well recommended to have an experienced and competent propane service agent inspect your tank and check for leaks on an annual basis, or after travelling 5,000 miles whichever one comes first.

The advantages of sealants can’t be exaggerated. It’s a good idea to reseal the external surfaces of your RV every six months. If you are planning to accomplish this yourself ensure you replace with the exact same sealant.

Finally, make the most of your dealer’s experience. Ensure you always consult them for some crucial tips on maintaining your RV. Some dealers work closely with their owners to help them understand how new features and systems work.

RV Storage Tips

/0 Comments/in /by

A family adventure in an RV is a wonderful way to see the magnificence and exquisiteness of the country. However, for the majority of people these kinds of family voyage are restricted to holiday vacations. Hence, it is crucial to keep the RV in good condition for the next trips. It should not just be parked without any attention until the upcoming trip.

Here are a few RV storage guidelines to ensure your RV is safe and sound.

Deep Clean the RV to Avoid Damage

Prior to parking your RV, you’ll need to do an intensive indoor and outdoor cleaning. For the outdoor a power wash is going to get rid of any dirt or bug remains which sometimes destroy the RV’s paint. On the interior, take out all foods and clean down every area to steer clear of drawing unwanted pests. This presents the most suitable occasion where you can unplug devices and verify that windows and doors are secure and protected.

To trap displeasing odors and smells, dispose some quantity of baking soda down the rig’s drains before. And don’t fail to remember draining water tanks especially if you want to store the RV for a prolonged time period.

Safeguard Your RV’s Battery, Engine and Tires

Before you store an RV, take time and ensure the batteries are 100 % charged and take advantage of the battery disconnect switch to conserve power. This helps you save juice when you need to go back to the road. In the event that your RV comes with a generator system, ensure you off the auto start so that it doesn’t come while on storage. It is advisable to take more serious steps if you are storing your RV in freezing environments.

Additionally ensure the fuel system is filled up so that extra moisture doesn’t start building up in the tank leading to toxic contamination which would eventually result in hindering your vacations plan. Make use of a fuel stabilizer or algae prevention to provide protection for your system.

It is equally important to cover your RV’s tires to safeguard them from the sun. Pump up to the tire  to helps resist tire flattening especially in cold weather.

Store Your RV with Vent and Window Covers

Vent covers are great at the time of storage and on the highway to protect the RV from the elements. Without vents and covers some unwanted pests can get into the RV via the refrigerator vent. Vents are not only ideal for keeping some unwanted pests out, they assist in releasing dampness and heat which could accumulate in a stored RV escape.

On a final note, cover the whole RV if you possibly can as the sun is so destructive to paint, dash panel and tires. But in the event you don’t intend on keeping the RV for a very long time, ensure you close the curtains and make use of a windshield screen to safeguard your RV’s interior from fading or cracking. Setting up something to prevent light from entering the windows, so that the heat won’t come in is highly recommended.

Planning Your Trip On Route 66

/0 Comments/in /by

The most enjoyable and adventurous RV trips are the result of great planning. However not everyone understands the best way to create a solid plan that leads to a pleasurable and stress-free RV vacation. Planning your RV trips involves factoring in scenic route, avoiding tolls, getting to your destination quicker and creating timelines and budgets. While Rving is not for everybody even an amateur driver can take to the road on an RV vacation and have a great deal of fun. Below are a few ideas on how to plan your road trip adventures. Delight in the process of planning and you’ll have an unforgettable RV trip.

Hiring your RV or Motorhome

Choosing the best motorhome rental is a somewhat long procedure, hence it is advisable that you do your due diligence far ahead of time to know the kind of vehicle you’ll need and the type of rental deals that would best suit you specific requirements.

Reserve your RV ahead of time

It is advisable to figure out the RV you intend to drive and ensure it is readily available well in advance. Some kind of RVs could be reserved for up to a year ahead of time, especially when they’ll be used during the peak periods especially the summer holidays.

Size really Matters

A motorhome is a huge vehicle and you have to take into consideration the RV’s dimensions due to the restrictions you might come across during your road trip. A number of roads you might want to travel through might have bridge height restrictions or perhaps some incredibly sharp curves that would be quite difficult to work through.

Seek advice from your rental company with regards to these issues. To put it differently, have an idea or get a rough sketch of your road trip before making a reservation for your RV. Inquire about RV GPS, travel restriction and so on.

Pick Up of Rented RVs

A number of RV Rental companies demand that clients stay for one night or more in an America hotel, same day pickups are unauthorized for international clients. This is done basically for the client’s safety. The rental companies expect clients to rest sufficiently before grabbing the wheel of an RV.

The very first things to do

Before embarking on your journey, it is advisable to buy enough food. The RV rental company would certainly give you a local map showing supermarkets and grocery stores in close proximity.

As soon as you have stored up enough supplies and you are ready for your first journey, go slowly, don’t rush. Have fun with your journey. The first couple of miles would help you adapt to the RV and road. Drive carefully and strengthen your confidence.

Head straight to the Campground you have booked ahead of time around your pick up spot in good time to hook up your RV at the RV Park.

Campgrounds

For a sense of security it is best to book well in advance as campgrounds fill up faster during the peak periods especially the summer seasons.

You ought to have a comprehensive plan for your route as well as advanced bookings at every possible stopover. This will help you get around the disappointment of not getting choice spot or Campground. The majority of Campgrounds accommodate different types of RVs and motorhomes.

Drive Safely

This really is the best advice. A safe journey is the greatest adventure. Comply with the guidelines, be calm and drive without endangering your life:

Adhere to speed limits

Leave an abundance of braking space

Drive defensively and be extremely careful of the other motorists

Examine your RV routinely.

How To Rent An RV

/0 Comments/in /by

Voyaging on scenic route and camping in astonishing destinations in an RV is one of the most fascinating family experiences you’ll ever have, especially in our fast-paced and tech obsessed world. Nothing can beat hitting the open road and looking into the great magnificence of nature while on the move. However, purchasing a brand new RV to achieve this worthwhile dream isn’t often a workable option for most people. But thankfully, renting an RV to embark on your ideal family vacation on the road is quite easy now.

With the growth of modern technology, traditional businesses are constantly facing disruptions by the hottest new tech trends. One of these is the sharing economy or what is now popularly known as the peer-to-peer economy. This model is gradually taking over the world of business. Companies like Uber, Airbnb and RVshare are not left out of this latest trend.

The peer-to-peer model allow people who own RV’s to rent them out at the time they aren’t on the road. It is actually a win/win for both parties. The peer-to-peer marketplace attempts to bring people closer to their needs without the time-consuming and costly middleman which ultimately help customers enjoy the finest prices on RVs.

Here are a few tips on renting an RV

Plan Your Trip Details

The starting point to any fulfilling RV trip is preparations, just get started with the planning process. Here are some questions to ponder over as you start planning your trip.

Where are you planning to go?

The options are limitless when it comes to RV travel in the US. However it’s vital that you pin down one destination, along with the way you plan on arriving there.

How large is your group?

Since you know the place your family’s grand adventure would be taking place, you’ll need to do a head count of who’ll be going with you. It will help to you know the type of RV you require.

What’s your budget?

Preparing a budget is among the most significant factors in planning your RV family holiday. Keep in mind, your budget shouldn’t only include your RV rental. It is important to plan for interesting attractions, sight-seeing opportunities and activities, foodstuff, fuel, overnight parking and camping. It’s additionally recommended that you put aside some funds in case of emergencies.

What kind of RV would you want to go with?

Do you want a Class A motorhome that positions you higher up when driving or do you have a preference for a Class C with a truck build to it or perhaps a truck camper Or  a whole lot of options out there to choose from.

Look for an established RV Rental Company

Getting a top quality RV rental could appear a little overwhelming, particularly if it’s your very first time. But the good news is that sites like Outdoorsy and RVshare ensure that you get access to the finest RVs nationwide. You could browse through a wide selection of rental choices. The most exciting part is that peer-to-peer networks makes it easier to rent straight from RV owners, getting you a superior quality rig at the best prices. In addition you are going to have a sense of peace and security driving them.

Tips To Managing Your RV Refrigerator

/0 Comments/in /by

In most cases RV refrigerators are highly effective and functional, but at times RV owners make the refrigerators less effective. Here are a few ideas and tips to help your RV refrigerator work at it maximal efficiency.

To start with, the RV should be relatively level for the fridge to work effectively. Some older RV refrigerators need a lot more accurate leveling. Even recent models must be almost level to work effectively. With time a cooling unit that is positioned out of level could be totally damaged that is why it is advisable to make use of a carpenter’s level once you set up at the campground to ensure the RV is almost level.

The first cool down process normally takes around 4 to 6 to hours. Turn the fridge on the day before leaving for your journey and before putting any food item inside. It is best to put foods in the fridge that are already cold and in the freezer should also be frozen. Putting in already cold food, instead of warm food makes the fridge work more effectively.

People often make a great blunder by over-pack the fridge with foods. But it is important to note that allowance for space is needed between the food items for air to flow all through the fridge. In nearly all instances you are going to get access to an outlet to purchase food, hence a few days’ supply is sufficient.

To help with the air flow you can buy an affordable battery powered fridge fan and position the fan in the front of the fridge compartment. The fan is going to enhance the refrigerator’s overall performance and effectiveness by distributing the air and supports in reducing the initial cool off period.

The heat produced by the cooling process is vented behind the fridge. Air goes in through the outside fridge vent and helps draft the hot air up and outside through the roof vent. Occasionally check the back of the fridge as well as the roof vent for any obstacles.

One other great idea is to set up a 12-volt, thermostatically regulated fridge vent fan behind or on top of the roof vent. The fan will be helpful in drafting the hot air out of the fridge.

The outside temperature range as well has an effect on the functioning and effectiveness of the RV’s fridge. Cold weather outside would demand that you reduce the temperature set up and a warm weather would demand that you raise the set up.

Finally it is best to keep a thermometer in the food section. Food can start to spoil at conditions above 40 degrees. A little thermometer can help you know straight away if your RV’s fridge is working effectively. RV refrigerators are going to work quite effectively if we employ these basic ideas and strategies.

Easy Trip Planning To Colorado

/0 Comments/in /by

Colorado is a fascinating habitat for diverse natural ecosystems. it features a number of ski resorts, vineyards, canyons, tough natural paths, fossil-rich parks, and charming spectacular drives. Probably the best of Colorado’s numerous natural delights is Mt. Elbert, the topmost peak in North American. Besides it numerous natural backwoods, Colorado boasts of countless urban attractions, such as award-winning eateries and nationally acclaimed microbreweries. With an extensive highway system as well as railroads, Colorado offers visitors on holiday an opportunity to explore an untamed area of the country.

Here are a few spectacular roads across colorado

Leadville to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

This magnificent road trip unearths numerous stops for a fascinating and enjoyable Colorado escapade. Visitors could also enjoy an exciting biking experience just outside the historic Leadville on an 11-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail. They could as well decide to travel south and record some miles on the Collegiate Peaks panoramic Byway, dragging over for magnificent hiking under the nation’s topmost concentration of fourteen thousand foot peaks. Not a single summer would be perfect without a luxury tour to Buena Vista to push on the fierce Arkansas River. Visitors could park at any of the large number of RV campsites and rest up for a thrilling drive to the Impressive Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. You need to be prepared to make the satisfying hike to the peak of the tallest dunes in America.

Golden to Steamboat Springs

Golden to Steamboat Springs is a fascinating journey you would not forget for a life time. Enjoy the stunning sights of Mountain in Golden and delight in the Old West’s most compelling Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. End at the Gold Rush towns of Central City and Black Hawk and have a shot at a number of gambling saloons. With scattered guest ranches, the Grand County features a real Wild West adventure. Visit a ranch and take part in hayrides, cattle tasks and campfire cooking. You could end your adventurous trip on the untouched trail to Steamboat Springs. Don’t miss the horses gallop in the Yampa River Valley as well as the sun dip behind the panoramic of peaks, ensure you take pleasure in the many taverns and home cooking’ joints flourishing in this timeless cowboy town.

Colorado Springs to Telluride

You should start this tour of awesome natural delights in Colorado Springs at the breathtaking Garden of the Gods, wherein you’ll walk among old red-sandstone structures. Go west to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and look right into one of Colorado’s greatest canyons on one of the topmost suspension bridges on the globe. Going forward west, check out the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center pool showing the history behind the piped-in healing waters of the Poncha Springs. The ultimate drive is to the box canyon of Telluride. You’ll need to reserve a bit of time to explore the stunning San Juan Mountains and hike to cascading Bridal Veil Falls.

Essentail RV Pre-Travel Checklist

/0 Comments/in /by

Essential RV Pre-Travel Checklist

Checklists are an effective approach to ensure nothing is neglected or overlooked. RV pre-trip checks are probably the most crucial checklists to have on-hand and stick to.

Here are top 5 crucial RV pre-trip checkups to make before driving your RV. Following a very simple checklist like this can save you time, money and problems.

Check Tires

The two main issues with RV tires are over-inflation and under-inflation and both could lead to tire breakdown. When your RV is in storage, the tires suffer a loss of air pressure at a rate of 2 to 3 psi monthly. It is crucial you examine and pump up the tires to the appropriate pressure before travelling. The most appropriate way to figure out inflation pressure is to have the RV weighed and work with the tire manufacturer’s load and inflation tables for inflation pressure calculated on actual loads. The other way is to examine and pump up the tires in line with the pressure detailed on the federal certification label on the RV. At all times check tire inflation.

Check All Fluid Levels

This is applicable to motorized RVs or to tow vehicles towing a trailer. A low or drained fluid level in part of the engine or transmission is going to leave you stranded on the side of the road quicker than anything. Traveling on a motorhome or towing a huge trailer puts additional strain on a vehicle’s drive-train parts. The fluids in the engine and transmission are meant to lubricate and have these parts cool. If the fluid level is very low or empty, you probably will not make it to your desired destination. Check under the vehicle for signs of leaks. Check out the engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant reservoir, power steering fluid and brake fluid levels. Check with your owner’s manual for tips on how to check these fluid levels. Whenever a fluid level is low, make an effort to figure out why – and correct the issue before departing on your trip.

Check the Hitch-Work, Brakes & Lights

It doesn’t make any difference if it’s a motorhome towing a car or a truck towing a trailer; the important issue  is you double check all of the hitch-work & the brakes along with the lights. When all things are firmly fastened and you’ve examined all the lights, carry out a brake test. Move the vehicle forward a little and tap the brakes. Make sure you feel the trailer brakes or dinghy brakes engage and slow the vehicle down.

Take a walk inside the RV. When you walk through the RV’s interior before leaving, you’ll probably find something  that wasn’t properly secured or a latch that isn’t properly locked. Have a look at all of the cabinet doors, the refrigerator, sliding doors, and ensure things like computers and TVs are safe. Check all appliances to ensure they are switched off.

A Final Walk-Around

After every single thing on the list is done, and you are getting ready to depart, take a walk through the RV again. Look on top the RV and under the RV. Check the storage doors to ensure they are secure and protected. Ensure that everything is detached from the RV and appropriately stowed. This final walk-around could be the difference between a hassle-free trip and a mishap waiting to happen, so invest some time and closely examine everything in and around your RV.