10 Items RV Owners need for Reliable Campground Connections
When you take an RV trip it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. In this RV video Mark Polk, with RV Education 101, discusses 10 items RV owners should keep on hand for reliable RV campground connections.
Comments Off on Are you a new RVer – RV Newbie?
Posted in Beginning RVer, General | Tags: how to use an RV, motorhome newbie, newrv, RV 101, rv education, RV Education 101, RV how to, RV101, rveducation, rveducation101, rvnewbie, travel trailer newbie
Today I want to discuss an important safety topic most people don’t think about. The topic is, how safe is your towing system when towing a vehicle behind your motorhome? I’m talking about towing a vehicle with all four wheels down.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Safety, Uncategorized | Tags: motorhome towing, RV 101, rv 101 guide, rv education, RV Education 101, rving 101, towing a dinghy behind your motorhome
RV University opens the doors to your RV Education! ~Learning RV’s the Easy Way~
Brought to you by RV Education 101
Mark & Dawn Polk, owners of RV Education 101 are the premier provider of educational videos, books and RV information for the RVing public.
RV Education 101® was founded in 1999
RV Online Video Training For ALL Computers and Devices: Read More…
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Posted in Uncategorized
Nearly 20 years ago I developed what I refer to as my RV essential items and my nice to have items, for RV camping trips. Today I want to discuss my top 5 RV essential items you need to have on every RV camping trip. Both of these RV checklists, and many others are in my best-selling Checklists for RVers E-book
To help protect the RV’s electrical system, number one on my list is to use some type of RV surge protector. I use a product called Surge Guard, that is designed to protect the entire RV’s electrical system and all of your sophisticated appliances and electronic equipment. You never know what kind of electrical service you might encounter during your RV travels. The day will come when the power supply will surge, sag or spike, especially at the campground. Surge Guard offers products that will protect your RV from high and low voltage, open neutral, improperly wired power pedestals and electrical surges. Surge Guard models are available for both 30 amp and 50-amp RV electrical systems.
Comments Off on RV 101 Guide for Beginners Essential Items for every RV Trip
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training | Tags: RV essential items, RV essential items for campground hook ups, RV products for campground connections, RV sewer hose adapter, RV surge protector, RV water filter, RV water pressure regulator
Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-trailer-towing-basics
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/tow-your-5th-wheel-like-a-pro
Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-rv-orientation-video-training-course
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/drive-your-motorhome-like-a-pro
RV Essential Items Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-essential-items
Winterizing and Storing Your RV Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-and-storing-your-rv-video
Travel Trailer 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-video-bundle
5th Wheel 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/5th-wheel-video-bundle
Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-video-bundle
An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/an-introduction-to-rvs
Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/insider-s-guide-to-buying-an-rv-downloadable-pdf-e-book
Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/owning-operating-an-rv
The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/the-original-checklist-s-for-rvers
RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-campground-basics-e-book-course
RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-safety-features-tips-tricks
RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-care-maintenance-e-book-course
RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-battery-care-maintenance
Trailer Towing Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/trailer-towing-basics-e-book
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Training
I wrote this article to bring awareness to a huge problem on the Internet, copyright infringement. The act of copying and using another author’s work is prolific on the Internet, and it is plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. Let’s start with some basic definitions.
Comments Off on Copyright Infringement – The Internet – and a Niche RV Market
Posted in General, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV trivia | Tags: copyright infringement, copyright infringement on the internet, registered copyright, RV articles, RV content, RV copyright, RV copyright infringement, RV tips, stolen articles on internet, stolen content on the internet
When you spend fifty thousand dollars or more on a tow vehicle you don’t intentionally neglect the vehicle. But, it is quite possible to neglect certain things without even knowing it. For example, if you don’t have the hitch set-up properly, and too much weight is resting on the hitch ball, you put more strain on the tow vehicle’s suspension system.
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Posted in Uncategorized
Question: We own a motorhome and my question is; when we are not using it, and this could be for several months at a time, should I start the engine periodically?
Mark’s Answer: The quick answer to your question is yes, but there are other factors that need to be considered too. You didn’t mention if the motorhome was gas or diesel, or if it does or does not have an on-board generator.
Comments Off on Should I Start my Motorhome when it’s in Storage?
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Batteries, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: rv storage, RV storage tips and tricks, should I start RV when it is stored, start generator during storage
Comments Off on RV Video Training For ALL Computers and Devices ONLINE
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: RV how to, rv orientation, RV video
About a year ago we purchased a permanent RV lot at the beach and put a fifth wheel trailer on the lot so we could do some destination type camping. When we started using the camper for a few short weekend trips I noticed our cellular signal and internet connection was spotty at the campsite. We plan to use the camper more often after we get it set up the way we want and a poor cellular signal could be problematic, especially if we stay there during the work week. Read More…
Comments Off on Weak Stationary Campground Cell Signal? Fix it with weBoost Connect RV 65
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: how to boost your cell phone signal, How to improve cell phone signal at the campground, Improve campground internet connection, improve your RV internet connection, weBoost cell signal booster, weBoost Connect RV 65
To keep up with the latest technology and to further your RV training, we have updated our online video training program. An in-depth, self-paced multi subject online RV training program:
RV Orientation Video Courses:
Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
What does RV orientation mean?
RV orientation is a term we use to describe an RV dealer’s class given to the consumer after an RV is sold. The RV Industry term is RV walk through.
Buying an RV is exciting and when you pick it up, the only thing on your mind is getting it home and planning that first exciting adventure. Yes, the dealer gave you a walk-through of the unit, but there was so much information and excitement that it was overwhelming. Now it’s in your driveway and you can’t remember everything that was covered. We understand that feeling and we have you covered.
Our RV Orientation program helps to build excitement prior to accepting delivery while providing preliminary training before the dealer staff gives the RV customer the official walk through. This will cut down on dealer walkthrough time, questions and follow-up calls to the dealership.
It is our goal to assist you in learning how to properly and safely use and maintain your Recreation Vehicle. In our unique online training course we put the RV dealer walk through class into video format (with supporting text and learning tools) so you can watch it as many times as you like, or need, until you are comfortable using your new RV.
What kind of online training will I receive?
The easy to understand format uses charts and hands-on demonstration to cover topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, wastewater system, and the electrical system. In addition to the major systems of an RV the video includes instruction on RV appliances and RV accessories. The video is generic and covers towable adn motorized RV’s.
If there are other RV topics you are interested in learning about after completing the orientation training course be sure and check out our entire offering of RV training courses available at RV Training Online:
Towing and Driving Video Courses:
Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
Happy RV Learning!
Mark and Dawn Polk
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Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on How to Replace & Reseal RV Windows
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: how to fix leaky rv window, how to replace a RV window, how to reseal an RV window, RV maintenance, RV window maintenance, RV window replacement video
Take a minute to think about the water system on your RV. First, consider that you add and use water from a different source every time you take the RV camping. Second, consider that some water remains in the RV water lines and in the fresh water holding tank, even after you drain it. This water could potentially sit for several months at a time between RV trips and during storage.
Comments Off on RV Water Filters, Do I Really Need One?
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: how to filter water in your RV, RV drinking water filter, RV drinking water safety, RV water filtration, types of RV water filters
If there is any time you don’t need, but can expect weak cell signals it is when you are traveling. If your job or business involves driving on a regular basis you cannot afford missed or dropped calls every time you travel through a weak signal area.
Comments Off on How to Improve Cell Signals on the Road
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: cell signal booster, faster data on the road, how to boost cell signal, weBoost cell signal booster, weboost Drive Sleek, weboost installation
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Recreational Park Trailer (RPT)
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV Types | Tags: destination camping, park model, park model trailer, Recreational Park Trailer, RPT, RV, RVs, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Type C Motorhome
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV Types | Tags: Class C motorhome, motorhome, RV, RVs, type C motorhome, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Type B Motorhome
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV Types | Tags: Class B motorhome, motorhomes, RV, RVs, type B motorhome, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Type A Motorhome
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV Types | Tags: Class A motorhome, motorhome, RV, RVs, type A motorhome, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: 5th Wheel Trailer
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: 5th wheel hitch, 5th wheel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, RV, RVs, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Sport Utility Trailer (SUT) or Toy Hauler
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: conventional travel trailer, RV, sport utility RV, sport utility trailer, SUT, toy hauler, travel trailer
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Hybrid Trailer
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: hybrid travel trailer, RVs, travel trailer, types of RVs
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Travel Trailers
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: hybrid trailer, light weight trailer, RV, RVs, toy hauler, travel trailer, types of RVs, ultra light trailers
Comments Off on Types of RVs: Folding Camping Trailer (pop-up)
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Training, RV Types | Tags: folding camping trailer, folding trailer, pop up camper, pop up trailer, types of RVs
Comments Off on RV Education 101 Releases RV101 at the Campground Publication
Posted in Beginning RVer, General
I have been brand loyal to Dodge (Ram) trucks my entire adult life. I have owned seven Dodge trucks, three used and four new. I am now realizing brand loyalty is not always a good thing. Corporations change ownership, things change and it’s not always for the best. When you combine that, with today’s mentality in the workforce, brand loyalty can be extremely frustrating.
My experience with new Dodge trucks was good from 1999 through 2013. I drove my 2004 Ram 2500 for ten plus trouble-free years. My die-hard brand loyalty started to waiver when I purchased a new Ram 2500 truck in 2014. It had the larger 392 hemi which I really liked, but it also had a bad automatic transmission. Sometimes the transmission would not engage when you put it in drive or reverse, and when it did it made terrible noises and wouldn’t shift properly. I was patient and took it to the dealership on numerous occasions. They tried everything including replacing one of the internal pumps. After a number of attempts to repair the truck I received a call from Chrysler informing me they wanted to buy the truck back or replace it with another Chrysler product. I opted to add more cash to the deal and upgrade to a 2016 Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Comments Off on My Ram 2500 Truck – Transmission and Steering Problems
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, General, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: Ram 2500 consumer reports, Ram 2500 steering problem, Ram 2500 steering pulls to right, Ram 2500 transmission problems, Ram lemon law, Ram steering problems, Ram transmission problems, Ram truck problems, Ram truck transmissions
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RV Education 101
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RV 101® Travel Trailer Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
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Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-trailer-towing-basics
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/tow-your-5th-wheel-like-a-pro
Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-rv-orientation-video-training-course
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/drive-your-motorhome-like-a-pro
RV Care & Preventive Maintenance RV DIY® Online Video Training
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RV Essential Items Video Training Course
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Winterizing and Storing Your RV Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-and-storing-your-rv-video
Travel Trailer 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-video-bundle
5th Wheel 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/5th-wheel-video-bundle
Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-video-bundle
———————–
A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/a-collection-of-rv-education-101-e-books-9-rv-e-book-bundle-set
An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/an-introduction-to-rvs
Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/insider-s-guide-to-buying-an-rv-downloadable-pdf-e-book
Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/owning-operating-an-rv
The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/the-original-checklist-s-for-rvers
RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-campground-basics-e-book-course
RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
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RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
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Winterizing & Storing Your RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-storing-your-rv-e-book
RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-battery-care-maintenance
Trailer Towing Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/trailer-towing-basics-e-book
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV History, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Training, RV trivia, RV Types | Tags: RV articles, RV how to RV DIY projects, RV newsletter, RV tips, RV videos
Comments Off on 7 Preventive Maintenance Checks to Extend the Life of your RV or Tow Vehicle Engine
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Batteries, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Training, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: RV 101 videos, RV how to videos, RV maintenance for beginners, RV maintenance tips, RV preventive maintenance tips
I have done about every type of camping imaginable. I camped under the stars with nothing but a sleeping bag, I camped in pup tents with the boy scouts, I camped in less than desirable conditions throughout my military career in the Army, and I camped in every type of RV manufactured. As I got older the latter type, with more creature comforts, is by far the best type of camping.
When I sold RVs I remember telling customers once they own an RV with a slide-out it is hard to go back to one with no slide-outs. I should heed my own advice when it comes to downsizing RVs, especially when the RV you downsize to can fit in the living room of your other RV!
Let me start from the beginning. A few years ago I was looking for a camper we could use to film some upcoming video projects. I needed an RV with a metal roof and nobody I knew owned one. I decided to look around on Craigslist and I ran across an ad for a used Lance truck camper. It was priced right, and it was equipped with many of the features I needed for the upcoming video projects. The camper’s size, dry weight & estimated loaded weight worked for my truck at the time so I made the 3-hour trip and brought it home.
It just so happened Dawn’s niece was getting married at the time and I thought it would be fun to take the truck camper from North Carolina to Colorado for the wedding. Tip for a good marriage test: Take 2-adults and 3-dogs on a 3,500 mile cross-country RV trip in an 8 ½ foot truck camper.
I checked all the systems on the camper, fabricated some tie downs to secure it to the truck, carefully loaded it as not to exceed any weight limitations and we headed out on our next great RV adventure.
RV Downsizing Considerations:
One thought I had about taking the truck camper, rather than the motorhome, was saving some money on the cost of fuel. Our motorhome averages 7 ½ miles to a gallon. I thought it would be possible to nearly double that with the truck, but when all was said and done we averaged about 11 miles to a gallon. We did use the truck’s air conditioner for most of the trip which had an impact on the over all miles-per-gallon.
It was definitely more difficult adjusting to a smaller RV after spending so much time in a larger RV. I always liked small RVs, but you need to seriously consider if a smaller RV will suit your specific needs. We usually travel with 2-adults and 3-dogs, so we need a larger RV with enough space to accommodate all the travelers.
In addition to limited interior space like the bathroom, sleeping arrangements, sitting areas and the galley area you also need to consider things like interior and exterior storage, the size of the holding tanks, fresh water storage, and LP gas capacity. When you are accustomed to traveling in an RV with a large shower, a big sofa and a walk-around queen size bed and you switch to a truck camper you can barely take four steps in without bumping into something, it calls for some major adjustments. And although some truck campers are equipped with on-board generators ours was not, so even spending a night in a Walmart parking lot can be more challenging.
That Colorado trip in the Lance truck camper was a fun adventure, and I wouldn’t change a thing, but the moral to the story is to select an RV that is best suited for you, your family and how you travel. Trust me when I say the right RV will make all your RV experiences the best they can be.
During the trip one of our friends saw a Facebook post about the truck camper and replied, “Nice, a traveling man cave!” When Dawn read the response she said, that’s exactly what the Lance truck camper is; it is your traveling man cave when you go to RV shows and business events by yourself.
Sometimes downsizing RVs makes all the sense in the world. I can envision us downsizing at some point in time, but it needs to be practical. For us it would probably mean going from a 36-foot motorhome to say a 26-foot motorhome, but most likely not an 8 ½-foot truck camper.
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
http://rveducation101.com/
RV 101® Travel Trailer Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-ultimate-e-book-and-video-bundle
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RV 101® Motorhome Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-motorhome-ultimate-video-e-book-bundle
Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-orientation-for-travel-trailer-s-5th-wheel-trailers
Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-trailer-towing-basics
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/tow-your-5th-wheel-like-a-pro
Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-rv-orientation-video-training-course
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/drive-your-motorhome-like-a-pro
RV Care & Preventive Maintenance RV DIY® Online Video Training
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-care-preventive-maintenance-online-video-training
RV Essential Items Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-essential-items
Winterizing and Storing Your RV Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-and-storing-your-rv-video
Travel Trailer 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-video-bundle
5th Wheel 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/5th-wheel-video-bundle
Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-video-bundle
———————–
A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/a-collection-of-rv-education-101-e-books-9-rv-e-book-bundle-set
An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/an-introduction-to-rvs
Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/insider-s-guide-to-buying-an-rv-downloadable-pdf-e-book
Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/owning-operating-an-rv
The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/the-original-checklist-s-for-rvers
RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-campground-basics-e-book-course
RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-safety-features-tips-tricks
RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-care-maintenance-e-book-course
Winterizing & Storing Your RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-storing-your-rv-e-book
RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-battery-care-maintenance
Trailer Towing Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/trailer-towing-basics-e-book
Comments Off on Is Downsizing RVs in your Future?
Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: buy the right RV for you, downsize your RV, RV buying tips, RV downsizing, small RV vs large RV, small RVs, what size RV do you need
When you plug your RV into the power pedestal at the campground you have no idea what you are plugging in to. The potential for problems is high since it’s quite common for your RV to be exposed to faulty wiring like an open neutral, open ground or reverse polarity. If expensive appliances and sensitive electronic equipment in your RV like inverters, microwaves, entertainment centers and refrigerators are exposed to improper wiring or faulty electrical power, even for a few seconds, they can be damaged beyond repair.
Another problem is, even with proper wiring, your RV’s electrical system is exposed to other dangers at the campground. The quality of electrical service at RV campgrounds changes based on numerous factors, like old electrical connections, how many RVs are using the campground power and the load they are putting on it, faulty wiring and bad weather. Any of these conditions can result in exposing your RV to voltage sags, surges and spikes.
The operating ranges for 120-volt appliances in your RV are 103 volts to 132 volts. If you operate appliances above or below these ranges there is extreme heat build-up. Electric motors, circuit boards and electronics cannot withstand this kind of heat. The bottom line is your RV is equipped with highly sophisticated electronics and expensive appliances that need to be protected against all of these potential threats. Now that we understand what the threats are let’s see what can we do about it?
I highly recommend using a surge protector designed to identify and help protect the RV’s entire electrical system from the potential dangers I just discussed. You just plug the surge protector into the campground’s electrical supply, check for any faults indicated, and plug the RV power cord into the opposite end and you are done. But you need the right surge protector for the job. I personally use Surge Guard products.
Before we talk about the right product for the job I want to briefly explain what the term Joules means. When there is a voltage spike or faulty power supply the surge protector absorbs and dissipates the excess energy. The Joule rating measures the maximum amount of energy the surge guard product can absorb or dissipate. The higher the rating, the more protection it provides.
For the sake of an example let’s say you have a travel trailer with a 30 amp electrical system. A very affordable Surge Guard product that provides lots of features would be Model 44280. It is 120-volts, 30 amps with a 2100 Joule rating.
This particular model identifies faulty park power while providing surge protection. It features an easy to read LED fault chart. Note: If the display on the face indicates a faulty or improperly wired pedestal when you plug the Surge Guard into the campground pedestal do not plug the RV into the Surge Guard unit. Notify the campground office and have it checked.
The Model 44280 tests for and indicates:
That’s a lot of bang for the buck! There is an entire family of Surge Guard products available for any size or type of RV. You can choose a portable model or hard-wire a unit into the RVs electrical system. There are numerous features available depending on the model Surge Guard you choose, and there are full protection models available too. Our motorhome has a 50 amp electrical system and I personally use Model 34850 Surge Guard. It is a full protection model that provides all the protection I need for my RV.
I think you would agree that some type of surge protection makes a lot of sense. Depending on the RV there can be thousands of dollars worth of appliances and sensitive electronic equipment that can be damaged in a short time after plugging in at the campground. There are different brands and different types of surge protection available, but the most important thing is that you have and use one that can do the job based on your specific needs.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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RV 101® Travel Trailer Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
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RV Care & Preventive Maintenance RV DIY® Online Video Training
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A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
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An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
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Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
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Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
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The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
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Official RV 101® Guides for Travel Trailer Bundled Set
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Official RV 101® Guide To RV Water Heater Use & Care
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Official RV 101® Guide – Trailer Towing, Weights & Safe Towing Explained
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Official RV 101® Guide to RV Generators
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Official RV 101® Guide to RV Water Systems
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Official RV 101® Guide to Understanding Trailer Sway
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RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
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RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
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RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
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Winterizing & Storing Your RV E-Book Training Course
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RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
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Trailer Towing Basics E-Book Training Course
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Comments Off on What are you plugging into at the RV campground?
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: faulty campground wiring, protect you RV electrical system, RV campground wiring, RV electric tips, RV electrical system, RV surge guard, RV surge protector, rv tips and tricks
When you travel by RV it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. This is especially true when you arrive at your campground destination. I could probably list 20 items that are helpful in making campground connections, but there are 10 items that help ensure reliable connections at the campground every time.
#10-Coax Cable
The majority of campgrounds you stay at will offer access to some type of cable television. To make the connection you will need coax cable. I keep a 25-foot roll of coax cable in the RV and I always had plenty of cable to make the connection from the RV to the campground cable connector.
#9-Disposable Gloves
I keep a supply of inexpensive disposable gloves on hand in the RV. They work great for all of your RV holding tank and waste-water management chores, and they are handy for routine maintenance on the RV too.
#8-Water Regulator
You never know what the water pressure will be at a campground. A water regulator helps protect your RV plumbing system from high water pressure that is common at many campgrounds. Always connect the regulator at the source of the water to regulate the pressure before it enters the drinking hose or the RV.
Watch a video for more information on water regulators
#7-RV Extension Cord
Sometimes the RV power cord is not long enough to reach the campground electrical connection. When this happens you need an extension cord that is compatible with the electrical system on your RV. Regular household extension cords are not rated for 30 plus amps.
Watch a video for more information on RV extension cords
#6-Stackable Leveling Blocks
Some campsites are fairly level and some aren’t. It’s a good idea to keep some stackable leveling blocks on hand in the RV. When you position the RV on the site you can use the stackable leveling blocks to level the RV, and if it’s a towable RV the leveling blocks can be used under the tongue jack or landing gear. Leveling blocks not only assist in leveling the RV, they provide solid footing when the ground is sandy, loose or wet.
#5-Water Filtration
I highly recommend some type of water filtration system. There are several types of water filters available, designed specifically for use with RVs. You can install an under the counter filter directly to a faucet you use to drink from, or you can use an external filtration system designed to filter all of the water going into the RV.
Watch a video for more information on RV Water Filtration
#4-Electrical Adapters
When you travel in your RV you never know what type of electrical service will be available, and the day will come when you need an RV adapter cord to make the electrical connection at the campground. I recommend keeping several electrical adapters on hand in the RV at all times.
Watch a video for more information on RV electrical adapters
#3- RV Drinking Water Hoses & Regular Garden Hose
I recommend keeping an assortment of potable RV drinking water hoses in the RV. I keep a 4-foot, 10-foot and 25-foot drinking hose in the RV at all times so I can always reach the campground water supply. I take an ordinary garden hose for cleaning the RV and for rinsing and flushing the holding tanks. The garden hose should be green, black or gray in color. RV drinking water hoses are normally white or blue, so the colors will help you distinguish between the two types of hoses.
Watch a video for more information on RV drinking water hoses
#2-RV Sewer Hoses & Adapters
Like drinking water hoses, I recommend keeping extra lengths of sewer hoses on hand too. I keep a 10-foot and a 20-foot drain hose in the RV at all times. You never know how far you will be away from the campground sewer drain. I also recommend using heavy-duty RV sewer drain hoses. They do not cost much more than a standard sewer hose and will last much longer. RV sewer drain outlets not only come in different sizes, but some are smooth pipe while others are threaded pipe. This is why I recommend an assortment of adapters to make the connection at the campground sewer or dump station drain outlet. I keep a universal RV sewer adapter on hand that fits most smooth and threaded pipe drain outlets at the campground.
Watch a video for more information on RV sewer adapters
#1-Surge Protector for the RV
I highly recommend using some type of surge protector that will protect the RV’s electrical system from possible damage. There are several different surge protector products available. I personally use Surge Guard products on my RV. The surge guard I use protects the RV from faulty wiring at a campground like an open neutral, open ground and reverse polarity. It also protects against voltage sags, surges and spikes. The bottom line is your RV is equipped with some highly sophisticated electronics and expensive appliances that need to be protected against all of these potential threats. Watch a video for more information
I mentioned earlier that there are lots of helpful products when it comes to making connections at the campground, but these are my top 10 products for consistently reliable campground connections.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: campground hook ups, RV, RV campground, RV campground connections, RV electrical adapters, RV extension cords, RV fater filter, RV hook ups, RV leveling, RV sewer hoses, RV surge protection, RV water regulator
Last year I started having problems with our old bat wing style TV antenna on the RV, so I decided to replace it with a digital RV antenna. After some research on the topic I decided to go with the Rayzar Z1 HD digital RV antenna by Winegard. There were several reasons I selected this antenna. It is low profile, lightweight and it picks up free HD channels wherever you travel. Another reason I selected this antenna is because it can replace the existing antenna with minimal effort.
You can purchase the Rayzar z1 as a complete unit or as the antenna head with adapter. It would be easier and less expensive to go with the antenna head that retrofits directly to the existing antenna, but as I mentioned earlier our antenna has seen better days so I opted to go with the complete unit.
Caution: Exercise caution when you are working on the RV roof, a fall can result in serious injury or worse. If you are not comfortable working on the RV roof have the work done by a qualified RV service facility.
The first step was to remove the old antenna. I use a plastic scraping tool to remove the old sealant and access the mounting screws. Whenever you remove old sealant from a rubber roof be extremely careful not to tear the rubber roofing. Remove all of the sealant and the mounting screws, but do not attempt to remove the antenna before you remove the antenna handle on the inside of the RV.
Go inside the RV and remove the old antenna handle. Remove the Allen screw from the handle using the correct size Allen wrench. After the handle is removed the entire assembly can be removed from the ceiling.
Go back on the roof to remove the old antenna. Disconnect the coax cable and carefully separate the antenna from the roof. In most cases there will be putty tape under the antenna base. I use the plastic scraping tool to work around the base releasing the old sealant. Try not to tear the roofing material. After the antenna is removed clean any remaining sealant that was under the antenna base. As a final step I like to clean the roof surface with some denatured alcohol on a rag. Do not pour the alcohol directly on the roof surface.
If this was a new installation this is where you would select a location for the new antenna and drill a hole through the roof. Since I am replacing the existing antenna the hole is already there.
The instructions state to position the antenna in the hole with the arrow on the base plate facing the front of the RV, and draw an outline around the antenna base. The outline is used so you can apply an approved sealant around the inside surface of the line to seal the antenna base to the roof when it is installed. I prefer to apply the sealant directly on the antenna base so I know the screw holes are covered and I will get a good seal.
Connect the coax cable from the RV to the coax on the new antenna following the instructions. Position the antenna on the roof with the arrow at the base of the antenna facing the front of the RV.
There are screws provided to secure the antenna to the roof. I tighten the screws until I start to see the butyl tape ooze out around the edges. Remove any exposed butyl tape and apply an approved sealant over the screw heads and around the base of the antenna. This antenna has a smaller footprint than the original antenna so there were two existing screw holes in the roof that were not covered by the new antenna base. I added some sealant over the screw holes and as a precautionary measure I will add some roof sealing tape over the sealant after it cures.
You are finished on the roof. The remainder of the installation is done inside the RV. Install the plastic extrusion in the hole and rotate it until the keys line up with the bottom of the antenna. With the keys aligned push the extrusion up until it bottoms out. Check to make sure the antenna rotates and follow the instructions to cut the extrusion to the proper length for your ceiling.
Follow the instructions to assemble the new handle and install the handle using the screws provided. Test the operation of the handle by pushing up on the handle and rotating it in either direction. The antenna on the roof should rotate as the handle is turned.
If this were a new installation the next step would be to install the provided wall plate and make the 12 volt DC power connections and the coax cable connections. Since I am replacing the existing antenna I already have a video switch box to make my coax cable connections.
After all of the connections are made turn the TV on and follow the TV’s instructions and perform a channel scan in the antenna mode. The new HD digital RV antenna will access local HD and digital broadcast channels in the area. To maximize the number of channels you receive you can fine tune the position of the antenna by rotating the handle.
Note: If you still have an analog television in your RV you will need a digital TV converter box to access local HD and digital broadcast channels.
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Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
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Comments Off on Upgrade your RV Antenna with a HD Digital RV Antenna
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: digital antenna for RVs, how to install a RV antenna, RV antenna, RV HD antenna, RV TV antenna installation, Winegard TV antenna for RV
Is your RV ready for the upcoming camping season?
When I park our RV after the last trip of the season I look forward to this time of year rolling around again, time to go camping. Last winter I was a little lazy and put the RV in storage knowing there were some maintenance related issues that would need to be addressed this spring. When you combine those items with routine spring preparation checks you need to dedicate some time to get the RV ready to go camping again.
If you follow my work you have more-than-likely heard me use the term preventive maintenance. I spent an entire career in the Army teaching young soldiers the value of preventive maintenance, and a second career passing the same valuable lessons on to RV owners. For those of you not familiar with the term, preventive maintenance is maintenance you perform on your RV, automobile, house or anything else before a problem exists. Preventive maintenance checks are designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction, or failure of a component or system on your RV. It consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV.
To go one step further with my explanation I like to explain that a lack of preventive maintenance and/or scheduled maintenance will eventually result in emergency maintenance. For example, if you don’t check the air pressure in your tires (preventive maintenance) the under-inflated tire over heats and prematurely fails resulting in (emergency maintenance). Emergency maintenance usually leaves you stranded alongside the road, not exactly how you want to start the first RV trip of the season!
To learn more check out our RV Care & Preventive Maintenance Video Course
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Batteries, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: RV 101 tips & tricks, RV check up, RV checklist, RV maintenance, RV maintenance tips and hints, RV spring checks, RV spring preparation checks, RV videos
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Sometimes when you camp in your RV the RV power cord is not long enough to reach the campground electrical connection. When this happens you need an extension cord that is compatible with the electrical system on your RV. Valterra Products has you covered with their full line of Mighty Cord RV extension cords and detachable power cords.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Comments Off on RV Extension Cords and Power Cords
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Electrical System, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: 30 amp RV extension cords, 50 amp RV extension cords, Mighty Cord RV Extension Cords, RV extension cords, RV power cords
Awnings are a great feature to have on your RV. There are several different types of RV awnings and they serve different purposes. There are window and door awnings that provide shade and keep rain away from your RV windows or entry door. There are slide-out awnings that protect the slide-out roof from debris and water. And there are patio awnings. Patio awnings extend the living area of our outdoor world. Similar to the front porch of your home, the patio awning provides us with shade and cover from a light rain when we want to sit and enjoy the great outdoors.
The awnings on your RV will provide years of reliable trouble free operation, if you take the time to do a little preventive maintenance and cleaning.
Some awnings have an aluminum or vinyl wrap-around weather guard that protects the awning fabric when it’s in the travel position. When you open the awning for the first time each year, or if it has been stored for a while, you will need to inspect the awning fabric for any signs of mildew or stains. Remember vinyl awnings will mildew. To prevent dirt from embedding into the woven fabric of an acrylic awning fabric you should simply hose the fabric off on a monthly basis. Avoid scrubbing acrylic awning fabric. Scrubbing can remove the water retardant finish. For stubborn stains blot the approved cleaner on the acrylic fabric with a sponge or soft cloth.Comments Off on RV Awning Care & Maintenance
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: how to maintain an RV awning, RV awning care, RV awning maintenance, RV awning operation, RV awnings
When you are getting ready to take a trip in your RV there are lots of things that need to be done. Planning the trip itself can be overwhelming. Travel guides, magazines, state tourism boards and Internet sites offer valuable information to help you plan your next RV trip. To help make planning your trips a little easier I wrote this trip planning checklist. This is an excerpt from my Checklist for RVers e-book
Here are some tips to help you plan for your next RV trip:
This trip planning checklist does not cover everything required to plan an RV trip, but it’s a good start. You can add to this list to tailor it to your specific needs. For more checklists like this check out our Checklist for RVers e-book
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Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: how to plan an RV trip, RV 101 checklists, RV checklists, RV destinations, RV trip planning, RV trip planning checklist, RV trips
Today we’re going to tackle an RV floor covering do-it-yourself project in our used RV project 5th wheel trailer.
Click here to watch other DIY videos on our used RV project 5th wheel trailer.
The original floor covering in the RV is showing some age and we thought it would be a fun weekend project to replace it. When it was time to decide on a new floor covering we wanted something that was rated for commercial traffic, and that looked good too. After some research I found Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl. Infinity LWV products are popular in the marine industry and they are making a presence in the RV industry too. Infinity offers numerous collections of luxury woven vinyl products in more than 100 colors. We decided on the Linen luxury fabric because it highlights some of the RV’s interior treatments. 
Infinity luxury woven vinyl is anti-microbial, soil and stain resistant, fade resistant and easy to clean. It has a dense cushion backing, and its pet friendly which is great for us. Here is how we installed Infinity LWV flooring in the RV.
The first step of the pre-installation process was to determine where we wanted the new flooring and then remove the existing flooring, which in our case included carpet and vinyl.
With that done we can start on the installation. It’s important to note when you work with this product it must be rolled face out, with the cushion in. Do not crease the fabric at all. The warranty is voided if it is rolled wrong, creased, or if the product was cut, fitted or installed. Let’s get started.
Note: Prior to cutting the product inspect it for any problems. If the fabric does not meet your expectations contact Infinity’s customer support.
Preparing the Floor for Installation
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Posted in RV products, RV Training, Uncategorized | Tags: infinity lwv flooring, RV DIY, RV DIY articles
When temperatures drop we winterize our RVs so we won’t have problems next spring, but winterizing your RV is only part of preparing the RV for winter storage. Lots of folks don’t think about it, but proper RV storage procedures are just as important as winterizing the RV’s plumbing system.
Here are my top 5 RV storage tips:
These RV storage tips do not cover everything you need to be concerned about when storing your RV, but it’s a good start.
RV Storage Tip #1
When preparing the unit for storage I always wash the exterior and clean the interior thoroughly. Make sure all awning fabric is clean and dry before stowing the awnings. This is a good time to inspect all of the roof seams, body seams and window sealant for any cracks or openings that would let water penetrate the surface. Water can get in the smallest openings so it’s important that you closely inspect all of the sealants. Consult your RV owner’s manual or RV dealer for sealants compatible with any surfaces you are resealing.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Batteries, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires | Tags: how to store your RV, RV maintenance, RV storage covers, RV storage tips, RV storage tips and tricks, RV winterizing, Storing your RV
Question: Can you tell me the correct pressure to inflate my RV tires to prior to taking a road trip? My travel trailer tires show a max psi of 70lbs on the tire’s sidewall. I can’t seem to get a straight answer from our local shops, and I want to make sure I don’t overheat or damage them. Thanks for any information you can provide.
Mark’s Answer:
This can be a bit confusing, but I’ll try and explain it. Tire manufacturers publish tire load and inflation tables for the tires they manufacture. In a perfect world you would know what the actual load placed on the tire is and you could go to the load and inflation tables for precise inflation pressures based on that load.
Of course things never work out that way. Since we know this isn’t always practical there are a couple methods to help determine tire inflation pressure. On the front left corner of the travel trailer you will find a Federal Certification Tag or label and a Tire and Loading Information label. These labels display information on tire inflation pressure, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The tire inflation you see on this label is based on the trailer’s designed load limits. If no additional weight is placed on tires this inflation pressure is accurate. The question is how much weight is placed on each individual tire? The only way to answer that is to have the RV weighed by individual tire position. If you can’t or don’t weigh the RV by individual tire position using the information on the certification label is the next best thing.
The inflation pressure molded into the sidewall of the tire is the maximum amount of air pressure you can ever inflate the tire to if a full load was placed on the tire. You can locate the maximum load range on the tires sidewall.
Comments Off on RV Tire Inflation Question
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: how much air do I put in RV tires, RV tire care, RV tire inflation, RV tire maintenance, RV tire pressure
Welcome back to another edition of RV Consumer E-Magazine. In this cold weather issue Mark discusses important topics like winterizing your RV, cold weather maintenance and RV storage. This issue also features a fall and winter camping tips article and three RV videos of the month.
Happy Camping,
RV Education 101
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Comments Off on RV Consumer E-Magazine November 2016
Posted in Beginning RVer, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Batteries, RV Campgrounds, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Types | Tags: cold weather camping tips, Cold weather RV tips, RV magazine, RV maintenance, rv storage, RV tips, RV winterizing
Periodic roof inspections and maintenance can extend the life to your RV roof, and the work is not difficult for RV owner’s to perform.
Comments Off on How to Apply RV Sealants
Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: how to apply RV sealants, how to reseal RV roof, RV roof care, RV roof maintenance, RV roof sealants, RV sealants
Have you ever arrived at your camping destination only to realize the RV sewer hose wasn’t long enough to reach the sewer drain outlet? I think this happens to most of us eventually. To help solve the problem I recommend keeping some RV sewer extension hoses on hand in the RV.
There are several different types and sizes of extension hoses available.
For starters lots of RVs have offset drain outlets inside the sewer compartment making it difficult to connect to the RV drain outlet itself. There are 2-foot extension hoses, referred to as compartment hoses to help solve this problem. Some of these extension hoses have built-in rotating fittings making it easy to connect to those tight compartment fittings.
The day will surely arrive when you need additional length hose to reach the campground drain outlet. There are 5 and 10-foot extension hoses available to add length to your sewer hose. Connecting two hoses together is easy with the standard bayonet fittings.
Keep in mind you get what you pay for; like everything else some RV sewer hoses are better than others. The vinyl wrap the hose is made of comes in different thicknesses, and heavier vinyl hoses are less prone to pin holes and wear. Some RV sewer hoses are made with better connectors for a secure leak- free connection at the campground.
You will be glad you have extension hoses on hand when you need them. I personally keep a 2-foot, 5-foot and 10-foot extension hose in the RV, in addition to a 20-foot drain hose. Research the various brands of extension hoses available and purchase a couple different size hoses just in case. If your RV travels take you to different campgrounds I can almost guarantee you will need extension hoses someday. Watch the video
Comments Off on Is your RV Sewer Hose Long Enough?
Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: RV campground connections, RV essential items, RV holding tank maintenance, RV sewer extension hose, RV sewer hook up, RV sewer hoses
In our special RV 2017 edition of RV Consumer e-Magazine take an inside look at new 2017 RV makes and models inside America’s largest RV Show with Mark Polk. Read Mark’s interview with John Serro’s grandson about the new vintage style Serro Scotty trailer line being reintroduced in 2017, and read a review on Dometic’s new dual zone portable refrigerator/freezer that can refrigerate and freeze food at the same time.Get all of this and more in this issue of RV Consumer e-Magazine.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: 2017 rvs, hershey rv show, motorhome, new RVs, RV magazine, RV show, travel trailer
How much water should I add to my RV battery?
That’s a good question, but before I answer your question let’s talk briefly about checking the electrolyte levels in your lead-acid batteries. Checking the water level in lead-acid battery cells on a regular basis can save, and extend the life of your RV batteries. The more a battery is used and/or charged the more water evaporates from the cells. I recommend checking the water level monthly and after each RV trip. If you leave the RV plugged in, constantly charging the battery, you should check the water levels bi-monthly.
Next it’s important to know you only add water to a fully charged battery, unless the water level is already below the plates in the cell. If the water level is below the plates add just enough water to cover the plates and recharge the battery. When a battery is fully charged the water level is at the most accurate level. This is when you should check battery water levels.
Note: If you are not comfortable working on or near lead-acid batteries have a qualified RV repair facility perform the battery maintenance for you. When you work around batteries wear goggles and gloves, remove all jewelry and do not smoke or use any open flames.
To answer your question when you add water to a battery you only fill the cell to 1/8 inch below the bottom of the fill-well or split-ring. If you look inside the battery cell you will see a plastic ring that extends down inside the cell roughly 1 inch. This is what is referred to as the fill-well or split-ring. The electrolyte solution in lead-acid batteries is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. If you add too much water a couple things will happen that can be detrimental to the battery and to you.
Over filling a battery is bad, but even worse is when a battery is under-watered. When a battery is not recharged in a timely or when the plates are not covered by the electrolyte solution the plates begin to sulfate. The sulfate material attaches to the discharged or exposed portions of the plates and begins to harden into crystals. Eventually the sulfate material cannot be converted back into active plate material and the battery is ruined. Battery sulfation is the number one cause of battery failure. Always make sure the plates are covered by the electrolyte solution. When you add water to a battery only use mineral free water, distilled water is best.
Follow these basic battery maintenance procedures and add years of life to your lead acid RV and automobile batteries. For more information on RV batteries, check our RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-book course
Subscribe to our RV 101 Youtube Channel
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
http://rveducation101.com/
RV 101® Travel Trailer Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
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Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
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Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
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Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
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Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
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A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
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An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
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Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
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Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
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The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
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RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
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RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
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RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Batteries, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training | Tags: add water to RV battery, battery electrolyte, RV battery maintenance, RV battery safety, RV battery sulfation, RV battery tips, watering RV batteries
When I was a teenager and went tent camping in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania we packed coolers with ice to keep our food cold and frozen. I remember making runs to the local country store every couple days to pick up more bags of ice for the coolers.
Those days are long gone. Now when we go camping, tailgating, to a sporting event or on RV trips we take a portable refrigerator/freezer by Dometic. They come in a variety of sizes (from 28 to 95 liters) and with numerous options to meet your specific needs. If you are on-the-go and need to keep drinks or food cold or frozen these portable refrigerator/freezers by Dometic are essential equipment.
We started with a smaller portable unit and when our needs changed we checked out the new CFX-95DZUS Dual-Zone Portable Refrigerator & Freezer. It is loaded with features and options, but the most unique feature is the separate compartments so you can refrigerate and freeze at the same time. One compartment is 54 liters and the other compartment is 40.5 liters for a total storage capacity of 94.5 liters. The dual-zone feature is available in the CFX-65DZUS and CFX-95DZUS models. On the CFX-95DZUS model you can set either compartment anywhere from -8 degrees F to +50 degrees F so you can make either the 54 Liter side or the 40.5 liter side freeze or refrigerate (or both sides freeze or both sides refrigerate).
It comes with removable wire baskets for easy loading & cleaning. The CFX-95DZUS holds 117 12-oz. cans so keeping your kids entire sports team hydrated, or keeping beverages cold for an outdoor party is easy. It also features a dairy compartment for perishables.
The tough and tested exterior is made to endure the harshest outdoor environments. It has durable latches, hinges, and drop-down handles designed to stand the test of time. It operates on 12-volt and 24-volt DC power or 120-volt AC power. Just plug it in and the powerful but energy efficient compressor starts cooling immediately. There is a USB port to charge a mobile device, and it has a built-in battery protection feature that can be set to Hi, Med, or Low when you are using 12VDC. This feature prevents the vehicle battery from draining if the 12-volt outlet stays powered when the vehicle is not running.
The features don’t stop there. When it is turned on you will notice a digital temperature display and a soft-touch control panel. The temperature an be set from -8°F to +50°F (-22°C to +10°C). The memory feature maintains presets if the system is turned off and there is a quick-chill turbo feature too.
The CFX-95DZUS model also has an iOS & Android app to control the portable cooler functions with your smartphone. I mentioned earlier that these portable refrigerator freezers are great for RV trips, back yard BBQs, sporting events, camping and tailgating. If you are active and on-the-go and need to keep food and drinks cold or frozen check out these versatile portable refrigerator/freezers by Dometic
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
RV Education 101 http://rveducation101.com/
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: coolers for camping, Dometic portable refrigerator freezer, dometic rv products, portable coolers, portable freezer, portable refrigerator freezer
This article pertains to deep-cycle lead-acid batteries used in RV applications. Properly maintained deep-cycle batteries should last for 6 or more years. Unfortunately some RV owners replace RV batteries every year or two. Extending battery life is not that difficult, it just requires some basic care & maintenance.
Today I would like to offer my top 10 tips to extend the life of your RV and automobile lead acid batteries.
Caution: Always keep safety in mind when working around lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid that is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns or blindness. The hydrogen gas produced by lead-acid batteries during charging is very explosive. When you work around batteries you need to wear goggles, gloves and remove any jewelry. Do not smoke or use any open flames around batteries
Polk’s Top 10 RV Battery Tips
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Batteries, RV Electrical System, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: dead RV batteries, deep cycle battery cycling, deep cycle battery tips, RV battery charging, RV battery maintenance, RV battery tips
Whenever I discuss RV roof care and maintenance I like to start with the basics, washing the RV roof.
Caution: Safety first, whenever you are working on your RV roof exercise caution. A wet roof can be extremely slippery and a fall can result in serious injury or death.
I personally use Dicor’s Rubber Roof Cleaner, but regardless of the cleaner you choose never use products that contain petroleum distillates, citric ingredients or harsh abrasives on your RV roof. These chemicals will damage rubber roof membranes.
I like to start at the front of the RV roof and work towards the back of the RV. Start by rinsing the roof to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, spray the roof cleaner on the roof surface. I use a medium bristle brush attached to a broom handle, but you can use a sponge or other cleaning cloth if you prefer.
I like to work in 3 X 3 foot sections at a time. Scrub the roof surface in a circular motion so the cleaner can really work into the roof’s surface. After a section is cleaned rinse it thoroughly with water.
Note: It’s a good idea to keep the sides of the RV wet so rinsing the cleaner from the roof’s surface does not leave any streaks or stains on the sides, front or rear of the RV.
It may be necessary to repeat the cleaning process on stubborn stains, or on a roof that has not been cared for properly.
That’s really all there is to cleaning your RV roof, and this simple preventive care and maintenance procedure can add years of life to your RV roof.
Watch the RV roof cleaning video here
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: clean and protect your RV roof, how to clean your RV roof, RV roof care and maintenance, RV roof cleaning tips, RV rubber roof maintenance
Welcome back to another issue of RV Consumer e-MagazineIn this issue read Mark’s assessment of who is responsible for what when it comes to trucks towing trailers, discover some simple portable RV satellite solutions, and read a guest contributors informative article titled, Camp Hosts – Who We Are & What We Do. And don’t miss watching the featured RV videos of the month. All of this and more…
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV History, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: camp hosts, campground hosts, RV consumer magazine, RV magazine, RV satellite information, RV satellite tips and tricks, trailer towing topics, trucks towing trailers
It’s important you know what type of RV roof you have so you can properly clean and maintain the roof. For the most part there are two categories RV synthetic roofs fall into:
1) Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM
2) Thermal Poly Olefin or TPO.
You may have heard various techniques for determining the type of rubber roof you have, but you need a sure-fire method, so there are no questions left unanswered.
You should be able to locate this information in the RV owner’s manual. If not, the easiest method I know is to go inside the RV and locate an overhead roof vent. Using the proper type screwdriver remove the vent trim ring. Most RV manufacturers will leave a section of the roofing material stapled to the inside of each side of the framed vent opening. If possible remove a staple so you can look at both sides of the roofing material. If one side is a white or a dove color and the other side is black it is EPDM. If the roofing material is all one color, top and bottom, it is TPO. Some TPO roofing has a fleece backing too, but the thing to remember is if the roofing material is all one color it is TPO.
If your RV roofing is EPDM, and you want to make repairs or touch-up the sealants you can use Dicor lap sealant.
If your RV roofing is TPO you need to do a bit more research prior to using any sealants. Beginning in 2011 new forms of TPO roofing entered the RV marketplace. Basically if the TPO roofing was manufactured in 2010 or earlier or if it has a fleece backing you can use Dicor lap sealant for repairs and resealing. If the TPO roofing was manufactured in 2011 or later, or if it does not have a fleece backing you need to use the Dicor Ultra Sealant System for resealing and repairs.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: EPDM RV roof, RV roof maintenance, RV roof sealing, RV roof types, RV rubber roofs, TPO RV roof
Welcome back to another edition of RV Consumer Magazine.
In this month’s issue discover another side of RVing referred to as park model living and destination camping. If your RV has an onboard generator, or you own and use a portable generator don’t miss the RV generator 15 minute tune-up article, and watch this month’s featured video titled 10 Tips for Hot Weather RVing.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: how to stay cool in RV, RV destination camping, RV generator service, RV magazine, RV park models, tips for hot weather RVing
Purchasing a Recreation Vehicle (RV) is the second largest purchase many people will make in their lifetime. When you make the decision to spend that kind of money, it’s important you make wise RV buying decisions. I have witnessed many poor RV buying decisions during my time in this industry and I would like to offer some pointers on how you can avoid some of these pitfalls.
First on my list is making a hasty buying decision. What this means is purchasing an RV without doing any research beforehand. Hasty buying decisions are common in a high pressure selling environments. This is especially true when a salesperson tells you prices are only good for today, or once this model is gone we can’t get another one like it. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Lots of folks purchase RVs at RV shows where the excitement level is high only to discover later it is the wrong type, too big, too small or too expensive. Whatever the circumstances are, a hasty buying decision can be a costly mistake.
That leads me to the next mistake people make. When I sold RVs it was common for people to be a bit intimidated by the size of RVs. The thought of towing a 30-foot trailer can be intimidating, so RV buyers decide on a 24-foot model instead. I tried to explain to folks, when you tow a trailer you don’t really notice a difference between a 24-foot or 30-foot trailer. Sure it is heavier, but with the proper tow vehicle and hitch components the length of the trailer is not a major factor to base the RV buying decision on. This is true with motorhomes too. I can’t tell you how many people purchase an RV and after driving or towing it came back to the dealership wanting something larger. This is another expensive proposition.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Buying RV, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: Buying RV, match truck to RV trailer, RV buying tips, RV shows, RV towing tips, RV types, types of RVs, what to avoid when buying an RV
My favorite pastime is traveling the country in our RV. I enjoy visiting new and interesting places, and experiencing new adventures in the RV. I also enjoy keeping up with my favorite satellite programming during our RV road trips. There is nothing quite like settling in the RV at night and watching your favorite show or a good movie on TV. The last thing you want to do is ruin your evening trying to set-up the satellite antenna, or acquire a good signal.
What I want in our RV is a super simple portable RV satellite solution. After some research I discovered the Carryout G2+ automatic satellite antenna by Winegard.
Let’s start by looking at a few concerns you might encounter with RV travel and satellite TV reception:
Ease of Set-Up
If you’re like me you don’t want headaches and stress when it comes to setting up a satellite system in the RV.
Switches to change satellite provider
I found the Carryout G2+ set-up to be really easy. You make a few simple connections and before you know it you are watching your favorite TV program. The G2+ system is compatible with multiple satellite providers. We use Direct TV and that is the default setting on the power inserter, but it can easily be changed. Just follow the settings in the instructions to change the switches to a different provider.
Next you simply connect the supplied 25’ coax between the G2+ and the power inserter, connect the 3’ coax between the power inserter and your receiver, and connect an HDMI or coax from the receiver to the TV. After the connections are made power up the receiver, the TV and the power inserter and the automatic antenna will start searching for a signal. That’s all there is to it. It literally took less than 20 minutes to set the system up right out of the box.
Accessing the Satellite Signal
One thing I really like about the Carryout G2+ is that it’s portable.
It works great for RVs, and it can be used on other camping trips, for tailgating, backyard BBQs and more. The G2+ also offers several mounting options. Some options include temporary tripod and window mounts and there are more permanent roof, ladder and vehicle mounts. My primary goal was to use the G2+ on the RV so I opted to convert the portable Carryout G2+ into a permanent roof mount using the roof mount kit available from Winegard.
The G2+ features the latest technology in satellite acquisition. It is small, but powerful and it is fully automatic. What that means is after the connections are made the automatic antenna quickly goes to work locating the maximum signal strength. Keep in mind if there are trees, buildings or other obstacles in the path no satellite antenna will get a signal, but with a clear unobstructed view to the southern sky the G2+ quickly locks in on the strongest signal.
Viewing TV using more than one Receiver
For the past 8 years or so we used and enjoyed an older Winegard satellite antenna on our RV. It works great, but one disadvantage is you can only connect the antenna to one satellite receiver in the RV. This meant if someone was watching TV in the living room and someone else was watching TV in the bedroom both viewers had to watch the same channel. When we decided to upgrade the antenna one requirement was the new antenna needs to have the capability to connect to two receivers in the RV.
The Carryout G2+ solved this concern too. The antenna has two output connectors, one for the main receiver connection and another for a second receiver. You simply run a separate coax from the second antenna port to another receiver in the RV. Now you can view any program you want on both TVs as long as both programs are on the same satellite.
If a portable satellite antenna is the best choice for you, based on your needs, I highly recommend the Winegard Carryout G2+. It works great for someone on-the-go and as a temporary or permanently mounted antenna for your RV. The G2+ is compact in size, easy to connect, and easy to use. It really is a super simple portable satellite solution.
For more information on the Winegard Carryout G2+ and other satellite solutions visit www.winegard.com
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Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Types | Tags: portable RV satellite, RV satellite information, RV satellite installation, RV satellite system, RV satellite tips and tricks, Winegard Carryout G2+, Winegard satellites
There has always been confusion when it comes to the type of tires used on travel trailers and 5th wheel trailers, or any type trailer for that matter. I think lots of folks are somewhat familiar with what are referred to as P-rated (passenger) or LT-rated (Light Truck) tire designations because that is what we use on our automobiles, SUVs and trucks. When you purchase a travel trailer or 5th wheel trailer and the time comes to purchase new tires people are confronted with a new type of tire designation, ST-rated or “Special Trailer” tires.
Before we get into what “ST” tires are I want to talk briefly about some misinformation concerning ST trailer tires. ST tires get a bad rap in general for several reasons. In many cases the reason for tire failure on a trailer is due to overloading the tire, improper tire inflation, the age of a tire or constant exposure to the elements. I can’t tell you how many times I hear stories about tires that only have 10,000 miles and plenty of tread failing for no reason. What doesn’t get mentioned is the tires are 7 or 8 years-old, have cracks in the sidewalls, and are exposed to the sun and other elements every day. In other cases some folks fail to mention a tire was overloaded by 300 or 400 pounds and the tire failure occurred while towing the trailer at highway speeds in 90 degree temperatures. I am not saying this is always the case or reason for trailer tire failure, but it is in many situations.
With that said the designation ST stands for “Special Trailer” tire. ST tires are designed specifically for use on trailer axle positions only. They are not designed for steering axle positions or the traction requirements of a drive axle. ST tires have strengthened sidewalls to help prevent the tire from rolling under the rim in turns and when cornering. The majority of ST tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph. ST tires feature materials and construction designed to meet the higher load requirements and demands trailer towing places on a tire.
There has always been controversy surrounding whether to replace ST tires with a good quality LT tire. There are some LT tires I think would do the job on a trailer, but at the end of the day if ST tires are properly matched for the application, properly inflated, properly maintained and not overloaded they are the right tire for the job, in my opinion.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: RV tires, special trailer tires, ST vs. LT tires, trailer ST tires, trailer tire tips, trailer towing tips, what does ST tire mean
When summer temperatures arrive you want to make sure your RV refrigerator can deal with the heat. Today I would like to offer some tips and tricks so the RV refrigerator can do its job more efficiently.
The initial cool down process can take four to six hours. I recommend turning the refrigerator on the day before you plan to leave on your trip. To maximize efficiency it’s best if the food you put in the refrigerator is already cold, and food you put in the freezer is already frozen. Do not over pack refrigerator. Air needs to circulate through the compartment for best results. In most situations you have access to a grocery store while camping, so a two to three day supply of food should be sufficient.
fan in RV refrigerator
A simple solution to assist with air circulation is to purchase an inexpensive, battery operated refrigerator fan. Install the batteries and place the fan in the front area of the refrigerator compartment blowing upwards. An inexpensive battery operated fan like this can improve the refrigerator’s efficiency as much as by 50%.
When you arrive at the campground the RV needs to be fairly level for the refrigerator to operate properly and for optimum performance.
Heat created by the cooling process is vented behind the refrigerator. Periodically inspect the back of the refrigerator and the roof vent for any obstructions like bird nests, leaves or other debris that might prevent heat from escaping. The outside temperature directly affects the operation and efficiency of your RV refrigerator too. When it’s hot out try parking your RV, with the side the refrigerator is on, in the shade.
Try to limit how often you open the refrigerator or freezer doors and the length of time you leave the doors open. Every time the door is opened it can lose a few degrees of cooling.
Last but not least I recommend keeping a small thermometer in the food compartment. Food can begin to spoil at temperatures above 40 degrees.
RV absorption refrigerators do a great job for RV owners. It will do an even better job, and last longer, if you apply these simple tips and tricks to maximize the refrigerator’s efficiency.
Subscribe to our RV 101 Youtube Channel
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
http://rveducation101.com/
RV 101® Travel Trailer Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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RV 101® 5th Wheel Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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RV 101® Motorhome Ultimate Video & E-book Bundle
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Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-orientation-for-travel-trailer-s-5th-wheel-trailers
Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-trailer-towing-basics
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/tow-your-5th-wheel-like-a-pro
Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
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Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/drive-your-motorhome-like-a-pro
RV Care & Preventive Maintenance RV DIY® Online Video Training
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-care-preventive-maintenance-online-video-training
RV Essential Items Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-essential-items
Winterizing and Storing Your RV Video Training Course
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Travel Trailer 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-video-bundle
5th Wheel 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/5th-wheel-video-bundle
Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-video-bundle ———————–
A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
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An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
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Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/insider-s-guide-to-buying-an-rv-downloadable-pdf-e-book
Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/owning-operating-an-rv
The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/the-original-checklist-s-for-rvers
RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-campground-basics-e-book-course
RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-safety-features-tips-tricks
RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-care-maintenance-e-book-course
Winterizing & Storing Your RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-storing-your-rv-e-book
RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-battery-care-maintenance
Trailer Towing Basics E-Book Training Course
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV Tips & Hints | Tags: RV absorption refrigerator, RV refrigerator efficiency, RV refrigerator maintenance, RV refrigerator tips, RV refrigerator vent fan
Just in time for the hot weather! Watch this short “10 tips for hot weather RVing” RV how-to video to help you prepare the vehicle for the heat, and show you what you can do to keep the RV cool at the campground too.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, General, RV Batteries, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV Maintenance, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: hot weather camping tips, hot weather RV maintenance tips, hot weather RVing, how to keep RV cool, RV 101 RV summer safety awareness program, RV air conditioner maintenance, RV hot weather tips, RV summer camping tips, RV summer safety
In this special edition of RV Consumer Magazine readers can take a trip through RV time at the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum, and read an informative article on how to protect your RV water system. You can also test your RV knowledge by playing a crossword puzzle on RV fresh water systems.
To view the PDF version, click here.
To view the flipbook version, click here.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, Free RV Consumer E-Magazine, General, RV Campgrounds, RV Destinations, RV History, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Training, RV trivia, RV Types | Tags: antique RVs, RV Hall of Fame Museum, RV history, RV museum, RV water filters, RV water filtration, RV water system
Question: I read an article you wrote about the ideal ratio of hitch weight to overall trailer weight. The numbers you gave for trailer tongue weight were 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight, and the reasons you stated made a lot of sense to me. Recently I was talking to an RV salesman at our local dealership and he claimed the ratio didn’t matter if you use a weight distributing hitch. I am not sure if he is correct or not. I would appreciate your take on his statement.
Mark’s Answer: He is correct about using a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH), but incorrect in saying the Tongue Weight (TW) ratio does not matter if you use a WDH.
Let me try and explain. The trailer tongue weight ratio definitely does matter. Too much trailer tongue weight placed on the hitch ball can cause poor steering, handling and braking, and too little tongue weight can cause the tow vehicles rear wheels to lose traction and contribute to trailer sway.
The amount of tongue weight does depend on the hitch system you use. For the most part there are two types of hitches, weight carrying and weight distributing. The term Weight Carrying (WC) hitch means that all of the trailer’s tongue weight is supported by the hitch itself. Weight carrying hitches are used for lighter trailer applications that don’t require a weight distributing hitch.
Heavier trailers, with more tongue weight require a weight distributing hitch to lessen some of the tongue weight placed on the hitch ball. When you use a weight distributing hitch, a portion of the tongue weight is distributed to the axles on the trailer and to the front and rear axles of the tow vehicle. In essence you use a weight distributing hitch to bring the amount of tongue weight placed on the hitch ball within the optimum range.
For the best towing scenario the tongue weight amount still needs to be in the 10 to 15% range of the loaded trailer’s weight. That is why there are different size weight distributing hitch systems, so it can be properly matched to the trailer weight you are towing. If you use a weight distributing hitch that is too big or too small you don’t get the proper amount of hitch weight, and you are defeating the purpose of using a weight distributing hitch in the first place. Your RV dealer should be able to determine the proper weight distributing hitch for your particular application.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, Trailer Towing Topics | Tags: do I need a weight distribution hitch, trailer tongue weight, trailer towing safety, trailer towing tips, trailer weights, weight carrying hitch, weight distributing hitch, what is a weight distribution hitch
RV 101® by Mark Polk – In this RV how to video learn how to install and program the Tire Minder TM77 Tire Pressure Monitoring System on a motorhome.
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Posted in RV products, RV Safety, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires | Tags: RV tires, Tire Minder, Tire Minder TM77, Tire pressure monitoring system
I get asked this question a lot. What are the pros and cons of covering your RV? My answer is always, the pros outweigh the cons 10 to 1. The only real cons I can think of is putting the cover on and taking it off.
I am extremely fortunate because we have a garage large enough to store our RV in when we aren’t using it. Prior to building the garage I always kept the RV covered when it sat idle for a couple months at a time. Mother Nature can wreak havoc on materials made of plastic, fiberglass, rubber and vinyl, which is basically the exterior of your RV.
The sun is the primary threat to an uncovered RV, but wind, rain and snow aren’t far behind when it comes to damaging the RV’s exterior. It doesn’t take long for ozone and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun to damage an RV. Early signs are when the paint on the exterior begins to fade. Eventually you start to notice other products like rubber, vinyl and plastic drying out and cracking.
Another problem is black streaks on the sidewalls of the RV. When it rains dirt and debris from the RV roof runs down the sides of the RV leaving those notorious black streaks. If you ever tried to clean black streaks from the side of a RV, especially one with corrugated aluminum siding, you know how difficult it can be. If you don’t get the black streaks off of the surface in a timely manner, it gets embedded in the paint and is nearly impossible to remove.
Covering the RV may not prevent all of this, but it helps slow the aging process down. A good quality RV cover also helps protect the RV from possible water damage when it is in storage. Anywhere the RV manufacturer cut an opening in the RV has the potential to leak, especially if the sealants have not been inspected and resealed on a periodic basis. An RV exposed to the elements for months on end can have a water leak you are not aware of, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage the following spring.
This equates to recouping the cost of a good RV cover over one winter.
I mentioned “a good cover” a couple times, and this is important. You not only want a cover that properly fits the type and size of your RV, but you want it constructed from material that can withstand the elements. You also want a fabric that is breathable. This lets air circulate and keep surfaces dry which helps prevent mold and mildew. Never cover your RV with one of those blue plastic tarps. Tarps or covers similar to that promote mold and mildew, and keep moisture and water in rather than allowing it to evaporate and stay dry.
With a little preventive maintenance and a good quality RV cover you can keep your RV looking like new and in better condition for many years to come.
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Posted in Beginning RVer, RV Maintenance, RV products, RV Tips & Hints, RV Tires, RV Types | Tags: RV covers, RV exposure to the sun, RV storage covers, RV storage outside, RV storage tips, should I cover my RV
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