12 Tips for Keeping Water Fresh in an RV

Tips for Keeping Water Fresh in an RV If you turn on a faucet in your RV’s kitchen or bath and are hit with the smell of rotten eggs, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to freshen your RV’s system. Although some well water contains sulfur, which can lead to the smelly spray, the likely culprit is a buildup of bacteria in your freshwater system. Don’t wait until the water starts smelling before you sanitize. It’s a good idea to flush your recreational vehicle’s water system once or twice a year to keep your water fresh. Here’s how to sanitize your RV’s water supply system: 1. Begin with your freshwater tank about half full. 2. Turn the water heater off and wait for it to cool. 3. Add a cleaning solution to the water tank. Here’s where opinions differ. Most people agree that using a household bleach solution is the most effective way to cleanse the bacteria (Note: always dilute bleach with water – about ¼ cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of tank capacity); however, some people prefer to use milder cleansers like dish detergent, baking soda or vinegar. The bleach solution is the most effective sanitizer, but make sure you flush and rinse well. 4. Next, using the water pump (not the external water supply) turn on every hot and cold faucet in the unit, one at a time, letting the chlorinated water run through them for one or two minutes. You should be able to smell the chlorine. 5. Top off the RV freshwater tank and let the solution soak overnight if... Read more

Extend the Life of Your RV’s Battery

Extend the Life of Your RV’s Battery Some of the common causes of premature battery failure include overcharging; undercharging; deep discharges; excessive vibration; and calcium or magnesium sulfation from using tap water. When charging your RV battery during hot temperatures, be careful not to overcharge it. The gassing threshold for most lead acid batteries is a source 14.1V to 14.4V at room temperature. When charging a battery when the ambient temperatures are high, gassing can occur at lower charging rates. What happens if your charging system cannot compensate for temperature? You’re likely to get excess amperage that can cause the water to “boil” out of the battery. Read more  Read More →

RV Emergency Repair Kit

How likely is it that your RV will have a breakdown on the road? Most people assume a vehicle breakdown will never to happen to them. When it does happen, they have no plan and no equipment. Regularly scheduled maintenance and a thorough pre-trip inspection improves the chance that your RV will perform up to par, but even with rigorous maintenance and care, the possibility remains that your RV might stall or that the unexpected will happen. Don’t be caught unprepared. RV Emergency Preparedness Checklist • Good Sam RV Emergency Roadside Service • Spare tire – properly inflated • High-quality, heavy-duty, long jumper cables • Emergency contact information (medical, vehicle insurance, etc…) • First-Aid Kit • RV owners’ manual / a shop manual • Flashlight with spare batteries • Pocket knife • Roll of duct tape Basic toolkit: • Hammer • Combination wrenches • Screwdriver set (various sizes Phillips and flat-head) • Ratchet and Socket sets • Torx bits • Pliers Additional supplies that you should carrry with you: • Spark-plug socket • Electrical test light (multimeter) • Spare electrical wire, wire crimper and splicers, butt connector • Roll of insulated 12-guage wire • Spare engine drive belts • Spare fuel filter • Radiator hoses and hose clamps • Spare fuses • Extra motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid Stay with Your Vehicle If your RV experiences a roadside breakdown, have someone stay with the vehicle if possible and... Read more

3,000 Mile Oil Change – is it History?

For many years consumers have used the rule of thumb that you should change your engine oil every 3,000 miles for autos, trucks, and SUVs. Over the past several years there have been tests by various consumer and environmental advocacy groups that have found this to be a waste of money as well as harmful to the environment. In fact according to a recent study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than required. The 3,000 mile oil change may have once been a good idea before the advance of technology that has greatly improved the ability of oil to stay cleaner longer as well as today’s engines that simply run cleaner. Oil doesn’t really break down but it becomes contaminated with microscopic metals from bearings, pistons and other points of friction as well as fuel and the worst enemy of all – water. There have been tests on commercial vehicles that have shown that there is no difference in engine wear when oil changes are pushed past the 3,000 mark and well into double or even triple that interval. Most auto manufacturers recommend 5,000, 7,500, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions. Of course “normal” is pretty subjective. If you are pulling a trailer for any appreciable amount of time, “normal” is no longer applicable and oil changes should be made at “severe” condition intervals. But in any case make absolutely sure to follow the owners manual recommendations... Read more

Are Solar Panels Right For You?

Are Solar Panels Right for You? Simply put, solar power uses the sun’s energy to charge 12-volt DC appliances like lighting, stereos, TV, and other appliances. Although solar power is free, solar panels can be expensive. Are they worth the cost? If you’re serious about exploring the back country, enjoying the solitude of desert camping, experiencing the quiet of the outdoors, wanting to cut the umbilical cord to commercial power hookups or simply shrinking your carbon footprint, then yes, solar power is right for you. Solar systems are clean, quiet and require minimum maintenance. The main considerations are cost, space, weight and efficiency. If you’re reluctant to go solar, remember that you don’t have to go all in all at once. You can add or modify your system, and you can continue using commercial hook-ups (either as a backup plan or as your primary power source). Solar Power Panel Sizes The most cost-effective solar panels are larger ones (rated at 100 to 120 watts). Opt for the fewest number of panels and batteries in the beginning. You can always add more at a later time. Since everyone’s power usage / requirements are different, you’ll need to calculate your anticipated power usage. Simply multiply the estimated hours of use by the approximate current (amps @ 12 volts) for the amp hours consumed. Keeping Cool with Solar There isn’t enough space on the roof of even the largest luxury coach to hold the number of solar power panels it would take to power an... Read more

Is Your RV Hi Tech?

New and improved technologies are emerging faster than some of us can load and unload our RVs. From Wi-Fi to Wii, from iPods to XM and from satellite TV to DVDs, our mobile entertainment options have exploded – and keeping up with them can be daunting. Here’s the low-down on high-tech RV entertainment accessories and tips for using them. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) With the boom of Wi-Fi hotspots (and many of them free), there is no longer any reason you should be hauling your computer around in search of a modem connection. What is it? Wi-Fi has become the term used for the technology behind products that use radio frequency to communicate. One form of wireless is mobile wireless – the ability to move almost anywhere while staying connected to the Internet. How do I use it? First, you’ll need a wireless client card. Most computers and PDAs today have this feature built in. If your computer isn’t already Wi-Fi enabled, you can purchase the wireless client card at a computer, office supply, electronics store, or even on e-Bay for about $50. When you’re shopping, look for a product that specifies it’s Wi-Fi certified or 802.11b compatible. Once you confirm your computer is Wi-Fi enabled, you’ll need to download software that will locate hotspots (places where wireless Internet access is available) and connect you to them. Two popular wireless providers among RVers are Boingo and Hotspotzz. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer Wi-Fi connections. Some offer free access,... Read more

Slide Out Extensions

Frequently Asked Questions About Slideouts   RV Slide Out Slide-out Extensions Once a high-end luxury item, slide-out room systems have become a common feature on today’s RVs. With a simple touch of a button, campers increase their living space. There are three basic types of slide-out systems: 12-volt DC electric-motor, high-pressure hydraulic and hybrid systems. Whether motorized or manual, these systems have grown more reliable; however there are some good-to-know safety and service issues. The following information is to be used as a general guideline. As always, check your owner’s manual to address the specifics of your RV. FAQs Q. I hear a grinding sound immediately after pressing the button. Is this normal? A. Yes, it’s normal to hear a moaning sound as the piston shafts engage. Q. What do I do if the room stops before it’s fully extended? A. The piston shafts may need to be adjusted. Contact your dealer for service. Q. I’m going to be camped for an extended period of time. Is it okay to leave my slide-out extended for a long duration? A. Keep the extension in when the vehicle isn’t in use. If you’re full-timing or hunkered down in camp for awhile, bring it in and extend it again occasionally to keep the system lubricated. Q. What preventative maintenance is required for my slide-out system? A. Usually the only maintenance required for a hydraulic-system slide-out room is to keep the pump full of a high-quality, multi-purpose transmission fluid. For... Read more

5 Tips to Finding an RV Repair Facility

Whether it’s time for routine RV maintenance or your rig needs extensive repairs, finding a reliable and trustworthy facility before you take your RV for service is important. Follow these guidelines when getting your RV serviced and help avoid unpleasant surprises: 1. Look for a Good Sam certified dealer. One of the simplest ways to put your mind at ease to find a shop in this nationwide network of RV dealers, which have earned the “Good Sam Seal of Approval.” 2. Select a repair shop that specializes in RVs. General repair facilities are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to provide the maintenance your RV needs. 3. Do your research before you need a repair shop. Get recommendations, verify the facility’s license status, check membership with the Better Business Bureau. 4. Before repairs or maintenance is performed on your RV, get a written estimate. 5. When the work is completed get written details of work performed, collect the old parts and keep accurate records for future recommendations. This article brought to you by Good Sam ERS, the leader in RV Emergency Roadside Service.  Read More →

GPS Navigation

Do we love GPS? Yes we do! GPS for the most part is new to the masses and now a necessity to most Americans. GPS was developed by the United States Department of Defense to aid in mapping and giving a precise location of troops deployed in the field. This new technology was a staple of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marines, and it eliminated the guessing game of where in the world are my troops. With this new technology they found they could mobilize their troops and have a coordinated timed response to any situation. Then in 1983 following the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Ronald Reagan issued a directive making the system available for free for civilian use as a common good. The GPS system is a constellation of at least 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction. You will find GPS devices every were, rental car companies now include them in their cars, they are showing up in boats, Mass transit vehicles, Police department vehicles and even in Cell phones. GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, and hobbies such as geocaching. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. As for me the writer of this article I have fallen in love with GPS I found... Read more

Internet in Your RV

The Internet has moved from novelty to virtual necessity for many people in recent years. RV satellite internet technology brings this necessity to your RV. For many people, the internet has become a way of life. It is used to keep in touch with family and friends. I use it to pay bills and handle banking transactions. I use it to retrieve information of all types quickly. All of these functions are as important on your RV vacation as when you are sitting at home. RV satellite internet services have made it possible to perform all of them when on the road. Now RVing has taken a turn towards the HI TECH world where you can be camping one minute and then the next, running your office from your fold down table. With the wireless option added to your internet you can now even enjoy a camp fire and surf the web in your lounge chair burning a few marshmallows. Let’s talk about what you will need to pull this all off and have fun at the same time. First you will need a fixed/transportable mobile Internet antenna system designed for virtually any satellite VSAT platform. This can be done at a dealership by a tech and installed in 1 day. You will need a PC or a Laptop in your RV so they can set it up to work with your new Sat system. One of the many systems that are designed for internet is the WineGard DirecStar® (DT74), this unit is designed for RV’s and is roof mounted. They would install this on the roof and then run the wires down into a cabinet near a 12v or 110 volt outlet... Read more

Next Page »