Archive for January, 2010

After the RV Sales, the Accessories

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

One of the joys of the RV lifestyle is being able to pare down the “stuff” in your life. So, after you’ve been to the RV sales, give yourself some time, and a few short trips in your RV before you begin accessorizing your motorhome. Purchase only whatever accessories will enhance your life. Here are some ideas.

Some useful RV accessories

  • If you like to cook, and plan to eat most of your meals in your Class B, a counter extension will come in handy.
  • A small crock pot makes cooking easier on days when you’re out hiking or otherwise occupied.
  • Step rugs will help you keep the interior of your travel trailer cleaner.
  • If your Class A, or Fifth Wheel do not come with a washer and dryer, you might like to have some installed. You can do small loads more often, and more conveniently than you can using Laundromats.
  • Your own RV tool kit makes it easier to do small repairs.
  • A cover is a good way to protect your investment from inclement weather if you are parking it somewhere for awhile.
  • It’s nice to have a GPS – but don’t leave the paper maps behind.
  • Pick up a small carpet sweeper, or vacuum to clean the inside.
  • A good campground directory may not qualify as an accessory, but it is worth its weight in gold. Take along a couple of them.
  • If you’re pulling a “toad” you’ll need a tow bar.

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You Might Just Hang Out at RV Sales If

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

How can you tell if you are an RV enthusiast? Is there a way to recognize other enthusiasts at RV sales? Here is a list that might help.

You might just be an RV enthusiast if you:

  • Like to imagine you are crossing the prairie in a covered wagon.
  • Picture yourself as a rock star while you’re driving down the road.
  • Dream about driving the Alaska Highway some day in your Class A.
  • Enjoy the extreme challenge of living in close quarters with your significant other on a daily basis.
  • Like connecting with family in a lot of places – and having the freedom to “disconnect” your Class B when you’ve had enough.
  • Never have to worry if your suitcases will arrive at your destination at the same time that your travel trailer does.
  • Get high when you take a deep breath in a brand new RV.
  • Take pleasure in sleeping in your own bed every night no matter where your diesel pusher is.
  • Network with other off-road vehicle owners about the best toy hauler.
  • Trade horror stories with other enthusiasts about draining your black water tank.
  • Have ever modified a funny story to fit RV life in your fifth wheeler.
  • The best way of all to tell if you are an RV enthusiast is that each time you get you motorhome ready to move on down the pike you start singing “On the Road Again”!

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Eco-friendly Camping in RVs

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

What kind of camping gear do you need to make your motorhome eco-friendly? If you page through the green camping gear catalogs on (recycled) paper or online, you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of things vendors try to convince you is necessary to be a responsible citizen.

Americans do love their stuff! But, stocking up on every item the sellers want you to buy defeats part of the purpose of going green by spending more money on more stuff for your RVs.

Use up what you have

People who went through the Great Depression in the 1930s said:  “Use it up, wear it out, make it do.” What do you already own that you can use in your lightweight travel trailers? If what you have adequate bedding, and/or sleeping bags, the wiser thing is to use them until they wear out. As long as what you have is not creating havoc with the environment, you don’t need to buy something new to take its place.

Get your “cheap” on

  • Start looking for used gear at flea markets, and yard sales. Feel free to haggle for items – it’s part of the fun.  Maybe you’ll find some LED light fixtures for your Class B RV, or some non-toxic bug repellent.
  • Check online at EBay, freecycle.com, Craig’s list, or other similar web sites. The bargains people have found on these sites are legendary.
  • Share camping equipment. Form a camping gear cooperative to share the equipment, and the fun. Consider jointly purchasing your high-end items such as a solar oven.
  • Don’t go into debt for anything. It seriously increases the size of your carbon footprint.

These are some inexpensive ideas for beginning the green journey. Enjoy the ride.

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Green and Clean in Your RVs

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

While the industry is working to make RVs that will help you to leave a smaller carbon footprint, the cleaning products you use to clean your travel trailer may contain toxic chemicals that are making that footprint bigger. They have the capacity to endanger your health, and your enjoyment of life.

You can make your own super non-toxic cleaning products. All you need are a few household items, and some spray bottles.

Homemade green cleaning products

  • White vinegar – alone, or mixed with other products – is a great cleaner. With an equal amount of water, you have a great all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer. Undiluted, it works wonderfully on mineral deposits. Vinegar with a minuscule amount of dish detergent and water is a great window cleaner.
  • Baking soda on a damp microfiber cloth is a mild but tough cleansing powder. Rub it in, wait 15 minutes, then rub your tub clean. Pour some in a clogged drain, wait two hours. Then, run hot water, and your drain will be clear and deodorized.
  • Tea tree oil is good for getting rid of mildew, and unpleasant smells.
  • Sodium carbonate is for washing clothes, softening water, and beefing up the power of your soap in your fifth wheel’s washing machine.
  • Make air fresheners by simmering citrus rinds, or cinnamon sticks and cloves in a saucepan in your Class A. (Set a timer to remind you before it boils dry.)
  • Lemon juice, olive oil, and water make good furniture polish.

There are many other ideas to be found on the Internet. When you find what works for you, mix up your formulas in big batches, and store them away for use.

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Accident Preparedness in Motor Homes

Monday, January 18th, 2010

The word “accident” almost presupposes that you cannot be prepared. In some senses, that would be right. However, accidents do happen, and there are things you can do to be prepared just in case.

Ways to avoid accidents

One of the biggest causes of accidents is distraction. One huge distraction is talking or texting on a cell phone. In a word, don’t. No matter how well you think you have control of your vehicle, it takes less than a second for the scenario to change. You cannot be ready if you have only half of your attention on the rig.

Eating while driving can be a distraction. If you are eating or drinking, and the road situation becomes dangerous, stop. It’s better to be hungry than dead. Another strategy is to practice driving regularly. Veteran drivers may sometimes be more at risk than a novice because they become overconfident. A driver should make a point of being aware of her surroundings at all times as a preventative measure.

When you can’t avoid the accident

First, make sure all of the travelers in your vehicle are safe, and uninjured. If any are wounded, call 911, and then tend to the “patients.” Record your observations about the accident, and take pictures of the vehicles, and surroundings. When possible, exchange insurance information with the other drivers. Have your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information ready for the emergency teams and the police. Let them assess the drivability of your vehicle.

Drive safely, and be prepared.

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Living Frugally in Motor Homes

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

Living frugally does not mean doing without things you need. It means being a wise consumer, and buying carefully the things that you need. The lifestyle of people with motor homes is often perceived as the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Or, at the very least, the lifestyle of people who have more money than most. Truthfully, it can very well be the lifestyle of the shrewd consumer.

You need to downsize

Truly frugal consumers know that they don’t need a lot of “stuff” in order to have a good life. You can begin with downsizing your RV. Trade it in for a smaller, used motorhome. With a smaller RV, you will need to downsize your stuff. Many Americans are drowning in clutter, and that includes the things in their RVs. Determine what is the minimum that you really need, then sell, give away, or auction off on EBay the rest.

Downsize your eating out, and your entertainment budget. Whittle down the clothes in your closet, and set yourself free. The less you need, the smaller the burden on your shoulders, and the lighter your heart. Make it a rule to get rid of something when you bring home something new.

Find ways to spend less

Visit your local Goodwill store when you need something. Often, they have special discount days, and you can buy new clothing at incredibly low prices. (One of the benefits is that what you spend can be deducted from your taxes.) When you travel, drive more slowly, and stay in one place longer to stretch your gasoline budget. You can find web sites online that have free coupons or discounts for items for which you’ve been saving. You’ll soon find you enjoy the challenge!

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Necessary Take-Along Items for Your Class A RV

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

About halfway through your RV vacation is when you begin to realize that you do not have everything you need. Everyone’s “must have” list will be different, but here are a few ideas of things you might consider taking along with you.

  • Take along a notebook, pencil and pen to write down the things you wish you had brought along so you can reference it for the next trip.
  • A small-sized tool kit for minor repairs comes in handy.
  • Take a plastic storage box with a lid for keepsakes to be used later in scrap booking.
  • A box of disposable latex gloves for cleaning up things you’d sooner not touch.
  • A good GPS accompanied by accurate paper maps and tour books are essential for the directionally challenged.
  • Bring your cell phone charger.
  • Hand sanitizer will be a quick clean up help.
  • You might bring adapter plugs for 30 to 15 amps.
  • Take a flashlight for dark nights, or emergencies.
  • Bring some books or magazines to read.
  • Some people like puzzle books when they are traveling.
  • Small toaster ovens are handy to have along on a trip.
  • Small sample sizes of toiletries are easily collected for trips.
  • Collect your quarters to take along so you have them for the laundromat, showers, or vending machines.
  • Bring a travel-sized sewing kit.
  • Outerwear for inclement weather is imperative.
  • Take some postage stamps to send postcards along the way.

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Good Ideas to Make Your First Class A RV Trip Great

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Here are a few things that you can do to make life easier, simpler, and/or safer in your Class A RV. These are especially helpful for beginning RVers, but experienced travelers may learn something as well. A review is always helpful.

  • Take time to sit down and read all of your manuals, paperwork, and anything about your RV. This is “oops” prevention, and it will answer your questions before you know you have them.
  • Before you pull out of your parking space, do a check to make sure that everything is ready to go. Check for open cupboards or drawers. Check the outside as well, and if you have a “toad,” make sure it’s hooked up before you head down the road.
  • Your Class A RV is a large vehicle. Find a large, vacant lot of space and practice the maneuvers you will need to drive and park it.
  • Check your tires frequently for wear, tear, and inflation. Good tire maintenance is accident prevention.
  • Get some netting. Cut it into squares, and put mothballs in it. Tie it up like a sack, and hang these bags near openings in the RV to help prevent bugs from getting in.
  • After you park at the campground, spray the area outside with bug spray to help avoid carrying any insects with you when you leave.
  • Check your oil frequently – each time you stop for gas is not too often. Big rigs can use up a quart of oil within 500 to 1,000 miles.a

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Visit Portugal in Your Class B

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Traveling with a group and a tour guide when they go abroad is adventure enough for some. Others prefer to backpack across the countryside to visit places tour groups never see. If roughing it is too extreme, but you want a leisurely tour – or tours – a third alternative is to RV through a country with your own Class B RV.

Why visit Portugal?

One excellent reason to tour Portugal is the warm, friendly Portuguese people – some of the friendliest Europeans you will find. Many can speak some English, but even if they do not, they will find a way to communicate, and help you unearth what you need.

If you’re a history buff, you won’t need another reason to go. The Portuguese are proud of their wonderful heritage, and they will gladly share it with you.

Portugal has some world-class beaches. Sunshine from May through September brings people from all over Europe and Britain to spend their holidays in the country the Romans called “Lusitania.”

Last, but not least, a Portuguese vacation will cost less than almost anywhere else in Europe will. There is so much to see and do that you may want to extend your stay for several months.

Where can you park your RV?

There are numerous RV campgrounds with electrical hookups and water. You can find specific ones on Internet websites with lists of the amenities of each. Many of them are along the coastlines. Be aware that European electricity comes in 220-240 volts and 50 Hz. while American electricity comes in 110-120 volts and 60 Hz. You’ll need to make provision to transform your appliances. Many RV campgrounds have stores, restaurants, swimming pools, and other activities.

Portugal is a land of enchantment. If you go once, you’ll want to go back some day.

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How to Choose Your Class B RV

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

You’ve decided that your RV should be a Class B or camper van. How can you be a wise buyer?

Evaluate the cost

Always consider your budget. Your budget is more than the amount of money you will spend on your RV. It includes things such as how much it will cost for insurance, the cost of replacing any necessary parts, and your estimated gas mileage. Ask for a record of service updates – it will help as you consider the asking price.

Reflect on the number of people who will live in it on the road. Take the time to scrutinize and confirm that the vehicle is worth the price before you spend your money.

Take along a certified mechanic to verify the state of the RV. A mechanic can check on the belts, radiator, head gasket, and look for general mechanical defects.

Take it on a trial run

This will be the test of comfort for you and your fellow travelers. Few things can spoil a trip like uncomfortable seating, or sleeping. Check out the bathing facilities. Can they stand the traffic of a family trip? Is the kitchen adequate for what you need? Are there enough berths for everyone?  Not all Class B RVs are created equal. You have to choose what works best for you and your family.

To buy, or not to buy

After you’ve ascertained that everything checks out, and it fits your budget, there’s one more thing to consider. Are you happy with this Class B RV? Even if everything else lines up, the price is right, and your mechanic gives you the green light, if there is something about it that does not feel right to you, do not buy it. There are plenty more out there, and one will be the right one for you.

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