Posts Tagged ‘travel trailer’

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Travel Trailer – Visit Your National Park

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Plan a travel trailer trip to one of America’s natural National Parks.  There are plenty of options of parks for you to choose from.  All will offer different activities, sites, and amenities to match your travel trailer and fifth wheel needs.  So whether you choose to visit the Grand Canyon with your travel trailer or another park, you will have a well-worth it excursion.

What should you look for in selecting a National Park as a travel trailer destination?

Before selecting the RV park that you want to take your travel trailer to, assess the distance that you want to cross.  Begin with your point of origin and make sure your budget can cover the costs to get you and your travel trailer to and from your destination.  There are options for you to choose from throughout the United States.  You should even check to see if there are discounts available for visiting more than one park within certain distances from one another.

Spend some time researching the numerous National Parks that exist in your travel trailer trip range.  There is the infamous Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountain Nation Park.  You may wish to take your travel trailer beachside to Canaveral National Seashore or Biscayne National Park, or you may select a park that has historic relevance, such as the Independence National Historic Park.

What National Parks are located nearby?

There are several ways to discover what parks are located near your point of origin.  The best website and resource is the U.S. National Park Service.  You can find a park by entering your state or search parks by attractions.  Other tools or resources to find parks are online, book stores, or local library.  If you are a member of an RV club with your travel trailer or a member of the American Automobile Association, check there, too.

Try camping in the park in your travel trailer

Many parks offer tent and RV camping areas.  Some have hook up options, while others do not.  Take a look online to make sure the campground or park that you select has camping options to suit your travel needs.  You may have to reserve a spot, so it is wise to spend time online or call the park service directly for more information.

Begin planning your RV trip ASAP

When planning a national park vacation, spend ample time preparing for your trip.  Learn the history of the park, its amenities, and the anticipated travel time.  By doing this, you will have time to enjoy the entire RVing experience!

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Can Your RV Dealer Tell You How Much Your RV Weighs?

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

It is important to know how much your travel trailer weighs. Your RV dealer can tell you that the weight of your RV affects your safety and the safety of other travelers on the road. How much it costs to drive your RV, and how difficult it is to drive it is affected by the weight of your Class C motorhome as well.

How to find the weight of your fifth wheel trailer

All of the newer RVs have a label telling you how much weight your rig can safely carry. This is called the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). The CCC tells you how much weight you can carry if you do not add anything extra to the RV above what comes from the manufacturer, the passengers, the water, and propane.

Any accessories, food, clothes, pots and pans, tableware – in short anything that has weigh comes under the Cargo Carrying Capacity. If you are going on vacation, and intend to buy souvenirs, they, too will be part of the CCC.

Balance the load

How you arrange what you take in your fifth wheel camper is another factor. Too much weight on one side can put undue stress on the tires. If you have heavy appliances on one side, balance it out with things you take with you on the other side. A towed vehicle will affect your load capacity as well.

Do a safety check

You don’t need to guess if your small travel trailer needs to go on a diet. Take your RV, packed as it would be on a trip, to a drive-on scale. Truck stops generally have them. You can call ahead to find out when they are open. Don’t risk having an accident.

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Consult Your RV Dealer about Your Holding Tanks

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

RV dealers will tell you the holding tanks are one part of the RV that you don’t want to have malfunction. If you keep them clean, they will keep on working for you over a longer period. Due to the amount of bacteria and number of pathogens that can thrive in your tanks, you owe it to yourself to keep them as clean as you can.

How do you know when to clean your holding tanks?

The holding tanks in your Class C motorhomes should have sensors to tell you when the tank is about three-quarters full. That is when you should plan to dump them. Unfortunately, some sensors are not accurate at the best of times. They may be faulty, or the tank may not be clean enough for them to function. This means that you will have to open the storage compartment where they rest, and do a visual check.

Cleaning tips for your holding tanks

The first thing you should do for your own safety is to use latex gloves when you are handling the black and gray water holding tanks in Class A motor homes. Some folks like to use a blue dishwashing detergent to start the process by pouring some into both the black and gray water tanks and letting it sit. Others prefer to dump some water softener in the tank to make sure that the sides of the tanks do not retain any sewage. Still other people recommend regular use of a liquid enzyme treatment.

When you get your travel trailer to the dumping station, remember to keep it as clean as possible by using an elbow along with a hose ring to keep the parts in place and avoid splattering. Black water should be dumped first, followed by the gray water. This will help clean the black water tank. You may want to rinse and dump each tank again to get them truly clean.

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RV Insurance for Your Used Travel Trailers

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Whether you are purchasing a new Motorhome Class A, or used travel trailers, you need to make some decisions about insurance. You may wish to explore all options in your state before you let the RV dealer clinch the deal.

Why you need RV insurance

  • Almost all states require RV owners to have insurance.
  • No one plans to have an accident, but in order to protect the huge investment in your RV, fifth wheel or another model; you should have an insurance policy that covers at least the basic needs.
  • Any time that you are in an accident there is at the least some damage, and at worst personal injury, death, and potentially the destruction of your travel trailer.

Why you need to shop around

  • Not all insurance companies are equal in coverage or cost. Shop until you find the one that you need and want for your Class C motor home.
  • If you don’t like pressure from insurance salesmen, try getting some online quotes which will allow you time to do research and the leisure to make decisions.
  • Buying direct may be a good compromise where you can get information, but are free to choose the best package for you.
  • Some companies may offer discounts to you if you are a non-smoker, have safety and anti-theft devices, or have other insurance accounts with them.

What information you need

  • You’ll need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and purchase paperwork.
  • Have all of the safety information about your RV handy as you shop.
  • Find information about the reliability and integrity of the company from whom you choose to purchase insurance.

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How to Find Free WiFi on the Road in Your RV Rental

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

If you like to stay connected by computer while you’re on the road in your RV rental, one way to do it is to find the free WiFi as you travel. WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity, and it is a local area network – sometimes referred to as a “hot spot.” It uses high frequency radio waves to receive and transmit over relatively short distances.

Places you can find free WiFi

  • Starbucks gives two free hours of WiFi to their customers. You have to register.
  • Many Panera Bread, McDonalds, Schlotzky’s Deli locations have free WiFi. Schlotzky’s has free computer stations, too.
  • Barnes and Noble offers WiFi.
  • Big Boy, Bob Evans, and Hooters are connected.
  • Take your motor home to RV parks and campgrounds, libraries, areas near universities, and some rest areas to find good WiFi places.
  • Online directories have listings of free locations.

Tips about free WiFi

  • The best WiFi service is closest to the source of the signal, and in places where fewer people are using it.
  • Public places that offer free WiFi are often not secure networks. This means that someone may be able to hack into your computer and steal your personal information, and have access to your passwords. If you use them, make sure your anti-virus software is up to date, and activated. Keep your firewall up at all times.
  • Don’t do any personal transactions involving credit cards or passwords on these hot spots.
  • Do check the internet for more specifics on WiFi safety as you roam in your travel trailer.

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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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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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Kids with Disabilities in Your Travel Trailer

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Traveling with kids can be challenging at best. But, if your child has special needs, you will want to be particularly well-prepared before you take a trip. Your travel trailer will make your trip easier before you begin since your child will be living and sleeping in familiar surroundings no matter where you may be parked.

Make arrangements ahead

Thorough preparation will also eliminate much of the stress of traveling. Depending on your child’s disability, you may want to include her in the groundwork. Make a checklist of things you are looking for in a campground, and let her check them off for each site. Discuss which one(s) are most suitable for your family. Pull out the road maps and engage your child in finding your destination, and a good route. The ownership in the trip this gives your child is priceless.

On the road

A good list is the beginning of a good road trip. For a child with physical disabilities, you will want to note in advance handicap accessible rest areas along your travel route. Be realistic about how much time you will need at each stop, and plan your driving day around it.

Keep a separate list for the extra things your special needs child requires, and have them in an easy to reach place. This includes any assistive devices, and medications. Add some favorite toys and books where appropriate. There are many Internet sites with travel game suggestions to help keep everyone entertained.  Whatever else you do, have fun as you build some great family memories.

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Service Animals Can Join You in Your Travel Trailer

Friday, November 27th, 2009

What do a dog, a Capuchin monkey, a pot-bellied pig, a cat, a rabbit, a miniature horse, birds, and snakes have in common? If you guessed that they could all be service animals, you would be correct.  Some pull wheelchairs, while others detect seizures. A dog may alert a hearing-impaired person to the doorbell, or the telephone. Cats and ferrets help people with PTSD. There are animals who aid people with depression, anxiety, and other invisible disabilities.  Another thing they have in common is they can tour with you in your travel trailer, and accompany you at your stops along the way.

What the law requires

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses, including campground owners, to allow service animals to escort their human being. It is unlawful for a business to assess a fee, or to charge a special deposit for helper animals.  If the owner of a business asks you if the animal is a pet, and what he does, you must answer. You do not however, have to present any certificates or proof.

What you must do

You must have your animal under control at all times. Supervise your animal’s interactions with other people, and discourage people from feeding, playing, or petting a service animal that is working. Any damage incurred by your animal must be compensated for. If your dog’s behavior is aggressive, or if he engages in unwarranted barking, snarling, or growling, the campground owner can ask you to leave. With attention and care, your service animal can make your travel trailer trip pleasurable and profitable.

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