Many RV campers enjoy the freedom to explore state and regional parks as well as more remote locations, where hookups are often nonexistent. However, unless dry camping or boondocking stays are limited to no more than a couple of days, an ancillary electrical power supply is essential. There are really only two choices: generators and solar. We’ll briefly examine both…
Read MoreAuthor: nrv staff
Is gas or propane generator best for me?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Having a generator in your RV can be a great blessing. In the hot country and away from hookups, there’s little else that will run your air conditioner. Long day in the saddle and don’t feel like “going out” for dinner? Fire up the microwave and have dinner on the table in a few…
Read MoreFire safety – Check your extinguishers!
All RVs have a fire extinguisher near the door. One could assume that it is located there so you can grab it on your way out the door! However, what happens if you are in the bedroom when a fire breaks out? Purchase a second fire extinguisher online or from any hardware or discount store. Use a hook and loop (Velcro)…
Read MoreKeep your RV safe with this checklist
Safety should be your first priority, both to yourself and to you family and guests. With a few minutes of your time and a safety checklist, you can prevent many accidents and dangerous practices before they become a serious problem. This checklist is a good start. 1. Tires – Inflate properly and frequently inspect for potential damage. I started this…
Read MoreWhat are grade signs and what do they mean?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Get out of the flat country and hit the hills, sooner or later you’ll find a sign warning of a “steep grade,” often associated with a percentage number. Road grades seem mysterious at first, but really are simple. Simply put, road grade is the amount of rise or drop over a given distance. A…
Read MoreCustom RVs available for the physically challenged
Here, courtesy of GoRVing, is a list of RV manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and clubs that serve RVers with physical challenges. Besides standard RV conveniences and amenities from power and plumbing systems to the latest in kitchen appliances and entertainment options, typically accessible RV modifications or accessories include: Wheelchair lifts or ramps Lower kitchen counters and cabinets Widened entrances Roll-in showers…
Read MoreBoondocking: Stay longer and cheaper
By Bob Difley Boondocking (living with no hookups) several days simply requires that you approach water conservation differently. Whether you just want to stop for a night’s sleep while meandering cross-country or stay longer in Death Valley National Park, boondocking is easy. Your RV is self-contained – you have everything to live comfortably. Boondocking does not mean living primitively –…
Read MoreBecome a camp host in exchange for free, scenic campsite
Many full-time RVers work part-time and sometimes full-time as camp hosts, usually during the summer travel season. In exchange for a few hours of work a week, camp hosts receive a free campsite, usually with water, utility and often sewer hookups. Camp hosting positions are plentiful, with opportunities in many public and some private campgrounds. Anyone who has done much…
Read MoreBuying an RV out of town? You might be sorry
By Chuck Woodbury RVTRAVEL.COM Sadly, it’s becoming all too familiar. You buy an RV from an out-of-town dealer, then when you need it serviced at your local dealer, they tell you, “You didn’t buy from us, sorry.” With new RVs selling in record numbers, and with poor quality control, you’ll likely need your RV serviced (maybe often). So keep in…
Read MoreNew RVer reader asks: What’s a “toy box”?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris “Dear New RVer: We haven’t bought an RV yet, but we keep hearing about something called a “Toy Box.” Just what is a Toy Box, and (since we don’t have kids) do we want one? Sign us, Toy Box Baffled.” Dear Toy Box Baffled: Welcome to a whole new lifestyle, complete with jargon that…
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