Dumping the waste tanks: If you camp, you can’t avoid it. But a few simple techniques can make this aspect of RV life easier and help you avoid unpleasant accidents. These suggestions apply whether you are on hookups at a campground or just emptying your tanks at an RV dump site. First, always start with your black tank followed by…
Read MoreAuthor: nrv staff
A fact of traveling by RV: breakdowns
By Chris Dougherty Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Breakdowns happen no matter what form of “transportation” you use. Whether it’s a car, plane, cruise ship, yacht or RV, there’s always the possibility you could get stuck on your vacation. As Forrest Gump said, “It happens.” I have had a number of breakdowns over the years and have taken…
Read MoreThe ABCs of RV shopping: Slide-in truck campers
By Russ and Tiña De Maris In our series on the ABCs of RV shopping, we’ve talked about motorhomes and towables of all sorts. While not a “towable” as such, there is one other non-motorized RV that fills a real need for some RVers: slide-in truck campers. These non-motorized units don’t tow behind you; instead, they slide into…
Read MoreClass C RV over-cab bunk: The good and bad
By Andrew Robinson I believe one of the reasons that many couples graduate from a Class C motorhome to a Class A is that they get fed up with sleeping in the Class C’s overhead bunk. Of course, not all couples sleep in the overhead bunk, but many do. The way I see it, the overhead bunk – typically a…
Read MoreCustomize your RV with luxury
Many first-time RVers will start with a model that provides just the basics but sometimes there are options or accessories that you just don’t want to do without. Here’s a list of some of the options that you might want to consider when buying your RV to make it feel like home: -Choice of beds: twin, double, queen or king-size…
Read MoreVan conversions: an RV and a passenger vehicle
A growing number of value-conscious consumers looking to travel in comfort but with plenty of cargo space and room for extra passengers are choosing van conversions. Van conversions are vans originally manufactured by automakers and then modified by specialized companies. Custom windows, luxurious carpeting, designer wall treatments, plush seats and sofas that convert to beds are some of the most…
Read More“Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints,” please!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris A columnist in an Idaho newspaper has a few gripes about bad campground behavior. Trash in fire rings, dog poop on trails, and the other usual suspects. Sometimes bad behavior is just that – a person with a nasty attitude. Other times it’s just a matter of education. How’s your campground courtesy knowledge? Here…
Read MoreGOAL method aids in backing RV
By Russ and Tiña De Maris For many new RVers, the greatest challenge of the new lifestyle is that of backing up the rig. Even experienced RVers can tell you that backing into the campsite is perhaps the most stressful part of the entire trip. With the GOAL method, things can be a bit easier. What’s your goal? To get…
Read MoreBeware: Overloading an RV is dangerous
Overloading an RV is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. It is almost impossible to overload a passenger vehicle because space tends to limit the amount of weight. You can’t take your child’s six friends to the baseball game if you are taking all of the team’s Little League equipment in the back seat. Space, not weight, is…
Read MoreWhere do I put levels and how do I use them?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Having your RV level when parked not only makes it easier to get around in, it’s also critical for keeping your RV refrigerator alive. Most RV refrigerators can be damaged if run off-level, so keeping them happy is the priority. Leveling your RV is a lot easier if you have levels mounted outside…
Read More