Helpful Towing Information:

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Glossary of Towing Terms:

Provided by Roadmaster.  Click here to view or print the glossary.



AARP Bulletin: In retirement, a house isn't the only home

In retirement, a house is not the only home... Go RV-ing. Sell your house and buy one of those homes you see traveling the interstates. You'll find plenty of state and private RV parks where you'll meet people just like yourself. With Wi-Fi, you can do business on wheels. Or, stop at destinations that hire seasonal workers. You'll find tons of tips at the website RetirementRVs.com.  From the " Your Money Financially Speaking" Section of the May 2011 AARP Bulletin by Jane Bryant Quinn.



RV & Trailer Towing Tips:

The following links from the "2011 RV & Trailer Towing Guide" by Ford provide great tips from hitches and vehicle weights to trailer types and classes.

• Trailering Tips
• Vehicle Weights
• Hitches
• Trailer Types and Classes
  

The best way to clean an RV:

An attractive-looking RV adds to your pleasure and pride of ownership - but the benefits of good maintenance go even deeper. After all, your RV is an expensive investment, second only to your home. So, with a little effort and the right products, you can keep your RV looking sharp AND help it hold its resale value.

Generator Tips:

Practice safety when using your RV generator to reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

• Inspect your RV's chassis and generator exhaust system before each outing and after bottoming out or after any other incident that could cause damage.
• Inspect your RV for openings in the floor or sidewalls. If you locate a hole, seal it with a silicone adhesive or have it repaired before using your generator again.
• Do not operate your generator if the exhaust system is damaged in any way or if an unusual noise is present.
• Park your RV so that the exhaust may easily dissipate away from the vehicle. Do not park next to high grass or weeds, snow banks, buildings, or other obstructions that might prevent exhaust gases from dissipating.
• If you don't feel well and you're not sure why, shut off the generator and step outside for some fresh air just to be sure.

Camper Etiquette...

• Did you know that most campgrounds have quiet hours, usually from 10 pm or 11 pm until 7 am or 8 am, and the reason is for other guests to be able to enjoy their camping experience? Unlike a hotel or motel there are no sound reducing walls or ceilings. In the open sound travels long distances and your voices can be very annoying to others. Some RV's and especially pop-tops and tents provide little or no soundproofing. Even loud conversations can annoy others.
• Did you know that campgrounds have speed limits for a reason? Roads are usually narrower than streets or thoroughfares; there is a lot of congestion, activity and "things" that are close to the roads, where a person, especially a child can emerge directly into the path of your vehicle, not to mention the extra wear and tear that is causes to the road surface and if the road is gravel the dust is very disturbing to others.
• Did you know that it is not polite to walk thru other sites? If you rented a motel or hotel room you wouldn't want other guests walking thru your room to get to the balcony or other locations!
• More and more campground facilities are saying NO to pets; because some pet owners do not pick up after their pets, keep them from annoying others and allow them to run free, contrary to campground rules or policies. A few are ruining it for the many.

Please act responsibly so everyone can enjoy a relaxing memorable camping experience. Taken from the 2007 Campground & RV Park Guide

Weight Distribution of a Load:

Proper weight distribution and load management enhances safe travel and should be considered when purchasing your new RV. EVERYTHING you put in the RV has weight. The average couple carries approximately 2,000 pounds of "stuff", while the average full-time couple carries an average of 3,000 pounds.

Safety Tip:

As you know many products on your RV have a maintenance or replacement schedule dependent on miles or time. This safe tip pertains to your Safety Alarms, which include Propane, Carbon Monoxide and Smoke alarms. Unlike other electronic devices used in RVs such as TVs, radios, and personal computers, safety alarms work around the clock. They help protect you all day, every day while you are RVing. And just like other appliances, safety alarms need to be replaced with models featuring the latest innovations.

Think T.R.I.P. :

T - Test and inspect CO,LPG and smoke alarms when your RV is taken out of storage.
R - Replace all CO and LPG alarms over 5 years old and smoke alarms over 10 years old.
I - Install only UL-RV listed alarms when you replace or add alarms to your RV.
P - Prevent accidents by teaching family and friends about the operation of alarms. NEVER ignore a sounding alarm.

How Solar Works:

Photovoltaics (PV) is the direct conversion of sunlight into electrical current. With the development of the modern silicon solar cell, light particles which penetrate the cell cause electron activity resulting in the flow of electric current through a circuit.

The greater the intensity of the light, the more current a solar cell generates. The current moves through a series of cells, called modules, to a battery where it is stored. Battery storage assures the user of electricity when needed, day or night. A controller is usually installed between the modules and the battery to prevent overcharging. Linked together, this equipment forms a PV system designed to produce 12 or 24V of direct current (DC).

Through the use of an inverter, the direct current may be turned into alternating current (AC), the standard home current with which we're all familiar. DC to AC inverters now provide outputs ranging from 100 to more than 3,000W at conversion efficiencies greater than 90 percent and with cleaner power than the utility can provide. Check out these great solar powered battery chargers and kits!

Backing up with a Towed Vehicle:

You've had a great day on the road. The traffic was light, the scenery was beautiful and your companions, delightful. Then it happens--you make a wrong turn and have to back up with that towed vehicle attached. There are numerous back up aids available, from backup warning devices to elaborate rear observation systems. Just find the one that works for you, then follow the tips below:

• Your hand should be positioned at the bottom of the steering wheel. Using slight movements, simply move your hand left to move left and move your hand right to move right.
• Back up slowly and if you have difficulty, pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer and start again.
• Always apply the parking brake first and shift into Park before removing your foot from the brake pedal. This will keep your vehicle from being locked in park because of the extra load on the transmission. (Manual transmissions: apply the parking brake, then turn the ignition off in either first or reverse gear.)

M.S. from Heisler, Alberta adds these great tips:

• Always have the mirrors adjusted so you can see the ground, wheels, and as much of the vertical of trailer as possible.
• Also, if you're new to backing up, practice in a large parking lot. Watch for the line the trailer tires make as turning, so to learn how much to turn wheel and how the trailer will react.

Improve Cell Coverage - Stop Dropped Calls!

Planning on using a cell phone as your main means of communication as you go RVing? If you haven't chosen a carrier or plan yet, consider these tips:  

• Before selecting a carrier consider how you will be using your cell phone (long distance, emergencies, daily, weekends). Knowing this will help a carrier to recommend a plan to best suit your needs.
• Be sure the areas you plan to visit are within your carrier's coverage. If you're not sure you'll want to check the coverage map on their website or in the store where you purchase the phone. Be sure to ask your neighbors, friends, and other RV enthusiasts about their experiences and level of satisfaction they have with their carrier.
• Still not sure, BEFORE you lofont style="font-size: 10px;">
• Weather radios keep you appraised of conditions and, with today's NOAA network, hazard and civil emergencies! View a selection of hazard & weather radios
• CB radios are invaluable on the road when you're out of cell phone range or want to keep in touch with other members of your caravan.

Emptying the Tanks:

Wait until your tank is at least 2/3 full before dumping. This ensures there is enough water in the tank to flush the solids from the tank. When it's time to dump, empty the black water (commode) tank first followed by the grey water (galley, shower, sink) tank.

Check out these great holding tank rinsers!

Take a Deep Breath:

The air we breathe is not only affected by outside pollutants but also contaminants within our homes such as smoke and by-products from the things that make up our lifestyle. Following the guidelines below can help you eliminate some of the bad things in your air:

Eliminate:

• Use detectors to measure levels of LP gas and carbon monoxide - buy some here if you don't already own them.
• Vacuum often. Vacuum cleaner systems are particularly effective in removing and containing contaminants.
• Eliminate any other sources of pollutants such as smoking inside the RV.

Ventilate: Another way to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors.

• Open windows and doors when stopped.
• Use a roof ventilation system to funnel fresh air to the entire area.
• Holding tank vent caps remove contaminants directly from the source.

Sanitize: Hundreds of air cleaners using a myriad of technologies are available to clean your air. Take your pick and you're well on your way to cleaner air.

• Pick the air cleaner that fits your lifestyle and living space - check out these air cleaners and air fresheners.
• Use and maintain it according to manufacturer's directions.
• In a study by NASA, houseplants, especially spider plants, were found to be effective in cleaning and renewing air. So bring along your greenery when you hit the road!

RV Water Softener - A Great Idea!

Much of the water that is found in our natural water supply is what we know as "hard water" because it has a high concentration of minerals. Hard water deposits leave behind nasty spots on our glasses, dishes, mirrors, and shower doors. Hard water makes it difficult for soap and shampoo to lather, so we use far more than we need, which results in more soap scum build-up in holding tanks and on tank sensors. Hard water speeds up the deterioration of hot water heaters, faucets, and water lines.

Having a water softener extends the life of appliances such as ice-makers, water heaters, and coffee pots. It reduces the amount of detergent that winds up in your holding tank, resulting in soap scum build-up, and fouling of tank sensors. Buy a water softener today!

Remember as a child taking a drink form the hose in the backyard--that foul taste? All hoses are not the same. Use a drinking water hose made from FDA approved materials like these.

Installing a Fifth Wheel:

Installing a fifth wheel premium tailgate increases rear visibility, improves fuel economy, and makes trailer hook-up easier. With Custom Flow Fifth Wheel Premium tailgates, there is no assembly and installation takes less than 15 minutes! Here are two tips to help you get a great fit when installing:

1. Loosen the bolts on the hinge/swivel brackets on the bottom sides of the tailgate with a 9/16" wrench. Install tailgate onto the truck. Center tailgate on the truck. Finally, re-tighten the bolts on the hinge/swivel brackets on the bottom sides of the tailgate.
2. If the OEM rotary style brackets are slightly off-line with the trucks striker posts, try adjusting the truck's striker posts with a tork wrench.

AAA Triptik Maps:

If you are a member of the American Automobile Association one of your membership privileges includes Triptik maps. AAA will compile your trip information into a booklet the size of a folded map that maps out your route using the most up-to-date information available with exit numbers and services clearly marked. You can specify whether you want the shortest or the most scenic route. You may even want to consider purchasing a GPS Navigation device - some even come with a DVD player right in the unit!

Reusable Checklists:

Print out your checklists from your computer and slip them into a clear plastic sleeve. Keep them on a clipboard with an erasable marker. Check off items as they are completed before you get on the road. Once all items are checked off, you can wipe the marker off and stow the checklist for the next stop. Print our FREE checklists by clicking here! Adapted from "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds" by Marian Eure.

Stay Medication Safe:

Carry all medications (even over-the-counter medications) in their original container in order to retain the warning labels. Many medications interact with each other and not knowing what they are may prove deadly. Adapted from "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds" by Marian Eure.

Get Level!:

Getting your RV level as is possible is very important. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently, your waste water tanks will empty more fully and your doors will close properly. Adapted from "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds" by Marian Eure. Check out these:

• Decorative RV Levels
• Graduated RV Levels
• Stick-On Levels
• Screw-On Levels

Cleaner RV Entranceways:

Use lightweight outdoor carpeting for your entranceway or some other lightweight material that can be hosed off and dries quickly. Household carpet is very heavy, especially when wet, and it does not dry quickly. Adapted from "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds" by Marian Eure. Check out these Patio Mats, Rugs and Accessories

FREE sources of Information:

Rvers today have an enormous amount of information available to them in a variety of formats. There are wonderful sources available to your through bookstores, videos, club memberships, RV shows, television, the list goes on and on! Here are a few places for FREE information to help you plan your trips.

• The Internet: Each state and government has a web page. Some states provide lists of parks, attractions, special events and tons of wonderful information. Use a search engine like www.google.com.
• The Library: The Library is another location that many of us forget to use. Many libraries offer FREE computer access to visit the internet and search on-line.
• The Chamber of Commerce: This is an excellent source of information when looking for places to go and ideas of what to do in a specific city or area. Check out www.uschamber.org and then search for your state of interest.

FREE RV Travel & Maintenance Checklists:

Print our Travel Checklist, Camping Checklist, and Towables Maintenance Schedule Checklist by Clicking Here. Please browse other sections in our on-line catalog to locate other items that will enhance your RV travel also.

NOW, Can You Hear Me?

Planning on using a cell phone as your main means of communication as you go RVing? If you haven't chosen a carrier or plan yet, consider these tips:

• Before selecting a carrier consider how you will be using your cell phone (long distance, emergencies, daily, weekends). Knowing this will help a carrier to recommend a plan to best suit your needs.
• Be sure the areas you plan to visit are within your carrier's coverage. If you're not sure you'll want to check the coverage map on their website or in the store where you purchase the phone. Be sure to ask your neighbors, friends, and other RV enthusiasts about their experiences and level of satisfaction they have with their carrier.
• Still not sure, BEFORE you lock into a service contract, ask the carrier if you can test their plan and coverage on a trial basis. You'll find many carriers offer this option.

As you travel throughout the US, you will experience some "dead" cell areas even with the best of service providers. Adding an amplifier/repeater will increase your cellular signal strength and improve reception inside your home or RV. Stay in touch with your loved ones and enjoy superb cellular service, fewer dropped calls, safe, clear connections and stronger signals in your RV! Check out this Cell Phone Holder

$ave on Air Conditioning Costs:

Try these tips with Sun & Shade control products:

• The sun beats down on your RV all day long, heating it and causing you to run your air conditioner non-stop. Use awnings and other shade products to help keep cool and comfortable.
• Our Patio Awnings give you the most shade. Roll it out and shade almost the entire passenger side of your RV! In most cases, it also shades a few windows.
• Window Awnings also help save on air conditioning. They shade windows so you can keep them open, rain or shine, for cross ventilation. Window awnings also help protect interior fabrics from harmful UV rays so there's no more fading on curtains or furniture.
• If your RV has a slideout room, you'll want to cover your room with a Slideout Awning to keep dirt and debris off the top of your slideout and your RV. It also helps keep your slideout room cooler by providing a barrier between the top of the room and the sun.
• Check out these great awnings:
  • Folding Camper Awnings
  • Motorhome Awnings
  • Power Awnings
  • Travel Trailer Awnings
  • Truck Camper Awnings
  • Van Awnings

Fresh Air Solutions:

Have you ever gone back to your RV and it still smells like your last excursion? HMMMM, is that smell smoke, pet odor or the barbequed ribs we had last week? Or is it just that unidentifiable stale odor that we all put up with? Sometimes even noxious odors that we may or may not smell accumulate. But before we can settle down, we quickly open the vents and the windows to “air” our unit out, all the time grumbling and wishing there was a way to provide adequate ventilation while we were away. Check out these Air Fresheners and Odor Eliminators

One of the most innovative solutions is the development of roof mounted vent covers, fan ventilators and louvered window vents. They allow the RV owner to leave his roof vents and windows open, while shielding the interior from the weather, leaves and branches. Adequately and continuously ventilating the RV while in storage eliminates heat and odor build-up and helps prevent mildew damage! As we all know a continuous source of ventilation is beneficial for us while we’re in our RV’s and of great value when we’re away. It simply solves the need for fresh air - rain or shine. Check out these Vent Covers

Tips for an odor-free holding tank:

• Keep your tank clean: Your holding tank should be emptied and flushed with clean water and occasionally a mild detergent. Use a wand on your hose and flush your tank removing all residues to ensure your probes are working properly. Check seals for cracking. Check out these Holding Tank Rinsers and Tank Wands.
• Use precise measurements: Don’t flush your money down the toilet. If you use a concentrated chemical, you don’t pay for water. 4 oz in a 40-gallon holding tank is all the chemical you should need. If you are using a product that requires more than that, you are paying for water. Check out these Holding Tank Chemicals.
• Plan ahead: After dumping the waste immediately place water back into your holding tank and add your chemical. You never want to use your tank without having about 1 gallon of water in it to help the natural composting. Check out these Sewer Hoses.
• Never let waste set in your hose: When draining your hose, make sure the waste is completely out of your hose and then rinse with fresh water.

Tips for maintaining your drinking water supply:

• Always use a water supply hose clearly labeled as “drinking water safe”.
• Make sure that you use your potable water supply hose for potable water ONLY. DO NOT USE DRINKING WATER HOSE FOR DRAINING HOLDING TANKS.
• Before connecting your water supply hose to camper, flush with water for several minutes.
• Drain hose completely after unhooking and before placing into storage.
• After draining hose and before storing, either cap off ends or connect opposite ends of hose to keep inside of hose clean.
• Replace water supply hose on a regular basis.
• Check out these fresh water accessories:
  • Water Hoses
  • Water Fresheners
  • Water Testers
  • Water Hose Storage
  • Water Filters
  • Starter Kits

Tailgating Guide:

An RV takes tailgating to a whole new level. There’s no need to worry about the ice in your cooler melting or finding a place to heat up your snacks. You’ll have a roof over your head in rain or shine, and you’ll never again stand in line to use a public restroom! Here’s some tips from www.gorving.com to help you create the best tailgate party ever.

• Get to the stadium early to snag a prime parking space. Look for a spot beside the grass or at the end of the row so you’ll have plenty of room to open your awning and set out chairs. Check out these Tailgating Chairs and Tailgating Picnic Supplies.
• Turn on your RV fridge/freezer an hour or two before the big game to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold. Check out this Fridge Airator and Fridge Cool. Get your food ready to set out in stainless steel bowls.
• Entertain your guests by showing football highlights or past Bowl triumphs on your onboard TV and VCR. After the game, relax with friends and watch post-game highlights as you let the traffic die down. Check out this TRAV'LER™ DIRECTV® Slimeline KU/KA and TRAV'LER™ DIRECTV® Triple LNB.
• Don’t forget to leave your spot clean at the end of the day. Bring plenty of trash bags - and take them with you when you go. Check out these Waste Receptacles.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher:

Remember the word PASS!

P ull the pin,or press a puncture lever or release a lock latch.
A im low - toward the base of the fire.
S queeze the handle to release the content.
S weep the nozzle from side to side.

Source: National Fire Protection Association. Check out these Fire Suppressants. 

Summertime Ear:

You can prevent swimmer’s ear - a painful inflammation of the external ear canal - with your hair dryer. Use your dryer on its warm setting and its lowest speed. Hold the dryer about an arm’s length from the ear and slowly move it back and forth. Source: Egleston Children’s Hospital. Check out this 12 Volt Hair Dryer.

Traveling with Children:

Judy Baldoni says that when traveling with children and/or adults, my husband and I play the game of keeping a list of how many fifth wheels, travel trailers and motor homes we see. Also keep a list of how many different states we see on the highway on cars and trucks and trailers. Also how many Ford, GMC/Chevy, or Dodge trucks we see pulling trailers or fifth wheels. Hope this helps on the long highways we travel on our way to campsites.

Make Traveling with Children Fun! Check out these:

• Games
• RV Toys
• Children's Traveling Books

Traveling with Your Pets:

Here’s a few things to help you keep your pet safe while traveling.

• Keep your dogs and cats on a leash.
• Don’t leave your dogs and cats by themselves unless they are locked inside your RV and have already been taken out for their walk. You would be surprised how many dogs and cats disappear because their owners leave them chained to a tree.
• Attach a trip-specific tag to your dog or cat’s collar. List the name and phone number of your destination, using a separate tag for each leg of your trip. Remember to change the tags as you move on, or make one tag with the name and number of someone who knows your itinerary and knows how to reach you.
• Check out these Pet Supplies.

Woof! Woof! Meow! Meow!

Rvers looking for campgrounds that accept four-legged guests can check www.petswelcome.com. This Internet site pinpoints pet-friendly public and private campgrounds, as well as emergency veterinarians throughout the United States and Canada. Source: MH News

Refrigerator Burner Service and Maintenance is a MUST:

Poor performance of the burner adversely affects the refrigerator’s cooling in the LP-gas mode. The need for service can be established by visually checking the burner performance. Problematic ignition, weak, yellow, or distorted flame pattern, or regular flame-out, usually indicate it needs servicing.

The burner assembly must be removed from the burner box for service. It should never be cleaned in place using compressed air. Once apart, the orifice can be cleaned or replaced and the burner tube and burner box can be thoroughly checked and cleaned. The electrode air gap must be reset after the burner assembly has been reinstalled. The LP-gas connection at the burner must be leak tested before placing the refrigerator in service.

Service, maintenance, and/or repairs to the refrigerators’ LP-gas components, including the burner assembly, must be performed by an authorized service center.

LP Gas and Safety:

With all the changes that have taken place in RV Propane system connections over the last five years, it’s important to understand the new safety features and how they work together to afford maximum protection and convenience. One of the biggest safety improvements of the new Type1, ACME connection is its ability to shut off the gas flow in a fire situation. Working together, the thermo sensitive bushing on the female ACME nut melts away at temperatures of 240-300 degrees F which allows a spring-loaded module inside the ACME cylinder valve to push back the internal connecting parts into a shut off position. All the new O.P.D. cylinders have ACME valves so all you need to assure the new fire protection is to install new ACME pigtails on your RV’s system.

For convenience, ACME threaded components offer smooth, right hand, wrench-less connections that are safe, quick and easy. The new “Extend-A-Flow Plus” kit and “Plus” Fitting feature ACME end fittings for making it safe, quick and easy to hook up high pressure, portable appliances like stoves, grills, and lanterns to the RVs with those new ACME pigtails. You’ll love the safety and convenience these products bring to your camping experience. Check out these LP Gas Accessories.

Calculating Your RVs Solar Power Needs:

This requires only a little math and a realistic assessment of how much power you actually use. The formula for computing amp hours is the number of hours multiplied by the number of amps used per hour. For example, one light uses 1.5 amps x 6 hours = 9.0 amps per hour and your television uses 1.4 amps x 3 hours = 4.2 amps per hour.

Selecting the RV antenna that’s right for you:

If you’re confused by which TV antenna is right for you, take a look at the kind of programs you want to watch and the type of Rving that you do. If you only want local programs, you can stick with a batwing-type antenna, standard on most RVs, or an omnidirectional antenna for local signals. If you want satellite programming, like you may have at home, you’ll need a satellite RV antenna. The good thing is, you can use your home receiver and programming with your RV antenna and pay no additional fees. There are many styles from which to choose including crank-up, automatic, tracking, non-tracking, portable and ladder mounts. There’s also your budget to consider and how mobile you are physically. Don’t forget about the kind of Rving you do and where you most often park your RV. More than one antenna may solve your RV viewing needs. The idea is to get the signal to your TV. Check out these Electronic Media Accessories.

Subscribe to Satellite TV and XM Radio. For more information contact:

• www.directv.com 1-800-DIRECTV
• www.dishtv.com 1-800-333-DISH
• www.xmradio.com 1-800-852-9696

Check out these Satellite Accessories and Satellite Antenna Systems.

Taking care of your RV Awning:

The effects of wind and rain on an awning are unpredictable. The best protection from wind or extended periods of rain is to roll up your awning and secure it for travel. Another way to prevent water build-up on your awning is to position one upper arm substantially lower than the other to create enough slope for adequate water runoff. Check out these Awning Options, Hardware, and Accessories

Keeping up appearances:

Carefree of Colorado says that longer awning rollers tend to have a natural bow towards the RV. Some Rvers prefer to eliminate the inward bow by installing a rafter to make the canopy look tighter. This is a matter of personal preference regarding looks and function. A ground support may be used to prevent your awning roller from sagging toward the ground on longer awning rollers. Some manufacturers recommend that one rafter and ground support be used on awnings 22’ to 23’ in length. Awnings ranging from 24’ to 25’ in length should have two. Check out these Awning Supports and Rafters

Spring Cleaning is Year Round in An RV. Make it Easy!

RVs move through different climates and road conditions, and this can make maintenance seem “less than recreational.” The key to quick and easy RV care is the regular use of quality products formulated specifically for recreational vehicles. Here's a few tips:

• Use a black streak remover as soon as you notice the streaks. Black streaks are caused by oxidation of roof and window seals. Frequent touch ups will minimize uneven weathering.
• Treat your rubber roof at least twice a year to minimize oxidation. Check out these Rubber Roof Cleaners and Patches or Protectants
• An awning cleaner can revitalize faded fabric and extend its useful life.
• A rotating schedule for different areas of the unit isn’t a bad idea. Week one: awning clean up; Week two: a complete unit wash-down; and so on.
• Check out these timesaving cleaning accessories:
  • Brooms, Brushes, Cloths, Buckets & More
  • Automotive Cleaners
  • Applicators
  • Bathroom Cleaners
  • Bug Barriers
  • Carpet & Fabric Cleaners & Treatments
  • Canvas Cleaners
  • Detail Kits
  • Metal Protection
  • Miscellaneous Cleaners
  • Motorized Power Sprayer
  • Oxy-Kem
  • Polishes & Waxes
  • Power Washer
  • Protectants
  • RV Cleaners
  • Stain Removers
  • Tire Cleaners

Rving is about fun; don’t let maintenance creep up on you. Nibble on it.

Green RVing Guide:

Like everyone, Rvers have a responsibility to protect the environment. Do your part to help preserve the great outdoors for future generations by following these conservation tips:

• Keep your RV on roads that it is equipped to handle.
• Keep RV and tow vehicle engines well tuned to conserve energy and reduce emissions.
• Always use marked RV campsites.
• Recycle as you travel. Take note of campground recycling categories; they may be different from those you use at home.
• Minimize the use of disposables. Mix your own cold drinks from powders, and assign a mug to each family member rather than using paper cups. Discard excess packaging at home.
• Keep campfires small to minimize the amount of ash and pollution. Don’t put anything into the fire pit that will not burn, such as plastics, foils, and metals. Observe fire rules, which may change each day with weather conditions.
• Use non-toxic cleaning supplies and tank additives.
• Where pets are permitted, keep them indoors or use a screw-in stake. Tying them to trees can damage fragile bark.
• Your favorite music may be your neighbor’s noise pollution. Observe quiet hours for generators, boom boxes, and noisy games.
• Work with nature. In hot weather, use natural shade, awnings, and canvas covers. In cold weather, park where the RV will be protected from north and west winds.
• Leave campground showers, the dump station, and the campsite as clean as you found them.
• At the end of your trip, dispose of all trash properly.

Observing these guidelines will make you a Green Rver! Source: www.gorving.com.

RV Cover Measuring Tips:

ADCO RV Covers are designed to cover the body of a motor home or the box of a trailer. As a rule, exclude accessories when determining length. Don’t include bumpers, racks, ladders, hitches, bikes, or tanks.

Check out these awesome covers:

• Covers for Class A & C RVs, 5th Wheels, & Trailers
• Polypropylene RV Covers
• SFS AquaShed® RV Covers
• Toy Hauler Covers

RV Cover Installation Tips:

• Thoroughly clean your RV
• Lower antenna
• Pad all sharp edges and corners
• Place ladder cap over ladder
• Do not over-tighten straps

How to choose the best bike carrier:

Remember, you gotta arrive before you can ride. As you look for a bike carrier, keep these things in mind:

• Durability: Look for a bike carrier made of STEEL with a thick powder-coat for protection against the weather. Steel is real, and cold rolled TUBULAR steel is simply the best!
• Design: Look for a bike carrier that has TOP and BOTTOM cradle plates which will ensure that your bikes remain on the carrier. Straps, bungee cords, and rope ties could fail to stabilize your bikes.
• Simplicity: Form equals function, the simpler the better. The less you have to put together, the happier you are and the stronger the bike carrier is.
• Security: Look for a bike carrier that is built by a company that has as their main focus the manufacturing of bike carriers. Focused companies tend to produce innovations that result in better performing products.
• Innovation: Look for a bike carrier that allows you to lock your bikes onto the carrier. Use a pad lock hole for locking the top and bottom plates together or optional locking knobs.
  

Check out these Bike Carriers.


Tips for maintaining your tires:





To get optimum performance and life out of your tires, follow these tips:

• Inspect all wheels and tires regularly for wear and tightness. Look for signs of rust, indicating loose wheels.
• Inflate tires to the exact manufacturer’s recommended pressure based on weight of vehicle. Check out these Tire Inflators and Tire Pressure Gauges and Valve Extenders
• Keep tires clean. Dirt on tires can act as an abrasive. Regular washing with a mild soap, water and soft brush can remove dirt, as well as ozone. Check out these Tire Cleaners
• Sun and the ozone can cause damage to your tires during periods of non-use. Use tire covers to keep the tires completely covered. Check out these Wildlife Tire Covers
• If tires are worn, replace them. Select tires that provide adequate traction on the drive axles, and adequate tread of the steer axles. Check out these New Tires

Tips on brakes:

• Good brakes are important. An upgrade to high performance brakes or adding a supplemental braking system to your tow vehicle will reduce your stopping distance and brake fade.
• Remember your vehicle size and know your motor home’s gross combination weight rating (GCWR). Always allow yourself plenty of time to brake and when changing lanes.
• When inspecting all brake system components, check for broken or cracked brake lines, and rusted or loose hose hangers. With hydraulic systems, look for evidence of leakage. In air systems, listen for air leaks. 

Tips on trailers and fifth wheel stabilization:

Stabilization is an important part for a tent trailer, travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer. Unlike motor homes, trailers do not have a built-in parking brake; therefore, not having much to control front to rear rocking movement. This is where wheel chocks and stabilizers come in to play. Stabilizing jacks, when extended, help put a damper on movement; most people prefer to eliminate movement altogether. Locking chocks provide front to rear trailer stabilization by locking the tires and eliminating trailer rocking. For a fifth wheel, landing gear can help to level it, but it doesn’t provide the overhang stabilization it needs. A strong and secure method for stabilizing a fifth wheel is using a king pin stabilizer.

Check out these Jacks & Levelers


RV Steering Safety:

Many things effect your safety on the road in relation to the steering components of your RV. Often, the steering components and the front end of an RV are given little consideration when it comes to your personal safety and the safety of others on the road. Use these tips to help maintain a “healthy” steering system. 

• Be certain the front end of your RV in aligned properly.
• Check tires for proper inflation and abnormal wear before each trip while cold. Check out these Tire Inflators and Tire Pressure Gauges and Valve Extenders
• Make sure all tires are properly balanced.
• Be certain lug nuts are properly tightened.
• Cover tires when parked to prevent sun damage. Check out these Tire Covers and Wildlife Tire Covers
• Frequently check ball joints or king pins for lubrication and looseness. Check out these Fifth Wheel Lube Plates
• Check tie rods and tie rod ends for wear and lubrication.
• Maintain proper power steering fluid levels.
• If excessive play develops in the steering have it checked immediately.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid driver fatigue.

Steering controls will also increase your safety factor by reducing driver fatigue and helping you maintain control in side winds, tire blowouts, dropping off the pavement, and while passing trucks.

Check out these Steering Controls and Steering Stabilizers.

What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Weight Distributing Hitch:

• What is the weight of my trailer - is my tow vehicle rated for towing my trailer?
• What weight distributing hitch class do I need?
• How difficult/easy is it to hook-up and un-hook?
• Does it have torsion bars that need to be set each time I tow?
• Is it pre-set so I can just hook-up and go?
• Can I install it myself, or do I need a professional installer?
• How do I adjust it to the height of my tow vehicle?
• Does it control both the upward and downward forces on my trailer/tow vehicle?
• Is a sway control option available? Check out these Sway Controls
• What type of warranty is available?
• What type of service does the manufacturer/dealer provide after the sale?

Check out these Weight Distributing Hitches.