Month: August 2016

Maintaining your RV is crucial so you will not have to worry about your camper breaking down when you are planning a fun vacation. No matter what type of RV you have, whether it is a motorized mobile home or a towable, RVs require routine maintenance to function properly.

So follow these tips to prevent headaches down the road.

1. Don’t forget the generator
Many RV owners forget that their camper runs on a generator that needs routine maintenance. Failure to change the oil and the filter on the generator can cause thousands in repairs, so checking the owner’s manual is crucial. Make sure to run the generator occasionally while the camper is being stored, because if you don’t, a chemical buildup can ruin your carburetor.

2. Oil changes
Just like cars, campers need oil changes in order to run efficiently and without any problems. If left undone, it can cause your engine to seize up and become clogged. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles, but make sure to check the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.

3. Replacing the filters
Don’t let the fuel, air, coolant, and hydraulics sit and collect dust. If you don’t change the filters regularly, you are throwing money down the drain over increased fuel usage. You may even have to deal with overheating issues and oxidation within the heating system. All of these are incredibly expensive issues to repair.

4. Invest in sway control
A sway control hitch will help give you a smoother ride while providing a simultaneous braking mechanism if it detects a small amount of sway. These trailer brake controllers are able to distribute the RV’s weight, which is recommended if your trailer weighs more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight. But most importantly, keeping your brakes maintained is important for not only your safety, but everyone else on the road.

5. Take care of your battery
If you do not plan on using your RV during the winter, take it out of your camper and store it in a warm place. Doing so will prevent them from breaking and allow them to last for about three to five years.

Just keep these repairs in mind, and you will have a quality RV that will be able to bring you to any of the 16,000 campgrounds across the United States! Spend less time in the repair shop and more time on the open road.

For any avid traveler, owning an RV is a great way to travel and explore the greatest country on earth. They let you take the comforts of home away with you while traveling, whether you’re going to the wilds of Yellowstone National Park or planning a country music adventure to Graceland. No matter where you’re going in your RV, here are five benefits of owning a motorhome.

No lost luggage, no baggage fees, no baggage at all
Everything you need will be right there with you on your camper. Tired of limiting your liquids on an airplane, or lugging heavy suitcases onto trains and buses? With a camper you have the luxury of bringing everything you need, no weight limit required. Already, 11% of U.S. households own an RV of some kind. In particular, families are able to bring whatever they need to attend to the children without having to worry about all the baggage that normally accompanies family vacations.

Comfort
One of the biggest perks of having a motorhome is that you will be able to feel at home while on the road. You will have everything you need, including bathroom facilities, a place to sleep, a kitchen, and some comfy chairs to relax in.

Freedom
When you get in your RV you do not have to follow any plan besides getting on the road. You have total freedom to take your time to explore areas that interest you, and you don’t have to wait for public transport to bring you to your next destination. There are more than 16,000 public and privately owned campgrounds nationwide, and with an RV you can go wherever you want.

Don’t be dependent on airlines or travel connections for your next trip. When you’re behind the wheel of an RV, you’re in charge.

Versatility
There are many different RVs to choose from, depending on your traveling needs. If you only want to travel for a weekend once in a while, a good option is to buy a towable camper. But if you are looking to spend months on the road, a motorized home is a good option. Just make sure that no matter what option you choose, they both come with the proper electronic brake controllers and trailer sway control hitch for ultimate safety. Brake controllers are important especially for towables to ensure it stops when your car does, preventing accidents on the road.

Bond with family
Camping in a motorhome will not only allow you to bond with your family, but it will allow you to broaden your child’s horizons. Your family will be able to appreciate the great outdoors while gaining insights into different people and places all across the beautiful United States of America.

So what do you have to lose? Go camping today and start exploring!

There are over 30 million RV enthusiasts, and if you ask any of them, they will tell you that using RVs is one of the best ways to travel because it allows you to relax and see parts of the country at your leisure. Whether you’re a family that is choosing to spend your summer exploring, or you tend to camp every weekend, becoming familiar with an RV is crucial to ensure that there will be no headaches on the road during your trip.

But while many full-time RV enthusiasts know every little thing about their vehicle, everyone has to start somewhere. So if you’re considering buying or renting an RV this summer, here is everything beginners need to know about RVs.

There are two types

Motorhomes: these are the large campers that are driven just like a car. They include a bathroom, bedrooms, a kitchen facility, and a couch.

Towables (sometimes called fifth wheels): these are towed behind the family car, van, or pickup truck and include a television, a place for a bed, and a storage space, depending on the size you choose.

Should you buy or rent?

This depends on too many factors to give you a clear answer, so take time to consider a few factors before you invest.

To buy: buying an RV would be the right idea if you plan on using the camper regularly or are approaching retirement. If you take a lot of trips, or plan to, then it may be time to buy the RV of your dreams. Also consider whether you are able to provide storage at your home when it is not in use.

To rent: renting is a great way to save money if you plan to only use the camper for a trip or two. Renting can also be a great option for those who want to test the waters of the RV lifestyle before taking the plunge and buying one (hint: the RV lifestyle is right for everyone).

Get to know your RV

It is important for any RV user to fully comprehend how a camper works before you get in the vehicle. This includes understanding the technical aspects, like the type of brake controllers that come with the RV, and if sway control is a problem.

What is an electric brake controller?
A brake controller is a device installed in the cab of your tow vehicle that activities your trailer’s electric brakes when you hit the brakes in your tow vehicle. Basically, it ensures the trailer stops when you stop driving.

What is trailer sway control?
Sway control steadies your vehicle and eliminates the sway it may have on the road while driving. There are two basic types of trailer sway devices, one to reduce sway once it happens, and another to prevent swaying from happening.

RV beginners have a lot in store for them, as traveling in an RV is a great way to explore the outdoors. Just keep these quick tips in mind, and you will have nothing to worry about on your next trip!