RV Tips
Electrical
- Use a plug-in voltage meter to monitor amps. Despite your rig's abilities, you can only use up to the amps available from the source.
- Use an auto battery charger to charge your batteries.
- When boondocking, use inverters to convert DC power into AC power.
- Use quiet generators when necessary as an alternative power source. Be considerate of others.
Plumbing
- To protect your RV's plumbing, use a water pressure regulator when connected to any water source.
- To conserve gray-water holding tank space, turn water off when shampooing and soaping up in the shower. Don't run water while you are brushing your teeth.
- To conserve gray-water holding tank space, use dishpans to wash and rinse dishes. When finished, pour water down toilet into the black-water holding tank.
- Always drain the black-water holding tank first. Then drain the gray-water. This helps to clean out your hose.
- To avoid odors and blockages, keep black-water holding tank value closed. Maintain adequate water level. Empty only when the tank is at least 1/2 full.
- Use an outside sediment water filter on any water source. You won't believe what you'll find when you clean it out!
Odors & Pests
- With humid weather it is easy to get a mildew smell in your unit when it sits closed up for a period of time. But if you place trays of charcoal around, and open the closed areas (cabinets, closets, & storage compartments). Place small trays everywhere, the smell will be absorbed or never start.
- Fabric softener sheets placed in drawers, closets, and other strategic locations in an RV prevents musty odors and that "closed up" smell
- Use comet cleanser with BLEACH to stop ants from entering your RV or campsite. Also a small amount of Vaseline around any entry points into your RV will stop them from actually entering.
- Use some cheap "zip lock" plastic containers, punch some small holes in them, and fill them with moth balls. Put them in the bays in your camper - especially near the front jack stands, and it seems to help keep ants and bugs out of the RV.
- Put screenwire in your rubber bumper plugs to prevent bees from nesting.
Maintenance
- Don't forget to change the oil in your generator.
- To avoid blowouts, tire damage and to optimize gas mileage, maintain proper tire pressure. Check often.
- Be sure your awning is securely fastened before you travel.
- Clean off the top of your slide-outs before closing them up.
- Get a carbon monoxide detector. Replace the batteries regularly. Make sure your smoke detector works also. A couple of fire extinguisher are a must.
Conservation
- Use your generator to operate the roof air conditioner instead of the dash A/C. It cools your rig down quicker. Your vehicle's engine will not get so hot and it will run more efficiently.
- Save power by using fluorescent lights.
- Consider using solar panels to generate your power needs.
- Use paper plates and paper cups to save on dishwashing.
- To conserve power, run the water heater only when necessary.
- RV furnaces use a lot of power. To conserve your power supply, lower the heater temperature, wear warmer clothing and use an extra blanket.
- Park your RV in shady locations and use your awning to keep it cooler inside.
Campgrounds
- Call to check for RV size restrictions at campgrounds before you get there. Particularly sites at state and national parks and also older private campgrounds.
- Have quarters available for unexpected events such as meter parking, coin-operated showers, laundry, tolls etc.
