General Tips

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  • I'm putting this tip first because it is the single most helpful of RV tips that I can think of. We learned it from watching a video on YouTube that "Long Long Honeymoon" posted awhile ago. USE WALKIE TALKIES when hooking up (trailer/fifth wheel), backing up, or just in general when you want someone to help you outside the RV or vehicle. We used to use hand signals and holler, but that created a more stressful environment. Walkie talkies have saved our marriage! By the way, some people say "just use your cell phones... " But what if you don't have cell reception? We camp a lot of places without cell reception, so the walkie talkies are awesome.
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  • Recognize that every RV has a shake down period. Plan on spending 2-4 weeks doing "test trips" to learn what needs to be tightened, repaired, or replaced.
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  • Go to the nearest USFS (US Forest Service) Ranger station. Ask for "motor use map" to learn where you can Boondock (i.e, dispersed camping) legally.

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  • Get a 8" - 12" piece of cut log ... Use to give you some extra height as you extend the tongue jack and gives it a supportive base. It can also be emergency firewood (provided you have an ax!)

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  • When you are packing for a long RV adventure, pack what you think you MUST bring and then cut it in half!

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  • Keep a vent open to prevent condensation.

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  • Use flexible cutting boards to put inside and in front of glassware and other items in the cupboards when you are traveling.

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  • Keep your furnace on overnight when the temperatures are going to drop below freezing. This should keep your pipes from freezing and/or bursting.

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  • Have mail delivered to you "General Delivery" at the local post office when you know you will be around long enough to receive it. Make sure you let the company know that you need to have it delivered by USPS and that you don't want Saturday or Sunday delivery (unless that post office has weekend hours). You use the following format to do "General Delivery": YOUR NAME, GENERAL DELIVERY, POST OFFICE ADDRESS. That's it!

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  • If you are boondocking for a period of time and are unable to take a traditional shower, use "No Rinse" body wash and/or shampoo. You will feel substantially cleaner. It isn't a perfect substitute, but it has been a life saver for us!

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  • If you use a ReCurve bar as your sway bar and the pins break or bend on the arms, the following quick repair worked for us until we could get replacements:

  • Buy 2 Grade 8 bolts that are as long as the pins that broke or got bent.

  • Buy  6-10 nuts and a few washers.

  • Position the nuts as spacers on the bolts to match the spacing on the broken/bent pins.

  • Put the bolts through the holes on the arms of the ReCurve and fasten with nuts and washers.

  • You should be able to now use the set up like your original set up until you can get replacements.