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Owning an RV is like having a home on wheels—a fantastic way to explore the world while enjoying the comforts of home. However, just like any vehicle, RVs require regular maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them in top shape. Neglecting these needs can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous situations on the road. Here are ten signs that your RV might need some TLC:

1. Unusual Noises

Hearing strange noises like rattles, squeaks, or clunks can be a red flag. These sounds could indicate loose or damaged components, such as suspension parts, engine issues, or problems with the drivetrain. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it's worth having a professional take a look.

2. Leaking Fluids

Spotting puddles or spots of fluid under your RV could mean a leak. Common fluids that leak include engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or even propane. Each type of leak can lead to different issues, so addressing them promptly can prevent more significant problems down the line.

3. Electrical Issues

If you’re experiencing flickering lights, dead outlets, or problems with your RV’s appliances, there could be an issue with your electrical system. Electrical issues can range from minor wiring problems to more serious issues with the battery or converter.

4. Roof Damage

The roof of your RV is its first line of defense against the elements. If you notice cracks, blisters, or signs of wear and tear, it’s crucial to address these issues quickly. Roof damage can lead to leaks and water damage inside your RV.

5. Tire Wear or Damage

Regularly check your RV tires for uneven wear, cracks, or low tread. Worn or damaged tires can affect your RV’s handling and safety. If you notice any issues, it might be time for a tire rotation, alignment, or replacement.

6. Brake Problems

If your RV’s brakes are squeaking, grinding, or not responding as they should, don’t ignore it. Brake issues can be a serious safety concern and should be inspected by a professional immediately to ensure you can stop safely.

 7. Awning Issues

If your awning isn’t retracting properly or has visible tears and damage, it may need repairs. A malfunctioning awning can expose your RV to the elements and cause further damage if not fixed.

8. Plumbing Problems

Leaky faucets, low water pressure, or malfunctioning pumps are signs that your RV’s plumbing system might need attention. Addressing plumbing issues promptly can prevent water damage and maintain a comfortable living environment.

9. Temperature Fluctuations

If you’re experiencing trouble with your RV’s heating or cooling systems, such as inconsistent temperatures or strange noises, it might be time for a check-up. Proper climate control is essential for comfort and safety on the road.

10. Suspension and Alignment Issues

Uneven tire wear, a rough ride, or pulling to one side can indicate problems with your RV’s suspension or alignment. These issues can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety, making it crucial to get them addressed.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your RV in good working condition. By staying alert to these signs and addressing issues promptly, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable RV experience. If you’re ever in doubt, consulting with a professional RV technician is always a wise decision to get your home on wheels back in top shape. Safe travels and happy camping! 

RV camping in the United States and Canada offers a myriad of exciting opportunities to explore remarkable landscapes, encounter diverse cultures, and partake in thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a food lover, the possibilities for an exhilarating RV adventure are endless in these two countries. Let's delve into some captivating ideas to make your RV camping trip in the US and Canada truly exciting and unforgettable:

1.  Transcontinental Road Trip: Embark on an epic journey from coast to coast, starting in the diverse landscapes of the United States and heading north to explore the majestic beauty of Canada. Take in the spectacular sights, from the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone in the US to the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park.

2.  Iconic National Parks: Visit some of the most awe-inspiring national parks on the continent, including Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, and Yosemite. Each park offers unique natural wonders, from towering mountains to glistening lakes, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Canyon Campground Yellowstone

3.  Coastal Exploration: Travel along the Pacific Coast Highway, starting from California and continuing north through the charming coastal towns of Oregon and Washington before crossing the border to explore the scenic vistas of British Columbia in Canada. The coastal route offers breathtaking ocean views, lighthouses, and plenty of outdoor activities along the way.

4.  Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse cultures of both countries by visiting cities such as Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, Quebec City, and New Orleans. Explore museums, art galleries, and iconic landmarks, and indulge in the unique regional cuisines.

5.  Wildlife Encounters: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters as you journey through the US and Canadian wilderness. From grizzly bear viewing in Alaska to whale watching off the coast of British Columbia, the opportunities to witness diverse and fascinating wildlife are abundant.

6.  Scenic Drives: Venture through picturesque landscapes and take in the beauty of the North Cascades Highway, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, and the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. These drives offer stunning vistas, charming towns, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.

7.  Festivals and Events: Coordinate your RV camping trip with renowned events such as the Calgary Stampede in Canada or the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the US to enjoy vibrant celebrations, live performances, and cultural experiences.

8.  Taste the Adventure: Explore culinary delights by visiting farmers' markets, local food festivals, and acclaimed dining destinations across both countries. Indulge in fresh seafood on the coasts, explore wineries and craft breweries, and savor the diverse culinary scenes in cities and small towns alike.

By combining the best of the United States and Canada, an RV camping trip across these two countries promises an unforgettable journey filled with remarkable experiences and lasting memories. Prepare your RV, plan your route, and get ready for an extraordinary adventure across North America!

There are a number of different reasons to level your RV, including better sleep, a functioning refrigeration system, proper water tank readings, and to avoid damaging or binding your slide-outs. However, what you level your RV on matters as much as why you level in the first place.

The downside to wood leveling blocks

You may have spent years perfecting the art of crafting the ideal wood leveling block. You may even have it down to a science. But no matter how perfect your craftsmanship is, wood inherently has a number of weaknesses:

1) BUGS & ROTTING

Wood often carries bugs, including wood-eating ones like termites. Bugs compromise the structural integrity of your wood blocks, and ultimately cause decay and breakage.

In addition, nature unfortunately doesn’t come with a dependable warranty program, which means that your stack of wooden blocks is prone to mould and bound to rot with time (and changing weather conditions).

With time, wood blocks tend to get deformed, so no matter how perfectly you measure their size at the beginning, they’re prone to wear and tear from the elements. Plywood especially tends to swell, separate, and hold water.

Lynx Levelers are made of plastic, so you’ll never have to worry about pesky bugs or damp conditions threatening your RV vacation.

Save yourself the trouble and purchase your own set of Lynx Levelers here!

2) It’s heavy and takes up valuable storage space

Most RVers carry an assortment of wood blocks. Wood blocks, however, are heavy and you’ll have to carry a whole stack of them to meet all your leveling needs. They get even heavier when wet and take up much more storage space than a small bag of levelers would.

Lynx Levelers not only withstand tremendous weight, but are also lightweight, compact, simple to assemble, and even simpler to unsnap and store away until next time.

3) Stacking boards

If you’re trying to lift your RV up four to five inches on stacked boards, you’ll have a very difficult time doing so, especially if you’re pushing uphill.

Lynx Levelers are made to interlock and can raise your RV in one inch increments to help you level slowly and safely.

Note: leveling your RV and stabilizing it are two different things. Leveling lifts the entire RV to your desired height, whereas stabilizing eliminates RV bounce once the coach is already level.

Where wood fails, concrete prevails?

Not really. Concrete faces some similar issues as wood (see numbers 2 and 3 above), and then also brings its own set of challenges:

1) Crushing

Some concrete users have reported crushing their concrete blocks as they drove over them on soft campgrounds.

2) You need a jack

In order to lift your RV onto the concrete blocks, you’ll need a jack strong enough to withstand the weight of your rig.

Save yourself the trouble and purchase your own set of Lynx Levelers here!

Boondocking has definitely become more popular as RVing has grown in popularity. Boondocking, also known as dry camping, allows RVers to camp in remote areas without hookups or campground facilities. It provides a way to escape the crowds and explore more remote and natural settings. Park with purpose to keep your RV cool or warm.

Here are 20 Boondocking tips:

1.  STRATEGIC PARKING: Strategically park your RV in shaded areas or in positions that maximize sunlight, depending on weather conditions, to naturally regulate temperature. You can also try to use natural wind blocks like bushes in cold climates.

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2.   GIVE OTHER CAMPERS SPACE: Respect the privacy and space of other campers by maintaining a considerate distance from their campsites, ensuring a peaceful experience for everyone.

3.   PRE-WASH FRUITS AND VEGGIES: Before setting off on your trip, wash all fruits and vegetables. This not only saves water while boondocking but also ensures you have clean, ready-to-eat produce.

4.   FILL YOUR PROPANE TANK: Ensure you have a full propane tank before your journey, as it’s essential for cooking and sometimes even for refrigeration while boondocking.

5.   FILL UP FRESH WATER TANK: Ensure your RV’s fresh water tank is completely filled before your trip to maximize your available water supply while boondocking.

6.   EMPTY BLACK AND GRAY TANKS: Start your journey with empty black and gray water tanks to maximize the capacity for wastewater during your trip.

7.   LIMIT DISHWASHING TO ONCE PER DAY: Conserve water by restricting dishwashing to just once a day, compiling all dirty dishes for a single washing session.

8.   USE A WASH BASIN WHEN DOING DISHES: Employ a wash basin for dishwashing to catch and reuse gray water for other purposes like flushing the toilet.

9.   USE A WATER-CONSERVING SHOWERHEAD: Install a water-conserving showerhead in your RV to reduce the flow and amount of water used per shower.

10.   USE SEPARATE DRINKING WATER JUGS FOR DRINKING: Keep dedicated jugs for drinking water to conserve the water in your onboard tanks for daily water needs.

11.   USE PAPER PLATES: Opt for paper plates to minimize dishwashing, thereby saving water. Remember to dispose of them responsibly. They are great fire starters.

12.   UPGRADE TO LED LIGHTS: Switching to LED lights in your RV reduces energy usage significantly, as they are more efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs.

13.   DON'T USE LARGE POWER DRAW ITEMS: Avoid using high-power appliances like air conditioners or microwaves when the generator is off to conserve battery life.

14.   BRING EXTRA GAS CANS FOR YOUR GENERATOR: Carrying extra gas cans for your generator ensures you have a backup power supply, particularly useful during extended stays in remote areas.

15.   KEEP YOUR SHADES DRAWN ON HOT DAYS: Draw the shades on hot days to keep the interior of your RV cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy.

16.   CONSIDER ADDING A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM: Installing a solar power system can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to generate electricity for your RV, reducing reliance on generators.

17.   STORE GARBAGE SAFELY AND SECURELY INSIDE: Keep all your garbage stored safely and securely inside your RV to avoid attracting wildlife and to maintain cleanliness around your campsite.

18.   DON'T LEAVE ANY GARBAGE OR FOOD OUTDOORS: Ensure no garbage or food items are left outside your RV, as this can attract animals and insects, and it’s also disrespectful to the natural environment.

19.   PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT: Adopt the ‘pack it in, pack it out’ principle by taking all your garbage with you when you leave, ensuring that no trace of your stay is left behind in the wilderness.

20.   BURN YOUR NON-TOXIC WASTE IN A CAMPFIRE: Consider burning non-toxic paper waste in a controlled campfire as a way to reduce the amount of garbage you need to carry out, but always do so responsibly and safely. Never burn anything with waxed coatings, rubber, plastic, or any other material besides plain paper or cardboard.

HAVE FUN AND PLAY SAFE OUT THERE!

Reference from Escapees RV Club - https://escapees.com/

Spring is a fantastic time to go RV camping, with the weather warming up and nature coming back to life after the winter. Here are some tips and ideas for RV camping in the spring:

1.  Choose the Right Destination: Look for RV campgrounds that offer beautiful views of nature, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. National parks, state parks, and RV resorts are great options for spring camping.

2.  Prepare for Spring Weather: While spring brings warmer temperatures, it can also bring rain and fluctuating weather conditions. Make sure to pack layers of clothing, rain gear, and extra blankets to stay comfortable during your trip.

3.  Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Spring is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. Many campgrounds offer guided nature walks and educational programs that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area.

4.  Check Your RV’s Condition: Before heading out on your spring camping trip, make sure your RV is in good working condition. Check the tires, brakes, and other mechanical components, and ensure that your RV’s water systems are dewinterized and ready for use.

5.  Embrace the Spring Vibe: Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, so take some time to appreciate the blooming flowers, chirping birds, and fresh greenery around your campsite. Bring along a camera to capture the beauty of nature in springtime.

6.  Plan Your Meals: With the warmer weather, you can enjoy outdoor cooking and dining. Plan some delicious spring-inspired meals, and perhaps even pack a picnic to enjoy in the great outdoors.

7.  Be Mindful of Wildlife: Spring is a time when many animals are active, including mating and raising their young. Be respectful of wildlife by observing from a distance and not disturbing their natural behaviors.

8.  Make Reservations: Spring can be a popular time for camping, especially during school breaks and holiday weekends. Make sure to book your campsite in advance to secure your spot in your preferred campground.

Overall, spring is a wonderful time to hit the road in your RV and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or new to the adventure, spring camping provides an opportunity to explore nature in all its blooming glory. Happy camping!