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Biggest Struggles as Full-Time RVers

Not Your Average Explorer
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Downsizing
When you ask most full-time RVers what their biggest challenge for living in an RV year round is, the most common response you will hear is the downsizing it takes to live the lifestyle. After living for years in your own home, you begin to collect a large amount of stuff that you simply cannot travel with. Almost every piece of furniture in your is not needed when you’re traveling in an RV. For a lot of people, clothes are a problem when downsizing. In some cases, they go from a walk-in closet filled with outfits for any season or occasion to living out of two drawers and a closet a third as wide of a standard home refrigerator. For others, clothes may not be that big of a problem, but take a look in their workshop or garage and you’ll probably see a wide assortment of tools that won’t be needed after you hit the road.

Living a minimalist lifestyle can be difficult at first, but serious full-time RVers should be able to adjust to that type of living in a reasonable amount of time. In fact, it’s not that uncommon for you to be looking through a drawer or cupboard and you find an object that you knew you couldn’t live without when you were preparing for your journey but now realize you haven’t used it once since you began your travels and you promptly throw it out or give it away.

Food is another item you will find yourself downsizing. In most cases, your RV refrigerator will be half the size of a home model so your trips to the grocery store may become more frequent for fresh meat and vegetables but there are certainly other ways around that as well.

Maintenance Issues
Whether you travel in a class A motorhome, a van conversion or pull a conventional trailer you will always have maintenance to deal with. Consider for example a motorhome, not only are you dealing with the normal issues that you would face with most campers, but now you have to maintain an engine and a transmission as well. Let’s face it, manufacturers of motorhomes and campers are in business to make money, and as such they will use the most inexpensive components to maximize their profits so any RVer can expect that somewhere down the road some components will fail and need to be replaced or repaired. Another thing to consider is when you are driving down the highway; you are exposing your RV to winds that are as strong as those of a hurricane. Rough roads, the earthquake, will also contribute to these maintenance issues as well.

Crowded Campgrounds and Parks
Unless you plan on boondocking all the time, which is unlikely, you will most likely find yourself at a campground or at state and national parks. And if you have ever been to Yellowstone National Park in July or Key West, Florida in January you will understand what it means to be in a crowded place. Since most people use their RV as a means of vacation and don’t live in them full-time, you’re likely to be sandwiched into tight little spots between other campers and motorhomes. If you are a person that doesn’t like to be around other people, then you have to be prepared to do some research to find those hidden gems where you are unlikely to encounter less traffic and people. Campendium is a great resource when looking for boondocking spots or rv parks while traveling.

Caring for Your Pets
Obviously for people that don’t have pets, this doesn’t pose much of a challenge, but for those that do, a sudden emergency or illness to a beloved cat or dog can cause a lot of anxiety. Plan ahead for your pet by calling the campground or looking online to see what their policy is on pets. Just as there are campgrounds that are age restricted, there are also some parks and campgrounds that prohibit pets. Another good idea is to research your destination and make a note of where the nearest vet or animal care facility is located and have that information on hand in case you do have a problem. For more pet tips, read our blog, RVing with Dogs.

Internet and Communication
For some people this won’t be a problem as they are looking to remove themselves, if only for a short time from these types of things. However, if you plan on working remotely online or have the need to communicate frequently with family or friends you may find yourself in areas that won’t work for you. While many campgrounds claim they have high speed internet, you will often find that their internet speeds vary by the amount of people accessing their signal so you should expect that during peak hours in the evening or morning you may have slower connectivity.

These of course, are not all of the challenges you may encounter as a full-time RVer, but they are a few of the challenges you can expect during your travels. However, when you begin to experience the freedom of the open road and the places you get to see and experience, you will find these issues pale in comparison to the benefits along your journey.

Missing Family and Friends
Another major challenge for some full-time RVers is leaving their family, friends and loved ones behind as they begin their journey. While there are no easy answers to this issue, we do currently live in an age where modern day technology allows us to utilize facetime on platforms such as Skype, Android or even Microsoft Windows. Certainly, this is no substitution to being with your loved ones in person, but it will allow for some real time activity with them.

What are some of your challenges or victories?

How to Properly Moochdock In Your RV

Not Your Average Explorer

Moochdocking is a great way to park your RV for free and spend quality time with friends and family.

If you’ve ever had a friend crash on your couch for a few nights without expecting anything in return, you’re probably familiar with the concept of couch surfing. For RVers, the equivalent is called moochdocking.

What is Moochdocking? Moochdocking is RV camping on a friend or family’s property for free. This might mean parking in their driveway, on the street, or somewhere on their land. Moochdocking does come with some risks like ticking off grouchy neighbors or getting a citation for parking illegally but with a little bit of advance planning, it also has some big rewards: free camping all over the country and getting to visit loved ones.

Follow neighborhood rules. It’s a good idea to start by figuring out these two things. Will your hosts HOA allow you to park an RV on the property, and will your RV fit into the moochdocking site? If possible, ask your host to send you some pictures of the property. Make sure to get shots of the road leading into and away from the property, the driveway, the exact spot you plan to park, and any cables, wires, or trees that might hand down and get in the way. In addition, take a look at google maps for another layer of added protection.

Parking on a Street. When it comes to moochdocking, you are not just limited to your host’s driveway. You may also be able to park on the street in front of their house. Again, you need to know if there are any restrictions for doing so. And as reliable as your host might be, don’t take their word for it. Double check the laws yourself. Getting a citation or waking up to a police officer banging on your door will definitely put a damper on your moochdocking trip.

Privacy. Another thing to consider with this particular set up is privacy. A StreetSide spot may lack privacy and your very presence might bother or inconvenience the surrounding neighbors. to help with this, have your host speak to the neighbors before you arrive and make sure they’re ok with it. If possible, try to find a spot on the street that is quiet, secluded, and easy to navigate. This way, your RV will be out of the way of other cars and can avoid backing up or backing in easy and easy out.

Don’t get stuck. If you lucky, you may be able to moochdock beyond the street and driveway spot. Do you have friends that own a farm or acreage? Or maybe family that lives along a stream or quiet country road? While this may seems like a dream moochdocking scenario, there are still a few things to be aware of. First, find out if the land you are planning to park on is soft, sandy, or prone to flooding. And second, make sure there is enough room for you to turn your RV around. Getting stuck in the mud or having to back out of a site are not ideal situations.

Hookups and Courtesy. In addition to finding the right site to moochdock, you also need to have a plan for powering and dumping. Will you plug into your host’s electrical outlets, run off a generator or rely on solar panels? If you plan on plugging into your host’s power source, make sure you don’t run all of your RV appliances at once and trip a breaker in their home. RV’s with 30 or 50 amp services, you will need an adapter to plug into a standard 20 amp residential outlet. When moochdocking, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own fresh water. Even if you plan to hookup at your host’s house having extra water in the freshwater tank could come in hand. And remember to NEVER empty your tanks at your moochdocking site. Instead, find a dump station your way out. That is one way to ruin a friendship and get uninvited forever. (Unless you get to stay at our host’s with full-hook up like in our video here. How to Moochdock.)

Final thoughts. If your host is family or close friends, you could probably stay longer than 3 days, just don’t wear out your welcome. And don’t forget to thank your hosts for their hospitality. Even better, show your thanks by giving them a small gift.

Dealing with our Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling

Not Your Average Explorer

A major concern for full-time travelers is missing out on events and time with their extended family. In this post, I’ll share some personal experience with our biggest full-time travel struggle. Missing family while traveling.

The extended family wasn’t as much of a factor is our decision to travel full-time because ours in not located in one main geographic location. We figured as full-time travelers, we’d actually see them more than we currently do. Actually traveling in the RV really has allowed us to see them more often than we were able to in our previous, busy lives.

We’re not going to lie to you, this is our greatest full-time struggle. We really miss our kids and grandkids!

We started our full-time journey as empty nesters. It was perfect timing because traveling saved me from wandering around our house. We do not miss the ‘sticks & bricks’ home but do miss the availability of the closeness of our family.

It was a little tricky at first, but we ended up enjoying returning during the warmer months to visit our kids and their kids.

However, we were not fully prepared for how hard it would be not seeing them often. I’m not sure if this is a Full-time RVer struggle or empty nester struggle. Now we have to find other ways to keep our relationship strong.

Tips to keep in touch. Obviously the telephone is a simple way to stay in touch. Now you can use it to go beyond hearing each other’s voices.

Video Chat. We like to video chat with our family with the free iPhone app, FaceTime. If you don’t have iPhones or MacBooks, you can also use the free video chat app, Skype. We are very fortunate that we have the technology today to “see” each other regularly.

Texting is a simple way for us to keep up a conversation throughout the day. Anytime something strikes us, we can send a quick message or photo. Sometimes we even send audio chats back and forth.

What the Future Holds. I’m not sure what the future holds, but we do plan on to continue to Full-Time RV. But, we know we want to spend as much time with our family and grandkids as possible. As we are home for the summer, we look forward to having ‘camping trips’ with the grandkids. We’d love to hear your suggestions about how you stay close to your grandchildren while full-time traveling! Please let me know how you manage it in the comments below. 

Tornado Preparedness for RVers

Not Your Average Explorer

Tips for staying safe if you are camping in a tornado region

If you are planning on RVing or camping in a tornado region there is basic tips and information you should know before you go, straight from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The United States averages 1,200 tornados a year, according to NOAA. Doppler radar has improved the ability to forecast tornados, but still only gives a warning of three to 30 minutes. With such little forewarning, NOAA stresses that tornado preparedness is critical.

Tornado Warning Systems

If you are RVing near a small town, chances are there is a siren system that can be heard for several miles. Take a moment when you first arrive at your RV park to find out about the tornado and storm warning systems for your area, even if you are staying only a short time. 

Tornado Shelters

Find out if your park has a shelter onsite or where the nearest shelter is located. Basements and underground shelters are the safest, but small, sturdy inside rooms and hallways provide adequate protection during a tornado, as well.

If there is no shelter onsite, alternatives might be the park’s shower or bathroom stalls. If there is a sturdy building with closets or an inside hallway try to take shelter there. If none of these exist drive to the nearest shelter as quickly as is safe. Keep your seatbelt on. 

Tornado Preparedness Plan

NOAA’s and the American Red Cross’ recommended actions include:

*Monitoring an NOAA Weather Radio
*Know where to go for shelter, preferably within walking distance
*Be ready to go when a tornado watch is issued
*Remove lawn furniture and other objects that could become projectiles to an inside location
*Go immediately when a tornado warning is issued
*Wherever you find shelter stay away from windows
*Do not plan on staying inside your RV
*Bring your pets, in a carrier if possible
*Grab only essentials (purse, ID, cash, medications) and only if easily accessible (We now have a ‘bug out bag’)
*Don’t waste time searching for anything

Practice your tornado drill periodically

Signs of Potential Tornado 

*Electrical charge in the air — hair on arms standing up (not always present)
*Large hail
*Lightning
*Roaring noise
*Grayish/greenish clouds
*Visibly rotating clouds
*Wall cloud that appears as thunderclouds dropping close to the ground
*Cloud progressively extending down to the ground, increasingly funnel-shaped
*Rotating dust or debris rising up from the ground, often “reaching” towards a descending funnel-shaped cloud

Inland and Plains Tornados

Tornados that develop on the plains and most parts of the country often are accompanied by hail or lightning. These warning signs are your signals to seek shelter until the storm passes. We tend to think of tornados as “approaching” from some distance. Bear in mind that every tornado begins somewhere. If that “somewhere” is close to you, you won’t have much time to get to a shelter.

Tornados can develop during the day or night. Naturally, nighttime tornados are the most frightening since you may not be able to see them coming, or might be asleep when they hit.

Tornados Spawned by Hurricanes

Unlike inland tornados spawned from storms, those that develop in hurricanes often do so in the absence of hail and lightning. They can also develop days after a hurricane makes landfall, but tend to develop during the daytime after the first few hours over land.

Although tornados can develop in the hurricane’s rainbands, far from the eye or center of the storm, they are most likely to develop in the right front quadrant of the hurricane. If you know where you are in relation to the hurricane’s eye and sections, you have a better chance of avoiding tornados.

Obviously, evacuating before the hurricane makes landfall is the best choice you can make but isn’t always possible. Many situations can prevent you from getting as far away as you’d like, if at all. Running out of gas or diesel might be one of them.

Fujita Scale (F-Scale)

Have you wondered what the term “F-Scale” means, as in a tornado rated F3? Well, it’s a rather unusual concept, since most of us expect ratings to be derived from direct measurements. The F-Scale ratings are wind speed estimates based upon three-second gusts at the point of damage, rather than wind speed measurements.

Originally developed by Dr. Theodore Fujita in 1971, NOAA placed the Enhanced F-Scale in use in 2007 as an update to the original F-Scale. Based on this scale tornados are rated as follows:

EF Rating = 3 Second Gust in MPH
0 = 65-85 mph
1 = 86-110 mph
2 = 111-135 mph
3 = 136-165 mph
4 = 166-200 mph
5 = Over 200 mph

Bug Out Bag:

A Bug Out Bag Could Save Your Life. We recommend putting all these things into a bug out bag, which should be kept in an easily accessible location near the door. This will ensure you’re well prepared and can get to safety quickly, no matter what kind of weather comes your way. Because if you need to leave your RV on a moment’s notice, you will want to have a bug out bag easily accessible and ready to go.

In addition to the items above, make sure your family is fully dressed with closed-toed shoes on. Grab your phone and any important documents in the rig and then get to shelter. If you can, grab helmets and/or pillows to cover your head and protect yourself from flying objects. 

Items to include in your bag:

Bottle Water
Medications

Hand Crank Portable Power
Portable battery bank
Irreplaceable papers ie: social security card, passport etc.
First-aid supplies
Dried food
Flash Light
Pet supplies, shot records
A sweatshirt, gloves, warm cap, and rain gear, for every member of your family

I also suggest having cash on hand. You might not want to put cash in your go-bag but having it in a ready to grab-and-go location in your RV will save you time.


Are you Practicing Good RV Campground Etiquette?

Not Your Average Explorer

In general, RVers are pretty amazing people. They’re obviously adventurous and motivated to see the world, and nine times out of ten they’re more than happy to lend a helping hand to their fellow travelers. And since life on the road can be anything but predictable, they’re usually inventive, flexible, and laid-back.

In other words, they’re people you probably want to be friends with.

But part of what makes this special community work so well is a group focus on following a few basic rules and codes of conduct while camping — some of which largely go unspoken.

If you’re a first-time camper, that idea could stand to make you a little bit nervous. What if you’re breaking standard camping guidelines you didn’t even know about in the first place?

But fear not: camping etiquette isn’t some secretive. In fact, it’s generally as simple as putting yourself in your neighbor’s shoes and treating them as you’d like to be treated yourself.

Kind of sounds like the rest of everyday life, doesn’t it?

Here’s what you need to know about following proper RV park etiquette.

Whether you’re trying to be a good neighbor at a built-up RV park or figuring out how to keep everyone happy while group camping in the woods, it doesn’t have to be difficult to be a good neighbor.

It really comes down to one simple idea: You’re not the only person hoping to enjoy the campground. So do everything you can to leave behind as many resources as possible for the next camper, and go out of your way to be courteous to the others who you’re currently sharing the space with!

For example, if you’re scoping out a sweet-looking boondocking site, but see that another camper has already gotten there, it’s good RV parking etiquette to leave a healthy distance between their campsite and yours. Sure, maybe they want to hang out and be friends… but they could also be enjoying some relaxing silence and solitude. And either way, leaving space makes it less likely for either of you to annoy the other party with generator fumes, noise, or food odors.

Similarly, you’ll want to treat the people within your group with the same kind of thoughtfulness and respect. Sure, you’re out there to have a good time together, but everyone needs some space to themselves now and again. To create that balance, it’s helpful to try to make sure everyone has at least a little bit of private, comfortable space in your RV.

Camping Etiquette Tips

1. If you brought it in, take it out. From leftover food scraps to non-biodegradable garbage, no one wants to arrive at a campsite swimming in the junk you left behind after your trip. Although private campgrounds sometimes feature garbage pickup, in most cases, you’ll need to take your trash to the dumpster on your own — and it is definitely a necessary part of good camping etiquette to do so.

2. Use pre-existing campsites.

When traveling in the wilderness and looking for boondocking spots, it’s always best to find a place that someone else has already scoped out.

Think about it. Not only do you know for a fact that it’s got attractive campground qualities, but you’ll also avoid messing up another section of untouched nature. (Even if you camp lightly, you’re sure to do at least a little bit of damage)

3. Keep a respectful distance.

If you are boondocking for in an area that designated sites are not created, keep an appropriate distance. People go camping in part to get away from it all. So don’t park as close to them as possible or put yourself into their personal space as soon as you arrive.

4. … but don’t forget to introduce yourself to your new neighbors.

If you see your neighbors out and about, don’t just turn the other direction. Say hello! You never know who you might meet while you’re camping.

5. Don’t be too noisy.

No matter how you slice it, RV walls are thin. There’s no quicker way to upset your neighbors than to throw a loud party or blare your morning radio when they’d rather be sleeping. OR crank up that noisy construction generator.

6. And careful with those generator fumes.

If you’re camping in an area without electrical hookups and have to run your generator to charge up your batteries or for air conditioning, be conscious of how close you are to your fellow RVers. No one wants to smell your generator fumes… and since it produces carbon monoxide, they could even be a danger.

7. Don’t walk through neighboring campsites without permission.

Even if the quickest way to the bathroom or clubhouse is straight under your neighbor’s awning, take the few extra steps and walk around. When you’re RVing, your outdoor space is part of your living area — even if you don’t have an elaborate setup with lawn chairs and other outdoor furniture.

8. Always follow campfire safety practices.

Campfires are one of the very best parts of camping… but they’re also one of the most dangerous, especially around RVs with tanks of flammable fuels on board.

If you’re going to start a campfire, always make sure to do so in a designated ring and at a safe distance from other trailers, motorhomes, and campers. Never leave a campfire unattended, and always make sure you’ve extinguished your fire completely before you move on to other activities. (That means pouring water on it, not just watching it burn out.)

RV Etiquette. As you can see, camping etiquette rules are fairly self-explanatory. All you need to do is take the safety and comfort of others around you into consideration before you act. But when you’re camping in a private, resort-style RV campground, there may be some other rules and regulations you need to follow.

Rules for Camping. When you’re camping at a resort, you’re on someone’s private property — and that means you need to follow all their posted rules. (Yes, even if they’re a little strange or funny.)

Most campgrounds will have rules regarding quiet hours, and many may also regulate whether or not and where alcohol is allowed on the campground, or the types of bottles etc that it can be carried in. Some RV parks might also feature other camp rules about pets or total number of occupants allowed at each campsite.

No matter what, it’s always best to follow the rules as they’re written, as you might otherwise incur a penalty charge or even be thrown out of the campground altogether.

Besides, don’t you want everyone around you to be a happy camper, too? When you follow proper camping etiquette, the experience is better for everybody — which includes you.

Enjoy your camping trip!

Properly Maintaining Your RV

Not Your Average Explorer

Properly maintaining your RV is the most important thing you can do to keep it running and help retain its value. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual to see exactly what you should do to keep your RV in top condition however, we’ve listed a few tips below. 

1. Change Oil and Oil Filters Regularly (Drive RV) 

Like cars, RVs need their oil and filters changed at regular intervals. This is necessary to keep your engine running properly.  Most manufacturers suggest an oil change every 3,000 to 4,500 miles, but you should check your owner’s manual for advice on your specific vehicle. 

2. Service Your RV Generator According to Schedule (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Servicing your RV generator is important as well. Again, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often the oil and filter should be changed. Remember to run your generator regularly when your RV is stored too. It would be a bummer to go use your generator and it does not work properly. 

3. Replace Air, Fuel, and Other Filters (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Replacing the air, fuel, coolant and hydraulic filters in your RV should also be done regularly. Damage could result from increased fuel usage or overheating issues with the cooling system and oxidization in the hydraulic system.   

In towable RVs many use a hydraulic system for their jacks & slides.  It never hurts to check the level of fluid or for any possible leaks. 

4. Regularly Inspect the Roof (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Inspect the roof seals and seams of your RV every six months. Water damage can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair if it’s not taken care of immediately.  If repairs are necessary, follow the manufacturer’s instructions because it varies by material used. 

5. Have Your Brakes Checked by a Mechanic (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Keeping your brakes maintained is important for your safety and those of everyone else on the road as well.  

6. Take Care of Your RV’s Sewer System (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Keep your wastewater system in good condition by using biodegradable RV toilet paper and using proper tank treatments will make your travels more enjoyable.  It’s also extremely important to empty your RV’s holding tank to prevent unwanted backup. The right RV sewer connections can make this process much easier. It’s also important to empty your holding tank every so often. The more the liquid in the tank before draining is best. 

7. Have Rubber Roofs Treated Annually (Drive or Towable RVs) 

If you have a rubber roof, make sure to have the roof treated at least once per year. This prevents the sun from doing damage. Follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual to see exactly what you should do.  You can also have your roof inspected 1-2 times a year by a professional as a precaution. 

8. Check Your Tire Pressure (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Check your tire pressure and lug nuts before every trip. Tighten lug nuts as necessary and add air to tires based on proper specifications.  TPMS systems are a great safeguard to add in your tow vehicle or RV to monitor your tires as you are traveling. 

While you are checking your tires, just take a quick glance at the suspension to make sure everything looks good as well. 

9. Check Your Batteries Regularly (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Check your batteries before your trip. Deep cycle batteries last 3-5 years and should be replaced after their life cycle is complete.  For a lithium battery, keep your batteries at room temperature. The worst thing that can happen to a lithium-ion battery is to have a full charge and be subjected to elevated temperatures.  Avoid completely discharging lithium-ion batteries.  If a lithium-ion battery is discharged below 2.5 volts per cell, a safety circuit built into the battery opens and the battery appears to be dead.  The original charger will be of no use. Only battery analyzers with the boost function have a chance of recharging the battery. 

10. Store Your Battery Properly (Drive or Towable RVs) 

Take your battery out during the winter months and store it somewhere warm. They have the possibility to freeze and break, voiding the warranty and rendering them unusable.  For extended storage of lithium batteries, discharge a lithium-ion battery to about 40 percent and store it in a cool place. 

11. Maintaining Your Camper Seals (Drive or Towable RVs)

Constant inspection of the seals is the key to keeping water out and your RV looking like new. We recommend that you caulk your camper twice a year; once after you de-winterize and once right when you are winterizing in the late fall. Or as needed when you are cleaning or doing your inspection.

For Rubber camper roofs, we use Dicor roof sealant. Dicor is the industry choice for sealing RV roofs because it is a self-leveling sealant.

For the remaining exterior of your camper, Geocel MHRV (Motorhome/RV) heavy duty sealant. Geocel has a high UV rating, which makes it an excellent choice for truck campers.

Seals around your RV slide outs need regular maintenance as well. We recommend using Thetford Premium RV Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner & Protectant. The Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner coats the surface in a water-repellent film, cleans, conditions, shines, and protects against UV rays, Cleans, conditions and shines. Prevents fading, cracking and deterioration.

With the proper maintenance and care, your RV exterior will keep looking good, and most importantly, it will keep you from running into expensive problems in the future.

Different maintenance activities have different maintenance intervals. Some components may require yearly maintenance, while others may need to be maintained every time you use them. Creating a maintenance schedule will help keep you on track, so you don’t accidentally forget to maintain a vital component.

Dumb RV Mistakes We’ve Made

Not Your Average Explorer

RVing isn’t always smooth sailing, especially when it’s your first time. Be prepared to make some RV mistakes!

We had a little experience with RVs before purchasing our own and becoming full-timers. We thought we had researched everything, but still made some pretty dumb mistakes our first year of RVing. The good thing is, with a little research and planning ahead of time, you can avoid many of the issues we came across. I hope that sharing our experience helps you think ahead of time and avoid the bumps we encountered in the road. Whether you are planning to buy an RV or just rent one, follow the advice below and you’ll be a happy camper.

Forgetting Important Things on Travel Days.  We learned the hard way that we needed to create a checklist of steps that are required for preparing to move locations. With a fifth-wheel, or travel trailer, there are more steps than a motorhome. But regardless of what rig you have, there are action items that can be particularly important to you and your rig if you forget to do them before taking off. These steps may seem like “second nature” and steps that you can’t imagine forgetting, but you might be surprised how often you feel rushed or anxious on travel days.

It’s easy to feel a little flustered when you’re cleaning up, strapping down, packing up, planning your route, and getting directions, all while keeping an eye on the time to ensure you’re done by checkout time. We’ve learned that doing some tasks the night before is helpful. Get your tow vehicle or rig fueled up the night before, so you don’t have to worry about stopping right away. Maybe even clean and stow or strap down items the night before as well. Give yourself plenty of time too.

Your RV checklist should include but not limited to, things like:

Turn off the water pump and water heater

Put the stabilizer legs up (we’ve forgotten this step before!)

Close all the windows and vents

Check the brakes and turn signals

Check the tire pressure

Ensure that the tailgate is up (yep, we forgot this once, too!)

You can find these checklists online or create one yourself. But we have a video, RV PRE TRIP INSPECTION /  RV PRE TRIP CHECKLIST / RVing for beginners / RV life  that may help you create one that will work for you. If you’re a couple, each person should ensure that every item is completed and checked off. Then, after you pull away from your spot, one person should walk around the site and ensure you didn’t leave anything behind, too. Do not forget to check your electric & water connections!  We’ve had our fair share of those mistakes as well.

Not Fully Understanding What You Need in the RV.  We don’t necessarily regret purchasing our first RV, but we wish we would have been a little more informed and prepared. It’s so important to understand what needs you have in an RV. Think about your lifestyle and make sure that the RV you purchase fits that. We did not realize what a great hitch was until we knew ours was not.  Towing a travel trailer is much different than the 5th wheel we have now.  Also, we were limited in our ability to dry camp, or “boondock”, because we did not give any thought to certain features of our first RV, such as holding tanks.

Trusting Any Type of Map Planning Software and Not Validating Your Route.  Many of us have become accustomed to using our cell phones for directions. And because of that, we often don’t put much thought into the route that it suggests. We’ll simply type in the address and head out, usually without double checking. You absolutely cannot do this with an RV. Our general thought was, “as long as we’re on highways, we’ll be good…truckers take those roads!”. But that’s not always the case, and it’s the roads leading to and from highways that you need to be extra careful of.

We got ourselves into a stressful situation following our old Auto GPS directions. While traveling to Tybee Island GA, we were routed to a highway that had a low clearance bridge.  Thankfully, we caught before proceeding but it made us back up in traffic because in no way would our RV fit under it.  On top of that, there were many low hanging trees that were hitting the roof of our fifth wheel. It was in that moment that we realized we need to be more hands on with our route planning.

To avoid getting yourself into a dangerous situation, we suggest purchasing an RV specific GPS. You can also find apps that offer maps with clearly marked areas that have low clearance or weight restrictions. We’ve gotten in the habit of checking every road we will be taking ahead of time.

Skipping the Practice Run Before RVing.  Our first time RVing with our new RV we traveled a distance for a camping trip.  We were fairly nervous and had just planned to “learn as we go”. Needless to say, our first day was memorable… and not in a good way. We made simple, careless mistakes just because of our lack of experience and the anxiety that came with that. We regretted not doing a trial run, even just for a quick overnight camping trip not far from home.  If we’d gone for a practice run, we truly believe our first day RV mistakes wouldn’t have happened. We would’ve learned then that we needed a checklist and could’ve avoided careless errors. We also could have practiced our roles and our communication for parking. It’s really no different than playing a sport— there’s way less pressure at practice than on game day! Overall, it would have greatly increased our confidence and eased our nerves a bit. So, if you aren’t an experienced RVer, do yourself a favor and give yourself some practice time.

One of the best ways to do this is by taking a short road trip with a rental RV! Especially if you plan on go long-term RVing, it’s a good idea to use rentals to learn the ropes and what you like and dislike in an RV.

Going Too Far and Too Fast.  RVing is not just about the destination. It’s also about enjoying your time on the road. Going too far in one day of driving can not only leave you exhausted, but it’s also dangerous. It’s always better to break your journey down in manageable chunks and rest when you need to. Similarly, don’t try to put the pedal to the metal in your RV. Take it slow and take it safe. Driving at higher-than-intended speeds trying to race to your destination can cause unsafe conditions like trailer sway.

Plus, you may miss the exit to see the World’s Second Largest Ball of Yarn! Taking things slow allow you to enjoy your surroundings and arrive in one piece.

Try It For Yourself.  I really hope this post gives you practical tips for avoiding careless and dumb mistakes during your upcoming RV travels. Now go make that checklist, buy an RV specific GPS, and schedule in some practice before your maiden voyage!  If you’re a seasoned RVer and want to share your RV mistakes, do so in the comments below. We’d love to hear more tips and am always looking for more ways to be proactive myself.

The Best Portable Air Compressor

Not Your Average Explorer

Keeping your tires properly inflated is key to safety on the road. This is especially true for bigger vehicles such as RVs and motorhomes. We found that over our years of travel, how difficult it was to find businesses that we could easily access Air.  Many gas stations have Air tucked into small parking spaces OR in the rear of the business where we could not get into towing our RV.  OR when we arrive to the business to air up the tires and the pressure will not go high enough for our RV or truck tires.

Over the years, we have heard many of our trusted, experienced RVing friends rave about how much they loved their VIAIR. I had been using a cheaper quality brand for a couple of years and was anxious to see how it compared to the VIAIR. This unit had been on my wish list for quite a while. So we were excited to try it out and see the difference for ourselves.

VIAIR makes a wide range of higher end quality air compressors. This 450P-RV model was specifically designed with RV needs in mind. The VIAIR air compressor is MUCH higher quality than other compressors I have used. What makes it better than others is the higher quality components, better air flow, enhanced features, greater flexibility, increased ease of use and lower noise. We are very impressed with the quality of the VIAIR air compressor so we are very happy to be able to share this review with you guys.

If you’re an avid RVer like we are, you would likely find that either the 450P or the 450 model would suit well for your needs. Both of these are quality products that do the job VERY well. The main difference is the volume of air flow and running time. The 400 provides a higher rate of air flow but the 450P-RV can run for longer, up to 40 minutes of continuous use.

VIAIR makes some of the best quality portable, automatic air compressors on the market. We love how quick and easy it is to inflate our tires. The attachments make it easier to reach my valves. They can move forward and backward easily. This saves us so much time. We also love that it’s quiet and does not disturb our campground neighbors in the morning when we air up our RV tires before hitting the road.

You can also use the VIAIR for inflating kayaks, Standup Paddle Boards (SUPs) and other inflatable toys and devices.

Our Thoughts? This is a powerful, high quality air compressor that does the job VERY well. Now we totally “get” why the Viair is such a popular item among experienced RVers. Once you use it, it’s also easy to see why the VIAIR is well worth the higher price. Especially if you are doing extended travel and checking a lot of tires like on the RV, like us. Compared to our old system, I love this VIAIR so much more.

Where to Buy? You can buy the Viair Portable Air Compressor online through our Amazon Store at no additional cost to you. 

Some of the Best Tips To Stay Safe While Boondocking In Your RV

Not Your Average Explorer

The main question we are asked when boondocking is “How do you stay safe?”

For some, the thought of spending the night alone in an unknown, off-the-grid place can make you feel frightened. So many things could go wrong. If we let our imagination run wild, it will tell us about the hundreds of situations in which we are not safe — rather than how we can stay safe.

There are a few things that we do automatically to keep ourselves safe. We’d like to share with you the basic steps we take to keep safe so you, too, can enjoy this great lifestyle.  Many of these are things you can do if your doing a overnight stop while traveling but you can use versions of these while boondocking for multiple days at a remote location.

Prepare Ahead.  Safety usually starts before we leave our current location. We know that many people love to fly by the seat of their pants and just drive until they find somewhere that looks good to stay. We prefer to have a plan for the day’s travel, and we research potential spots around our destination.

It is always a good idea to read past reviews for each spot where you intend to stop. If anyone has experienced issues with security or break-ins, then we will likely pass on that area and keep looking. We check Google Maps to find out as much information about the location as we can and to look around for other possibilities.  Having a plan gives us peace of mind.

Listen To Your Gut.  We have a rule in our RV that if one of us has a bad feeling about a spot or a concern about safety, no matter the reason, we do not question it. We move on. What is interesting is that if one of us voices a concern, quite often the other person was thinking something similar.  Communication is important here, so don’t let your desire to park and sleep override the need for safety. Make sure you travel early enough in the day that you’re not too tired or it’s too late, or too dark, to move on.

Do not Level Up.  Avoid using leveling blocks or put out your slides if possible, as you may need to drive away in the middle of the night. So, we make sure to park somewhere flat, so blocks are not needed while boondocking.

Hide Away.  This can be one suggestion that you have to Listen To Your Gut.  Many times, we park out of sight of main roads and public areas wherever we can. This prevents us from being an easy target for someone passing by and willing to take advantage of an opportunity. Hiding away also gives us the comfort of being able to peer out a window to ascertain the cause of any noises we may hear.  However, if your gut is telling you something different either move on to a different location or we park directly below a light, so our RV is lit up. 

Safety In Numbers.  If you can’t hide, then try to park where there are other RVs nearby, as there is definitely safety in numbers. If you arrive at a reasonable hour, introduce yourself to your neighbors so they know you are friendly and that you can both look out for one another during the evening. Make sure, however, that you keep a respectful social distance from other RVs.

Have A Plan B.  Once you’ve settled in for the evening, have a backup plan for where you might drive to should you have to move quickly. We’ve had to move in the night occasionally (due to bad weather), so knowing a safe second location is so important. 

Park To Leave.  Park your RV so it is facing forward and has a clear unobstructed exit, preferably with an open space in front of you rather than a single track. And plan for what you might do if your Plan A exit is unexpectedly blocked.  Also keep in mind, if you are parking on grass of any rain in the forecast as you may get stuck in the mud. 

Preparing The RV.  Every night before going to bed, we make sure everything outside is put away at night: chairs, awning, doormat, and the garage doors are locked and dead-bolted.  Make sure the keys and alarm fob are beside the bed for easy access.  Put the computers, wallets, and valuables (passports, documents, and drivers’ licenses) in a locked safe. Most of these things tend to stay secure in any case, but if we’ve had them out for some reason, we make sure they are returned before hitting the hay.  Close the curtains on all the windows. We avoid putting up the reflective/insulating screens as these take longer to remove and can cause a lot of condensation on the inside of the windscreen, especially in colder weather. Removing condensation in a hurry is not a quick task.  Sleep with the door to the bedroom open to hear if anything is happening outside.

There are always going to be places where you feel 100 percent safe and other places that feel less comfortable. When we are in those places, we take some extra precautions to make it harder for anyone to break in. We lock the external deadlock on the main door. This prevents someone from breaking the external lock and entering the RV.

Tips On Leaving The RV Unattended.  Here are a few tips about what we do when leaving our RV alone in a remote location.  Our first tip is don’t leave your RV in a remote location. Try to move it to park somewhere more public with other people around.  If for some reason you have to leave your RV unattended, then I suggest you ensure that the area feels safe to leave.  Close curtains in the RV so no one can look in and see what contents are easy to get at to steal.  If you have any hesitations, then simply drive to another parking lot, for example, a supermarket parking area.

Our Number One Rule For Night Time Is …Do not open the door to anyone. Period.  If someone is knocking at the door and is persistent, and you want to respond, talk through a closed door or window. They will still be able to hear you. But under no circumstances should you open your door at night, and definitely do not leave your vehicle at night.

Another RVer told us a story of when he had someone bang on his door. He yelled back in his strongest, angriest voice, “why can’t everyone leave me alone!” He said this stops people immediately because they think you are angry, have already been disturbed, and might be a danger to them.  If for any reason you have a need to knock on the door of another RV during the night, make sure you announce yourself and what you want.

With all this talk of safety, you might ask us how often we have had an issue. The answer is never. We have thankfully not encountered any trouble. I put this down to doing the safety measures listed above and being super prepared.

5 of The Best RV Accessories

Not Your Average Explorer

With our RVing experience, we felt that these RV accessories are great products to add to your list.

Some RVers are driven to the open road by minimalism, carrying only what can be fit in their modest Class B or C recreational vehicle. Other RVers expect a RV to be as luxurious as a home built on a concrete foundation. Their glamped-up fifth wheels and tour-bus-like Class A’s are rolling mini-mansions, furnished with top-of-the-line accessories. Curious what products they deem worthy of schlepping across the country, we asked seasoned RVers to highlight the goods they never leave home without.

The most comfortable Zero Gravity Lounge Chair

A good camping chair will not only keep you out of the dirt and sand.  It needs to be comfortable to sit in, light to carry, and easy to stow away. Lara and Jack appreciate that this foldable chair comes with a storage bag for easy transport. But what really makes it stand out is the built-in lumbar support. “You have to sit in one to appreciate the difference.” 

The most comfortable Zero Gravity Lounge Chair

The zero-gravity recliner is wildly popular with the RVer. Dena F says it’s “effectively a folding lounge chair, but much more comfortable.” Karen M agrees, admitting it is the only lounger she’s ever fallen asleep in. Melody & Roger, also big fans, prefer their zero-gravity chairs with side caddies — ideal for holding drinks and cell phones.

The best portable fire pit

Dreaming about the notion of a gas fire? When you travel full time, “you get sick of the campfire smell always sticking to your clothes and hair,” says David E. “A propane fire allows you to quickly start a fire, enjoy it, then turn it off and head inside.” He said it was their all-time best purchase because RVers need not worry about fire bans in campgrounds or purchasing local wood. He also likes how it fits under his rig and runs on a basic propane tank.

The best trash receptacle

Ed and I recommend this collapsible recycling/trash bin because it stakes to the ground and it easily collapses and stores away. Plus if something gets spilled in it, it can easily be sprayed out with a garden hose. Just don’t leave it outside for the animals roaming around at night.

The Best Toilet paper for RVs.  Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper

RVs generally use a specific type of toilet paper made for holding tanks. This brand dissolves rapidly and does not get caught up in the drain valves OR create that dreaded poop pyramid. Other brands feel like football-stadium quality; this is the softest and most comfortable.

NOTE: Some of the links/codes on this page are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you chose to make a purchase using our links, It’s a Good Life with Dora & Ed earns a small commission.  This commission comes at no additional cost to you, but helps us keep providing the content we love to share.  We recommend these products because we have found them to be helpful and useful, not because of the commissions we make. Every product we recommend, we use ourselves.