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Organize your RV and safely travel with these must-know ideas for using dollar store items.

One of the many challenges that face full time travelers and RVers is figuring out how to get mail on the road. We’ve had our fair share of issues with receiving mail and packages on the road but in this post we share a list of ways to receive mail and packages.

General Delivery through the U.S. Postal Service; they offer general delivery for those who need a temporary mailing address to receive mail. You will need to check the location by visiting the USPS website or calling the location in the area you need to have mail sent. Not all Post Offices accept general delivery.

Are you or will you be visiting a friend or relative on the road? Ask for permission to send your mail to their address. Use C/O in the address to avoid delays or issues with your mail.

Sign up with a Mail Service. There are several available and we’ve seen good & bad reviews about many of them. What we can tell you is the company we use and our experiences. We have been using Traveling Mailbox for several months now. One of the reasons we choose Traveling Mailbox is that we didn’t have to change our domicile address. We can have our mail forwarded to their facility. Then you have complete control over your mail. They scan every envelope, and you tell them what to do! You can have them trash it if you know based on the front envelope that it is junk mail. Open & scan the mail OR have it forwarded to your current location.

Send mail to your Campground, RV parks, and even hotels may receive mail on your behalf. Be sure to ask for and use the correct address for this type of mail. Some business have a different mailing address for guest mail OR will not accept it for you.

Did you know packages sent FedEx or UPS can be redirected to a store location for pickup? Visit their website for more information on package redirect options.

Use a Amazon locker. It is a easy and convenient way to pick up your Amazon order. When placing an order online, see if that item is available through Amazon. This will give you the option to pick up at an Amazon locker, avoiding the hassle of trying to figure out an address for the delivery.

Choose In-Store Pickup. Easy pickup and returns. Large chain stores such as Walmart are located throughout the United States making it a convenient option for ordering items online for in-store pickup.

Do you know what two of the most common repairs made on RV’s are? They are repairs to the steps and the TV antenna. Damage to RV steps and TV antennas occur frequently and can be costly to repair. The main reason for these frequent repairs is because you forget to do a walk around of the unit before leaving on a trip or leaving the campground. The good news is both of these common repairs can be avoided by following a simple “Pre-Trip Checklist” before heading out in your RV.

Regardless of the type of RV you have you need get in a habit of making these pre-trip checks every time you use your RV. Taking a few minutes to complete these simple checks can save you time and money for unnecessary repairs to your RV.  A good rule of thumb is start at the front drivers side and work your way around. This way nothing will be forgotten.

Let’s start with the outside of the RV.

• Check and adjust the air pressure in all tires. Always check the tires when they are cold, before traveling.
• Check the lug nuts on the wheels.
• Visually look over the suspension while you checking the tires.
• Make sure all items in the storage compartments are secure. Lock all outside compartments.
• Make sure the power cord and water hose, and the sewer hose are disconnected and properly stored.
• Make sure all slide outs are in and slide out travel locks are securely in place.
• Make sure the TV antenna and / or satellite are down and stowed in the proper position for traveling.
• Check the awning. Make sure that it is securely stored and all travel locks and knobs are tight and locked. We do one step more and add straps to the arms so it will not come away from the RV during travel.
• Raise all stabilizer jacks or hydraulic leveling jacks.
• Look under the RV for any indications of leaks (motorized) or anything out of the ordinary.
• Stow or retract the steps.
• Check and secure the cap on the sewer outlet.
• Double check all hitch work on towable RV’s and on vehicles being towed behind motor homes.
• Check all fluid levels for motorized RV’s and tow vehicles.
• Remove and store wheel chocks and any type of leveling blocks.
• Check all running lights, turn signals, brake lights and headlights on the RV and tow vehicle.
• Check trailer brakes for proper operation.
• Make one last walk around the outside and check for anything you may have overlooked. Start at the front and walk around.

Don’t forget about the inside of your RV.

• Walk through the entire RV and secure all loose items that could move, fall or get damaged while traveling.
• Turn off all unnecessary appliances gas & electric.
• Close all roof vents
• Close all doors, drawers and cabinets
• Check for anything in the refrigerator that could spill. Lock the refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Turn off the 12-volt water pump.
• Close the range top cover.
• Turn off all 12-volt lights and accessories that could drain the auxiliary battery. Don’t forget the TV antenna booster.
• Close the windows and secure blinds.
• Secure any large items such as TVs and computers that might move or fall while traveling.
• All weight in the RV should be distributed evenly.
• Adjust your mirrors and seat and hit the road.

This is not a full list but it’s a good start. You can add to this list and tailor it to your specific type of RV. The most important thing to remember is to use this checklist every time you use your RV. It’s easy to forget something without a reminder. I always do one last walk around of the RV just before pulling out. You’ll be amazed at what you may have missed the first time around.