Tips for saving fuel in a Motorhome

No matter the length or engine type of your Motorhome, try running the generator while doing long drives. Don't be afraid of putting a few hours on your generator - it's designed to go 2000 hours or more. By using the generator to power only the house A/C, you will save fuel overall and have an equally pleasant drive.

Gas Prices Affecting RVers?

We're not going to stop vacationing because we need family time...

The same discussion repeats itself frequently... I'm going to post it here to try and get some feedback. This is how I see it>

** Are gas prices affecting the sale and use of RVs? **

Let's break this out - figure the basic costs of a weekend away for a family of 4 - there's hotel costs (basic rate + extra per additional person), meals (restaurant or at an attraction), and gas or airline costs to get everyone there.

The RV alternative is RV Park charge (per RV rather than per person), groceries and gas to get the RV and family there. Even with fuel prices up, an RV Vacation still saves 50 - 75%! With the increase in gas prices, a vacation 200 miles away on average will only be approx. $25 more than last year... Twenty-five dollars... Should $25 stop you and your family from escaping the stresses of life in these harder times? In my opinion, my health and the quality of family time is worth the additional $25.

The cost savings of the same vacation by RV as in hotels makes vacationing more of a reality for most families. More often than not, these RV vacations end up being more comfortable, more relaxing and more enjoyable, especially with little ones along.

So, NO, gas prices are not affecting the sale and use of RVs. Pleas e-mail me for more information.

Hidden Treasures

Today I had the pleasure of selling a beautiful fifth wheel to a wonderful family. He taught me about an RV Campground called 49er Ranch. (http://www.49rv.com/) It's located just North of Columbia, CA. There are a lot of things to do... but best of all it sounds like the perfect place to get away and do absolutely nothing! Check it out if you're going to be in the area...

Thanks again!!!

Hot Water Heater Sputtering Issues

I found this tip to be quite helpful and wanted to pass it along:

To avoid sputtering from the hot water faucets:

Purge the water through the hot water tap that is farthest from the hot water heater. Then pull the test lever on the safety valve to insure that the tank is full.

After the SYSTEM is full (that's good flow without air gaps at all appliances), turn off the water at the city source or pump, then pull the test lever on the safety valve. This will create an expansion bubble in the tank that will help keep the safety valve from releasing from expansion as the water is heated. This only works if the hot water outlet is below the expansion bubble.

Afterthought... -- Why do we call it a hot water heater? Do we heat hot water?

State Laws for towing RVs

I am frequently asked about the laws regarding the lengths for towing in various states. From what I've gathered, the law in California states 65 feet as the maximum length on a Class C drivers license (that's Class D for my Arizona buddies). Longer than that requires a non-commercial Class A drivers license.

That means you can have your truck hooked to your fifth wheel and be towing your favorite water toy, as long as the entire length does not exceed 65 feet. I also understand that our favorite play places, such as Pismo, has extra law enforcement set up right now to ensure that we all follow these length requirements.

There is also some question as to the "passengers in the fifth wheel while driving" scenario. Keep in mind you must have "clear, open communication" between the driver and the passengers in the fifth wheel. OPEN is the key. That does not mean cell phones, hand gestures or flare guns. :)

If anyone has any information about other states, we'd appreciate learning more. Especially for all of our West Coast states. Thanks!

Digital TV vs Analog TV while RVing ...

I met a very nice woman today at our Manteca RV Dealership.  She, like many folks, was trying to understand her upcoming television viewing options.  There seems to be a bit of confusion as to our options. From what I can gather, the equation is basically a three part problem:

Digital Provider + Hardware (Satellite &Receiver) + TV (analog TV's require converter boxes)

The easiest solution, although complicated sounding, is to subscribe to DISH Network or Direct TV. As for hardware, you'd either need to have a dish installed on the roof of your coach or use a portable dish.  That's just for starters.

The other part of this equation is your actual TV set. Don't panic. If you own an analog TV and don't want to spend the money to upgrade it yet,  the government is offering two $40 coupons toward the purchase of two digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information about this program,  you can visit the National Telecommunications & Information Administration website:

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon

I hope this helps!

Northern California RV Parks and Campgrounds

I'm trying to put together a list of California RV parks and campgrounds. If you know of, or learn of, some good places please let me know so I can include them in this blog. I'll start in the local Central Valley area and hope to expand throughout Northern California. Thanks!

California Campgrounds.org: http://www.californiacampgrounds.org/
Tower Park Marina & RV/Campground: http://www.towerparkresort.com/
French Camp Resort and Golf Course: http://www.frenchcamp.com/

Maintenance Checksheet

Thanks to RV Resources for a great RV Maintenance Checksheet. I thought this was a fairly complete list and might be useful to this RVing community.

What's the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is ever so true when it comes to traveling safely and cost effectively aboard your RV. Routine RV Maintenance should be done in regular intervals and record keeping is essential. Although a bit time consuming, good records will add value to your RV when you go to sell it or trade it in. Below you will find a core checklist of essential maintenance to begin your own routine.

For a printer friendly version of the RV Maintenance Checklist go to the following website:
http://www.rvresources.com/checklist/maintenance-checklist-print.php

Date:

Tire Pressure: (Vital to safe driving and good gas mileage)

Tire Wear: (Safety concerns and can give clues as to improper alignment)

Motor Oil: (Know recommend replacement distance/time, fresh oil and proper level will keep your motor running well for a long time)

Transmission Oil: (Know recommend replacement distance/time, fresh oil and proper level will keep your drive train safe)

Batteries:
Clean terminals connectors and tops of batteries
Check Water level where applicable (only use distilled water)
Check for corrosion on terminals and cables

Holding Tanks:
Drain and fill with several gallons of water, add 2 cups vinegar (some people recommend a bit of bleach to kill bacteria) go for a drive to shake it up, run it through the lines to the faucets then drain.

Hot Water Heater:
Should be drained every 6 months per manufacturer instructions Check the condition of the electrode and pressure release valve

Refrigerator:
Clean and check for leaks
Make sure side and roof vents are clear and free of nests and check the roof vent from the top.
The flue, burner, baffle, fins and coils should be cleaned annually

Generator:
Check level and change at recommended intervals
Check condition of belts

AC Units:
Check shroud for cracks or leaks
Check owners manual to see if fan motor shaft needs lubrication

Furnace:
Check for adequate ventilation
Install bug screens if necessary

Brake Fluid: Check level

Power steering Fluid: Check level

Engine Coolant: Check level or replace

Windshield Washer fluid: Check level

Engine Belts: Check for wear and cracking replace at recommend intervals

Exterior:
Inspect the body and roof of your RV for any separation or cracks.
Check Towing package/hitch for cracks or loose bolts
Check all lighting, headlamps,tail lights, turn signals etc.
Check beneath the RV for leaks, any thing loose or that looks out of the ordinary
Check propane gas levels and valves

Smoke Detectors:

10 things you can do to help combat rising FUEL costs

The RV Consumer Group recommends the following 10 things you can do to ride the tidal wave of rising fuel prices:

1) Add after-market products that help improve gas mileage. Many RVers claim these packages make a significant difference in their engine's fuel efficiency. If you decide on one of these, be certain to buy from a reputable manufacturer, since these devices represent quite an investment.
2) Keep the vehicle tuned up. Clogged air filters and bad spark plugs, for example, can destroy mileage.
3) Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tires are hard on the gas gauge.
4) Let up on the gas pedal! Try to drive at the speed limit (or under, if you can do so safely). Lighten the pressure as much as possible when climbing hills. Putting the "pedal to the metal" definitely wastes fuel.
5) Move up to a diesel model for better (though not necessarily cheaper fuel-wise) mileage.
6) If you're thinking of trading your class A motorhome, you may want to scale down to a class C or B motorhome. Although a class B motor home may work for you only if you use your RV just for vacationing, many models get relatively great mpg.
7) Prospective motor home buyers could get more gas mileage for their money by getting into shorter lengths — for example, a 28-foot class A instead of a 36-footer. Or consider a class C motorhome. Some class C motorhome models, if well designed, afford plenty of space for snowbirding. But stay away from forty-footers if you want to use less fuel — especially those with overloaded gas engines.
8) New trailer buyers should take a look at small, well built trailers that have a reputation for following well. Some of these can even be pulled safely with an SUV. For fulltiming or snowbirding, a shorter, lighter fifth wheel will match a variety of truck models and can save you oodles on gas as well as save you the hassles and expense of towing a behemoth.
9) In any case, make certain your RV is not overloaded — whether you're driving a motorhome or pulling a trailer coach or fifth wheel. Overloading is not only dangerous, it costs at the fuel pump.
10) Economize in other ways when you're on the road. Plan overnight stays at smaller campgrounds without full hookups, for instance. During spring and summer, shop the farmer's markets for good buys on fresh produce. Research low-cost activities in the areas you'll be visiting.

Most important of all: RVers are famous for their determined spirit and optimistic outlook. The best defense in tough times is to realize the situation may be temporary. Stay positive and continue to enjoy the pleasures and benefits of RVing.

RV Recall notices

**Update: RVtravel.com has February updates
available here:
http://rvtravel.com/publish/news/recalls_feb__08.shtml

Wish those folks ahead of us had kept up-to-date with their recall notices... *lol* while we waited for hours on our way back from Washington to California on Int I-5 last November. ALWAYS a great way to meet new friends.

http://rvtravel.com/publish/news/rv_recalls_dec_07.shtml

RV Consumer Group posted the following information for recalls as of Feb 2007:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recall notices for the following RVs:
166 Crossroads trailers equipped with Lippert axles, due to mislocated spindle welds. Lippert is conducting the recall and will replace the axle if necessary.
2,618 (2002-2005) Damon Ultrasport, (2006-2007) Damon Astoria, Challenger, Tuscany, (2004-2005) Escaper, LX 400 and (2003-2005) Intruder motorhomes for failing to comply with the requirements of the of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 involving "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment." Some of these vehicles were built without the red rear reflex reflectors and without the amber intermediate side reflex reflectors. During night driving conditions or while the motorhome is parked, the rear and side marker lights will not provide any reflex reflection to mark the vehicle's location.
1,939 (2003-2006) Dutchmen T@B recreational trailers, due to the lack of an installed furnace vent.
59 Fleetwood trailers equipped with Lippert axles, due to mislocated spindle welds. Lippert is conducting the recall and will replace the axle if necessary.
33 (2006) Fleetwood Prowler Regal, Terry Quantum and Wilderness Advantage fifth-wheel travel trailers for failing to comply with the requirement of Part 567 "Certification." The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is incorrect. A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading or tire inflation.
93 (2007) Fleetwood Excursion and Providence motorhomes, which fail to comply with Section 6.2.6 "Marking of Alternative Exits," as required by the ANSI/NFPA 1192 standard on recreational vehicles. The window is used as an emergency exit and must be clearly identified.
1,271 (2005-2007) Jayco Seneca motorhomes. The distance from the rear cap to the hitch receiver encourages the use of longer ball mounts or extensions, which could create unsafe towing conditions.
2,086 (2001-2003) Monaco La Palma, (2001-2002) Monaco Monarch, (2002-2003) Monarch SE, (2001-2002) Holiday Rambler Admiral, (2002-2003) Holiday Rambler Admiral SE, (2001-2002) Endeavor gas and (2001-2003) Vacationer Class A motorhomes. The lower flange in the frame extension of these units may crack, allowing the hitch to bend and possibly separate from the motorhome, resulting in separation with the towed vehicle.
171 (2007) Monaco, Cayman, Holiday Rambler Admiral, Neptune, Safari, Simba, Simba Diesel and Trek gasoline powered motorhomes. An incorrect screw was used to install the black and white CRT back-up monitor in the dash and could potentially hit a high-voltage circuit on the PC board of about 10,000 to 13,000 volts.
123 (2005-2006) Race City RV ST, HD and HDXL tow trailers. The LED stop, tail, turn and side marker lamp combination package on certain tow trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The lamps are not separate from the stop-tail-turn lamp combination and are not thick enough to provide the required level of visibility when viewed from the rear as required by the standard.
87 (2006) Sunnybrook Titan toy hauler fifth-wheel travel trailers equipped with Great Plains (GPI) fuel pumps. A fuel leak can occur at the pump's inlet valve, potentially resulting in a fire.
117 (2004-2005) Thor Frenzy, Fury, Jazz, Tahoe, Vortex and Wanderer cargo/travel trailers. Overloading and incorrectly positioning cargo in the rear cargo area can result in a light hitch weight and affect stability, resulting in sway at highway speeds, a potential bending of the A-frame assembly, failure of the coupler assembly and/or failure of the safety chains. Dealers will inspect the trailer, tow vehicle and hitch equipment; install new cargo load limit labels and placards; furnish loading limit information; replace the coupler and safety chains; and reinforce the A-frame.
17 (2005) Thor Vortex, Viper, Tahoe and Fury cargo/travel trailers. Improper weight distribution may occur when the back of the trailer is loaded with cargo.

RV Towing Forum Quote

I get a lot of questions about towing capacities... While researching the towing capabilities of 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton trucks and fifth wheel vs. travel trailers, I found a nicely put blurb in the forum on RV Travel by Motor31.

"The limit of what a vehicle can handle both safely and legally is contained in its GVW and GCVW ratings. This is not an issue of brand or model favoritism, it's a matter of what the manufacturer advised DOT and what DOT has certified the vehicle to tow/carry. Look in the owner's manual for the limits of what the vehicle can carry by model and equipment. Having a 4x4 usually means a lower capacity as the extra running gear takes up part of the weight allowance. Some of the variables determining what the vehicle can tow are the frame, brakes, transmission, rear end ratio, 4x4, cab size, bed size, tire capacity, axle capacity and engine type/size. The weakest link in the entire equation determines the max limit of the vehicle. While many feel that the truck's only purpose is to pull or carry, that's not the case. The truck also supplies part of the braking effort and stability of the trailer. The trailer is not balanced to sit on its own wheels in a stable setup. The tow vehicle has to provide that stability so its own load carrying capacity is part of the equation. Trailer brakes are also rather iffy for full stopping effort of the trailer, particularly once they are no longer new and in perfect shape. This is particularly true given the proclivity for manufacturers taking shortcuts in assembly of the components. Using wire twist nuts as opposed to soldering and then sealing the connections from the elements is a good example. Virtually the entire brake system of a trailer is exposed to the elements and any road spray. Most owners also fail to maintain the brakes. You do know that they should be inspected each year at a minimum for function and adjustment. It's also not as robust as a hydraulic system on the tow vehicle. Once the brakes on the trailer fail, and they do fail at times, the entire stopping ability rests on the tow vehicle. The tow vehicle also has to steer the entire combination while on the road. The "bill of goods" I see manufacturers selling is the "demonstrations" of the strength of their vehicles. Showing the truck making a dead lift of a weight more than the truck or stopping a cargo plane are some of the exaggerations they use to advertise their trucks. One of the ones I like the most was the bit about a half ton PU towing a fully loaded semi that is broken down. Think about it: if a half ton would tow a loaded semi (80,000 lbs gross) why would a trucking company spend over $100k to buy a semi tractor? Forget the advertising hype. Forget "opinion" of salesmen and anecdotes of folks who say that the truck can tow anything (or similar statements) as they will not be there if you have a problem later on. It will be you answering questions perhaps in court about what you did and what equipment you operated on the road. You may also be on your own: check your insurance coverage if you tow overloaded. It may well be (probably is) an exclusion of coverage if you do. My entire point is, look at the specs of the vehicles in question. Make sure you have enough truck, by published specs and DOT certification for the load you want to tow. Even non-commercial vehicles are subject to overweight and oversize limits."

RV Resources

My commitment to my RV customers does not end when you drive off the lot. It does not end the next day when you wake up and are filled with mixed emotions about that beautiful second home parked out front.

It doesn't even end when the day arrives that you find yourself having questions and not knowing where to turn. So this blog is intended to help all of you with additional resources and I'll keep it updated as I discover new sites. Please help me keep the information current. THANKS!

RV Bookstore: http://rvbookstore.com/help.aspx#contact
RV Links: http://www.rv-links.com/rvmarketbuysell.htm
Free Campgrounds for RVs: http://www.freecampgrounds.com/results.aspx?s=7
BigBoy Toys Online: http://www.bigboytoysonline.com/
RV Scrapbook: http://www.rvscrapbook.com/account.php?sub_section=login

MANTECA TRAILER: (where you can ask for me): http://www.mantecatrailer.com/

Geocaching

If you haven't yet discovered GEOCACHING and you love the outdoors...

You must consider this adventure....

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/

You can go out and cache on your bike, on foot, on ATV, or even in a Cadi...

Or maybe as my customers who are off adventuring in their new BOUNDER motorhome...

If you'd like more information, I'd be happy to fill you in. E-mail me!

RV SALES

RV Sales in Manteca, California... Manteca Trailer...

The adventure has begun. Come join me and let me show you the new and gently played in.

Call and ask for Darcie or email me for an appointment. Thanks!