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.