Archive for RV Detailing
Maintaining Your RV or Motor Home
Posted by: | CommentsAsk and RV service tech what are the most frequent problems people have when their RV needs service, he will tell you three things. These things are so simple that anyone who owns an RV can save money by doing these little things themselves.
First of all, one of the biggest problems people have is their batteries going dead. Batteries are the key to the electrical system on your RV so they need to be maintained. Don not be fooled, even maintenance free batteries need maintenance. Here is what to do. Check the water in your batteries every three to four weeks. Water evaporates even inside the battery shell. Pull the caps on top of the battery off and refill the cells to about a half an inch below the top of the cell with plain tap water. Nothing will kill a cell in your battery faster than being low on water. This is such a simple thing, yet so many RV owners have the same problem. It can be avoided just by keeping the right water level in the.
Secondly, inspect the roof on your RV at least once every two to three months. Check to see if there are any cracks in the seals or if any seals are rolled up on the edges or even if the roof is dirty. Inspect the seams on the roofing material for cracks or deterioration. If you find any small cracks, fill with a silicone sealant. It is ok to be generous with the sealant as it can not hurt anything. Check the seams on the edge of the roof and make sure there are no visible issues with cracking or seals rolling up. If so coat the area with sealant. BTW, if you do not want to use plain silicone then stop by your RV dealer and get a tube of RV sealant and use that.
Sunlight, heat and all weather conditions will deteriorate the materials that are in contact with the weather most often. When some complains of the roof on their RV leaking, 99% of the time it is because they failed to inspect their roof. Doing this every so often will save you so many problems. It will take less than an hour to do every three months.
The third thing to do that will save you time and headaches is to check your tires and bearings every three months as well. Most new RVs come with EZ Lube axles, or what they call “buddy bearings,” that allow you to lubricate your axles without pulling the wheels. Just plug a grease gun to grease insert in the center of the wheel and pump two or three times. If you still need help, ask a mechanic to help you out.
Check your tires for proper inflation and inspect to check for dry rot. Dry rot will affect every tire at some point and is indicated by hairline cracks in the sidewalls of the tire. If you see these cracks, replace the tires. It will save you lots of time and headaches and you will not get stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire.
The issues mentioned here are the things that cause the most service problems for RVers. By taking a little bit of time to properly service your RV yourself, you will save time and money, not to mention you will cut down on the problems you have at the campsite or on the road. Take the time to look at these things, and enjoy your RV for many years to come.
Motor Home Enthusiasts Enjoy the Grand Canyon
Posted by: | CommentsThe Grand Canyon is an American landmark that everyone has to see at least once in their lives. It is one of the most popular motor home destinations in the United States.
You can see a picture of the canyon and get an idea of how beautiful it is, but it is nothing like actually sitting on the canyon’s edge and looking down.
The Grand Canyon is inspirational. When you look into its depths, the walls of rock chiseled over thousands of years lead you to contemplate how vast nature is. It is truly awe-inspiring.
You can watch the shadows creep along the buttes as the sun moves across the sky. It is a natural light show with changing colors.
The Grand Canyon has a south rim and a north rim. These two areas of the park are very different.
The south rim has more to do. There are lots of overlooks, hiking trails, museums, information centers, and lodging.
The north rim is somewhat more desolate, cooler and at a greater elevation.
Because the south rim is so popular, it is often crowded. During the summer months, you’ll see tourists climbing over each other to get a look at the breathtaking view. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go during the off-season, in the winter or fall. Many prefer the north rim, where there are fewer people and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
The most popular activity on this kind of trip is backcountry hiking. While you’re hiking, you will see rock formations and views few have seen before. Hikes range from day trips to overnight backpacking adventures. Hiking here is very strenuous so be prepared.
It can also be dangerous. There are temperature extremes similar to the desert: very hot during the daytime and very cold at night. This is desert hiking at its most extreme; bring plenty of water and food. You also have to know when to take a rest. Before setting off on a backcountry hike, make sure that you are fully prepared, and it can be a wonderful adventure.
Getting a spot at one of the popular campsites during the summer tourist season can be a challenge. Wherever you plan to stay, you should make reservations in advance if possible. If space is important, you might try sites a little ways away from the bustle.
North Rim Campground
At the North Rim Campground, you can be right on the north rim, just minutes away from some wonderful hiking. The North Rim Campground has no hookups and very limited services. However, this site is as close as you’re going to get.
The North Rim Campground fills up quickly because of its prime location, so it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance. They take reservations as early as five months ahead.
Demotte Campground
For a little more luxury, try the Demotte Campground, about 15 miles from the north rim. They allow small RVs, but there are no hookups. There is a convenience store, restaurant and flushing toilets. You can also be close to hiking trails and horseback riding activities.
The Demotte Campground doesn’t take reservations, and it fills up fast. It can be a gamble. But, it’s well worth it because the high elevation of the campground ensures that you’ll have nice cool sleeping weather.
Desert View Campground
Desert View is located on the south rim, and named after one of the south rim’s most famous lookout points. It’s 25 miles from the canyon, and operates from May until October. There are no hookups for your motor home, but the low nightly charge and proximity to the canyon make it well worth it. They don’t take reservations.
The Grand Canyon KOA
If you want to spoil yourself a little, why not try the Grand Canyon KOA? It’s actually a ways away, just north of Williams, Arizona. But it is a comfortable and not that far away, and features fun amenities like barbecues and an indoor pool.
The Grand Canyon is truly one of the wonders of the world, and it makes for a great motor home holiday.
