RVers do their best to be on the level

Leveling your rig when you move to a new campground is one of the common chores of RVing. Being level is important for older model RV refrigerators and the newer models appreciate being level as well. When I’m able to choose my own campsite I look for one that appears level. I use the word “appears” because in my experience looks are deceiving when it comes to the concept of “flat.” I always seem to spend longer than I anticipated getting my coach into a fairly level position.

My eyeballs are not calibrated for flatness so I rely on an old fashioned bubble level even though my RV is equipped with a computerized self leveling system. Seems my leveling computer is just as confused as I am when it comes to “flat.” I don’t feel so bad though, because for most of human history our ancestors thought the world was “flat.” Apparently they didn’t have a big enough level.

Because of my ancestral genetic defect of being judgment impaired when it comes to “flat” I carry extra lumber for leveling. You should only have to elevate two wheels either on the port (driver side) or starboard (passenger side) or forward and aft. When camping at a lake or seashore you will be on a natural slope and you will need to level your wheels depending on how you are oriented to the water. For heavier RVs I recommend using hard wood for leveling. The plastic leveling blocks that look like ginormous Lego blocks really only work on very light RVs. When you think you have your RV level you can preform the following tests. If you crack an egg into the skillet and it oozes down to one corner you’re not level. Assuming your plumbing system is working and you find yourself standing in three inches of water while showering you’re not level. If you turn on the water to brush your teeth and the stream slants two inches to one side you’re not level. If every time you open the refrigerator stuff slides out you either have too much stuff in there or you’re not level. When you shut the pocket door and is creeps back out you’re not level. If you drop the toilet paper and it rolls all the way to the front of the RV you're not level. The most telling sign you're not level is when you walk through your coach like you’re in the “Mystery House.”

Honestly, I probably haven’t ever achieved absolute “level” in any RV I’ve owned over the years. I feel better now that I’ve leveled with you. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Generators Sprout Legs and Leave the Campground

RV Boondocking is much more enjoyable with a generator. These portable light weight Honda generators are great for recharging the batteries and making a fresh pot of coffee. Many folks chain these to their rigs thinking that it will deter thieves. While I was dry camping at Hi Jolly BLM campground in Quartzite a fellow camper came home one afternoon to discover his generator had grown legs. Thieves routinely target these small units because they sell fast and are worth a lot more than say a stolen stereo. In this case the thieves had bolt cutters and the generator that was chained to the tree was set free. If you stow your generator where they can't see it you stand a better chance of keeping it. Another guy was saying something about rigging explosives to his generator. I'm not sure what came of that idea. You could also make a more sturdy storage container, but I suggest you use one of those fancy guarded locks that are next to impossible for bolt cutters to break. Law enforcement recommends engraving your name and phone number several places on the unit as they frequently find these lost generators when they bust unsuspecting thieves. Bringing you the shocking news of generator rustling - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Stay Warmer While Staying Put

RV-One is on it’s way to Quartzsite, Arizona today so I’ve posted this for your reading pleasure. Whether your RV is a travel trailer, 5th wheel or motorhome it’s a pain to move it when you’re set up to stay a while. You’ve got the awnings deployed and secured, patio mats nailed down complete with flower pots and lights. Your patio furniture is set up, the ladder out, your bikes off the mount, windshield covers on, the blue-boy under the coach and, well you get the picture. Now, you discover you’ve run out of propane. If you have reasonable access to the propane cylinders you can easily remove them and take them in for refill without dragging along the RV. Most motorhomes don't have removable LP cylinders so they either have to drive to the propane or have it delivered to their site. Many RV parks allow propane dealers to bring their trucks through their parks to service motorhomes. If, however you are out of reach of this kind of service, you’ll need an extended stay propane kit. This kit costs about $75 dollars and comes with a tee and a five foot length of extension hose. (Google “RV extended stay LP kit” and you’ll find many vendors). Bill Cook from Waupaca, Wisconsin was my RV neighbor this past week. He uses this extended stay setup and reports that when temperatures have been hovering around 30 degrees at night, he gets about 13 days of propane use out of his extra seven gallon LP tank. Bill mounted the extended stay tee between the regulator and the motorhome LP tank. He rigged a long bolt to lift and brace the regulator to line up with the tee and the motorhome LP tank valve fitting. You can also add additional tanks using extra LP pigtails. The tee has screw-in plugs to secure the openings for travel. This tee will also allow you to hook up additional LP devices. For instance you can purchase an additional hose with fittings to operate a BBQ, lantern or stove. Just connect it to the tee and you’re ready to go. With this system you can also use an external large capacity tank. Propane distributors will sell or rent these if you need one for a longer stay. Often State Parks and RV Parks offer the use of these tanks to their work-campers as part of their contract. Helping you expand your gas capacity - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Tip for RVing in the High Desert

We’re RVing in the high desert of Southern California (Edwards Air Force Base to be exact). When the sun goes down out here so does the temperature. Early this morning I was reminded we’re camping in Test Pilot heaven as I was awakened by a sonic boom. Ahhh, the smell of jet fuel in the morning just makes my day! I must apologize for my tardiness in my daily blog, I ran into an electrical problem in my coach that put a crimp in my computer time. I lost the power in all my 110 electric plugs in the front of my coach which means more troubleshooting for the Professor tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s your tip for RVing in cold climates. Take along a few lengths of pipe insulation to use on your water hose. It was 26 degrees the other night and my water continued to flow. In the high desert pipe insulation is usually enough to keep your water flowing. Some folks let the water faucet run at a slight trickle during the night to keep warmer water flowing through their hoses. I don’t particularly like this idea because the water will either fill your tank (if the valve is closed) or freeze in your flexible sewer hose. So, I opt for the insulation route and avoid both problems. The insulation is split and all you have to do is open it and slip in the hose. In the high desert the sun comes out and warms everything up and thaws any ice that might have formed during the night. In colder climates where above ground water pipes stay frozen all day, I recommend using electric heat tape along with pipe insulation. In a couple days we'll be heading for warmer digs. Chillin’ in the high desert - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Carry More Stuff With Roof Cargo Systems

Many singers recorded the song, "Up On the Roof" but they weren't singing about RV rooftop cargo systems. If you tow a vehicle behind your motorhome or pull a travel trailer with a SUV or truck with a camper shell you're in luck because now you can carry more toys with Yakima's cargo hauling systems. Turn your factory mounted cargo rack into a gear hauling machine by adding "MightyMounts" to your existing rack and configure loads any way you need them. You can carry one or two bicycles and a kayak or two depending on the size of your vehicle. There are many combinations available from clamshell type carriers, canoe mounts, cargo baskets, and bicycle carriers. If your car or truck camper shell doesn't have a factory installed cargo rack Yakima has one that'll work for you. Yakima builds quality products that will last.I like the new "SprocketRocket" fork mount bike racks that have solid wheel wells with quick release bindings and security locks. Whatever the sport or application when it comes to roof mounted cargo hauling, Yakima has what you need. Check out their products here: Yakima. Rummor has it they're coming out with a "Mother-in-Law" carrier - won't that be handy. Staying on top of things - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

This is Not your Typical RV Bumper Junk

I’ve seen all kinds of paraphernalia strapped on the backs of RVs. Everything from boats to wash tubs. This is important stuff and what could be more important than a barbecue? The problem with most BBQ’s that RVers use is that they're just too small for a full fledged tail gate party. For that you need a Big Daddy BBQ and there really isn’t a convenient place to store one on the typical RV. So, for those of you thinking about building a “rack on the back” for such a purpose, let me show you what a fellow RVer has done. He has a heavy BBQ so he purchased a Blue Ox carrying rack and attached it to the back of his motorhome. You can also set this up so you’ll still be able to tow a car. The rack comes with a slide out ramp which he uses to roll the BBQ into position. A 12 volt electric wench attaches to the BBQ frame which was beefed up and equipped with larger wheels. He uses ratchet tie down straps to secure the the unit to the frame. I like how he uses his BBQ cover with the “spider web” truck bed elastic chord. This is a great way to bring your BBQ appliance with you on the road. Nothing beats good BBQ especially when you're RVing. Keeping the ideas rolling your way - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Fly Old Glory Over Their Rigs

RVers are proud of their countries and love to display the flags of their respective countries on their rigs. Canadians proudly fly the Maple Leaf and U.S. citizens proudly fly the Stars and Stripes in every RV park and campground I visit. Today, the 4th of July, marks the independence of the United States and is cause for us to celebrate and wave our flags wherever we are. U.S. RVers are typically very patriotic (and rightly so – what a great country where we are free to roam in our RVs wherever we like). We have many different ways to display our flags. One of the most popular is the telescoping flag pole that can fit into a receiver hitch.These flag poles can also fit into a “wheel stand” where you use your RV tire as an anchor for the pole holder. This RVer uses his 5th wheel king pin stabilizer jack to anchor his "wheel stand" pole holder. Another way RVers display their flags is to use a smaller version that attaches to the rig and holds up to three small flags.However you choose to display the flag make sure you take some time and reflect on what it stands and appreciate the freedom it represents. God Bless America! Jim

When the Temperature Climbs, RVers Adapt

RVers are flexible folk who readily adapt to climate changes. Global warming? No problem for us, we just rig our RV’s according to the weather. Here’s an example of some tactics that many RVers use to keep cool. We attach a sun-shade over our windshield that allows us to see out while keeping the heat at bay. The use of a reflector screen in the windshield not only gives one privacy, but also helps keep the coach cooler. The awning with the added sunshade is an excellent way to keep the temperature down inside your coach and it makes for comfortable outside living as well. Also notice that reflective material is used on the side window of the coach next door to keep out the hot morning sun. We frequently use an oscillating fan and when it gets too hot, we give in and turn on the air conditioners. You can always go for a swim or run through the sprinklers and don’t forget about that tall glass of ice water. And finally, if the weather doesn't suit our liking, we just take our RV’s to a more accommodating climate. The mountains are a great place to enjoy cool evenings and the ocean beach with its constant refreshing breeze are places that come to mind. Whatever type of weather you like you can drive to it with your RV and once there take full advantage by rigging appropriately. Jim