September 16, 2022 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

RV Travelers: How to Read Books While Saving Space and Weight in Your RV

Do you love to read books but don’t want to sacrifice any of the space in your RV? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to save on weight so you can travel even further without worrying about overloading your RV. In either case, we have some great solutions for you! In this article, we will discuss four different ways to read books while on the road including an option for those who simply must have a hard copy book in their hand. The options for ebooks include the public library, Libby (Overdrive), and Amazon Kindle. This is a very important topic for us since Julie and I read over 100 books a year combined. We simply had to find ways to keep the reading habit alive while not overloading the RV with paper books, and we think we have come upon the best solutions.

Join the Public Library

Public libraries are great resources for books because they offer a large selection of titles at no cost. While everyone knows that you can check out traditional bound books from their local library, not nearly as many know that you can get ebooks for free too. All you need is a library card, which can be obtained at your local library branch. By local, we mean where you have your domicile or home base address. Once you get the card, you don’t have to return to check out books.

Back when I was a kid, we actually had to go to the library to check out a book, read a newspaper, or browse the latest periodicals. That is not true of today’s library. We have a home in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Our local library is 30 minutes away. Luckily, I have only had to go there one time to get a library card to have access to the digital content. All libraries will differ slightly in the e-content that is offered, but all will have some type of digital database to check out electronic books. Many libraries will also have databases for audiobooks, music, movies, educational programs, and periodicals.

The database most libraries use is Libby by Overdrive. Libby is a great option for those who want to read or listen to books without leaving their RV. Libby is an app and computer program that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your public library. If you have ever used Overdrive in the past, Libby is now its headliner.

All you need to browse for books is a valid library card. Once you have that, you can go to the website or app and connect to your library’s licensed content to browse the selection and borrow titles that interest you. Many of the books are in the Kindle format, so it is easy to read them through your Kindle app or Kindle device, such as the Kindle Paperwhite we will discuss later. Best of all, Libby automatically returns your books when they’re due, eliminating the worry about late fees!

Amazon Kindle Store

If you are not a member of a public library, the Amazon Kindle store is a great option for finding ebooks that you can purchase. Kindle offers a wide selection of books, both digital and physical.

For ebooks, Kindle also has a feature called Kindle Unlimited, which gives you unlimited access to over one million titles for a monthly fee. A subscription to Kindle Unlimited allows you to borrow from a large selection of digital books without due dates. As of the publishing of this article, a Kindle Unlimited subscription costs $9.99 a month, with the ability to cancel anytime, but you can start with a 30-day free trial to see if you like the selection. Unlimited is great for those who want to have access to a large selection of books without having to buy them all individually. We like this because you have the ability to read a lot of books for one low price. You can even read our book, Full-Time RV Finance, for free on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase a paperback copy on Amazon.

The other good thing about Kindle versus the library is that it is easy to get the newest books without waiting. If there is a title you are extremely excited to read, but it is not available through the library, the chances are good that you can get the e-version right away from the Kindle store. We do not like to spend a lot of money on books, but I will purchase a couple of ebooks per year at the Kindle store just because I really want to read them, and they are not available through the public library. Julie has a Kindle Unlimited membership and frequently uses it to read books unavailable through our local library.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

The device we are currently using for our digital books is the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. For many years, Julie and I both read on iPads. Julie had the iPad Mini, and I had a standard iPad. There were two problems with the iPad for us: one is that it is not as lightweight as the Kindle readers and the other is that it is hard to read in bright outdoor lighting situations. For those who want the best reading experience possible, we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the way to go.

The Kindle Paperwhite has a high-resolution display that makes text look crisp and clear. It also has built-in lights so you can read in any environment, even if there’s no natural light. The lighting is different than that found on an iPad, and it seems to me that it causes less eye fatigue allowing for longer reading sessions. The Kindle Paperwhite only weighs 6.4 ounces, which is very light. Best of all, the Kindle Paperwhite is very portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Finally, the Kindle Paperwhite has a battery life of up to six weeks, so you can read for hours without worrying about running out of power. I end up charging mine about once a month. Plus, the Kindle Paperwhite charges quickly, so you can get back to reading in no time.

Audiobooks

For those long driving days, an interesting or captivating audiobook is a great way to make the time go by faster. If you enjoy reading, this is a great alternative for when you need your eyes for other tasks but still want to get that reading fix satisfied. Julie and I listen to audiobooks on our road trips, and it’s a great way to pass the time together while venturing to our next location. I was driving up the east coast yesterday and listened to one of the books in the series that the show Longmire is based on.

There are many ways that you can get audiobooks. First, you can purchase them from online retailers such as Audible (Amazon audiobook site). If you’d prefer to save money and check them out from your online library, you can so via the Libby app. Either way, you can listen to them on your phone, tablet, or other devices.

There is a great debate on whether or not audiobooks count as reading. I think it does. You are still using the parts of your brain that form images based on the words. Also, your imagination is working just as the same as if you are actually reading the words. If you are a non-fiction fan, it is a great way to learn new things while cruising down the road.

Need Paper in Your Hand?

For many lifelong readers, there is simply no substitute for having a traditionally bound book in your hand. If this describes you, don’t worry, there are still options that are suitable to traveling. Obviously you can still check out books from your local library if you’re going on a short trip, but what about extended or full-time travel?

In that case, we have two suggestions. The first is a leave one, take one display. We see these at most campgrounds, usually in the laundry room or the community center if they have one. There are also over 150,000 Little Free Libraries in towns around the world operating on the same concept: Take a book, share a book. You can find one near your current location by going to the Little Free Library website and clicking “search near me.”

A final option is to visit a used bookstore. These are also easy to find and they offer inexpensive used books. In addition, they often will accept your used books, typically for in-store credit that you can use to turn around and purchase new books.

Community for Book Lovers

Joining online book clubs and sites like Goodreads are two great ways to connect with other readers, discuss books, and get recommendations for new books to read.

Online book clubs are forums where people can come together and discuss books that they have read. A couple of great places to find them is on meetup.com or bookclub.com. Goodreads is a social networking site for book lovers. It allows you to create a profile, track the books that you are reading, and see what your friends are reading. You can also join groups based on your interests and connect with other readers who share your love of books.

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to read books while saving space and weight in your RV. Do you have any tips that we didn’t mention? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!

No matter what your pleasures are, there’s a solution for you. So don’t wait any longer. Start RVing and reading today!

July 27, 2022 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

How to Save on Food While Camping

Are you seeking some clever ideas for inexpensive camping meals? After all, when you’re having fun in the great outdoors with friends and family, there’s no need to spend a fortune on meals.

Camping is one of the most affordable vacation activities if you’re smart about it. Instead of waiting in line to get some overpriced burgers near the campground, you can prepare something beforehand, save money, and enjoy the RV camping vibe.

Man making a fire to cook at the campground

Once you go through this short guide, you will be able to freely focus on taking pictures of the beautiful scenery around you with your new iPhone equipped with some of the best eco-friendly and sustainable wooden cases that fit the unique, natural camping vibe, have fun with your family and be worry less about how much money you’re going to spend on food and whether you should eat it or out while camping.

To put all that together, here are some inexpensive dining options you might wish to try, whether camping or traveling in a recreational vehicle. All the affordable, simple meals and tips listed below are suitable for people of any age, so let’s take a look!

Prepare Ahead For Cheap Dining

While convenience foods may seem like a good option, they can get very expensive. The key to eating well on less is planning. Follow these tips for eating healthy and saving money on travel days. For eating well at the campground, plan a menu in advance. This will allow you to shop at home ahead of time, which can be a huge money saver because you know where the best deals are. And if you’re thinking, who wants to cook on vacation, save time as well by creating meals with overlapping ingredients to reduce time over the stove. I created the Cooking at the Campground digital download just for this purpose. It comes with quick, easy, and delicious recipes for 3 full days at the campground, as well as a pantry packing list and tips for making use of your small space.

Another way to make cooking at the campground more enjoyable is to grill outside so you can hang out around the campfire where the action is. And you don’t have to make things from scratch at the campsite. Simply prepare a handful of your preferred recipes beforehand, then chill or freeze them. For example, chili, stew, beef for Sloppy Joes, and other reasonably priced items can be frozen and warmed on a grill or over an open campfire.

Before your next camping trip, watch out for bargains on hamburger buns and loaves of bread to use with your prepared meals. While the bread is still warm, freeze it, and then defrost it as you travel. Then, without spending a fortune or spending a lot of your holiday time in the kitchen, you’ll be able to savor some delicious meals.

Campground Sandwiches

Sandwiches can make excellent, inexpensive camping and travel day meals that are incredibly reasonable and don’t need to be cooked. Bring a loaf of bread or some baguettes and your preferred sandwich fixings, like peanut butter, deli meat, veggies, and condiments.

Stock up on the items you prefer to use to prepare sandwiches when they are on sale. Deli meat can be frozen until you are ready to leave for your trip. When grilling, consider throwing an extra chicken breast on to have grilled sandwiches the next day or to chop up for chicken salad sandwiches. Use hummus or guacamole to give your sandwich extra verve!

Charcuterie Boards

When camping it’s fantastic to have options for no-cook meals. You might be too worn out or too hot after a day of hiking or fishing for cooking. In addition, there are instances when you want something that is quick and requires no cleanup. Charcuterie boards are perfect for this and you can prep everything in advance, so when it’s time to eat, all you need to do is assemble it.

Here are a few tips for creating a delectable charcuterie board:

Choose a variety of proteins like meats, cheeses, hummus, and nuts. Meats can include cured meats like salami or prosciutto, while cheeses can range from soft cheeses like Brie to hard cheeses like Parmesan.
Vegetables and fruits round out the meal. Choose items that don’t require much prep like cherry tomatoes and grapes.
A charcuterie board is not complete without some tasty accompaniments. Common accompaniments include mustard, honey, avocado, and olives.
Finally, include some crackers or bread (even better include both).

Don’t Forget About Drinks, Snacks, and Desserts

Drinks, snacks, and desserts can easily bust any budget. Save yourself from the temptation of purchasing these at convenience stores by planning ahead. Pre-cut vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower in advance and pair them with your favorite dip when you get hungry. Fruit is another option that you can keep at the campsite and you don’t have to worry about refrigeration. These peanut butter and jelly bites are my favorite snack. They’re so good, they could even be considered dessert. Smores are obviously a quintessential camping dessert and you can get creative with them. I like to add sliced raspberries or butterscotch syrup to mine. For drinks, water is obviously the simplest and healthiest option. If you don’t want it plain, grab some flavor additives like Mio at the grocery store. Bring refillable bottles to take your own drinks when you go out exploring.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it’s possible to eat well while camping without spending a fortune. Always remember that camping is primarily about having fun and breaking up your routine, so be adaptable and inventive.

July 4, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV

Tire blowouts can be more common on RVs than on “standard” vehicles for three reasons:

RVs typically carry more weight than cars. Additional weight puts more stress on tires.
RVs are often used for long journeys. This can cause a buildup of heat, and therefore pressure, in tires.
The variation of terrain that RVs are often driven on (sometimes in a single day) means that matching the right terrain with the vehicle can be challenging.

Since tire blowouts can be disastrous, particularly if they happen somewhere remote, here are the ways that you can reduce the chances of your RV (motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer) suffering a tire blowout.

Do not overload your vehicle

The more weight put on your tires, the more likely they are to fail.

While RVs are designed to carry more “additional weight” (weight that is not built into the vehicle itself) than a standard car, there are still limits to what any vehicle can carry before its tires become prone to blowing out.

You can discover the maximum weight that your RV can safely carry in its vehicle manual. The figure that you want to look at is the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This refers to the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can carry including passengers and cargo.

If you are worried that your vehicle is overweight, then you can weigh it at a truck weighing station. These tend to be dotted along highways. A quick Google search should show you your nearest one.

Ensure that your tires are fully inflated

Underinflation is the most common cause of tire blowouts.

Typically, vehicles lose 2 PSI of tire pressure for every 1,000 miles traveled. This can be higher for RVs since they are heavier than most other vehicles.

It’s generally recommended that you should check your tire pressure every 30 days. If you’re traveling long distances most days then this should be done weekly. You can obviously check the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge, but for regular RV travelers, we highly recommend a tire pressure monitoring system. This will automatically warn you when your tires fall below their recommended inflation levels. At 25% underinflation, your tires are twice as likely to suffer a blowout as they are if they are fully inflated, so an automatic pressure monitoring system is well worth the investment.

Watch the video below of our tire pressure monitoring system.

You can usually inflate your tires at most gas stations, but it can get a little tricky with a large RV. We recommend purchasing a VIAIR Compressor to keep with your RV. That way you’ll have it with you no matter where you are, in a campground, boondocking, or on the road. If you know that your tires need inflation, it may be worth calling up nearby gas stations on your planned route to find out if they offer this. Google Map profiles are not always updated that regularly and are therefore unreliable for finding out this information.

The only time that you might want to be riding on underinflated tires is if you are driving on dirt or grass roads. Underinflated tires offer you a bit more give when it comes to bumps, and therefore can protect your suspension on unpaved roads. That being said, this should only be done if you are driving on off-road tires.

Take regular breaks to avoid overheating your tires

As you drive on tires, the friction causes the inside of the tire to heat up. This causes the pressure in the tire to increase.

If this pressure builds up too far, then tires can literally “burst” on the road.

Tires are designed to be able to withstand pressure above their recommended inflation levels, so overheating to the point of blowing out can only happen in a few, relatively rare, circumstances. These are:

Driving at a high speed (over 70 MPH) for more than four hours straight.
If a tire has been driven off-road for more than one hour (far more friction is generated during off road driving).
If you are traveling during a hot day (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Taking a one-hour break can allow your tires to cool off to the point where they can be safely driven on without risk of a blowout if you ever find yourself in one of these two circumstances.

Choose the correct tires for your terrain

Different tires are designed for driving on different terrains. If tires are driven on the wrong terrain, then they can cause too much friction which can lead to shredding, burning or blowing out.

Here is a quick list of the best tire to use depending on the terrain that you will be planning to drive on:

If you are planning on driving almost exclusively on freeways then go for low rolling resistance tires. These offer the least amount of grip necessary for driving on these types of roads, thereby reducing the friction which can contribute to blowouts.
If you are driving off road, then use 10-12 ply tires. These tires have additional layers that make them more durable when being driven on uneven surfaces.
If you are driving on a combination of terrains then go for all-terrain tires.

Watch out for signs of dry rot in your RV’s tires

Over time, tires lose their moisture and become dry and brittle. Tires in these conditions are more prone to blowouts due to reduced elasticity.

The dry rotting process is sped up when tires are not driven on for an extended period of time. It is therefore particularly prone to happening in RVs that you only use in certain seasons every year.

Signs of dry rotting include:

Developing a greyish colour that does not come off when tires are cleaned
Visible cracks appearing on the tread and sidewall of the tire
Tires becoming very hard to the touch and losing their “rubberiness”.

If you notice this, then take your RV to the mechanic to get your tires checked out. Early-stage dry rot is treatable, but after a certain level of degradation, you will need to replace your tires.

Dry rot is more common in hotter climates, so be more vigilant of this during summer.

Summary

You have a lot riding on your tires. Don’t take unnecessary risks with your lives or belongings. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and the tips in this article to ensure your tires are in tip-top shape.