Guest Post

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.

June 2, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Are You Road-Ready? Emergency Preparedness Tips for RVers

If you’re traveling by RV — especially if it’s a permanent lifestyle — it’s easy to feel like you’re insulated from the world. You’ve basically got your home all around you wherever you go.

But there’s still a lot that can go wrong, from mechanical problems to bad weather (and the combination, if you’ve got a leaky roof) that can leave you stuck on the road, or worse, if you aren’t prepared. Here are some ways to make sure you are.

Know the Weather Forecast

Keep an eye on the forecast both before and during your trip to be sure you’re not driving into the kind of weather that can play havoc with an RV. Download a good weather app (and keep your smartphone charged) to monitor the immediate and long-term forecast. Enter all your destinations before you leave, so you can keep track of changes as you go.

Be aware that different kinds of weather can cause different kinds of problems.

Wind

Most RVs are higher off the ground than cars, which means they have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to swaying in high winds. At best, you’ll have to constantly correct your steering to compensate for the wind and keep from swerving into the next lane — or off the road. Worst, in extremely high winds, an RV can even flip onto its side.

Cold

Just like the pipes in your house, the pipes in your RV can freeze. Check to see whether your RV has a heated water duct system. Also, look for antifreeze for drinking water systems (not the kind you put in your engine!) that are made specifically for RVs.

Also be sure to pack a well-insulated, water-resistant jacket, plus gloves, a hat, scarf, water-resistant boots, and a mummy bag in the event your heat stops working.

Snow

Check to be sure your headlights are working before you head into any potentially snowy weather. Take along an ice scraper, snow brush, and tire chains. If you get stuck, you’ll need a warm blanket and possibly handwarmers.

For the bigger picture, it’s a good idea to have a portable generator installed onboard. Even if you’re heading toward a warmer destination, a backup power source can serve you well at campgrounds that allow them.

Rain

Frayed or streaky windshield wipers are the last thing you need heading into a rainstorm. You’ll also want to inspect the roof for leaks and your tires for traction (more on both below). Don’t try to drive through significant flooding; your RV may be higher off the ground, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get stuck and stall out in standing or running water.

Check Your Tires

There’s more weight riding on an RV’s tires than on car tires, so it’s important to give them the attention they deserve. Check the tire pressure regularly and tighten the lug nuts before you go out on the road.

If you only use your RV periodically, having it sit stationary for long periods with the tires in the same position can cause deflation. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and inflate them to that level, and move the RV periodically to prevent flat spots or uneven wear.

Something else to watch for: Tire pressure changes with the weather, dropping 1 to 2 pounds per square inch for every 10 degrees cooler it gets outside. Take along your own tire gauge or, better yet, install a pressure monitoring system that can alert you to problems early on. Best option: a system that monitors both tire pressure and heat.

Before you leave, check for signs of wear on your tire tread and look for bulges or cracks in your sidewalls. Tire blowouts cause 200 deaths and 11,000 accidents per year, and when a tire blows, controlling an RV is even harder than controlling a car.

Perform Preventative Maintenance

Just like a car, an RV needs to have the oil changed regularly. If you use your RV frequently, that typically means every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. But if you don’t, and your RV sits in storage for long periods, then consider changing the oil with the change of seasons.

Also, check the brakes to make sure they’re lubricated and the brake pads aren’t overworn. And if you need a tuneup or filter changes, be sure to see a trusted mechanic.

Inspect Your Roof

There’s more at stake with a roof inspection than just keeping water from dripping onto your head while you’re trying to sleep. If water gets through your roof and into the inner ceiling panels, it can cause lots of damage that can cascade into more problems. The resulting repairs can run into the thousands of dollars if you don’t stay on top of it.

Check the seams around the edges, skylights, and AC unit for leaks, and use a sealant to patch any cracks you find. This inspection and upkeep should be done three to four times a year.

Stay Connected

An internet connection is vital, whether you’re working remotely from your RV or just want to be sure you can contact someone in case of an emergency. You may or may not be in range of a cell tower at any given point on your route, so it’s worthwhile to purchase a cellular signal or Wi-Fi booster.

You should also be sure to pack an extra cell phone charger to keep your communications juiced, just in case. Furthermore, an external battery or portable power supply can ensure your essentials stay powered on. Just make sure you keep it charged.

Pack a tool kit

A roadside emergency kit probably seems like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to take along a tool kit as well. After all, you’re driving around in your house. Include items like pliers, screwdrivers (both flat and Phillips-head), Allen wrenches, a ratchet and socket set, wire cutters, electrical and duct tape, a flashlight, and a utility knife or multipurpose tool.

In the event of an emergency that leaves you stranded, you should also have a backup supply of non-perishable food and water. If you take medication or have a pet, make sure to pack extra medicine and pet food.

There are plenty of things to keep in mind before you hit the road, and this is just a partial list. (We didn’t even touch on fire safety!). But this should give you an idea of how much prep work you have to do before departing. Take heart, though: The fun you can have will make all the effort more than worth it.

Guest Post by Molly Barnes, a full-time digital nomad, exploring and working remotely in different cities in the US. She and her boyfriend Jacob created the website Digital Nomad Life to share their journey and help others to pursue a nomadic lifestyle.

Sharing is Caring! Feel free to share this post on social media or save the image below to Pinterest.

Follow these tips to stay safe in your RV. Emergency Preparedness can go a long way to ensuring you are ready in case the worst happens.

February 3, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

6 Tips for Safe and Stress Free Road Tripping

A lot of things changed in 2020, thanks to the pandemic. Residents across the country were advised to stay home and forgo travel. But if you’re a full-time RV traveler, staying home meant staying on the road. And if you’re a recreational traveler, you might have considered that RV travel is the safest way to do it.

Plan for your next RV road trip with these pro tips.

As we head into 2021, that dynamic is still with us. As longtime travelers, we’ve had plenty of time to explore strategies for getting the most out of our RV experience while changing up our lifestyle to meet the challenges of our time. We hope you find them useful as you embark on your own adventures.

Chart a new course

The longer you’re on the road, the more places you’ll have seen. It’s fun to revisit places you’ve been before, but it’s also fun to get off the beaten track and find hidden gems you might have missed. Check out some of the more isolated campgrounds; they’ll be less crowded, which is better for social distancing.

Or take things a step further: Have a family member join you in a four-wheel-drive. He or she can spend the nights in the RV, then you can go off-roading to even more remote destinations. You can’t get much more socially distanced than that. But it’s a good idea to learn to drive a stick-shift first.

Be prepared

Even more than when you’re traveling by car, you need to be sure you have emergency gear on board in case you need it. Of course, you’ll need the standard tool kit, along with jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, antifreeze, and motor oil.

But you’ll also need specialized supplies on the road like an electrical management system, tire pressure monitor, air compressor, sewer valve, hand vac, water purifier, and jack pads. As far as electronic devices go, don’t forget backup cellphone chargers, WiFi and cellphone signal boosters, and a two-way radio. Take a paper map, too, in case you’re out of range of all satellite systems.

And in the current environment, be sure to stock a kit of health and safety items, like hand sanitizer, face masks, rubbing alcohol, and disinfecting wipes.

Go big or go home

Actually, if you’re in an RV, you are going big already, so you need to adjust your driving habits accordingly. If you’re new to this lifestyle, be aware that size matters, whether you’re on the road or in a campground. You’ll need to know where (and whether) your RV is allowed on the road.

Maximum heights and lengths vary by jurisdiction, so know what’s legal before you cross that state line. Not sure whether you’ve got enough clearance to get under that bridge? Best not to test it. Also, be sure you’re aware of other RV restrictions: Some places, for instance, require that you have special weight-distribution hitches, sway control, or independent braking systems.

Create an itinerary

Even if — or especially if — you’re always on the road, you need to think and plan ahead to the conditions you could encounter next. Download a weather app so you know what road conditions and potential detours you might be facing soon. If possible, plot out your stops ahead of time, and decide where you’ll be staying.

RV campgrounds are available across the United States. Follow these tips to find campgrounds along your chosen route, but be sure you know what each has to offer. Rules may vary, too (some, for example, don’t allow you to bring in firewood), so be familiar with them before you stop.

And look for alternatives: For example, Walmart doesn’t offer hookups, but it does allow RV users to use most of its parking lot. (You’ll need permission from the manager first.) Many RVers prefer retail establishments that close at night like Cracker Barrel or Cabela’s to allow for a quieter night’s sleep.

Secure the home front

If you’re not a full-time road-tripper, you’ll need to be sure your home base is safe and secure before you get going. Chances are, you’ll be gone for a while, so make sure your house is protected from intruders. Deadbolt locks are always a good idea; so are outdoor sensor lights and indoor lights that turn on automatically at night.

Not all threats come from the outside, though. It’s also important to protect your home from problems that can arise when you least expect them. If your pipes freeze when you’re gone, or something goes wrong with one of your major appliances, you’ll want to know you’re protected. A home warranty can do the trick by covering the cost of repairs to your essential systems.

Be financially prepared

An RV is a big investment, and the time you take to explore is a major commitment. As with any other major investment, you need to make sure you’re financially prepared — which includes different budgeting and funding factors for RV travel.

You’ll need to increase your fuel budget, for example. Your gas mileage will be significantly less than what you get in a car, so calculate it and adjust your projected costs accordingly. (Gas prices also vary a lot by state, so factor that in, too.) Another thing to consider: Diesel RVs tend to be more fuel-efficient. Look for strategies to save on RV travel.

Then there’s RV insurance. Many insurers offer a reduced rate for their coverage when the RV is in storage. And you’ll want to have enough money budgeted for a long trip with possible detours, souvenirs, and weather-related mishaps. Beyond that, make sure you have an emergency savings fund as a backup just in case you need it.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re living on the road, but planning and preparation beforehand can make your experience much more enjoyable. Do plenty of research and make a checklist to be sure you don’t forget anything. Then you can hit the road with the knowledge that a great time lies ahead.