 Warmer weather across Texas is all the incentive many of us need to load up the RV and take to the open road in search of fun and adventure. In spite of spiraling fuel prices, RV adventuring still offers many benefits, especially to traveling families.
And it's no secret that many more Texans are beginning to recognize those benefits. First time RV sales continue to rise in Texas. The preowned RV market is in pretty good shape. And you don't have to look any further than the traffic on the open roads to know there are more RVers than ever before.
But regardless whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or a new comer to the sport, it never hurts to hear what others have to say about the joys and the - well - problems of RV life.
We've heard from good-intentioned readers, have searched through books and magazines and Web sites, and have compiled a list of general RV tips and tricks that could make your life on the road a lot easier. Scour the short list below to gain valuable tips from RV users, or drop us a line with a tip you think would help others better enjoy the RV life. Happy Travel!
 I have a toolbox in my truck making it hard to see the hitch for backing on to the pin. I use a strip of contrasting electrical tape on the front of my coach and another that lines up with it on my truck box. I also tried a laser pointer on the inside of the cab pointing at the point just above the hitch. But my kids found this new toy fascinating and I had to go low tech. But it did work great while I had it.
Put moth balls near the propane lines of the water heater and refrigerator. This will deter spiders.
I buy the gallon jug of pump up bug spray from Wal-Mart and when I get to my campsite and get set up I spray my tires, stabilizer jacks and winch on my trailer. That way when I leave I don't take any local ants or roaches with us.
To protect your RV's plumbing, use a water pressure regulator when connected to any water source.
I have found a product to help me wash my RV without having to dry it. It will dry spot and streak free. No more hand drying all that surface area. www.crspotless.com.
Use an auto battery charger to charge your batteries.
This year prior to storage I took a box of Bounce dryer sheets and placed individual sheets in locations that I thought would make ideal "winter homes" for the rodents. I have been told many times that this is the way to eliminating these pesty buggers.
Have quarters available for unexpected events such as meter parking, coin-operated showers, laundry, tolls etc.
To conserve gray-water holding tank space, turn water off when shampooing and soaping up in the shower. Don't run water while you are brushing your teeth.
When we get ready to leave the campground in the morning and our tank is empty we fill it about 2/3 full of water and drop in a couple bags of ice. The ice will beat the nastys off the sides as you travel. Then be sure to dump it as soon as you stop that evening.
Also to conserve gray-water holding tank space, use dishpans to wash and rinse dishes. When finished, pour water down toilet into the black-water holding tank.
With humid weather it is easy to get a mildew smell in your unit when it sits closed up for a period of time. But if you place trays of charcoal around, and open the closed areas (cabinets, closets, & storage compartments). Place small trays everywhere, the smell will be absorbed or never start.
To avoid odors and blockages, keep black-water holding tank value closed. Maintain adequate water level. Empty only when the tank is at least 1/2 full.
To avoid blowouts, tire damage and to optimize gas mileage, maintain proper tire pressure. Should be checked often.
We bought some cheap "zip lock" plastic containers, punched some small holes in them, then filled them with moth balls. We put them in the bays in our 5th wheel - especially near the front jack stands, and it seems to help keep ants and bugs out of the RV.
Use a plug-in voltage meter to monitor amps. Despite your rig's abilities, you can only use up to the amps available from the source.
Always drain the black-water holding tank first. Then drain the gray-water. This helps to clean out your hose.
Use comet cleanser with BLEACH to stop ants from entering your RV or campsite. Also a small amount of Vaseline around any entry points into your RV will stop them from actually entering.
Use your generator to operate the roof air conditioner instead of the dash A/C. It cools your rig down quicker. Your vehicle's engine will not get so hot and it will run more efficiently.
Use an outside sediment water filter on any water source. You won't believe what you'll find when you clean it out!
Get a carbon monoxide detector. Replace the batteries regularly. Make sure your smoke detector works also. A couple of fire extinguisher are a must.
Clean off the top of your slide-outs before closing them up.
Don't forget to change the oil in your generator.
When backing up a trailer, put your hand on the bottom of the vehicle's steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go.
Before hitting the road, take one last walk around and through your RV to make sure you have put everything away properly.
Be sure your awning is securely fastened before you travel.
Call to check for RV size restrictions at campgrounds before you get there. Particularly sites at state and national parks and also older private campgrounds.
Use Velcro tape for hanging and fastening things in your RV
When boondocking, use inverters to convert DC power into AC power.
Use quiet generators when necessary as an alternative power source. Be considerate of others.
Save power by using fluorescent lights.
Consider using solar panels to generate your power needs.
Use paper plates and paper cups to save on dishwashing.
To conserve power, run the water heater only when necessary.
RV furnaces use a lot of power. To conserve your power supply, lower the heater temperature, wear warmer clothing and use an extra blanket.
Park your RV in shady locations and use your awning to keep it cooler inside.
Put screenwire in your rubber bumper plugs to prevent bees from nesting.
Fabric softener sheets placed in drawers, closets, and other strategic locations in an RV prevents musty odors and that "closed up" smell
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