# I got a new RV - now what? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 26, 2017, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328 "2017-09-26T02:54:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/21 "2017-09-26T17:16:52Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Come pick me up. I’m super over everything right now. No shit. Me too. Right now I’m wishing I had not sold my VW Vanagon Westfalia a few years back. A couple of weeks off from work, and me and the doggies on the road sounds good right about now. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/22 "2017-09-26T17:57:52Z")
[QUOTE=Sunny Daze;20499540Is meth production common at campgrounds? :dubious:[/QUOTE] Nah, that’s what we’ll be doing at your house while you’re gone. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/23 "2017-09-26T18:18:52Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > If you don’t mind, you report back to us in a few months with a detailed report. Then we can compare data. Ha! [del]it’s all for me[/del] I shall, of course, be apprising the authorities as needed. > [@Chefguy](#): > > They’re all RVs, whether a trailer (like the OP) or a motor home. > > As for recommendations: > > 1. Get a [water pressure regulator](http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/valterra-lead-free-brass-standard-water-regulator/49509) for those times you connect to shore water. They’re cheap, screw onto the end of your connection hose, and will prevent your pipe joints from coming apart under too-high water pressure. Cheap insurance. > > 2. We carry bottled water for drinking. On board fresh water tanks can be breeding grounds for bacteria or algae, and I don’t always trust campground water for anything other than washing dishes or bodies. That said, you can purchase inline water filters. > > 3. If you can manage it, don’t use your RV toilet for solid waste, and ONLY use RV toilet paper, which will disintegrate. Solid waste has a habit of building up, even though you dump your tanks regularly. We use campground toilets for poop. If you DO use the RV toilet for this purpose, make sure you clean it out as thoroughly as you can. Many RVs have a backflush feature, which can help. > > 4. When the RV is being left unused, leave the refrigerator door ajar to prevent mold growth. > > 5. Go over your rig every spring to check for damage or wear, especially any caulked joints (although I don’t think Airstreams have many problems with that). > > 6. Since you are towing, you should have both a “wheels up” and “wheels down” checklist for setting up and taking down your campsite. For a trailer, you’ll need to raise or lower the front support, chock or unchock your wheels, connect runaway chains, etc. Once you have the routine down, you likely won’t need the lists. Also, always do a walk around of the rig prior to leaving your campsite: check the tires, make sure your roof vents are closed, lights and reflectors are clean, etc. > > 7. People **HATE** driving behind an RV. As a result, they will do stupid things like pulling out in front of you without regard for the fact that it takes considerable distance to stop a heavier vehicle. Or they will attempt to pass in dangerous areas. Always assume that people will do the dumbest thing possible… Keep a keen eye out for other cars entering the roadway, and keep your distance from whomever is in front of you. I highly recommend getting “west coaster” (extension) mirrors if your towing vehicle doesn’t have them. Good information. We have a reverse osmosis filtration system on board. Do you think that will cover it, or do you still recommend bottled water? > [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Come pick me up. I’m super over everything right now. > [@leftfield6](#): > > No shit. Me too. > > Right now I’m wishing I had not sold my VW Vanagon Westfalia a few years back. A couple of weeks off from work, and me and the doggies on the road sounds good right about now. Kids are in school right now, but hang on until next Summer and we can set up a Doper caravan. 😃 > [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Nah, that’s what we’ll be doing at your house while you’re gone. :mad:😛 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/24 "2017-09-26T18:51:02Z")
How many [Cracker Barrels have you visited?](http://people.com/food/ray-wilma-yoder-cracker-barrel-couple/) If not many, maybe you need to get crackin’!! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/25 "2017-09-26T20:35:36Z")
You can get paid to go on vacation. My folks did this for more 20 years. It’s called [workamping](http://workampingjobs.com/). Basically you work a seasonal job in a tourist town for a resort or a business or a park. They’ll pay for your hook-up and pay you wages, and you have time off to explore the area. My folks did this in Alaska, New England, and the West. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/26 "2017-09-26T20:59:54Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > Good information. We have a reverse osmosis filtration system on board. Do you think that will cover it, or do you still recommend bottled water? That should do it. While we’re on the subject of water, you should clean out your fresh water tank every spring. Drain it, fill with fresh water, add 1/4 cup of bleach for each 15 gallons of water, let sit for a couple of days, pump some through your sink faucets. Drain the tank, fill it, drain it again and you’re good to go. You should also replace the water heater anode periodically. I do it every year, but check on recommendations. You can buy them on Amazon. It’s a relatively simple job, but you need a big enough socket to remove it. I don’t know where you live, but if you have harsh winters, you’ll need to get the rig winterized. I live in a moderate climate, but we get occasional periods of below-freezing weather. Rather than do a full winterization, I just pour some RV antifreeze into the drains, drain the water heater, and disconnect the negative battery terminal on the truck. You probably have a battery disconnect switch in your trailer, but be aware that batteries can freeze, which can ruin them. I leave the fresh water tank full in case of an emergency of any sort, but you don’t want to do that in harsh climates. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/27 "2017-09-26T21:38:22Z")
I live just south of you. 🙂 We have an on demand water heater. I’ll look into winterizing it. Would adding some septic tank enzymes help the black water tank or would that be a bad idea? Unrelated (I hope), what about the idea of using a crock pot in an RV? OK to leave it running while we’re out and about and come back to dinner? I don’t know how much time the unit will be unoccupied, now that I think of it. My mother-in-law will be living in it several months a year. (Whole 'other thread.) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/28 "2017-09-26T22:43:36Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I live just south of you. 🙂 > > We have an on demand water heater. I’ll look into winterizing it. > > Would adding some septic tank enzymes help the black water tank or would that be a bad idea? > > Unrelated (I hope), what about the idea of using a crock pot in an RV? OK to leave it running while we’re out and about and come back to dinner? > > I don’t know how much time the unit will be unoccupied, now that I think of it. My mother-in-law will be living in it several months a year. (Whole 'other thread.) Don’t know about the enzymes. You can go to your nearest Camping World and ask them, or go to an RV forum such as Good Sam. I only ever put the deodorizing tabs (or liquid) in the tank after dumping. I’m not sure if they assist with decomposing waste or not. Speaking of Good Sam, members get discounts at participating private parks and at Camping World, but they will hound you relentlessly for their roadside assistance insurance. I would check to see if your regular insurance covers that sort of thing. They also have extended warranty policies for your appliances, etc. I don’t think it’s worth it, although RV appliances are really expensive. I had to replace the toilet this year because of a water leak and it was $500 with the labor. Be aware that RV appliances fail catastrophically: they aren’t designed so that you can replace bits and pieces of them. :rolleyes: Leaving a crockpot on should be just fine, IMO. If it makes you nervous, you could carry a ceramic tile with you to set it on. Oh, one other thing: if you’re camping in the mountains or during late fall when nights get chilly, I’d highly recommend a small electric heater. The typical RV heater fan is noisy enough to keep you awake at night, unless someone has come up with a better idea for them. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/29 "2017-09-26T23:37:55Z")
I thought you were moving to England. What’s up with that? ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2017, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/30 "2017-09-26T23:47:58Z")
I describe moving to England as being like Schrodinger’s Cat. It exists and it doesn’t exist. We’re living life on parallel tracks right now. My husband’s company has pushed the move out until next Summer. It may happen. It may not. I’d have a beer at the mere thought, but we’re out. Maybe a gin and tonic. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2017, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/31 "2017-09-27T04:24:43Z")
When is your first outing? ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2017, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/32 "2017-09-27T10:14:13Z")
Are you or SO familiar with towing? If not, tell us about the tow vehicle and what type of hitch, weight distribution, and sway control you have. [This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siVH_cr5ZnE) is what happens with insufficient sway control when encountering the “bow wave” from a semi (about 0:50 in the video). Note: I realize this is a much larger trailer than yours, but it is still a concern depending on your tow vehicle and it’s size relative to the camper. We’re experienced RV-ers, and here are some of our tips to make things a little easier. Fires. Tinder and matches are for merit badges. We toss a bag of Match-Light charcoal into the fire ring, light it, and pile the logs on top. You’ll have a nice fire in about 20 minutes with no hassle. Picnic Tables: A plastic tablecloth with bungee cords is a good idea. We also keep all our outside utensils in a cheap Walmart tacklebox. The top tray is good for lighters, matches, lantern mantles, etc. The bottom holds the forks/knives/spoons/etc. You can leave it on the table and close it against bugs/weather. Noisemaker/fan: A small battery powered fan or noisemaker might be a good idea. If you’re dry camping (no hookups) at places like the North Rim, you may find it’s a little too quiet, and every little noise from your neighbors keeps you awake. We’ve found these to be a godsend in certain situations. Leveling blocks: I don’t know about Airstreams, but most RV fridges need to be pretty level, and a lot of campgrounds aren’t. I use [these](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lynx-Levelers-10-Pack-RV-Leveling-Blocks-with-Nylon-Storage-Case/16778427?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017563098&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40839546032&wl4=aud-310687321802:pla-78652664432&wl5=9027283&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=16778427&wl13=&veh=sem) but you could just use wood blocks if you wish. They can level the wheels, or sometimes are used when a leveling jack on one corner can’t extend all the way to the ground (some of the best camping isn’t in level RV lots). Wheel chocks: You’ll find that your camper shifts around a lot as people walk thru. Even on level ground you need a way to “lock” the wheels. I messed around for years with types of wheel blocks and finally bought a pair of [these](https://image.sportsmansguide.com/adimgs/l/1/157910m2_ts.jpg). I don’t have to move the rig back and forth to get it firm against chocks any more. Once I’m set, I just put these in place and tighten them with the wrench. It stops all the movement. Best of luck to you, I hope you enjoy it as much as we have. My wife and I bought our first camper in 1981, and we’re still enjoying it. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2017, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/33 "2017-09-27T15:12:01Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > When is your first outing? This coming weekend looks like rain, so probably the weekend after (fingers crossed on the rain). Hoping to get a few short trips in before rain becomes a daily event. **Pullin** thank you for the suggestions. As far as towing, I have a few thousand miles under my belt, but none configured exactly this way (different tow vehicles, different trailers). I’m hoping the skills transfer. I’m also prepared to use that nice, empty fairground lot to do a little driving tune up. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/34 "2017-09-27T22:44:38Z")
Have a good trip. We’re headed out for our annual trip to the coast next week: Bandon (fish and chips and other stuff), Newport (jazz festival). ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2017, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/35 "2017-09-27T23:04:46Z")
We are thinking Newport for our first trip, but I think we’ll miss you by a week. We pick up the RV this Saturday, so our first trip will be the following weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/36 "2017-09-28T03:35:49Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > We are thinking Newport for our first trip, but I think we’ll miss you by a week. We pick up the RV this Saturday, so our first trip will be the following weekend. That’s a good, easy shakedown cruise. Enjoy and report back! We always stay in the South Beach campground south of the bridge. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328/37 "2017-09-28T03:59:35Z")
Replace the hubs. Carry a spare tire. Both will fail if old. And you are welcome to crash at/near my place. I’ll cook you dinner and beer you up. Ted is waiting! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-a-new-rv-now-what/797328.md?page=1)