RV travel with pets allows you to take your beloved family member along with you! Not having to put them in a boarding facility where they may pick up diseases, not to mention bad habits, is a good reason to bring them along.
But, this takes a little preparedness so that when you hop aboard to hit the road, you have everything needed to make your dog welcome where ever you may stay.
Our RVing Kids
It does not matter whether you RV is a travel trailer or a motorcoach; the same campground pet rules apply. For RV travel with pets to be enjoyable, the most important thing to remember is that not everyone appreciates pets, nor wants to have them running around their RV site leaving a “special package” that may not be picked up by the owner. Remember that how you travel with your pet will determine if RV parks will continue to allow pets.
So what can you do to be sure traveling with pets continues to be something we can continue to enjoy?
Here’re a couple of tips you can use:
When you book your RV site be sure to notify the RV park that you have a pet and that you would prefer to be near the doggy area and among other pet owners. That way you are not offending anyone by having to walk a long way to the pet area and have your dog relieve himself on some non-dog owners site.
These folks don’t understand and get very upset. They usually complain to park management and make it more difficult for park owners to consider continuing to allowing pets.
Be sure your pet is vaccinated for the area you may be going to. If traveling a long distance from home, the necessary vaccines may be different than at home, depending on what region of the country you are in.
We recently traveled 1,100 miles north of our current location and did not think about ticks in the area we visited. It was a big problem for local pets, and we had to be very careful with our dog to be sure she did not pick up a tick!
When parked at your site, don’t leave your dog outside and unattended to bark at passers by. If you are leaving the park, be sure to take the dog with you, unless he can be quiet in the RV without barking the whole time you are gone.
We have found our furry kids like their soft dog crates during travel, and when we are not taking them along on a short trip away from the RV, they are happy to stay in them while we are gone.
Be sure to exercise your dog so that they don’t become bored and become destructive. When walking around designated areas of the park, be sure to carry bags to pick up after your dog.
Do not leave the fecal matter for someone else to deal with. This is becoming a huge problem these days as lazy dog owners are not picking up the poop! That is the fastest way for an RV park to change the pet policy to “not allowed.”
There are many other minor aspects to traveling with pets, but these are some of the major issues that offend RV park owners and other campers. Pam and I have been enjoying the full time RV living lifestyle with our pets for years.
Also, as workcampers, we have worked with management in the different parks we stayed at. Pet issues are becoming a big problem. Only diligence by RVing pet owners will keep RV parks continuing to have a “pets allowed” policy.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you agree with this post!
There’s nothing more disheartening than hearing a story like this: a child touches an RV and is killed by electrocution! How can you die from touching an RV that is plugged into an electrical source? The condition is called RV hot skin, and I would like to share a few thoughts that might help you to identify whether this condition exists in your RV.
The story of this boy is sad and could have been avoided if someone had noticed that touching the RV gave a tingling sensation. Have you ever touched a live wire and felt that? We usually live to tell about it because we may have been wearing shoes, or were isolated from the ground in some way, and the electricity did not have a chance to travel through your body back to the ground.
Since the child was barefoot, and from what I heard, on wet grass, when he touched the RV, electricity was able to travel through the RV frame, through the boy’s body and back to the ground. Doing so was severe enough in this case to kill him. The final determination was that the RV was plugged into an improperly wired receptacle.
You may not notice this condition in an RV as it is a big metal box that makes contact with the ground via rubber tires. You can plug it in and not notice that it is electrically charged with anywhere from thirty to one hundred and twenty volts until a connection is made between a body part and the ground. Electricity is always seeking a path back to the ground. You want to be sure you are not that path!
Recent Hot Skin Test on a Truck Camper
In working at campgrounds, I have come across numerous cases of RV hot skin conditions. Since I have worked maintenance positions, we were the first folks that got called to assist guests with this tingling sensation.
Fortunately, in the cases I was involved in nobody got killed, but several folks suffered pains that lasted for days. They always assumed it was the park power that caused the issue, but it in the parks I have worked in it was always the RV that created the problem.
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?
Okay, what would cause this? Let’s say you bring your RV home from a trip, drain the water system but leave it plugged in to keep the battery system charged. But, what if you forget to turn off the electric water heater?
So there is your water heater without water in the tank, yet the heating element is still trying to electrically heat the water that is not there. It will not take too long for the element to burn out!
Then, the next time you decide to take your RV out, and you refill and activate the water system, the heating element is no longer a sealed component in the water tank. Now it will have the opportunity to pass electrical current through the water in the tank to the RV frame that the water heater is attached to.
So, when you get to an RV park and plug into the power pedestal, you have now energized the RV frame and all the metal components attached to it. Any time you touch a metal surface that is linked to the RV’s frame you will sense a tingling sensation depending on the amount of voltage that is passing through to the frame. I have seen voltage readings of anywhere from thirty volts on up to one hundred and twenty volts when testing for an RV hot skin.
Hot water heaters have not been the only thing I have seen energize an RV: I have seen AC units send voltage through the RV, and I have seen the Dometic and Norcold fridges also create this condition. Some RV parks can create this condition due to a reverse polarity condition in the electrical pedestal.
That is why an electrical management system is so important! Improper grounding can also create a difference in voltage potential between the RV and the earth around it. Once diagnosed I always recommend folks call a reliable RV tech to fix the problem.
The condition can also be created by wires rubbing against the frame due to vibration during travel. Once the wire insulation is worn away, and the conductor is exposed to the metal frame, current can pass through the RV along any path that may lead to ground. And it could be you!
A friend shared a story of some folks that had an RV dealership install a new 120v fixture in their RV. While doing so, the technician reversed the ground and neutral connection. Now, with that new connection made, the electricity was trying to use the RV to get back to ground instead of the intended grounding system. Once the RV owner touched, the light switch problems arose. Serious injury was avoided, but a lawsuit did arise from the situation.
The only way to be sure you don’t have electricity going to places it should not go is to test with a volt meter. You can use a volt pen, but if the voltage is below forty volts, most volt pens will not show any reading. A volt meter is best to test metal surfaces of the RV to see if the voltage is trying to get back to the ground.
Recent Case Study!
Here is an example of a recent test done on a truck camper. These types of RV’s can have a direct connection to the earth via their landing legs. These legs help to stabilize the unit once a campsite is reached.
In this particular case, we were doing a training session on hot skin testing and noticed we did have a small amount of voltage being read around the leveling legs and RV rear door. One, in particular, read the largest voltage at 1 – 1.2 volts. Now this is nothing to be too concerned about, but conditions can change, and this could turn into a problem.
Upon further investigation, it was noted that the voltage dissipated the farther we got from the rear curbside leveling leg. It was also noted that the ground was wet due to the roof AC dripping in this spot. Once the red lead of the voltmeter was placed directly into the nearby ground, instead of in contact with the leveling leg, the same voltage was observed.
So, in this case, it was not the RV that was the problem, but ground voltage was traveling up from the wet area, through the wet plywood the owner had placed below the landing leg’s base, through the metal frame and to the rest of the RV. Once ground contact was removed from the leveling leg, the voltage reading was zero.
Plywood is not the best thing to use in this case! When wet it becomes a conductor! RV supply stores sell the heavy duty plastic pieces that are designed for just this application. My concern here for the owner, in this scenario, would be in a thunderstorm. What if a bolt of lightening struck an object near the RV? This could have been a bad situation!
HOW CAN YOU SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
Once you have tested your RV and found this condition, it is easy to isolate the problematic circuit. If you turn off all breakers inside the RV, and one at a time turn each one on, you can test to see if voltage energizes the RV’s skin.
Do this for each breaker: turn it on, test for hot skin voltage, turn it off, try the next breaker till you getting a voltage reading. Do this by contacting something like the RV’s door handle with one lead of the voltmeter, and the other lead to a good ground source.
Of course, if you test your RV with all electrical sources engaged, and you have no hot skin condition, you don’t have to worry about it. But, conditions can change so always be aware that this can happen at any time. It does not matter if it’s the 12-volt system or the 120-volt system. Either can cause serious injury. It’s not the volts that kill you, but the amps. And it takes very little to affect the heart!
So, please be aware of this situation! Pay attention to your RV and what it is telling you! If you do, you will always be safe and able to continue to enjoy the RV lifestyle.
If you are uncomfortable with this whole procedure, you can call a qualified RV inspector. That person can do a complete analysis of your entire RV to determine if there are any RV safety issues that need to be addressed.
Please leave comments if you enjoyed the information and found it useful!!
Blessings, Howard and Pam
Update – Thanks to Mike Sokol of noshockzone.org for stopping by! He placed a comment which I have moderated through so you can see his comments and make your determinations as to the content of my article.
My experience with these situations comes from years of working with many RV’s in RV parks, and the techs that wound up fixing the problems. I can only draw my conclusions from those experiences and relationships with RV technicians and trainers. Thanks again Mike! We all want to see people enjoy safe RV travels, hence my involvement in the industry. It was an unfortunate situation that drove me to share my experiences here!
An RV fire is something I hope you don’t ever have to deal with, especially when one is a full time RVer! For those that are traveling either part or full time in our homes on wheels, an RV fire can ruin a vacation, possibly create injury, could lead to financial loss or even death in the worst case scenario! RV fires are the leading cause of motorhome loss for the millions of them that are on the road.
Class a Motor Home Fire
So what are some of the RV fire causes? What are some of the most common hazards that you need to be aware of in order to avoid losing your home on wheels?
5th Wheel Fire at a Campground
The Main Causes of Fire While the RV is in Motion!
There are two concerns while the RV is moving and that is the engine compartment and the areas around the tires and axles.
The Main Causes of Fire While the RV is Parked!
There are two concerns while the RV is parked and those are the RV type refrigerators and electrical issues concerning electrical shorts and faulty wiring.
Let’s look a little further into these and other causes!
A pinhole-sized leak in a radiator or heater hose can spray antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol concentrate and water. When the water boils off, the remaining ethylene glycol can self-ignite at 782 degrees F. During your monthly fire inspection, check all hoses for firmness, clamp tightness, and signs of leaking.
Rubber fuel lines are commonly used to connect metal lines to the electronic fuel injection system, or to the carburetor in older coaches. Check all the lines and connections between the fuel tank and the engine on a monthly basis. If there is any sign of a leak, have the lines replaced and the entire system inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
A hard-working engine manifold can get as hot as 900 degrees F. The heavy insulation in the compartment reflects the heat back to the top of the engine, and a fire can easily break out. Inspect your radiator and have any problems repaired by a qualified person as soon as possible.
RV Engine Fire
Grease, oil, and road dust build up on the engine and transmission, making them run hotter. The grime itself usually doesn’t burn, but if combined with a fuel leak or short-circuited wire, a fire could start. Keep your coach’s underpinnings clean, and it will run cooler, more economically, and longer.
Be sure you have the latest update for your Norcold or Dometic refrigerator! You need to have the latest high temperature cut off switch installed. You can go to the manufacturer site to verify if your upgrade has been installed. Also, be sure you have good ventilation through the outside vents. 12-volt cooling fans can be installed to help the unit run more efficiently.
A dragging brake can create enough friction to ignite a tire or brake fluid. Some of the worst fires are those caused when one tire of a dual or tandem pair goes flat, scuffs, and ignites long before the driver feels any change in handling. At each stop, give tires at least an eyeball check. When tires are cool, tap your duals with a club and listen for a difference in sound from one tire to the next. You can often tell if one is going soft.
RV Fire Causes: Trailer Brakes Rub and Start a Fire!
Driving with propane on can add to the danger if you are involved in an accident or have a fire. Most refrigerators will keep food cold or frozen for eight hours without running while you travel. Shut the propane off at the tank.
If you store your coach, be sure to check the flue before starting your refrigerator on propane. Birds and insects can build nests and clog the flue, causing a fire or excess carbon monoxide to enter your coach.
Batteries produce explosive gasses. Keep flame, cigarettes, and sparks away. Be sure your battery compartment is properly vented. Keep vent caps tight and level. Check your battery monthly. Replace swollen batteries immediately. Use extreme care when handling batteries, they can explode.
Have any wiring in your coach done by a capable electrician, and use common sense in using any electrical aid. Check all 12-volt connections before and after every trip. Most coach fires are caused by a 12-volt short.
Be sure to be using an electrical management system for your RV! Never plug your shore power cord into an RV park pedestal without knowing if the electricity you are receiving is what your RV needs. You must check out this post for more information on this!
Gasoline and propane can pose an immediate, explosive danger. Though diesel fuel is less volatile, it dissipates more slowly, so it remains a danger longer. Deal at once with any leaks or spills, and use all fuels in an adequately vented area.
Even if the flame on your galley stove goes out, gas continues to flow and could result in an explosion. A stove should never be left unattended or used to heat your coach. Open propane flames release high levels of carbon monoxide.
In a compact galley, all combustibles, from paper towels to curtains, are apt to be closer to the stove, so use even more caution in your coach than you do at home. A box of baking soda, the ingredient in powder extinguishers, can be used in lieu of a fire extinguisher for minor galley flare-ups.
Develop a plan of action before a fire occurs.
It can happen anywhere!
Make sure all travelers know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it. Test your smoke detector regularly.
Have at least two escape routes: one in the front and one in the rear of the coach. As soon as they’re old enough, teach children to open hatches and emergency exits.
Review with everyone the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” rule so they know what to do when clothing is on fire.
Make sure visitors can open the front door. Not all manufacturers use the same lock and latch assembly.
Choose a rallying point where everyone will meet immediately after escaping, so everyone can be accounted for.
Show travelers how to unhook electricity (screw-on cords can be tricky) and how to close propane valves, in case either of these measures is called for.
Practice unhooking your tow vehicle as quickly as possible to avoid spreading the fire to other vehicles.
Re-emphasize to everyone aboard that objects can be replaced, people can’t. Never stay behind or re-enter a burning coach to retrieve anything.
There are plenty of fire and life safety tools that can save lives, but for them to be effective, they must be in working condition and you must know how to use them properly.
You should have three fire extinguishers for your coach, one in the galley, one in the bedroom, and one outside of the coach in an unlocked compartment or in your tow vehicle. Make sure family members know how to use the extinguishers and understand which extinguishers are effective on various fires.
During your monthly inspection, check the fire extinguisher gauge to determine if there is pressure in the extinguisher. If the gauge indicates empty or needs charging, replace or recharge the extinguisher immediately. To test non-gauged extinguishers, push the plunger indicator (usually green or black) down. If it does not come back up, the extinguisher has no pressure to expel its contents. If you need help testing your fire extinguishers, check with your local fire department.
Do not pull the pin and expel the contents to test your powder extinguisher. If you use a portion of the powder extinguisher, have it refilled or replaced immediately. When you have a fire extinguisher refilled, ask to shoot off the charge first (most refill stations have a special place where this can be done safely). This lets you see how far it shoots and how long a charge lasts.
Invert and shake your dry-powder or dry-chemical extinguisher monthly to loosen the powder. The jarring of the coach does not loosen the powder; in fact, it packs the powder, which may make your extinguisher ineffective.
Deadly, invisible, odorless CO usually results from exhaust leaks or misuse of heating devices. Be sure to put your CO detector in the bedroom. The proper location is on the ceiling or an inside wall, at least eight inches from the ceiling and at least four feet from the floor.
Liquid petroleum gas, like gasoline fumes, tends to pool in low spots in the coach until a spark sets it off. Newer motorhomes are equipped with an automatic shut-off for when its sensor detects an LPG leak. If you have a leak, be sure to shut the propane off at the tank.
The first rule of RV firefighting is to save lives first and property second. Get yourself and your family to safety before attempting to extinguish a fire. Only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others should you use firefighting aids on that are on hand.
Get help. Adults and older children should know how to dial 911 or 0, and how to get emergency help on any CB, VHF, or ham radio available.
It’s crucial to know your location so firefighters can find you.
If you have a quick-disconnect fitting on your water hookup, these hoses can be unhooked instantly to fight a fire. If a nearby coach is burning and you cannot move your coach but can safely stay close enough to keep it hosed down, you may be able to save it.
Thanks to Mac McCoy for this information! He has served 33 years in the fire service. Mac has taught civilians, military, firefighters and law enforcement firefighting skills and techniques in the United States and abroad.
Here’s wishing you happy and safe travels!! Howard and Pam
An RV surge protector is designed to assist you when plugging your RV into an unknown power source such as an RV park, a storage unit, a friends home, etc. The RV surge protector is designed to analyze the power source for a proper ground and neutral, not have reverse polarity issues, and no high or low voltage issues.
Once the power source checks out the RV surge protector lets 120-volt power through to the RV. While plugged in it also monitors for changing conditions like surges and high/low voltage issues.
You can carry a voltage meter as I see some do, but that does not protect you as conditions change while the RV is plugged into its power source. And yes, they do change all the time! So, the best solution I have discovered is a portable electrical management system: an RV surge protector. It is that, and so much more!
How does an RV surge protector work? Well, the same as they do on your electronics at home. The only difference is that this device can be plugged into the power pedestal at your RV site. They also come in a kit that you can direct wire to your main power feed. They are available in both 50 and 30 amp models.
You plug your RV’s power cord into the RV surge protector and flip the breaker on. It will take a few minutes while it checks the incoming power source for proper voltage, frequency, grounding, neutral condition, and reverse polarity. It monitors power conditions constantly so that if something changes, the unit cuts power to the RV, thereby protecting your expensive electrical items.
What Could Be Ruined Due to Improper RV Electrical Power Supply?
AC units at $600 to $1,200 each
RV refrigerators at $2,200 to $4,500
Televisions at $250 to $1,000 each
Other entertainment components
Blown control boards on RV appliances . . .
The list goes on!
There have been many times that my unit has shut my power down because of a problem. When it does so it flashes an error code to let me know the fault condition.
When RV parks reach full capacity, the quality of electrical power tends to diminish. One older park we stayed at had mostly RVers that were in 30 amp trailers and they used every bit of 30 amps! The condition they created was a drain on one leg of my 50 amp service. The voltage would drop below 104 volts during peak usage. That condition can ruin appliances like refrigerators and AC units. What the RV surge protector unit does is cut the power till the condition improves. Most times I just notify the park management and they fix the problem.
A few summers ago we were staying in an RV park during the hot days of August. The temperatures were in the upper nineties and our ac units were running non-stop. In the middle of the afternoon, the power went out – yikes! Not a good time to be without power! I checked the unit and the error code was for low voltage. The power returned shortly but the breaker was extremely hot. We called park management and they replaced the breaker. It was failing! Had it not been for the RV surge protector unit’s notification, who knows what would have happened? I suspect some burnt wires and perhaps even an electrical fire.
If you travel in an RV there is no question you need to use one of these devices! It will pay for itself over and over again! RV park electrical power is known to be one of the worst sources of RV electricity. From my experience, the reason this is true is that it’s maintained by park owners and work campers who are not qualified to be working on the electrical system.
The unit I currently use has been repaired four times because the power source we plugged into was bad. It basically blew out the internal circuitry. Better that than my RV electronics! If this happens while the unit is under warranty, the manufacturer will repair or replace it!
Let me tell you another recent story! We were in the panhandle of Florida during some heavy spring rains. In a matter of less than a twenty-four hour period, we received almost two feet of rain. There was major flooding, including my RV site. The electrical pedestal was mostly underwater with my RV surge protector plugged into it. After the waters receded, the unit was basically still working, but giving faulty readings. I called the manufacturer and they told me to send it in and they would fix it. I have been using the same once since 2009!
I rest assured that when I travel I don’t have to worry about the electrical power being supplied to my valuable RV electrical items! So no, I don’t think anyone should be without one, especially if you are enjoying the full time RV living lifestyle!
RV Surge Protector Update
The technology is changing with these RV surge protectors! For years it has been that once you plug in the unit it takes a few minutes for the unit to let power pass through to the RV.
So, if the unit shuts down power for a suspected problem, like low voltage, it will take a few minutes to turn the power back on once the condition is corrected. That can be a bummer if you are in the middle of your Sunday afternoon football game!
The new Surge Guard unit now only takes ten seconds! As one who has been using once since 2009, I really appreciate this new advancement in the technology!
Just a brief remark on the quality of the Surge Guard. They are owned by a company called Southwire. They are the largest producer of electrical cabling in North America. The only conclusion I can draw from that is that they know a few things about electricity!
All of the cabling and plugs on these new Surge Guard units are designed by Southwire and what is used in most electrical industries. These Surge Guard units are built with a high degree of quality and precision!
Is it possible for your RV to suddenly develop an open neutral condition somewhere between the plug and the electrical panel inside? This could really create a problem!
Now the problem is solved with this new RV surge protector model! These are the only 30 and 50 amp units on the market providing this level of protection.
The current brands and models that you can buy only detect issues with the incoming power. The new Surge Guard detects open neutral conditions inside the RV. It also protects against elevated ground currents from inside the RV.
Open neutral conditions or elevated voltage issues are more common that you may realize. Issues involving poor connections in a junction box, a transfer switch, or from the main breaker could cause serious problems for the RV! Road vibrations can cause a myriad of issues to the electrical systems of an RV.
The RV owner using this Surge Guard model is not only protected from the power going into the RV but also protected from the power that is being consumed inside the RV.
A few other things that have been added to this next generation of RV surge protector is the increased brass thickness in the units receptacle plugin. This helps to better reduce heat. Without this upgrade, the brass blade receivers can become loose and develop a poor connection with the RV shore power cord.
There is also a locking ring that can be used to secure the unit to the RV park’s electrical pedestal that can accept a cable lock or chain to protect the device from walking off.
There appears to be no doubt that the Surge Guard company has the highest level of RV electrical protection on the market! With 4,200 joules of protection, it is the new standard in the industry. Its closest competitor is only rated at 3,580 joules!
Please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!
Blessings, Howard and Pam
PS – The folks at TechnoRV, Eric, and Tami Johnson, have the best customer service and prices on these units! Feel free that you can buy with confidence from these folks!!
With the advent of the newer and cheaper flat screen led TV’s, it has made it easy to upgrade those older TV’s in your used RV. A do-it-yourself RV TV mount is a fairly easy thing to do to replace that old style analog tv.
You can also get rid of the converter box and create extra storage too! Plus an RV flat screen TV has a far better picture and takes advantage of latest technologies which can be enjoyed by the avid television viewer.
When we purchased our 2006 RV in 2008, it had the older style TV in the bedroom and living area. The one in the living room must have weighed 150 pounds. I had one heck of a time getting it out of its cabinet that the manufacturer had installed it in. But it had to go!
Even in 2008, the picture was not even close to a comparable LCD TV. So I got an idea to solve the problem and gain extra storage space. I also figured I got rid of an extra 100 hundred pounds between the two old TV’s.
Original Old Style Living Room TV
So, here is what I did! I removed the retaining straps that were holding the TV’s in their cabinets and took the TV’s out. I was able to find some folks who were willing to buy them cheap to use in their shop areas. I hate to throw stuff out that works, so I was glad to make a few bucks and have someone else be able to use them.
What I discovered once I had the TV’s out was a nice storage area that could be utilized if I just had a door to cover the front of each cabinet. The living room cabinet was large enough to put shelves in to hold DVD’s, or other items.
Original Old Style Bedroom TV
Let’s look at the living room modification first. I built out a framing box inside the cabinet to have something to attach to my new cabinet door. Towards the back of the cabinet, I made two shelves to contain smaller items which keep them in place while moving.
I created a door out of some 3/4″ thick oak veneer board. The finish in my RV is similar so once clear coated it matched fairly well.
Living Room TV Storage Cabinet
To secure the door to my new oak framing, I used a piano hinge. It is very robust and allows for good door movement. To ensure the door closed, I used a heavy duty cabinet door lock. It has worked well, and the new LED TV has a far superior picture to the old Panasonic flat screen.
New RV Flat Screen TV
While I am sitting in the back of the RV, I can also angle the TV out from the cabinet for better viewing.
For the bedroom, I did a similar thing. Since the opening was smaller, I was able to use a matching cabinet door for the RV flat screen TV. All I had to do was add a small piece of oak trim on the top and bottom of the opening to customize the modification. Once again a piano hinge worked well to allow for smooth and secure access to the new storage area.
New Bedroom RV Flat Screen TV
Bedroom TV Door and Hinge
With the addition of a cabinet pull and a sliding door lock at the bottom of the new door, it is held securely in place during travel! It looks like it came from the RV manufacturer this way.
I hope this was helpful and perhaps gave you an idea of something you can do yourself to add an RV flat screen TV and also create a little more storage area. For those who enjoy full time RV living, extra storage space is a wonderful thing!
Please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!
Is it really necessary to weigh your RV? If you keep the tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended value, won’t that do? Let me suggest what could happen if you are wrong. If you put more weight in an RV then you thought you were actually carrying, and the tires are not set at the correct pressure for that load, or you are overloaded, this is what can happen:
Tire failures
Reduced handling capacity
Possible breakdowns
Increased stopping distance
Increased tire wear
Suspension component wear
More fuel used
Possible sway in crosswinds
And …. Increased Driver Fatigue!!
It is extremely important to get this right or you could suffer any one of these issues, if not multiple items. To weigh an RV is a simple thing, and very important! To know the load on each tire is the only way to be able to set the motorized RV tires at the correct tire pressure.
Can you guess and get close?
Yes, you can. If you know what the RV weighs empty (it comes from the manufacturer with a weight sticker), and you load it based on the weight of each item you bring on board or group of items, then you can get pretty close to the weight that is placed on each tire. But that is a pretty laborious task! Wouldn’t it be easier to take it to an appropriate facility and get it right?
Pilot/Flying J Scales
I can tell you from experience that when you load an RV for travel: you put all your clothes, kitchen items, cleaning items, tools, toys, etc. inside, it is entirely possible to have hundreds of more pounds of weight on one side of the RV than the other side. Is this a good idea? Well, you can as long as it does not look like it is leaning to one side. But then the most important thing to do is set the tire pressure accordingly. As much as possible it is best to balance the load! But, you can only do that once you weigh your RV!
So, where can you get this done?
Pilot/Flying J truck stops have certified truck scales that can help to determine axle weights. Even some weigh stations along the highway are willing to help with this task. But, for an RV, given its load variations due to tanks, fuel, and owners personal possessions, it is much better to weigh each tire to determine exact loads. Once you have that information you can adjust for each RV trip thereafter.
If you are riding on ST tires, tire pressure is much easier to address. They are inflated to the manufacturer’s maximum suggested pressure. But, it is still recommended that you know what load is on each of the trailer’s tires!
Each Tire Being Weighed
There are services that use individual tire scales that can accomplish the task of measuring the weight placed on each of an RV’s tires! They are very accurate and provide a printed weight sheet. Individual wheel weights are necessary to identify and resolve side-to-side balance and tire loading issues. Once you know these values you can set your tire pressure, for each tire, based on the load it is carrying. This is so important for traveling safely while on the road in your motorized RV!
Driving a Motor Home onto a Tire Scale
Most times I have found these folks at RV shows, RV sales and service centers, and mobile folks who just offer this service. Check locally with your RV dealer. If that does not work, do a Google search for RV tire weighing services, or something close to that phrase. You should be able to find someone near you, or perhaps near where you will be traveling to.
As a side note let me add some information about the liquids onboard an RV. To help in your calculations, here are the approximate weights of the liquids RV’s can carry: water weighs 8.3 lbs/gallon, gasoline weighs 6 lbs/gallon, diesel fuel weighs 6.6 lbs/gallon, and propane weighs 4.5 lbs/gallon.
These can add up fast, especially if you are traveling with a full freshwater tank: in a trailer with a 75-gallon tank, that can add 623 extra pounds. That may be needed if you are boondocking, but not if traveling from campground to campground. A quarter of a tank of fresh water will do!
Okay, I think you get the idea!
Please take tire safety seriously! Like the commercial says: “a lot is riding on your tires!”
Howard and Pam wish you safe and joyous travels!
Please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!
What is the best 5th wheel RV for you? Pam and I get asked that question a lot as we travel about. People see ours and wonder why we chose the one we did, and what would work best for them?
There are so many 5th wheel makes models and price points! It is a huge task to decide on one that will work best for you! Perhaps we can share some information that will help.
2005 Freightliner Sportchassis and 2006 Newmar Kountry Aire
First, What Is a 5th Wheel RV?
There are several classes of RV’s out there: Class A Motorhomes (bus style) Class B’s (converted vans) Class C’s (Class C motorhomes are generally constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is similar to a truck, with a bunk above, plus a rear bedroom) Travel trailers (a trailer pulled behind an appropriate tow vehicle) And . . . 5th Wheels
What Makes a 5th Wheel RV a 5th Wheel?
Actually, there is no 5th wheel at all. It is a hitch that ties the RV, which normally has four tires, to the tow vehicle. That is typically a pickup truck designed to handle the weight of the pin that will be placed on the tow vehicles hitch. The hitch allows the 5th wheel RV to stay attached to the truck and follow along as both vehicles maneuver from point to point. So, the RV needs the truck as its 5th wheel to be moved.
What Makes a 5th Wheel a 5th Wheel
Why Would You Want a 5th Wheel Over Another Type of RV?
The Fifth Wheel RV offers maximum living space for any given trailer length. Usually, the master bedroom is located over the truck bed. These units are sometimes called Fivers. Many full time RVers have chosen them over other types because of maximum bang for the buck. They are like a one bedroom condo on wheels.
Fifth Wheels are constructed with a raised forward section for the master bedroom, allowing a bi-level floor plan. This style provides more room in the lower level area of the RV. Add in a couple of slide-outs in the living/dining area, and a slide-out for the bedroom area, and it’s easy to see why they are more spacious, and the choice of many.
5th Wheel Front Bedroom Floor Plan
Because of the hitch design, all 5th Wheels will require a pickup truck for towing. Larger models will require super-duty pickups, and the largest Fifth Wheels will require a medium-duty RV hauler. Unless you already have an adequate tow vehicle, this requirement is one drawback to purchasing a fiver.
Adding the cost of a one-ton pickup to the cost of the trailer, and the dollars start to increase. A New one ton production truck (Ford, Chevy, Dodge) can set you back as much as $65,000. A NEW medium-duty RV hauler for towing a large Fiver can run from $50,000 to $150,000. Just make sure you match the weight of the trailer adequately to your tow vehicle. A good RV dealer can help you to decide what works best for your 5th wheel of choice.
The good thing about the new 5th wheels coming from RV manufacturers is that they are building them lighter, yet stronger. This allows even a 45′ toy hauler to be pulled by a one-ton production truck.
What About Driving With It?
Towing a Fifth Wheel is much easier and much more stable than towing another type of RV. The hitch being placed in the pickup bed, and directly over the rear tires of your tow vehicle, contributes to improved traction and handling. If you can afford it, be sure to have a truck with an eight-foot bed.
Try not to go with short box trucks and slider hitches! Now this is just my opinion gained from my experience as well as that of others. They are not adequate to handle the demands of hauling larger 5th wheels on the road, and especially when maneuvering in RV parks!
If you forget to activate the slider hitch, you can create issues with the cab of the truck hitting the nose of the fifth wheel. Any tight maneuvers while traveling can create a problem. Watch this Youtube video!
What Are they Like Inside?
Fifth Wheels are available with a wide range of features and appliances. Some of these are normally found only in higher-end motorhomes: a washer and dryer, an onboard generator, residential refrigerators, and inverters. They have all of the standard amenities and some not so standard such as ceiling fans and fireplaces. We are also starting to see pop up big screen TV’s.
Would you like a larger bedroom with more ceiling height? Some manufacturers are now putting the living room up front. This makes lots of sense as it makes that area cozier. It also allows the back bedroom to offer more livability features.
5th Wheel Front Living Room Floor plan
So, now that you know what it is . . .
What is the Best 5th Wheel RV for You?
This question is easier to answer than what the 5th wheel is. The one that is best for you is the one that fits your budget, whether new or used and will suit the way in which you plan to use it.
Do You Want it For Full Time RV Living?
If so then you need one that is not cheaply built. You can tell when you walk into an RV if it is well built or not. Fit and finish always give it away. Are the showers flimsy and the toilet all plastic? Is the woodwork fake? Are the floors spongy under foot? How about the outside: painted fiberglass panels or just white gel-coat with decals that will eventually peel away.
This is just my feeling, but most well-built rigs are heavy. There is a reason for that! They build them to handle the full time RV use by using residential features: sturdy floor construction, one piece fiberglass shower or shower/tub combos, china toilets, high-end appliances, Moen faucets, Whirlpool fridges, heavy duty axles, larger G-rated tires, etc.
Again, just my opinion, and realizing that you get what you pay for, for full time living buy one in the 16,000 lb GVWR. You will be happier in the long run! If it is going to be your full time home, it is better to go overboard than not.
Also, consider this:
It is Better to Buy Quality in a Used RV than it is in a New One at the Same Cost?
It may be another option to consider! We did! We got a great deal on a two-year-old 5th wheel that was like new, but it was half the cost of what it was when it rolled off the assembly line.
What should you be looking for?
Does paint quality matter to you? What floorplan will work best? What about features and technology? Will you have enough storage space? Can you carry everything you want with you? What is cargo carrying capacity? Should I buy a new or used RV?
I want to address some of these issues by telling our story and the process of how we were able to buy and keep our first 5th Wheel RV for almost seven years!
The best thing Pam and I did was to rent RV’s for many years before deciding to get into the full-time RV lifestyle! We were at the point that a vacation in an RV was far better than other options we had done previously! And once we were out RVing, we learned so much about what we wanted in an RV of our own and what we would not.
Once we finally decided to start looking for the class of RV we had decided on, I researched my choice vigorously! I set a budget and decided a used RV that was two to three-years-old would suit us best. My determination was mostly based on an RV manufacturer that I thought had great quality. We also based that choice on one that we had rented from this particular RV manufacturer and the feedback of other owners.
I found the one I wanted, and it was only a couple of hundred miles away. So, with our budget in mind, we took a drive to look at the RV. It was just what we were looking for but about twenty-five thousand dollars more than I wanted to spend for it. So we decided to continue our search.
As chance would have it, a few weeks later the dealership was having a close-out sale, and the price dropped twenty-five thousand dollars. The RV was now right where we wanted it: priced right, two years old, it had hardly been used, and it looked like new, but it had a bad odor inside.
It was not a mold issue, but a black tank odor. It turned out they had never dumped the tanks after receiving it as a trade-in. Once the tanks were emptied and the unit cleaned, the odor was no more!
We closed the deal and purchased our “new to us” 2006 Newmar Kountry Aire 5th wheel! We now had our full-time RV living home, and we were delighted! It was in our budget, it had all the space we required in the kitchen, it had plenty of storage below, it could carry the weight of the items we planned to put in it, the full body paint was stunning, and it appeared it had been well cared for. As it turns out, we should have had a certified RV inspection done on the RV as I missed a few things that cost me money later on!
The point here is that because we spent a lot of time researching the RV lifestyle. We traveled thirty-five thousand miles in all classes of rented RV’s before buying one, we spent the time deciding what would work best for us, we talked to other RVers about their experiences, and we did not rush into purchasing an RV! Thus, we were able to enjoy our 5th wheel RV for almost seven years. It worked out perfectly for us!
How About One For Traveling Two – Eight Weeks Out of the Year, with the Family?
This can be a much different story! Most of the units in the forty to sixty thousand dollar realm will work because they are not being put through the demands of 24/7 and year-round living. Therefore, a lighter weight rig will make getting out on the road in your own RV much more affordable. Plus, a lot of these kinds of 5th wheel RV’s have toy hauler features that make traveling with the family very comfortable!
So, the best 5th wheel for you is the one that fits the way you plan to use it, your budget and the floor plan that will accommodate you and your family!
Best wishes on your search for the right RV for your needs. Before you go, please leave a comment if we can be of assistance in your search. We would like to hear what you are discovering as you search for the best 5th wheel RV for you!
And by all means, if you buy used, get it inspected just like you would for a home. Do so and you will have worry-free journeys!
Blessings,
Howard and Pam
Again, please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!
Of all the things on an RV that matter the most, RV tires should hit the top of the list. When an RV tire fails, whether it is on a trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome, or any other class of RV, the damage that can be done is costly! Think about the fact that the entire investment in your second home rides on rubber and air. Unfortunately, when RV tires choose to fail is usually when you are traveling down the road at fifty-five to sixty-five miles per hour. The cost to repair the damage can run in the thousands, not to mention a ruined vacation or even the possibility of loss of life! So, let’s look at when to replace RV tires and my choice of Michelin RV tires.
When Pam and I purchased our first full time RV living home back in 2008, it was a 2006 that had been manufactured in late 2005. It was barely used, looked brand new, as did the tread on the eight tires it had. However, there were very tiny cracks in the outer sidewall near the tire rim. I was not too worried about that though. They were the factory originals and the tread wear was nonexistent. I suspect that the RV had not traveled much except for its trip from the factory to where we bought it. When to replace the RV tires was not even going to be a concern of mine for years, so I thought.
When we purchased our used tow vehicle, a 2005 Freightliner Sportchassis in early 2009, it had been kept garaged by the owner, and looked like new! The DOT code on the Michelin RV tires showed a manufacture date in early 2004. So, when I purchased this used truck, it already had five-year-old tires.
They also had very tiny sidewall cracks in a few areas. Now Michelin RV tires are very highly rated, especially the XRV’s, so I did not worry too much about them either. I figured I had a least a couple more years of use as they only had twenty-two thousand miles on them. I did wind up replacing them in 2010 because it was not worth the damage that could have been caused by an aged related issue from a Michelin RV tire failure.
During an early summer trip in 2009, with tire pressure monitors installed on the 5th wheel, we headed for South Florida and ultimately to the Keys. The weather was hot and the tires were fifteen degrees above cold pressure. As we neared our stop for the night, one of the tires started to slowly loose pressure: our tire pressure monitor system went into alarm mode.
We got to our planned stop safely as tire pressure loss was within safety limits, but I suspected the tire was shot. Fortunately, because of the tire pressure monitor system, I was alerted to the problem and was able to arrive at my destination safely.
Tire Pressure Monitors Installed on Dual Tires
Short end to the story is we had all eight tires replaced as the one troublesome tire had a hole through the tread and a crack right through to the belt. The tires were only four years old. But they had sat in the sun most of the time and had been stationary. When tires sit they age more quickly.
With RV tires that roll and flex frequently, they wind up pushing emollients and waxes to the surface of the tire which protects them from ozone, cracking, and from drying out as quickly. Tires that sit can develop flat spots and visible surface cracks that eventually lead to tire failure when the tire is heated up in travel.
So how do you know when to replace RV tires? The best rule is to go no more than seven years if the tires have been used regularly. If the RV sits out most of the time it might be better to replace them every five years. My tires were only four years old, and they failed. I would attribute the early failure to being around the salt air, the RV sitting, and the tires not covered.
Four Digit DOT Code in Yellow: 31st week of 2005
If you are buying a used RV, be sure to not only check tire tread depth, even tread wear and sidewall tire cracks, but also check the DOT code on the tire. The four digit code will tell you when the tire was made.
The tires can be as much as one year older than the RV itself – I found that one out the hard way. Also, when your RV sits, use tire covers, take the weight of the RV off the tires either by using the RV jack system if available, and keep the tires away from ground contact as the tires can absorb water. RV accessory manufacturers make blocks you can use to pull the RV onto for this purpose.
And last of all, travel with a tire pressure monitoring system so you always know the pressure your tires are running at. These devices allow you to travel without worry! You will be able to avoid severe tire damage because you will know ahead of time that something is wrong.
If a tire should suddenly blow on tour trailer or toad, you will know instantly so you can pull over to avoid serious damage to the RV, and possibly your loved ones. Blown tires on inner duals can lead to RV fires! The same can tear up the underbelly of an RV trailer, and you may not notice it for miles until some passerby waves at you to pull over!
Pam and I have seen many results of failed tires, and the damage done, from other RVers, and it is something to take seriously. In deciding when to replace RV tires, the best rule of thumb is no more than five years, or as often as you can afford to. At least monitor them if they are older, and be sure to travel at the proper tire cold pressure, based on your RV’s weight. If you do then you will have many miles of stress-free travels!
How do these things work? All you do is screw the remote sensor onto any tire you want to monitor. The monitor wirelessly sends a signal to the remote unit by the driver’s seat. It will show current tire pressure instantaneously while you drive, or are stationary.
No more guessing what your tires pressure is at before you hit the road. And the monitors last for years! If the pressure drops below twelve percent of total pressure, an alarm sounds for the driver to hear. One saved tire, and the avoided RV damage buys the system many times over! It’s really the best way to go for RV’s that don’t already have these installed, especially 5th wheel and travel trailers!
Blessings and happy travels,
Howard & Pam
Please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!
So, how can you enjoy your full time RV living lifestyle sooner? There are several ways to supplement income while enjoying your full-time RV living. There is an option called work camping that allows you to trade hours for your RV site, as well as make additional income.
Workers are always needed in campgrounds for maintenance, office registration, site escort, security, cooking, retail sales, etc. Some parks are so large they may have 450 seasonal workers and 175-year round folks. It’s a great arrangement.
That is how Pam and I got started. Workamper News is a great site to find these jobs. You can post a resume and receive offers from campgrounds looking for people with your skills.
Another good option to create income is to have your own business – something you can do anywhere and does not involve product inventory, etc. There are companies that need folks for online teaching, consultation, and customer service. All you need is a phone line, a voice over internet protocol system, and a computer. You can have a home office on wheels and claim a tax deduction (seek the advice of an attorney and cpa for more details). The internet is exploding with ways to derive income. You just have to sort out the scams and find the gems.
Where do you want to go next?
Imagine waking up to the call of nature, checking out the changing view in the bathroom window, putting on that pot of coffee and thinking about where you want to go next. “Where do you want to go this winter” is the question Pam and I face right now – ah, so many possibilities!
We are not sure yet, but once we are, we’ll be ready to hit the road and venture off to a new locale. I think it’s time to head back to the beach for a few months. We’re missing the sand between our toes! We also need a supply of liquid grapes so you know what that means. Off the Napa Valley!
We are thankful for the many friends along the way that have shared their experiences with us so we could learn from their mistakes, and not duplicate the same errors. RVers are more than willing to share helpful advice if you ask them for it.
Some will just come right out and tell you whether you want to hear it or not. But that’s okay. We are all a friendly bunch and there are very few lemon trees out there. It’s a great life! Pam and I hope to see you out there someday. Maybe you will be able to tell us that you saw Howard and Pam on our site, and you got inspired to just get out there! Let’s hope!
Blessings,
Howard and Pam
UPDATE: This was our first full time RV living home that we had from 2008 to 2015. It served us well but needs changed and we opted to go to a motorized RV. Read our other posts and you will learn more about why we did so.
Please feel free to leave comments so I can answer any questions you may have!
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