What is an RV?
An rv is a Recreational Vehicle. The term refers to the full-time living quarters of many people who are retired or otherwise not working, but would like to explore and enjoy their leisure time without having to stay in hotels for long periods of time. These vehicles come equipped with all the comforts you might find at home, from kitchenettes, beds, and bathrooms, so that they can live comfortably while on the road. If you’re considering an RV as your next purchase but aren't sure where to start looking, we have some great tips on what questions you should ask when shopping around.
What are rvs used for?
RVs can be rented out to people who need a place to stay while traveling and they can also be bought by someone that wants their own home on wheels. If you have an rv, it is important to know how rvs work so you know what do when something goes wrong.
What do rvs have inside?
Inside rvs, you'll find a kitchen with appliances that are designed to be used in the rv. There is also space for dining and sleeping quarters which can usually fit up to six people comfortably. Other things found inside an rv include televisions, DVD players, storage compartments as well as air conditioning or heating depending on the season.
How should I take care of my rv when traveling?
RVs need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly while they're being driven around so it's important that you know how long your battery life will last before needing another one. It is recommended that you check fluids levels and tire pressure every month at least as this helps to minimize the amount of things that might go wrong. It would also be a good idea to have a professional rv service check your rv out before hitting the road to ensure you don't have any mechanical problems that might end up being costly.
You can also use rv storage when it is not in use, which will help keep the rvs looking their best and operating at peak performance. A good idea would be to invest in a quality cover for protection against dirt, rain and other elements that could potentially cause damage or rusting over time. If you're constantly using an rv then they'll require more maintenance but if you only use them occasionally then these things won't be as much of a concern so it's just important to pay attention while driving around.
RV Tips And Tricks For Camping
Here is a list of tips and tricks of 10 things you can do to make camping with an rv more enjoyable:
- Make sure you bring a few extra items to make your rv smell nicer.
- If it's going to be raining, put on the windshield wipers as soon as rain starts falling and use the headlights even during daytime hours so others can see you better.
- Bring some scissors in order for cutting off any dry tree branches that may protrude through the side windows of your rv.
- For those who are more sensitive or allergic to dust, pollen or other allergens, investing in an air purifier would help eliminate these irritants.
- Bringing along a small propane stove is also helpful if you want hot meals while camping without having to go all the way back home.
- Bring extra food and water. Usually more than you ever thought you would need. You can never be too prepared for the unknown.
- Always clean your rv before you go to sleep in it or after driving it, especially if there are pets inside who might drooled on the rugs and carpets.
- Keep a sharp eye out when parking an rv so that no one will smash into you while they're backing up their rv or car behind yours.
- It's best not to go too far from home with a rv unless you plan to stay there more than three weeks. This could increase gas consumption and wear down some parts of the vehicle before they are given proper rest. It also makes traveling back difficult because sometimes gasoline stations near highways close down at night so it may be necessary to stop by them during sunlight hours.
How to Handle RV Car Problems
The main thing you need to do when your rv starts having trouble is to keep calm and remember all the tips that were given in this article so far. Here are some more great tips for handling rv troubles on the road ahead of time before they even happen.
- If possible, have back up equipment like spare batteries or jump starters with you at all times just incase something goes wrong.
- Make sure the tires are free from debris such as nails or screws because these can cause a flat tire which will not only cost money but also take valuable time to change it out while waiting for help too come by.
- Make sure your rv brakes are well maintained and inspected as needed, some rvs come with their own inspection kits for owners to use.
- Check tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the right psi so they do not go flat when you need them most.
- If possible have a spare set of rims on hand in case something does happen such as an accident or rim damage from rocks which will help get back on the road faster than ever before.
What do you need when buying an RV?
- A driver's license is required at least 21 years old unless accompanied by someone over age 25.
- Insurance must be verified before a purchase can take place, and in many cases you may need to provide proof that the rv is insured for the length of time it will be at your home or business location.
- The rv dealer should also verify driver's license information with the DMV so there are no issues while registering an rv which has been purchased from them. This ensures accuracy when titling and insuring any rvs being sold through their dealership as well as making sure they comply with all state rv registration laws in order to avoid more expensive fines once registered on public roads.
- When buying anything on credit, make sure you have enough money set aside for monthly payments if necessary.
Different types of RVs?
Rvs are grouped into three main categories. They are as follows:
- Class A Rvs
- Class B Rvs
- Class C Rvs
These are the largest size and have three axles. They can be up to 40 feet in length, weigh over 34000 pounds, and carry up to 8 people plus cargo. Some of these rvs even have a storage compartment for a car.
This is the smallest type with two axles and they typically range from 22 to 36 feet long. These are popular among people who are driving rvs for a living such as people who live in the rv and drive it like an office or rving couples.
This is the second largest types with two axles that range from 16 to 20 feet long. These are popular among retirees, vacationers, or other leisure travelers because they are less expensive and easier to tow than the Class A Rv.
Here are some other types of rvs:
- Toy Hauler Motorhome/trailer
- Teardrop Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer
A toy hauler is a rv that is specifically designed to haul playthings and recreational equipment. There are many rvs on the market, but toy haulers usually have a separate storage compartment for toys or other materials such as camping gear.
These are rvs that are in the shape of a tear drop. A teardrop trailer rv is engineered to be lightweight and compact, making it easy for one person to tow or transport by vehicle on their own.
Another popular rv, travel trailers are towed by another vehicle and have a living or sleeping space. They usually have storage compartments for camping gear, and sometimes include a bathroom. People usually sleep inside rv travel trailers, but they are not meant to be lived in full-time.
These rvs are designed to be pulled by a pickup truck with the trailer attached behind it, usually in the bed. The fifth wheel can pivot so that when you reach your destination, the rv's axles do not sit on uneven ground. If you own a truck and want to rv, this is the type that you need.
A fifth wheel trailer has a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen area. It is also equipped with more features than the travel trailer such as television screens in almost every room.
Towing a Travel Trailer vs. A Motorhome
Towing a travel trailer has some advantages over a motorhome. With a travel trailer, you can unhook from the tow vehicle to run simple errands. The rv is also more compact in size than a motorhome, which might appeal to those who don't like the idea of being confined to one space for long periods of time on the road.
Motorhomes are typically longer so they're not going fit into a regular parking lot or driveway without damaging some property nearby; plus, because it's an motorhome, it has its own engine that needs to be maintained separately from what would need maintenance if you were driving a travel trailer.
What is an rv dump station?
An rv dump station is a place where rv owners can go to dump their rv waste in tanks. You get to an rv dump station by driving up to it, opening the rv's sewer line and attaching a sewer hose to the dump station.
On an rv with no running water or toilet, you'll need to use a portable toilet that can be stored in one of the storage compartments on your rv for when you're parked somewhere overnight. You should always have someone nearby who will help you out if there is any trouble during this process; besides using a portable toilet, there are also porta-potties at most campgrounds as well as rest stops on major highways along interstates.
Conclusion
The process of going on an adventure is exciting no matter the type or size of vehicle being used. As long as you’ve got your destination planned out, all that remains is packing up the necessities into any one of these vehicles. There are many different makes and models available when it comes to picking out an rv so take some time to do the necessary research.