Is There Something Spooky Lurking in Your RV?

Dark, damp and dreaded by many. Often smelly and always unhealthy.  You may have guessed that this dastardly nemesis is MOLD and it's equally unwelcome cousin, MILDEW.  While mold can be an enemy anywhere from house to boat to garage, RVs have a propensity to produce this stuff of our nightmares.  

Yuck, MOLD

In addition to being bad for the RV or home, causing rotting and decay of the building materials, mold is particularly damaging to our respiratory systems. My husband is highly allergic to this fuzzy growth and it throws him for a loop even when it's in the outside air.

So, that begs the question, how can it be prevented, especially in our RVs?

Run a Dehumidifier

There are many electric air purifiers and dehumidifiers available through Amazon, hardware and big box stores that can pull moisture, that causes mold to form, out of the air.  These do a decent job but only when your RV is plugged in to shore power not when it's in storage.

Use Damp Rid Crystals

Available from Amazon

 

 

This is a pretty neat device that requires no electricity. All you do is put the crystals in the cup and leave it out to do its job. When all of the crystals have dissolved, it is time to replace them.You'll be surprised at the amount of moisture it pulls out of the air and into the cup.

 

 

 

 

Air Condition the Old Fashioned Way

Open the windows and roof vents and let fresh air clean the damp RV air for you.  When condensation collects and never has a chance to dry out, that is when mold occurs. Open a vent and a window, or a couple of windows to get the air flowing through your rig. This may not work well in very humid areas though.

Use Fans or Heaters or both

Fans keep the air moving and can help to keep moisture from settling. Depending on how large your RV is, you may want to use two or three fans in order to cover the entire area. Using both fans and a heater works quickly ot move out and dry out an RV.  Small electric heater are generally fine but your propane RV heater can be used as well if propane is readily available where you are and not priced sky high.

Window Insulation

Window Insulation will create a barrier that keeps condensation that has formed on the window from reaching your living area. It also helps to keep heat from escaping.  I've seen products at Walmart and even some DIY projects using bubble wrap that both claim to prevent condensation on windows and around the sills.

Dry Wet Surfaces With a Cloth

When you see condensation forming on hard surfaces in your RV, wipe them up. Don’t leave your windows, counters, walls, and vents holding moisture. When you see it, wipe it up.

Use a Digital Humidity Meter

Ideally, you want to try to keep your humidity level inside between 30% and 50%. A hygrometer, or digital Humidity Meter can help. Some dehumidifiers come with hygrometers installed, but you can also purchase them separately from Amazon and elsewhere.

Inspect Your Pipes Regularly

Pipes can crack or leak, allowing moisture to collect in your walls and compartments. Check those areas regularly to make sure they aren’t any leaks or moisture and if there is, tend to it immediately.

Make Sure Your Bathroom Is Properly Ventilated

Bathrooms make a perfect mold habitat. Most people keep the door closed so it is essentially shut tight with no real air movement. The moisture can build and lead to some nasty mold. Open the vent regularly and let the fan run, especially after someone has taken a shower. Also, leave the door open. A heater at the doorway, run until the air is dry can be helpful.  Keep wet towels and bathmats elsewhere till they are dry.

Run Your Oven/Stove Fan While Cooking

Cooking generates a lot of moisture. Turn on the range fan while you are cooking and keep the lids on the pots as much as possible. If it is dry outside, open some windows. If it isn’t dry, consider turning on the central heat or a fan for a while. Heat dries up the moisture while cooler temperatures encourage it. Keep that in mind when you are fighting mold. If you need to get rid of moisture in your RV, turn up the heat.

This Water Damage and Mold Remediation Link has some tips to get rid of persistent mold.

What about y'all?  Do you have any mold busting tips?  Tell us about them below in the comments.
  

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. There is no additional cost to you. Full Affiliate Disclosure

Team member Rae B, is a long-time part of the Hidden Valley family.  Born and raised right in the park, she has a unique perspective to share Hidden Valley and San Antonio inside info. 

Stop by the Trading Post to meet up with Rae and the rest of the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) staff. 

                                                          

Some Cool Tips for RVing from The Experts

Whether you’re a first-time RVer or someone who's been on the road for years, taking a few pieces of advice from Full Time RVers wherever you go is never a bad idea. A digital RV magazine, "Mobile RVing" sat down with a few full-time travelers to ask them about their best pieces of advice for anyone who enjoys a good trip on the road or wants to see the world behind the steering wheel.  Thought I'd share them. 

Here are some of the best tips they revealed to make your traveling safer, more fun, and enjoyable!

“Make sure your sewer pipe is properly secured into the dump pipe before opening your black tank. Don’t ask how I know.” -- Jimmy Le, Airstream Owner

Problems Sleeping in the RV?

You've probably heard the scuttle about the effect of LED lights on our sleep patterns.  According to the website LIVESCIENCE.com, the body's biological clock works in rhythms that are set by the amount of light and dark the body is exposed to. This is called the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms control

RV Refrigerators Heat Up in the Summer Too...How to Cool Them Off

Probably many a refrigerator has been replaced as a result of this situation.  If  your refrigerator tends to heat up to over 45 degrees in the summer temperatures, don’t buy a new refrigerator or replace the cooling unit until you try this little trick.  Many thanks to Margo's RV Lifestyle Ezine for this tip.

Another RV Antenna Bites the Dust

If I pull out with my TV antenna up one more time I am going to turn my keys in!

One of the most common things missed while getting ready to pull out of a site is leaving the TV antenna up.  I have even had people honking at me trying to let me know that my antenna was sticking up and I actually waved at them like they were my friends.  

Some Timely RV Water Safety Tips

If you're a seasoned RVer or full-timer, these simple tips are probably "old hat" to y'all but if you're a newbie, or like me...if you've always let hubby set up the rig, these may be helpful tips to know.

Recently we've added several new sites to our RV Park and found that the water pressure there is very high, especially in the quiet season when we have only a few campers. So we've been advising all our RVers to take note of these few important steps. 

First, always use a hose approved for RVs and drinking water.  they are usually white.  Regular garden hoses add a not so sweet rubber flavor to your water and chemicals can also leach into the water from a hose made for other purposes.

Just noticed a great video outlining how to safely hook up RV Park water to your RV and what you need to know for safety.  Mark Polk from RV Education 101 makes it very simple.

In this video you'll learn:

1. What a water regulator is and how to hook it up
2. What kinds a regulators are available
3. Ways to filter water entering your RV if desired
4. A few other water safety tips for when you RV       

        


Keep in mind that most RV's safely handle 40 to 60 psi (pounds per square inch) but city water systems tend to spike at much higher rates - as high as 120 psi here in Texas.  A regulator will keep the water at a balanced rate. At Hidden Valley we do have a regulator at the entry point of water into our park but these can fail so we still recommend that each RV has their own regulator.  We have seen some who install the regulator at the RV itself rather than at the water source and experienced a bulging hose and eventually a spraying, wet mess.  Of course the worst scenario would be water getting through your hose safely but flooding compartments or rooms of your RV.

Fortunately, an little advance preparation and know how can prevent this from happening and lead to a much more enjoyable RV experience. 

Happy Trails from your San Antonio RV Park!

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Are you Losing Money on Your RV Trips?

It's no secret that the faster we drive the more gas our vehicles guzzle.  Without a doubt there are always going to be times that we are in a hurry and without thinking our foot is a little heavier on the pedal.  But consider these few facts and try to keep them in mind while driving and you may have a bit more control over what you pay at the pump.

Is it really that big a deal?

Your driving habits, like speeding and rapid acceleration, can cut into your fuel use by up to 30%!
The graph below from from fueleconomy.gov shows the direct effect of speed on the miles per gallon your vehicle maintains. 

Note that at 55 mph a vehicle runs at optimum efficiency but that each 5 miles above 55 shows a distinct decrease in a vehicles miles per gallon. This works out to paying 10 cents more per gallon for fuel if you travel 60 mph or 20 cents more per gallon if you go 70 mph. 

Why?

According to MPGforSpeed.com this effect happens for two reasons:

1) Increasing air resistance. According to CNN, "Pushing air around actually takes up about 40% of a car's energy at highway speeds. Traveling faster makes the job even harder...The increase is actually exponential, meaning wind resistance rises much more steeply between 70 and 80 mph than it does between 50 and 60. "

2) Engines are designed for specific speed, temperature, and rpm ranges. Driving out of these ranges goes against the fundamental design of the engine.
Interesting Facts If the national speed limit were reset to 55, it would save 1 billion barrels of oil per year.

Click here to get your own calculator

Remember back in the 70's when they made the national speed limit 55 mph?  There was much research behind the theory that this would help the energy crisis and applying it personally can still address the cost of fuel for us today. Savings on fuel can give us an extra night eating out on the road or a fancy gadget for our RV.  Happy RVing!

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

A Tip to Save Your RV from Preventable Damage

This is just a shortie post  to share a video with y'all about RV slide out covers.  Most all RV's have at least one these days and there's no getting around it - they add so much space and give you a feeling of more space as well.  This video was made by Pete's RV and although I've watched a few other related videos, this one not only proves the benefits of having slide toppers but also the resulting damage if they are not installed on your RV.

At our RV park I have come across two scenarios in regard to slide out toppers.

• A guest told me about his winterizing experience.  The RV was parked in his driveway and after a snow, the snow melted in day time and refroze as ice shortly after, stretching the vinyl of the topper.  He solved the problem from reoccurring by closing his slide outs when possible or by putting a large ball between the awning and the slide out roof to keep snow, water or ice from staying on the awning. 
• At our park, there are many squirrels.  We were watching them one day as this proud mother to be squirrel was building her nest between the roof of the slide out and the topper cover.  We observed this several times...even after removing all the twigs, leaves, etc. that she so conscientiously accumulated.  Our solution was to use a leaf blower, you could use a broom, to remove the debris and put a small 4 X 4 on each side opening to block her entrance.  Worked like a champ.

I always saw the covers as only protection from the elements but there's a lot more that slide outs need protection from and resulting damage can be extensive (slide out seal damage, water damage inside, etc.) and is usually not covered by insurance companies.

So, to protect your RV investment, you can get these RV awnings installed aftermarket or even better when you purchase it.

I am in between RV's right now but this video has sold me on getting them installed on my next RV.  If you look at the related videos section on You Tube after you view this video you'll find several videos on easy DIY installation of different brands on toppers.

Enjoy the video and "Happy Trails!
If you have any experiences with Slide Out Topper Covers, please share them in the comments.



           

 

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Do You Have Discerning Tastes in RV Sites?

I know you do.  Whether you plan your RV destinations way ahead of time or like to travel and choose your RV parking space on the spur of the moment, this app is on the top of my list for ease and convenience.  Just so happens that the NY Times reviewed this app as "For those with more discerning tastes in campsites & RV spots."  (GooglePlay site) That would be all of us, right? (TeeHee.)

The Benefits 

 

The Camp and RV app is available on both the iOS and Android platforms for a one time fee of $9.99.  Don't always have internet on the road?  "Camp and RV" is available both with or without internet so, no worries.

"Camp and RV" shows tent sites, RV Parks, parking lots, fuel and rest areas and repairs.  Especially helpful are the reviews.  Got an over-sized rig?  Search your route for low bridges and inclines.  A built in GPS can even check the weather where you're going.  The app will also filter your available choices by the amenities you prefer.

Currently, the apps boast almost 25,000 campgrounds including private, state and county parks, city parks, military parks and more. They plan even more additions that will update like any other app on your mobile device. 

Get Them Here

Both of these are easily downloaded by an app search on your mobile phone or you can download it from these two links

For Android (GooglePlay)

For iPhones and iPads (iTunes preview-click on view on iTunes)

While you check out these links note the exemplary reviews for this app. Both full timers and Weekend Warriors gave it a thumbs up.  There are lots of directory apps for less and even free but this one goes the extra mile in providing the info we need when we're on the road or preparing for a road trip.  Just in case you're wondering, Hidden Valley RV is on there, just waiting for your visit.

What about you? 

Are there any travel apps that you can't live without?  Let us know in the comments below.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Is Good Wifi Possible in an RV Park?

More and more, RVers and even tent campers want to stay "connected" 24/7/365.  Personally, I used to feel that when on vacation, especially in the great outdoors, one ought to detach from technology for that brief respite. But now, if I get set up in my site and find that the advertized Wifi is not sufficient, I get steamed.

Yet, as an RV Park operator I have come to learn that internet connections in my home are going to differ from those at the local Starbucks, which will differ from a hotel and further will be greatly different from an outdoor venue like an RV Park.  At Hidden Valley we've tried several methods to get the best reception and found limited success in most options.  Some of the reasons for less than optimal service are easy to figure out...too many users, too little bandwidth, but really why is our reception when traveling...only okay, at best? And, are there any solutions? 

Pamela Wright along with Jim Ganley, RV Park and Wifi experts, recently decided to explore that question and their research prompted a FAQ sheet full of answers.  They have shared this FAQ list with any interested in understanding the reasons for RV park challenges in providing Wifi service to their guests.  Here is a link to the original list that I have reprinted below.

Why isn’t the Wi-Fi in the park the same as the Wi-Fi at my house?

Several factors can affect the speed and responsiveness of the Wi-Fi in the park that may not be a factor, or as big of a factor as it is at home. The Wi-Fi in the park is shared among many users and devices. You may have a dozen Wi-Fi enabled devices at home, but there may be hundreds of devices online in the park.

At home you may be fortunate to have very fast cable or fiber Internet service, however in many rural and semi-rural areas slower DSL or satellite based service may be all that is available. This slower service must be shared among many users and dozens or hundreds of devices.

Why can’t I download movies and music?
Movies, music and videos consume a lot of data bandwidth. Since the Wi-Fi system in the park is shared by many users, downloading movies and videos can seriously impact other users in the park. How much bandwidth is consumed by different actives? For comparison:

• Sending or receiving an email (no attachments) requires 1 kilobyte of bandwidth
• Sending or receiving an email with a picture attached requires 1.5 megabytes
• Downloading a 3 minute song requires 5 megabytes
• Using a social networking site for 10 minutes (i.e. Facebook) requires 20 to 50 megabytes
• Downloading a 3 minute movie trailer in HD needs 180 megabytes
• Using Skype or VoIP for a 20 minute voice chat requires 4 to 10 megabytes
• Using Skype or other video services for a 20 minute chat needs 40 to 60 megabytes
• Watching a streaming 30 minute TV show requires 400 to 600 megabytes of data
• Watching a streaming 2-hour movie can consume 1,800 to 4,000 megabytes of data

In other words, a single two-hour movie can be the equivalent amount of bandwidth of more than 4 million emails.

The RV next door to me is getting a stronger signal than I am.  Why?
Wi-Fi is based on radio signals, and just like the radio in your car, the signals can be affected and blocked by both physical obstacles and interference from other devices. Some Wi-Fi devices have better quality radios and antennas than other devices.
You may have something physically blocking your reception such as another RV, a building or vehicle. Or there may be some other electrical or electronic device in or near your RV that is causing interference.  Or your neighbor may have a Wi-Fi enabled device with a really good quality radio in it.  Or your neighbor may be closer to the Wi-Fi access point.
Often it is a combination of all of these factors.

I can’t get the park signal to show on my device.  What should I do?
If no Wi-Fi signals are showing on your device, ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled on your device. Sometimes, there is a physical button on laptops to turn off the radio to save battery, or there may be a software setting to enable Wi-Fi, some phones and tablets feature an "airline mode" to turn off all radios (Wi-Fi and cellular).
If you can see other Wi-Fi signals, but not the park Wi-Fi on your device, check to see if other devices on your site or near you can see the park Wi-Fi. If you can’t see the Wi-Fi signal on any device on your site or near you, be sure to mention this to the park staff. You may be in an area that they have not extended Wi-Fi into, or the system may be having issues. 

Why is Wi-Fi in an RV park different than at a hotel?
RV parks and resorts face all of the same issues as hotels in providing Wi-Fi to guests and have some additional unique challenges. RV parks and resorts are often in rural or semi-rural areas where Internet speeds are slower and more expensive, electrical supply to the system and access points may be less stable and links between access points is usually wireless instead of wired. Add exposure to elements such as rain, wind and lightning and the equipment is subject to more wear and needs attention more often.  

[Personal comment:  This is a situation we have at Hidden Valley.  Due to our rural location, only limited bandwidth and speeds are available.  We could purchase the highest speed internet but it will still only download and upload at the available speed to your location.  Satellite internet connectivity is an option to rural areas but although it's faster than dial up, it still is not what you get at home and because of it's high price it is hard to offer for free.]

Why do I keep getting dropped?
Getting dropped can mean actually losing the radio signal connection, or it can be maintaining the connection but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for what you want to do. The radio signal connection can be dropped for several reasons:

• You are too far from the Wi-Fi system access point.
• There are other electrical or electronic devices nearby causing interference.
• There are physical obstacles such as RVs, buildings or vehicles.
• There are too many users on the Wi-Fi system and it is overloaded.

You may be able to maintain the radio signal connection, but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for all of the reasons above, and additionally there may be to many users on the Internet connection shared by the park, the Internet service provider for the park may be experiencing issues (common on satellite-based systems) or the website you are accessing may be experiencing high volumes.

What can I do to improve the Wi-Fi reception at my unit?
Sometimes just moving a few feet or moving outside of your RV is all that is needed to make a big difference. If that does not work try plugging your device into AC power, as some devices reduce the power to the radio and screens when unplugged to extend battery life.
For laptops with internal Wi-Fi cards, if the range is not good, then consider investing in an external Wi-Fi adapter. These devices plug into a USB port and have external antennas that are often better than the internal antennas manufactures build into their laptops.
Avoid "signal boosters” and “range extenders.” There are devices sold by different manufacturers that allegedly increase the range of Wi-Fi by picking the signal up off the air and rebroadcasting it. Generally these devices create more noise than usable signal, and will not help you get better Wi-Fi. Oddly, some Wi-Fi enabled devices will misinterpret the noise as signal, and report better signal strengths, but at the same time the speeds will decrease or stop altogether.

Regarding this last point about boosters and extenders...even thought they are not suggested as a good solution here, I have heard some mention that they have gotten better service with them.  I do know that sometimes other boosters and even mifi systems (MiFi is used as a name for wireless routers that act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots) tend to interfere with park operating systems. I don't have personal experience with a mifi system so I can't recommend or discourage them currently.

All this being said, we have just obtained a new system from Check Box Systems for our new Top of the Valley RV area.  We have had good experience with them in the recent past and their systems have reportedly been improved to serve our guests even better.

Would definitely like to hear any comments below regarding positive or negative feedback on any methods you use personally to stay connected. 


Note: All credit and copyrights for this list remain exclusively with the authors, Pamela Wright and Jim Ganley and I am curating it with their permission.  You may contact Ms Wright at pwright@FocusedWords.com for a pdf of the FAQ sheet or permission to reprint or publish it.

  Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley 

You Can CHOOSE Where You're From

Many consider full time RVing as a wonderful life of adventure but just as many can’t wrap their minds around the concept.  If you’re part of the first group and are considering the full time RV lifestyle there are lots of things to consider.  Although the thought of "Home is Where You Hook Up" can be idyllic, there are some realities associated with it.   Likely, if you’ve gotten to the point of considering the full time RV lifestyle, you’ve already been an RVer or have at least at some time in your past enjoyed an RV excursion or two.  If you Google "full time RVing" and similar phrases you’ll find hundreds of books and articles on hints and education on the topic.  To mention a few: what type of RV should I buy, how will I work or do I need to, what will I do in my free time, how will I receive mail, how will I be able to live SO closely to my mate or traveling companion, health insurance, doctor accessibility, etc. 

Another Necessity to Consider

If you’re looking to live and hit the road in your RV full time there’s also the issue of taxes.    When it comes to taxes, RVers do have to consider where they want to call home when they’re on the road.  If you will still own a sticks and bricks home, this may determine your state of “domicile” as it’s called.  By picking a state to call home, RVers are declaring residence there and they are responsible for all taxes they’re obligated to pay in that state. This isn’t something that many RVers think about when deciding to hit the road full time, but taxes are still inevitable as the saying goes.  There’s income tax, vehicle taxes and registrations, sales tax, property tax, interest income tax to name a few.  So what should we look for in a state we want to call home?

“Elementary, My Dear Watson.”

Maybe you remember these words of Sherlock Holmes.  I’ve always liked his deducing methods and the stories of Sherlock Holmes.  In a recent article on the subject of full time RVers I found some tips lined out in a very clear, no non-sense fashion that made me feel like Sherlock Holmes who told his dear friend Watson: “when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”  Notice how “elementary” it can be, to dwindle down the best picks for home state by eliminating choices:

Some states have better tax breaks for full time RVers than others. If you’re going to pick a place to call home, you might as well do it where you don’t have to pay income tax. 

Here’s a list of states that have no income tax:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Tennessee and New Hampshire may not charge income tax, but they tax interest income and dividends. That takes them off the list.
From there, you’ll want to examine the sales tax in each state.
Let’s take a look at that:
- Florida (6 %+)
- Nevada (6.5% – 8.75%)
- South Dakota (4 %+)
- Texas (6.25% – 8.25%)
- Washington (6.5%)
- Wyoming (4% – 8%)
Now, we’ll move on to personal and property tax.
Since that will be charged regardless of where you live, we want to examine what states utilize it:
- Florida
- Washington
That takes them off our list, too.
We just have four states left on our list: Nevada, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

Now wasn’t that refreshingly easy?  Texas and South Dakota are the most populated states when it   Mild weather is often a deciding factor but remember you don’t have to live in this state full time.  Some only return to their home state once a year or less.  Many states require you to return to your home state for things like jury duty or renewing your driver’s license.
comes to full time RVers calling them home. But once you narrow it down to a few states that all give good tax advantages, it comes down to personal preference, the routes you travel and really what you like the best.

For some, there are other factors more important than taxes when deciding where to domicile.  For example, some friends of ours who are retired air force, get several military perks in the state they chose as their "residence." So taxes are not the ONLY basis for deciding your home state, just a good place to start.


Are you a full time RVer? How did you decide what state to call home? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley 

Punxsutawney Phil's 9 RV Tips

That Pennsylvania Groundhog says "Spring is right around the corner"  
 

It's Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil has made his prediction. He says expect an early spring. Have you made your spring and summer RV plans yet?  Better get packin' but before you do, here's a tip.  It's been a long winter and the combination of the elements can take a toll on stored RV's.  If your coach has been in storage, now's the time to prepare for those spring getaways.  Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.  Before hitting the road complete this spring-prep RV checklist.   

Coming out of Hibernation:

• Begin with a thorough exterior inspection.  Examine the outside, including the body and roof for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks.  Look beneath the coach and/or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks

• Once you've determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior.  Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard -to-remove spots and streaks.  Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.  Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures.

• An RV that's been stored all winter needs to be aired out.  Vacuum the carpet and floors and other surfaces as needed.
• Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check.  Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses.  Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.
• Test the water pump and water system, including the hot water heater.
• On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner's maintenance manual.

• Batteries should be checked for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and treated with an anti-corrosive product.

• Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  Check all gauges on fire extinguishers.  Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits.  An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.  If you can find wood blocks, this may help when in soft soil areas.  These can be placed under the landing gear to keep RV from sinking into grass or soft surfaces. 

Got some springtime prep tips of your own? Look for your ideas in the comments.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

   

Has "Wylie Coyote" Visited Your RV Park?

Wylie Coyote

This tip is being reprinted from the RV Daily Tips portion of the RV Travel Newsletter.  Mr. Woodbury makes a point that is very applicable here at Hidden Valley.  Many of us enjoy the eery squeals of coyotes in the distance but care needs to be taken with these "wild" animals.  They have their place in the 'circle of life' but when humans feed them or as the homes of the coyotes are overtaken by new neighborhoods and developments, they tend to make their appearance in areas populated by humans, including our parks.  Especially can this be a concern for those of us who RV with pets.

This underscores the need to keep OUR PETS on a leash.  Even if they are well behaved, a 'Wylie Coyote' is very quick and can overtake a dog or cat in seconds. 

Thanks Chuck for the reminder.

Why coyotes pose a threat to your pet in campgrounds
By Chuck Woodbury
National parks require pets to be leashed to protect the local wildlife. But where coyotes roam it's the pets that need protection. As in many expanding suburbs, coyotes in national parks have become so accustomed to people that they often forage in plain view.
Cats and small dogs are easy prey for the quick, powerful predators when left tethered to an RV in a campground,. One ranger at Death Valley National Park almost lost his cat when a coyote grabbed it outside his residence. He chased the animal, which dropped the cat and ran off before inflicting serious injury.
A pet is in danger even when you walk it on a leash. The same ranger tells of a man who was walking his poodle near the Death Valley's Furnace Creek campground when a coyote suddenly charged from the brush, yanked the leash from the man's hand and took off with the poodle. No trace was found of the dog or leash.

PEOPLE THEMSELVES ARE PARTLY TO BLAME for pets being vulnerable around campgrounds. By feeding wildlife near campgrounds and leaving garbage unsealed, people inadvertently encourage highly adaptable animals like coyotes to associate humans with food. Visitors driving in the north end of Death Valley near Scotty's Castle and the Mesquite Spring Campground often spot a coyote in plain view by the roadside, waiting patiently for the next handout. I have met RVers who carry dog food to feed to such "friendly" animals. This is bad for the welfare of people, pets and the coyotes themselves.
So in national parks -- or anywhere where coyotes may be present -- never leave a small pet unattended. Keep the leash short when walking by potential hideouts, and don't create pests of wild animals by feeding them.

So as you visit state and private parks that have leash laws...remember: being on a leash is often more a protection for YOUR PET than to protect others.   

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Why Didn't I Think of That...Great RV Idea

Keep your stuff on your RV shelves with this idea 

Hidden Valley RV Park is a big reader of other RV related blogs. This is a blog I love and this post is a direct quote from the blog RV Now, where Jim Twamley receives and shares great RV travel ideas and tricks.  This is one that I always contend with in my current RV.  Some RV medicine cabinet shelves have a sufficient "lip" to hold in the contents but this RVer had the same problem as me.  Check out his solution, then head on over to Jim's blog for lots of simple solutions to RV "problems."Full time RVer John Evers had a problem with his 5th wheel medicine cabinet. Every time he towed his 5er the next time he opened his medicine cabinet stuff fell out. He thought about using an expandible cuttain rod, but it wouldn't effectively keep the small bottles in place. Instead he used two thin pieces of wood about four inches wide as "fences" to hold his stuff in place.He uses two pieces because they will easily slide into place then he secures them with a large clip you can get at any stationary store. This is a simple yet effective way to secure the small stuff. Thanks John for another great RV idea. Shutting the door to falling objects - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Wasn't that simple?  Have any RV tips and tricks of your own?  Please share them with us in the comments.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV