Nothing will wear you down faster than a long day of RV driving with banging and clanging going on behind you. Random RV rattles and squeaks can drive you crazy! Fortunately, most RV noises that are created by road travel can easily be quieted with a simple RV hack. These are the ones that work best!
How to prevent RV battery theft. A full time RVer's thoughts on RV battery lock boxes & how to lock RV batteries affordably. All about RV battery theft protection!
Just like the items inside your house, RV components have a certain life expectancy. Following is a list of all the items in and on your RV -- and their expected lifespan. Items are listed in the order they are most likely to wear out, with time ranges showing the approximate number of years each item typically lasts. The list includes all major RV components -- from the drivetrain and electronics to slideouts, roof vents, toilets, refrigerators, and more! A checklist of RV repair issues that you should be prepared for + DIY tips to make things last longer.
Have you considered living off the grid in your RV? I’ve been full-time RVing for the past 7 years. I split my time between long term stays in RV parks and living off the grid in my RV as a nomad wandering with the weather. If you'll be staying in one place for at least 6 months at a time, then living off the grid (boondocking) is an option that you might want to consider. I've put together this helpful guide to give you an idea of what to expect in the way of living expenses and overall comfort when living off the grid in an RV, compared to on-grid RV living. See the costs and comforts associated with both on- and off-grid RV camping.
Should you take your RV to a professional to have it winterized? Or is this something you can do yourself? The professionals are only concerned with what damage ice in the water system will do to your RV. Here's how to do ALL of the RV winterizing yourself... according to someone who's been winterizing RVs for over 50 years!
When boondocking or RVing full time and living off the grid, you will have to tailor your Solar Power System to meet your specific needs. Here are some clever ways to set up your RV Solar Power System. Plus, everything you need to know about solar arrays, your solar system's batteries, and solar power wiring tips. See the differences between parallel vs serial wiring connections, and why I chose a series-parallel configuration for my RV solar installation.
When it comes to seriously looking at solar power as a dedicated source of electricity when boondocking, a great place to start is a 200-watt Solar Kit. Is 200 watts enough? Yes, it's enough to power a refrigerator... and watch TV. Here's what to look for when you're buying an RV solar system. And remember... you can always add more solar power over time.
If you want to use solar power when you're RVing, but you fear taking on a DIY project that involves wiring and mounting solar panels & charge controllers, an RV Solar Suitcase may be exactly what you're looking for! Here are the pros and cons of using a Solar Suitcase for RV boondocking.
For your DIY RV van conversion, you'll want to start from the top down. That way, one step won't interfere with another while constructing your Class B motorhome. First, determine which amenities you want to include. Then, install everything that you plan to have mounted on the roof before you do anything else. I'll show you how to install RV solar panels, an RV vent, and a TV antenna on the roof of your RV van.
Solar panels for RV trailers (like small teardrop trailers) are popular today. Here are my best tips for installing RV solar panels and wiring them correctly
