Differentcampgrounds for different times

One of the questions we often get is about the campgrounds we choose to camp in and that changes by what we are doing.

Today we are in a campground that has swimming, golf, tennis, a clubhouse and the same people gather here each year. This is the place where we winter each year and it is one neighborhood of a group of neighborhoods in this RV Resort in central Florida by the name of Deer Creek. The neighborhood we stay in is Fawn Ridge and it operates in a fashion not too unlike a timeshare. We have around 350 owners and 98 lots. We stay for two weeks and leave for a week and then return. Other neighborhoods here in Deer Creek have lots that are owned by single owners and depending on the neighborhood permanent structures are allowed from outdoor kitchens to RV covered areas to some just having storage sheds.

Traveling to our winter quarters involved choosing a different style of campground. For convenience we choose a campground that is close to the Interstate with pull through sites so we do not need to disconnect the car and can just pull out in the morning. We only desired to have electricity but water was also available. Usually when traveling from one location to another - dump sites are not necessary unless staying for a while. Low cost is also generally a consideration when needing a campsite for the night with limited services. Passport America usually has half price campgrounds and we choose these when available.

Fuses

One of the most important items to have along is a box of fuses. Our coach uses the automotive U shaped blade fuses - but in two sizes! Not only two sizes but different amps - so we carry 3 and 15 amp in the mini size plus 2, 5, 7. 5, 10, 15, and 20 in the larger size.

There is a neat little tool that helps you pull these fuses AND tests them either in place or loose. You just line up the two medal pins on the tester (for small fuses the middle pin and the outer pin - biggest gap) and for the larger size fuse you use the two outer pins and place them in the holes on the plastic end. A green light and you know they are good!

How do you know what size fuses to have on hand? We had to open the fuse compartment area and copy them down - we found this easier than looking at electrical diagrams.

You can be sure you will need a fuse when you are 50 miles from the nearest store or late in the day after the stores are closed!

Vehicles to tow behind your motorhome

Most of us choose to tow a vehicle behind our motorhome - these are nicknamed TOADS. It is wonderful to set up in a campground and explore with another vehicle while your home on wheels is hooked up to electricity, water and sewers.

There are a limited number of vehicles that can be towed 4 wheels down behind a motorhome and each year without modification and these makes and models change each year. Most manual shift vehicles can be towed 4 wheels down by placing the vehicle in neutral. Many SUVs have a position for towing. You need to examine the manual that comes with the vehicle to determine if you can tow it. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE SALESMAN! You will need to follow the manual step by step to successfully tow.

If the vehicle you desire to tow is not towable (4 wheels down) then you have to make a choice of modifying it (Remco makes oil pumps for transmissions), using a tow dolly, or using a trailer.

Personally there is no way I would choose to use a dolly or trailer - they are awkward and they present a problem at campgrounds for storage while camped. I would rather purchase or modify a towable vehicle than having the problems of a dolly or trailer. When towing a vehicle using one of the standard tow bars, your vehicle tracks precisely within the tracks of your motorhome. This is not true with a dolly or trailer.

GPS and Navigation

We quickly learned the importance of knowing where you are at all times in the motorhome - especially when towing a car. No one wants to end up on a dead end and need to unhitch and then turn around a large motorhome and rehitch!

There are a number of fancy systems now available to assist you in finding your way. Some actually come installed in new motorhomes and others can be purchased and moved easily between the motorhome and the car. Because in most cases the dashboard is further from you in an RV than in your car, the larger the display screen the better!

We have been using our computer on board for some time so we have attached a GPS to the computer and use deLorme's Street Atlas 2007 software and we do just great. Each year we usually update the software to the newest versions because of the changes to many Interstate exit ramps. It is wonderful to be approaching the merger of two Interstates and know which lane to be in - before the signs tell you!

Each year the navigation systems improve and it is worth the time to visit multiple stores and really take your time to make an intelligent choice as to which systems works best for you!

Tire Pressure

When you are cruising down the highway in your condo on wheels, one of the most important thing to have checked before departing is your tire pressure. No one wants a blow-out at 60mph!

The two major manufactures of RV and Motorhome tires are Goodyear and Michelin. Both of these companies have brochures that give you the pressure you should maintain based on your axle weight. If you don't have these charts, phone and get them!

Inside each motorhome, usually on the wall behind the driver's seat, is a sticker that gives you the recommended tire pressure. This is a good starting guide line but each RV carries different weight loads and different distribution of the weight.

You will need to weigh your motorhome and the best way is at a RV Rally where commercial companies weigh your coach - all the wheels at the same time. Not as accurate (but better than not weighing) is to go to a truck stop, local dump, or commercial truck facility and weigh each axle.

Once you have your weight per axle or by wheel you can use the tire manufactures chart to determine the correct pressure for your coach.

Remember to check your pressure when the tires are cold and before departing on a trip!

Covers for your RV

The ideal storage place for your RV or Motorhome is in a garage but many of us do not have that choice. There are a number of full covers available from dealers but you may wish to check with your manufacturer first.

When we questioned our motorhome manufacturer (Monaco), we were advised not to use a cover for two reasons, abrasion of the cover against the clear coat on the paint and the problem with mildew buildup.

We have tried using a large tarp over the entire top to stop the leaves from staining the top of the coach but I'm not sure the effort was worth what we gained! Cleaning the top might be easier than getting the tarp on top and then anchored down.

Obviously a good wax job just might be the best protection of all when a garage or carport are not available

Backing Up Your Motorhome

Backing up your motorhome needs to be done CAREFULLY! Most RV dealers require two people to back up a motorhome. One person driving and one person doing the directing. Obviously they have learned the hard way - so you would be wise to follow them and use two people.

The motorhome is very large and even with a rear view monitor and big mirrors, you cannot see everything, left, right, up high, and down low. Place your spotter just behind the motorhome off to the drivers side so the driver can see them in the mirror. Decide in advance some arm motions that both the spotter AND the driver mutually understand. Only move backwards when the spotter is motioning the driver to do so. The spotter may need to have the driver stop the coach several times while the check out the passenger side (curb side) of the vehicle and the distance to obstacles like trees and tree limbs.

Family Radios we find to be most helpful in helping each other back up. The frequently called "walkie-talkies" work great but you need to remember there is a time lapse between pressing down the talk key and when communications actually take place.

Yes, backing up can be a problem - so far we have killed one water pipe (knocking out water to the whole campground until the faucet could be repaired) and one RV dealers fence was given a gentle budge backwards! Embarrassing moments to be sure!