Tips Looking for tips / prep info on RV'ing

[CelticRose]

So we have the RV now, Class C conquest.

Thus far we've decided to remove the big tv that's installed in it, because one of our great members pointed out the weight of it versus how much more important stuff can be carried / stored in its place. Going to set it up to hold the flat screen TV/DVD we currently use in the bedroom.

Since ours has the 'basement' the can be accessed from the back & sides on the outside and by lifting up the bed, from inside the coach....... I'm trying to configure the best use of that space by playing with items on a scaled to size drawing ... Hoses, tools, etc, easily gotten to via the opening on the side with all the hook-ups, etc ...... Extra non-food items and such from inside the coach ....... And assorted other things ..... Already planning to get those all re-keyed for safety reasons as well as installing a simple hasp style lock on the inside so in the wild chance someone tried to access the interior of the RV via the 'basement'; they couldn't ...........

I've put non-slid shelf liners on the drawers / cupboards ...... Also packed and stowed away in those 'space bags' extra linens / clothes, etc .....

We have several 5 gallon water containers to increase of potable water capacity (heard that the 'fresh water tank' is best for non-consuming use, unless boiled) ......

Now here's my questions ............

I'm currently lobbying hard to take one side of our yard, have strip the grass (it's good grass / weed free, so I'm thinking once the weather cools down, I could transplant that grass to areas that are now bare) then getting a load of gravel dumped in the strip so we can park the RV along side our house .....

If we need it in a hurry, it's there, also I can run the gennie, etc every few weeks to keep things in top order .....

But I'd like to also store the basics. of food items in the RV. Is this a good or bad idea?

Any and all imput / feed back / tips will be greatly appreciated!!!

We are planning to get the mobility scooter carrier for the RV and I plan to bring my funky bicycle too as well as a small air compressor, assorted tools, small BBQ, folding chairs / small folding table / an invertor we already have ...... folding drying rack for laundry and such ....

On my 'wish list' is being able to make slip covers for the dining area ... It's in pristine condition now .... But we've got our fur-girls and I'd rather have something I can launder and other wise denude of dog hair ..... Also removing and recovering the window dressings, then putting them back up ..... Yeah like I need more to do But that's all on my wish list

Heck when we eventually do take the trip up to MN next year for Bobs' school reunion, I plan to stow the blender and waffle maker in the RV, too! Ya knew know when the urge for good waffles or a slushy drink might hit ya

 

[nomifyle]

Sounds like you already have a handle on things. Good luck and have fun.

Judy

 

[Mcfay]

Dried foods make good RV foods because of not having much weight. You can store lots of dried foods under that bed.

We use to live in a fifth wheel. We did for 18 months and we drank the water from the fresh water holding tank. We bought the trailer used, so before we did anything else we filled the holding tank with fresh water and bleach. Can't remember how much bleach, there are RV books out there that tells how to clean the tanks. But we filled the tank with the mixture and pulled it a few miles then emptied it by running it through the lines with the grey water tank open. We then drank the water from then on with no problem.

 

[Ragenomore]

Be careful about the food. Critters can get in.

 

[et2]

So we have the RV now, Class C conquest.

Thus far we've decided to remove the big tv that's installed in it, because one of our great members pointed out the weight of it versus how much more important stuff can be carried / stored in its place. Going to set it up to hold the flat screen TV/DVD we currently use in the bedroom.

Since ours has the 'basement' the can be accessed from the back & sides on the outside and by lifting up the bed, from inside the coach....... I'm trying to configure the best use of that space by playing with items on a scaled to size drawing ... Hoses, tools, etc, easily gotten to via the opening on the side with all the hook-ups, etc ...... Extra non-food items and such from inside the coach ....... And assorted other things ..... Already planning to get those all re-keyed for safety reasons as well as installing a simple hasp style lock on the inside so in the wild chance someone tried to access the interior of the RV via the 'basement'; they couldn't ...........

I've put non-slid shelf liners on the drawers / cupboards ...... Also packed and stowed away in those 'space bags' extra linens / clothes, etc .....

We have several 5 gallon water containers to increase of potable water capacity (heard that the 'fresh water tank' is best for non-consuming use, unless boiled) ......

Now here's my questions ............

I'm currently lobbying hard to take one side of our yard, have strip the grass (it's good grass / weed free, so I'm thinking once the weather cools down, I could transplant that grass to areas that are now bare) then getting a load of gravel dumped in the strip so we can park the RV along side our house .....

If we need it in a hurry, it's there, also I can run the gennie, etc every few weeks to keep things in top order .....

But I'd like to also store the basics. of food items in the RV. Is this a good or bad idea?

Any and all imput / feed back / tips will be greatly appreciated!!!

We are planning to get the mobility scooter carrier for the RV and I plan to bring my funky bicycle too as well as a small air compressor, assorted tools, small BBQ, folding chairs / small folding table / an invertor we already have ...... folding drying rack for laundry and such ....

On my 'wish list' is being able to make slip covers for the dining area ... It's in pristine condition now .... But we've got our fur-girls and I'd rather have something I can launder and other wise denude of dog hair ..... Also removing and recovering the window dressings, then putting them back up ..... Yeah like I need more to do But that's all on my wish list

Heck when we eventually do take the trip up to MN next year for Bobs' school reunion, I plan to stow the blender and waffle maker in the RV, too! Ya knew know when the urge for good waffles or a slushy drink might hit ya

CR you would be surprised how easy a thief can gain access to the inside of your RV if they really want to. Most likely it won't be through the basement. Usually all it takes it knocking out the trailer door window and unlocking it. Ask me how I know this. On a Class C they have the door windows to get in as well.

We use plastic containers in various sizes to help organize the junk. They stack easier. As far as a air compressor, don't skimp on a cheapo. Get one capable of filling those bigger tires, they hold a higher pressure than regular car tires. We use a 6 gallon pancake compressor with a long enough hose.
Also probably a good idea to get some tire repair items,plugs,valves,valve & stem installer /remover. Of course this is if your capable of repairing a tire yourself,otherwise get road assistance insurance.

We take all food out of our fiver when not in use. If your around fields or in the country you will probably get mice if you don't. There are plenty of holes for them to get in. You don't want that problem. I know many of people who leave food in the unit and have issues.

You might want to get some 2 x12 boards to support the wheels if your in a rainy area with a lot of snow or wet weather. I've had our fiver sink in crushed stones due the the weight.

Does the plumbing need to be winterized? Are the tanks all drained for the winter? Has the water heater plug been pulled?

We don't use the water stored in the fresh water tank or from campgrounds to drink or cook. Just to shower and toilet and dishes. We bring bottled water to drink. Drinking from you tank is fine if you keep it treated (clean). I just don't care for the taste from sitting water, or well water. There are filters you can buy to hook up to the water coming in to the RV.

We have a back-flush adapter .... http://www.flushking.com/ . They come in real handy if you ever get a black tank plugged up. That could get real messy to fix, this makes the job a lot easier plus you can back-flush your black tank to clean it out after dumping. I use it all the time.

One last thing and I'll shut up ... SURGE PROTECTOR ... SURGE PROTECTOR. For many reasons, lightning strikes, bad power supply ( low voltage, high voltage, bad ground,wired wrong). All it takes is one time to ruin your electrical system and appliances. They are pricey but worth it. Here is one a lot of people use ... http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_pt50c.htm.

 

[Publius]

The Water storage tank just put a cup of bleach in and fill it to the top and let it set for a few min and do run some of it threw the water lines and then drain and re-fill with clean water.