Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
We have been living the RV lifestyle for almost two years. We have
traveled all over the country visiting all the interesting places we
have always wanted to see.
I think one of the biggest adjustments we've had to make is planning
far enough ahead to be able to find suitable parking accommodations
for our rig.
We never realized how crowded the RV parks and campgrounds would be
when we planned this retirement life.
There have been areas we just had to skip, because we could not find a
place to stay.
Is this normal or are we just a couple old RVers that need to learn a
few new tricks?
--Double Parkered in Arizona
Dear Parker:
I think it depends a lot on how you define, “suitable parking accommodations.”
There is no question that the whole RV camping industry has embraced
the reservation system. From RV luxury resorts to pit toilet forest
service campgrounds you can now make site reservations, and many
people do.
This has to be a generalized answer because of the huge range of ways
in which RVers like to travel.
To stay spontaneous, you still need to move around without booking
yourself months in advance. To do this successfully you need to be
able to roll with the punches. It actually takes more planning to
travel without reservations, at the drop of a hat or the spur of the
moment.
Willing to dry camp, take available partial hook-ups, or play
campground bingo on your computer as you get closer to a destination
is a necessary evil.
We seldom use reservations, and we are seldom blocked out, but often
we have to move several times around a campground to stay as long as
we wish or find nearby dry camping.
Another thing that will make a difference is time and experience.
Eventually, you will discover many places you do not even know exist
that fit your bill for accommodations. You just have to spend enough
time in an area, talk to other RVer’s, search online, read enough
articles, and keep good notes.
We can’t even read our Rand McNally because we have so many notations
scribbled all over it. If you are in California and someone tells you
about a great spot in Florida, write it down. Chances are you are
going to be in that area eventually. That tip could come in handy down
the road (pun intended).
Joining a club like the Escapees can help both with camping and also educationally thru their seminars.
Learning to master the fine art of popular online reservation systems can also open some doors.
Always talk to park management when trying to shoehorn into a
particular park. They often know of situations that may not show up
online immediately.
Think of this as a challenge, not a stumbling block. We have found
some of our most rewarding, enjoyable, and beautiful camping spots by
being forced to think outside the box.
--Keep Smilin’, Dr. R.V. Shrink
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
RV high water mark
Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
Here is one I haven't seen you address yet.
We recently had our toilet water-valve stick and not close all the way. It eventually filled the black water holding tank and backed up into our trailer. We were sitting outside and did not notice the problem until water was dripping out onto the ground.
Fortunately, it was not as bad as it sounds. We were not hooked up to water. Our water storage tank went dry and most of the water spilling out of the toilet was fairly clean.
My husband, without hesitation, decided it was my fault because I used the facilities last and, knowing we had a problem, he told me because it sticks to be sure to pull up on the pedal whenever I flush the toilet.
In my defense, since he knew we had a malfunction he should have corrected it immediately. Would you rather be my defense lawyer or his?
--Jump or swim in Sweetwater
Dear Jump:
It doesn't amount to a hill of beans who's to blame. I could make a case for both of you, but a better reaction would be "live and learn."
I would bet you won't do that again.
It happens more than people like to admit. Not just with the toilet, but other spigots. We once had a loom, we were storing in the shower, fall over and turn on the tap. We were in a hurry to catch the Durango, Colorado train to Silverton. We pulled quickly into an RV park, hooked up the water, turned it on and took off. Luckily the park manager saw water flowing from our rig and shut it off.
It makes you a bit gun shy, but eventually you realize that these are not common events and as long as you are careful, RV plumbing is very reliable. The problem with a self-contained system is that your drain field is a gray/black water tank. Once they fill, there is only one place for the water to go and gravity will always make sure it gets there.
I am assuming you have the valve fixed by now. It could be something as simple as toilet paper in the slide mechanism or the pedal needing some lube.
I am a big fan of checklists and notes. If you have a problem that calls for actions out of the ordinary, it would be wise to give yourself a reminder with a bright colored Post-it note.
Don't post it on your forehead, they are really hard to see there.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
Here is one I haven't seen you address yet.
We recently had our toilet water-valve stick and not close all the way. It eventually filled the black water holding tank and backed up into our trailer. We were sitting outside and did not notice the problem until water was dripping out onto the ground.
Fortunately, it was not as bad as it sounds. We were not hooked up to water. Our water storage tank went dry and most of the water spilling out of the toilet was fairly clean.
My husband, without hesitation, decided it was my fault because I used the facilities last and, knowing we had a problem, he told me because it sticks to be sure to pull up on the pedal whenever I flush the toilet.
In my defense, since he knew we had a malfunction he should have corrected it immediately. Would you rather be my defense lawyer or his?
--Jump or swim in Sweetwater
Dear Jump:
It doesn't amount to a hill of beans who's to blame. I could make a case for both of you, but a better reaction would be "live and learn."
I would bet you won't do that again.
It happens more than people like to admit. Not just with the toilet, but other spigots. We once had a loom, we were storing in the shower, fall over and turn on the tap. We were in a hurry to catch the Durango, Colorado train to Silverton. We pulled quickly into an RV park, hooked up the water, turned it on and took off. Luckily the park manager saw water flowing from our rig and shut it off.
It makes you a bit gun shy, but eventually you realize that these are not common events and as long as you are careful, RV plumbing is very reliable. The problem with a self-contained system is that your drain field is a gray/black water tank. Once they fill, there is only one place for the water to go and gravity will always make sure it gets there.
I am assuming you have the valve fixed by now. It could be something as simple as toilet paper in the slide mechanism or the pedal needing some lube.
I am a big fan of checklists and notes. If you have a problem that calls for actions out of the ordinary, it would be wise to give yourself a reminder with a bright colored Post-it note.
Don't post it on your forehead, they are really hard to see there.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
RV TV rerun
Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
The flat screen TV in our rig just went berserk. When we turn it on, it turns itself off and back on every couple seconds.
My husband wants to take it to a repair shop. I said, "It's cheaper to buy a new one." He says this one was engineered to fit in the trailer.
To me it looks like the same TVs they sell at Walmart. Is there something special about RV TVs? Am I being unreasonable? I know we live in a throw away society, but part of the reason is the cost of fixing an appliance compared to replacing it.
We are not that handy. If something breaks, my husband usually hits it several times, then I run down and buy a new one. Any help with the TV, or my husband, would be greatly appreciated.
--Hit and Run in Roswell
Dear Roswell:
There is nothing special about a TV in an RV. Buying a new replacement or fixing what you have should be a personal decision after exploring the cost, warranty, and hassle of doing each.
My first suggestion would be to try to figure out what is wrong with the unit you now have. TVs are now much like computers. Before you do anything rash, like hitting it, unplug the power cord and count to sixty before plugging it back in. You would be surprised how often that reboots everything and magically fixes a glitch your device might be experiencing.
That procedure could also work with your spouse.
If you do decide replacement is necessary, you will most likely get an upgrade from the set you now have. Technology continues to improve TV quality, and prices continue to drop. You should have no problem finding a unit that will fit perfectly into the space that now holds your present TV.
Take special care when mounting a new device. Fastening it securely is very important in a vehicle, especialy if it's located above the cockpit. Everyone wants to be on TV, but no one wants to be under one.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
The flat screen TV in our rig just went berserk. When we turn it on, it turns itself off and back on every couple seconds.
My husband wants to take it to a repair shop. I said, "It's cheaper to buy a new one." He says this one was engineered to fit in the trailer.
To me it looks like the same TVs they sell at Walmart. Is there something special about RV TVs? Am I being unreasonable? I know we live in a throw away society, but part of the reason is the cost of fixing an appliance compared to replacing it.
We are not that handy. If something breaks, my husband usually hits it several times, then I run down and buy a new one. Any help with the TV, or my husband, would be greatly appreciated.
--Hit and Run in Roswell
Dear Roswell:
There is nothing special about a TV in an RV. Buying a new replacement or fixing what you have should be a personal decision after exploring the cost, warranty, and hassle of doing each.
My first suggestion would be to try to figure out what is wrong with the unit you now have. TVs are now much like computers. Before you do anything rash, like hitting it, unplug the power cord and count to sixty before plugging it back in. You would be surprised how often that reboots everything and magically fixes a glitch your device might be experiencing.
That procedure could also work with your spouse.
If you do decide replacement is necessary, you will most likely get an upgrade from the set you now have. Technology continues to improve TV quality, and prices continue to drop. You should have no problem finding a unit that will fit perfectly into the space that now holds your present TV.
Take special care when mounting a new device. Fastening it securely is very important in a vehicle, especialy if it's located above the cockpit. Everyone wants to be on TV, but no one wants to be under one.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
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