Top 5 Tips for an RV Newbie

Nature is vast and extraordinary. We cannot grasp the beauty and vibrance of it unless we set out on a journey. Discovering new places and exploring new domains develops confidence and composure. A full-time RV experience is a road full of unforgettable memories and learning experiences. You get to discover a lot, but it might be nerve-wracking for some. So, if you plan on transitioning from an RV newbie into a full-time RV, embrace yourself for a rollercoaster ride.

Top RV Newbie Tips

Here are some tips that will help a lot if you’re an RV newbie!

1- Boondocking

It is an integral part of the RV lifestyle. Boondocking means you park your RV at any spot and sleep there. There is no electricity, running water, or hookups. When boondocking, you should not open any bed extensions. So, you will have to sleep on other sleeping areas like the couch.

2- Carry cash in your pockets

Mostly these days, you don’t need cash. Every transaction can be made online or through your card. But, the same is not the case in the RV lifestyle. You need to carry cash and change in your pockets all the time. The unexpected tolls and laundromats need immediate cash. So, make sure you have some all the time.

3- Road trip applications

Downloading road trip apps will give you an advantage. Many road trip apps calculate your fuel costing and pinpoint restaurants. Some locate nearby gas stations, and some will help you find public toilets. Also, along the way, you can discover attractive spots with beautiful views 

4- Space heater for backup

When boondocking in a freezing place, your heater might not produce sufficient heat. Or when your heater is out of order, you must park in a cold spot. A backup space heater will come in handy during your road trip. It will provide you with the warm and cozy sleep that you deserve.

5- Antifreeze is a lifesaver

Stock up as much antifreeze as you can. It will be beneficial to you. In places, the temperature dips below freezing. Even if your heater works fine, the toilet and shower pipes are not protected. The water might freeze, making it difficult for you.

So if you have antifreeze on hand, you can drain it down the pipes to prevent freezing. So the shower and taps will still be running, and you can sleep peacefully with a space heater even in below-freezing temperatures.

The Bottom Line

Leaping into a Full-time RV lifestyle will take you to new horizons, but everything has its pros and cons. TNT RV Repairs are always at your beck and call. They are adept in maintenance and repair. Feel free to contact us regarding any problem with your RV. We will come to your location and fix the problem. So you can continue on your incredible journey.

Quick and Easy Campfire and RV Breakfast Recipes

We have mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again. Food is a very important component of being comfortable on the road. When camping you are not going to want, or be able to grab take out each night. Therefore, it is important to have some go-to quick and easy meals under your belt. One of the best things about camping is the variety of food and delicious treats you can make in the great outdoors over a campfire. If you’re looking for quick breakfast meals or recipes for the whole family, we’ve gathered a list of campfire recipes for you to make and start your day off right. 

 

Breakfast Casserole

This Egg Bake Breakfast Foil Packet recipe is the quick campfire version of a breakfast casserole. Easy to make and simple to wrap, this breakfast is the perfect meal to cook on the road.  

 

INGREDIENTS
1 28 oz package shredded hash browns, thawed
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese divided
1 c. diced ham
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
6 eggs
1/2 c. milk

 

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare campfire or grill for medium-high heat.

 

Step 2. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Stir in hash browns, diced ham and 3/4 c. cheese.

 

Step 3. Divide mixture among four 18×12 inch pieced of heavy duty nonstick foil. Fold foil tightly around mixture. Seal tightly.

 

Step 4. Placed packets over campfire or grill; cook 9-10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and eggs are cooked through. Open packets carefully and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

 

Campfire Skillet Breakfast

Who doesn’t love a breakfast skillet in the morning? Packed with lots of protein this is a great energy booster that will easily hold you over until lunch. 

 

Ingredients

½ pound sliced bacon
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ onion, chopped (Optional)
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

 

Instructions

Step 1: Cook bacon to desired doneness in a cast iron skillet over the slow burning coals of a campfire. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside. Stir the potatoes and onion into the hot bacon fat. Cover, and cook until the potatoes are soft, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 2: Crumble the bacon into the potatoes. Stir in the eggs, cover, and cook until set through, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the cheese, and allow to melt before serving.

 

Campfire Cinnamon Breakfast Roll

This Campfire Cinnamon Roll breakfast recipe is quick and fun to make with the kids. You just need a skewer or roasting stick for these delicious breakfast treats.

 

Ingredients 

6 Rhodes Anytime Cinnamon Rolls, thawed but still cold

1 cream cheese icing packet , (comes with rolls)

 

Instructions 

Step 1: Skewer a thawed cinnamon roll onto a roasting stick with an inch or two of space on the end. This way it won’t slide off as it cooks. (Skewer into the end piece of the roll, so it doesn’t come unraveled.)

Step 2:Roast cinnamon rolls over a campfire or grill (set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes on bottom, 5 minutes on top, and 5-10 minutes for the sides, rotating the stick as needed to prevent burning.

Step 3: Knead the packet of cream cheese frosting with your hands. Cut off the tip and squeeze frosting onto the roll while it’s warm. Eat the cinnamon roll on the stick or transfer it to a paper plate. Enjoy!

 

If you are in or traveling through the Las Vegas area, make sure to give TNT RV Repair a call. We are an experienced RV Company who will make sure your RV is in tip-top condition before you take it on the road, or will fix your RV if you have something that is giving you an issue. Contact us here to obtain a free quote.

 

Five Tips for When on the Road in Your RV

Now that you have your RV you just want to get out there and hit the road! However, you have to keep in mind an RV trip is a lot different than a trip in your car. You aren’t necessarily trying to get to your location as fast as you can. In fact, we recommend you take your time and really see the sites having this home on wheels allows you to see! Here are 5 tips we recommend you use when you are on the road.

Tip #1: Stop at the Mini Destinations Along the Way

When traveling from one destination to another make sure you take full advantage of checking out the mini destinations along the way. Sure you can drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix, Arizona, but make sure you stop in Sedona! If you aren’t stopping at these mini destinations then you are missing out on the full experiences of road tripping. 

 

Tip #2: You Don’t have to Stay at a Campsite Each Night

While staying at a campsite is more convenient when on the road, you don’t have to do that every night. Sometimes just parking alone under the stars is magical. Make sure to add a few of these nights to your adventure. Just make sure the weather is tolerable and you have adequate water and food to allow yourself to be comfortable. 

 

Tip #3: Cleanliness Counts

In a home, you have a lot of moving air, while an RV is more compact. You have to be really careful about what you cook, what you throw in the trash, and how clean the RV is. The smell will stagnate in an RV when you aren’t moving, so keep it tidy!

 

Tip #4: Be Prepared with Adequate Food

Nothing is worse than being hungry (followed by hangry) when on the road. We did a whole article on RV meals here, but essentially when you’re in an RV you can’t just swing through a drive-through. There will be times when a restaurant is miles away and it will get expensive trying to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants every day. So planning your meals will be a big factor in how energized you feel on the road. 

 

Tip #5: The Health of Your RV is Everything
Of course as an RV Repair Company we have to remind you to have a full inspection on your RV before you take off on your adventure to make sure everything is operating correctly, but you should also have qualified RV repair companies like TNT RV Repair in your back pocket along the course of your trip. While we can be your go-to when you are traveling in the Las Vegas and Henderson County areas, you also need to know who to call during the rest of your trip in case you need a repair when you’re on the road. 

 

What to Eat for Breakfast When On The Road

Breakfast is such an important meal when you are hitting the road in your RV. You need that morning meal to fuel your adventures, your work, and the traveling for the day. Unlike when you are home, when you are on the road you should never skip breakfast. If you’re wondering what kinds of breakfasts you can cook in your RV, we have listed some ideas below. Here are some easy camping breakfasts you and your family will surely enjoy. 

 

Griddle

To start, you have to have the right tools in order to cook. RVs are large and don’t fit through drive throughs, also a lot of times there are limited food options on the road, and eating out all of the time will get expensive. Two cooking tools we highly recommend for anyone with an RV are a griddle and a microwave. In your griddle, you can cook sausage links, bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, etc. You basically can cook anything you would normally have for breakfast. To add in some much needed vegetables to your meal, omelets are a great idea. Easily made right on the griddle!  

 

Stovetop

If you have an operable stove in your RV, then oatmeal and grits are two options that are quick and easy that can be made right in your RV kitchen.

Oatmeal is cheap and so versatile. You can add in apples and cinnamon, berries and yogurt, or bananas and nuts to make it more flavorful.

 

Grits are another breakfast favorite that is easy and can be made right on the stovetop. If you’re not familiar with this food, grits are simply ground up hominy. They come in a small bag similar to cornmeal. Some people from certain regions serve them sweet, but they are the best seasoned with just salt, pepper, and butter. They’re surprisingly filling by themselves, but grits are even better with a couple pieces of bacon on the side. Just cook them on the stovetop as directed on the bag.

 

Cold Breakfast Ideas:

There are some mornings when you will be pinched for time or simply too tired to cook. On these mornings, having a simple cold breakfast is best. Overnight oats, cereal, bagels and cream cheese, and muffins are great options for a quick and easy breakfast on the go. We also recommend a high quality blender. With these blenders, you can make a nutritious shake within minutes that will prepare you for the day ahead. These blenders can also make hot soups if you want something a little warmer for breakfast, like porridge.

 

If you are in or traveling through the Las Vegas area, make sure to give TNT RV Repair a call. We are an experienced RV Company who will make sure your RV is in tip-top condition before you take it on the road, or will fix your RV if you have something that is giving you an issue. Contact us here to obtain a free quote.

Quick RV Lunch Ideas

When you first get an RV, the last thing on your mind is food, but once you start your first trip, you will quickly realize how important having a plan around your food is. Since lunch is in the middle of your day and you are either moving from one destination to the next or if you are stopped you are out and about exploring the area, you want to keep your lunches on the road pretty simple. One thought is using your leftovers from dinner for lunch, but if that isn’t an option, we are going to go over some fun lunch ideas below. Just remember with all of the current technology you can cook just about anything on the road that you can cook at home if you are prepared. 

 

Hot Meals 

To start, you have to have the right tools in order to cook. RVs are large and don’t fit through drive throughs, also a lot of times there are limited food options on the road, and eating out all of the time will get expensive. Two cooking tools we highly recommend for anyone with an RV are a griddle and a microwave. The griddle will allow you to make hot sandwiches with ease and very little supplies and the microwave allows you to heat everything up quickly. One of our favorite griddle meals is grilled cheese sandwiches. They go great with microwaved soup and make an easy lunch everyone will love.

 

Cold Meals

On days we are out exploring, cold lunches are a better option. All you need is a portable and easy to carry cooler to keep everything at a safe temperature and you are free to go about your day and eat when you’re ready. Some of our favorite cold meals are meat and cheese lettuce wraps, pasta salad and boiled eggs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and cold spaghetti. These meals aren’t as fancy, but they will suffice as you are out and about enjoying your day. 

 

Large Meals

For those that want a bigger lunch without taking up a lot of time, the Instant Pot is the way to go. The Instant Pot electric pressure cooker is a wildly popular kitchen tool with full-time RVers. It’s no wonder! It doesn’t take up that much space, it’s easy to operate, and it does the job of several other kitchen gadgets. There are so many recipes out there, the meal ideas are truly endless. Some recipe ideas for your Instant pot are soups and stews, pot roasts, beef tips and rice, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, and just about any meat dish you can think of. I like to set up the Instant Pot outside on our outdoor table. This prevents food smells and moisture from the steam from getting into our RV.

 

If you are in or traveling through the Las Vegas area, make sure to give TNT RV Repair a call. We are an experienced RV Company who will make sure your RV is in tip-top condition before you take it on the road, or will fix your RV if you have something that is giving you an issue. Contact us here to obtain a free quote. 

Top Five RV Myths

When you purchase an RV you are stepping into a whole new community of people. People who love adventure and life on the road. However, every community has both myths and facts and we think it is important you know the truth about some of the most common RV Myths. 

 

RV Myth #1: Motorhomes get terrible gas mileage

Semi-false. With gas prices surging it is important to understand how much gas an RV actually uses. While motorhomes aren’t as fuel-efficient as the average passenger vehicle simply due to their greater weight, there have been a lot of advancements made in just the last few years that have equated to better mileage. Manufacturers are also aware of customer preferences, so they continue to improve fuel efficiency. If you’re considering owning an RV and looking for more fuel-efficient options, check out Class C RVs and B-Vans. They’ll get better gas mileage than a larger motorhome.

 

RV Myth #2: If an RV is not branded as “ultra-light” then it is not light

False. In fact, many models that do not have “ultra-light” in their name are still just as easy to tow. The Ultra-light tag is sometimes a catchy marketing phrase. 

 

RV Myth #3: My truck has sway control. I don’t need any added sway control or stabilizers.

Not only is this myth false, but it’s also dangerous. While a factory-installed sway control on a truck may ensure that the vehicle does not sway, it certainly will not prevent a trailer from doing so. At TNT RV Repair we have many stabilizers available so you can travel on the road safely. 

 

RV Myth #4: I don’t need to store my RV in the winter months.

False. Leaving your RV exposed to the elements can result in long-term damage. This can be accelerated by moisture and cold so we recommend storing the vehicle in the winter months. Remember, owning an RV is an investment, and you’ll want to protect it as best as possible.

 

RV Myth #5: I Don’t Need to get my RV Checked Until It’s Broken

False. Annual checks will save you time and money. At TNT RV Repair we highly recommend you get your RV checked before taking it on a road trip. Annual checkups are necessary because if you wait until a problem occurs with the vehicle you will most likely be on the road and have to pay for a tow, a place to sleep while it’s being fixed, and it will dampen your whole road trip experience. This can all be prevented by having a specialist at TNT RV Repair take a look at your RV and see if there is anything that needs to be updated before you hit the road!

 

Being proactive and having a reliable RV repair company on hand before you have a problem with your vehicle will give you time to find the right company for you. If you are in the Henderson or Las Vegas area, contact TNT RV Repair today to talk to one of our customer care specialists!

How to Plan Your First RV Vacation?

Are you planning your first-ever RV vacation? You must be feeling the most excited version of yourself. There must be dreams, wishes, and adventures on your mind. While you think of all the good things going to happen during your RV vacation, ensure that you have the below-mentioned four things for a safe trip.

Critical Points of a VR Vacation

Here is to discuss each point of planning your next VR vacation!

1- Toolkit

Several things can go wrong when traveling around your RV kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. You need to be prepared for all kinds of situations. The electrical circuit can break, the side view mirrors can come loose, and some things can break or go out of function.

Thus, you should have your toolkit with you in your RV. This will help you manage all the tiny issues you can fix yourself. However, for the more significant problems, make sure to have contact with a good RV repair company. TNT RV repairs is a mobile company that can provide you with all kinds of RV-relevant services.

2- Cookware

RVs come with a kitchenette and some of the necessary cookware. Most first-time RV travelers make the mistake of not ensuring that the kitchen has all the needed cookware. Make sure that you are not one of them. You need a pan, silverware, glass, mug, pot, cutting board, and a few baskets to keep your snacks and foods. Moreover, you would need knives and many other kinds of kitchen equipment.

This point goes true for those RVs you rent. Even if the owner has promised to put all the necessary cookware, there might be a few things your need missing.

3- A Detailed Plan

This is one of the essential parts of the planning phase of your first RV vacation. Not having a complete plan of where you will spend nights and how to make the most of your days will leave you lost, confused, and even scared while you are on the tip.

Secondly, make it to your parking spot before it gets dark while on the trip. The problem with reaching the campground at night is that you might wake up at a place you do not recognize. Plus, your safety comes before anything. You do not want to spend a night at a place that is not safe in the first place.

4- Leveling Blocks

The thing with RV vacation is that you will be stopping at places that have uneven grounds. Parking your RV unbalanced is something you should not be doing. So, make sure to pack along leveling blocks. They will come to your service when the ground level is not even.

Final Verdict

Going on a trip in an RV for the first time can be exciting, scary, overwhelming, and precious, all at the same time. Know that TNT RV Repair has your back whenever you face a problem. Start your journey confidently because they are mobile and will come to serve you whenever you call them!

RV Hacks to Make You a Happy Camper

Everybody loves the idea of leading a life where your home is mobile, and you can go wherever you want to without leaving your precious living space. But the smell of the washroom and discomfort of the bed and shower tell them otherwise. Do not let these problems stop you from being a happy camper and follow the below-given RV hacks.

Best RV Hacks to Practice

Let’s check the top RV hacks to practice!

1- Install a Clear Elbow in Sewer Hose

The sewer hose of an RV is a disgusting part of the van that deals with toilet dump. It is understandable that you do not want to deal with it or see what is happening inside. But there are a number of problems that can take place in this part, turning it black or brown. Toilet paper can accumulate, or any kind of clog can happen.

Install a clear elbow at its end to avoid all such problems related to the sewer hose. This will help the tank empty fully and get all clean. You can ensure it by checking the water during tank flush. If the water is clear, the tank is clean.

2- Get Rid of the Tank Smell

Your time in RV can become extremely difficult due to the smell of a full black tank. To avoid being troubled on your way to the tank flush, you do not need to invest a lot of bucks on chemical solutions. Yes, you can make a smell solution on your own using a few things. Here is the recipe for a black tank smell-removing solution!

Take 1 cup of dish soap and Calgon water, mix both, and add this solution to the black tank. This will not let the whole van go all stinky. Plus, it will help kill some particles on the walls of the tank.

3- Get a Mattress Topper

The mattress in recreational vans is not always comfy and soft enough. Most people face a hard time falling asleep in an RV. Because their mindset is that this is what they have to sacrifice for an adventurous lifestyle, you can indeed turn an ordinary RV mattress into a soft, comfortable, and relaxing one. Yes!

All you need is a mattress topper. This item comes in variable sizes and is cheaper than mattresses. You can get around 2 – 4 inches of thickness in this mattress. Simply adding this affordable thing to your RV bed will make your life in this van super easy.

4- Get an Oxygenics Shower Head

Another great RV hack you cannot miss while living in an RV is a shower head with high pressure and less water waste. RV shower heads are not bearable, let alone great. They have low pressure and poor spraying capacity. Plus, they waste a lot of water.

For the solution to that problem, you can just get yourself an Oxygenics shower head. It saves water and keeps the pressure good enough.

Conclusion

RV life is difficult only until your black tank is not stinking with your body waste, your bed is comfortable, and you are enjoying your basic hygiene showers every day. Follow the RV hacks given above to make your RV life happier. To get any RV-related help, contact mobile TNT RV Repair Services!

RV Living Costs – Is It Cost Effective?

What are the basic RV living costs? It’s what about every person thinks of before stepping into the lifestyle of an RVer. The truth is that there is no fixed way to answer that. The RV living costs vary from person to person. Let us find out more below!

How much are RV Living Costs?

Calculating your RV living costs might be a little complicated, but planning every need of your life, having a record of your expenses, and having a fixed budget can help.

Moreover, there is no fixed answer to how much everyone living in an RV spends and saves because it all comes down to the personalized lifestyles of people. There have been people who have been able to pay their debts by living in RV. Some people had to compromise on their basic needs while leading an RV life. Thus, it depends on your lifestyle and many other factors.

What is the Average Monthly Cost?

As mentioned above, your expenses can expand or reduce depending on your lifestyle. However, a few things have nothing to do with individual lifestyle preferences. By including only the mandatory expenses in the calculation, the average living cost is around $2,000.

Is It Cost Effective?

Here is the biggest fact about living in an RV. It is that it costs much less to live in an RV as compared to a home or an apartment. You can save a considerable amount of money every month. Firstly, your home is your transportation medium. Secondly, your home demands much fewer maintenance charges than a conventional home. There are no expenses that you would otherwise be spending on your home.

So, if you love the freedom in finances and places and can compromise a little on your living style, you can save a lot of money.

The Basic Expenses You Would be Paying While Living in RV

Here is a list of the things, along with an estimated amount for a monthly basis!

  • Lodging $100
  • Parking Fees / Tolls / Admission Fees $50
  • Propane $40
  • Diesel for the Truck $300
  • Dining Out $50 – 100
  • Entertainment / Hobby $50 – 80
  • Household Items / Groceries $500
  • Gifts $50 as per the monthly circumstance
  • Cell Phones and Internet $70
  • Storage Units $80
  • Financial Advisors $100
  • Insurance Premiums $200

Your expenses can increase during festivals when you need more money to buy gifts for your friends and family.

Final Verdict

As discussed above, living in an RV is much more cost-effective than leading a conventional life. The best thing is that there is no compromise. The items you let go of are being replaced by more amazing things, like the ability to travel anywhere and replace the comfort of your conventional home.

When your RV is having technical or any problems, look no further than TNT Mobile RV Repair Company!

National Parks RVing in USA

Every type of habitat you can imagine may be found in America’s national park system, from the arid Mojave Desert to the lush rainforests of the Pacific Coast. There are also fantastic ways to enjoy them, such as hiking, motorcycling, and simply watching the sunset. Additionally, if you have an RV, you can pull up and set up shop inside the park without having to travel outside, bringing all the conveniences of home with you.

National Park RVing in the USA

Here are some insider suggestions that will make your national park RV journey a smooth ride so you can enjoy your RV camping experience.

1- Select a Park with Accessible, Wide Roads

If you carefully plan your itinerary, getting your RV to your chosen national park destination will not be difficult. Once you get there, the key is to make sure getting about the park is as simple as possible. Having pleasant camping trips isn’t about driving a vehicle through tight turns or over harsh unanticipated terrain.

Planning will prevent you from getting stopped on a challenging route or road, and picking an accessible park will make things easier right away.

2- Plan Ahead and Reserve Your Camping Space

In the national parks of the United States, it can be difficult to find campsites with complete RV hookups, and it can be even more difficult to book them once the season is entirely underway. As soon as you know your travel dates, look for RV campgrounds.

(Reserve Camping Space)

(reserve-camping-space)

Be sure to take into account the various areas’ size restrictions. Remember that depending on the time of day, some locations restrict the use of generators.

3- Keep Up with Road Closures 

Road closures outside and Inside Park limits can derail even the best-laid plans and send you in the wrong direction. Even if even the most convoluted detour can eventually be negotiated, being aware of closures beforehand will lessen navigational difficulties and the stress of operating a massive vehicle on unknown roads.

4- Maintain the Budget

The greatest thing you can do for your trip budget is to stock up on groceries and fuel before you enter the park, as gas and supplies increase in price once you enter the park’s gates.

If you run out of staples like coffee or toothpaste, you can get them at park stores, but do your big grocery run well before arriving at the park.

5- Ready Yourself to Dry Camp

The national park system has few full hookups, but it doesn’t mean you can’t camp and benefit from being close to nature. Take the family on a few practice runs beforehand and prepare to dry camp.

The absence of hookups is intentional because RV campgrounds in national parks are located in some of the most picture-taking areas of the country. We can all agree that having a smaller environmental effect is good.

6- Remain Clean on Your Site and Store Food Accurately

Because bears are very active in national parks, bear lockers or other wildlife-proof storage are frequently provided as a requirement for campers.

The most adventurous bears have been known to break into locked automobiles to get food. Thus, several parks request that food (and, in some cases, any scented items like toothpaste and deodorant) not be placed in vehicles.

Conclusion

In addition to all the above-given tips, always clean up after yourself after outdoor cooking and never leave food outside. Aside from being impolite to other campers, acting differently has significant detrimental effects on wildlife and may occasionally necessitate removal or euthanasia.

Contact TNT RV now to get your RVs and campers ready for trips and get all the maintenance and repair services at your home, storage, parks, stables, or any other place you want.