RV Camping Tips Archives - Mobile RV Service & Repair Las Vegas NV

November 3, 2022

All About RV Maintenance 101

Leaping into the RV lifestyle is great, but you must become responsible and carefully perform RV maintenance promptly. Lack of maintenance can affect you in the long run. You need to be careful to have a safe and sound road trip. If you need RV to bring you and your family countless hours of joy and beautiful experiences, make sure you also focus on RV maintenance.

Importance of RV Maintenance

RV maintenance determines the value of your vehicle. A well-maintained, even low-end model is always a valuable asset. On the other side, even if you have an extravagant RV model but lack maintenance. It will be considered worse than low-end models.

The RV service and maintenance can often make or break a deal. Keeping your RV in tip-top condition and all the performed maintenance documented will fetch you potential buyers.

RV Maintenance Tips

RV is like your mini home. You will have a kitchen, a bathroom, furnaces, some appliances, bedrooms, and a living room. As in the bathroom, like your home, you will have a water pumping system. It will have two tanks for sewage management.

Unlike the roof of your house, you need to inspect the roof of your RV daily for any leakage. As for electricity, RV has two electric systems bridged with an inverter. The 12-volt electric system comes in handy while boondocking.

1- House on wheels

Your RV is your mini house on wheels. But these wheels also need your care. When you find a spot to park, check your tires and wheels. If your tires are in good condition, your trip will be safe and sound.

Manual, hydraulic, or electric leveling is required when you arrive at your destination. These leveling systems need attentive maintenance. Also, if your RV has a slide-out feature for beds, they need to be checked on regular bases.

2- Maintenance of RV generator

It is an essential part of your RV crammed in one of the nooks. It does not take up much of your storage space. The generator needs proper maintenance with fuels, oils, and filters. It might be minor, but it requires great care. It will keep your RV always on the go. The engine and generators are the powerhouses of your RV. Make their maintenance your priority.

3- Keeping track of your RV

An RV lifestyle gives you the freedom to hit the road, enjoy campfires, discover new places, explore nature and connect with it. Maintenance is a small price to pay when receiving a priceless wonderful experience. You can keep track of your RV with online tools. They will guide you on the maintenance of every single part.

Conclusion

Thus, maintenance is crucial for a good RV lifestyle. TNT RV Repair services can provide you with professional help on this. We will ensure your RV is in tip-top condition and ready for the journey. They assist anywhere in Las Angeles and Southern Nevada.

November 2, 2022

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.

November 2, 2022

5 Tips for Living a Full-Time RV Lifestyle

Adventures make life more fun and lively. Exploring new destinations and seeing beautiful sights is what humans crave. A full-time RV lifestyle takes you a little close to this. However, not everyone is cut out for an RV lifestyle. You need to sacrifice a little for your comfort to see the wonderful sights on the road. The RV lifestyle provides you freedom and allows you to be yourself. It lets you explore the wonders this planet has to offer.

Ways to Full-Time RV Lifestyle

If you plan to go for a full-time RV lifestyle, here are some tips you should consider:

1- Complete the paperwork

The RV lifestyle gives you freedom, but you still need to legalize your trip. Make sure your vehicle is registered. The first step is selecting your domicile state.

With the selection of your state, you can register your RV vehicle and nil all the tax filings. Some states are income-tax-free, but some apply taxes. Carefully legalize all your documentation and set on a beautiful journey.

2- Use space skillfully

Changing your lifestyle to RV full-time is quite significant. Settling all the stuff from your home into an RV is difficult. Most people rent storage spaces to put their stuff on the road.

But you will need things on your trip. So, where to put them? The solution is simple. You need to be skillful in utilizing all the storage of your RV. You can use every nook and cranny of the RV for storage.

3- Keep your pet in mind

Adapting to the RV lifestyle itself is a challenge. Additionally, it becomes tricky if you have a pet to take care of. However, it is not impossible. You have to create some space for your friend.

A cage for any bird or a litter box if you have a cat. Dogs may require a kennel. Adjust a tiny home for your friend in your RV, and you will be good to go.

4- Road Life

You will discover many new places, which will help you broaden your horizons. Since people miss out on so much due to our daily busy routines, an RV lifestyle is about freedom. You get to meet new people on the road.

Meeting other RVers establishes connections, and you get the chance to make new friends. Being an RVer allows you to go to exciting and adventurous places with other RVers on the road.

5- Camping in RV

Camping experience in your RV is great. You need to find a beautiful spot to park your RV. However, you must ensure that it isn’t any high crime area or a construction site. Finding a clean and safe place would be your best option. Also, ensure you have enough space to put chairs or other stuff.

The Bottom Line

The full-time RV lifestyle has its pros and cons. Keep in mind these tips for a safe and fun journey on the road. TNT RV repair offers exceptional mobile repair, installation, and maintenance throughout Las vegas and surrounding areas. Just call them, and they will come to you wherever you are.

October 19, 2022

RV Terms and Definitions

As a new part of the RV Community, it is important to know and understand common RV terms frequently used on forums and blogs. Below we have gone through common RV terms. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to enter those forums and navigate RV owner groups with ease!

Dry Camping

If you’re camping without hookups, you’re dry camping because you don’t have access to an external source of water or electricity, nor do you have a sewer connection. Even though it takes planning, dry camping is a huge part of what your RV was built for, and it’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful campsites out there. Just keep in mind your water usage as you will have a limited amount in your tank. Dry camping is also referred to as boondocking.

Moochdocking

Moochdocking is when you’re dry camping for free on someone’s property, such as a relative or friend.

Toad Vehicle

A “toad” vehicle is one that’s towed behind your main camper, to make shorter daytime excursions more accessible. It’s different from a tow vehicle, which is the one that goes in front of your camper when you’re hauling a trailer.

Fiver

This is another name for a fifth-wheel camping trailer.

Gray Water

In your RV’s plumbing system, wastewater is held in two different tanks. The first one is gray water, which refers to all wastewater other than the stuff you flush down the toilet. Because it doesn’t contain human waste, in some states, it’s actually legal to dump gray water on the ground. However, the soaps from the water can do damage to the ecosystem, so we don’t recommend it.

Black Water

Black water is the dirty water that you have flushed down the toilet…enough said!

Shore Power

Whenever you’ve got an electrical hookup to power your RV’s appliances, that’s being plugged into shore power.

RV Acronyms

If you frequent online RV discussion boards or have been reading through RV-related literature, you may have come across some confusing acronyms. Here are a few of the most common ones, deciphered.

FHU

This refers to full hook-up campsites — ones where you have access to shore power, water, and sewer.

This is short for upper peninsula.

BLM

This is short for Bureau of Land Management, which manages wide swaths of public lands, many of which are prime locations for boondocking.

NPS

This refers to the National Park Service, the department that manages our country’s beautiful natural preserves and parks.

We hope this reference guide helped you feel more comfortable interacting with local mechanics and the RV community. 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.

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022

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.

October 19, 2022

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.

October 19, 2022

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.

October 19, 2022

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.

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022

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!

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

How to Live the Best RV Lifestyle?

Like most newcomers to the RV lifestyle, you would have many questions while planning your RV life. How will the finances go, how will I manage my security, and how to maintain my RV? This article will clear you to mind on all such questions. Let us get started!

How Do the People with RV Lifestyle Make Money?

The baseline of the answer is that RVers cannot have a full-time job where they go to the office from 9 – 5 and enjoy mornings and nights in their RV.

Most earn by sharing their life on social media networks like Instagram and YouTube. Some also do remote jobs that require working a few hours of the day. There is also a category of RVers who work a few months of the year full-time. This way, they are fully financed to lead an RV lifestyle for the rest of the year, doing no job.

Safety Measures

Here are the three safety measures that you must follow!

1- Keep Wasp Spray

It is a personal defense gadget. Spraying it on the face of the person who is a threat to your life right now is the main idea behind this product. Keeping it always with you will allow you to be thoroughly equipped for your protection no matter where you are. You can also keep pepper spray along with it.

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2- Keep First Aid Kit

Having your fully equipped first aid kit cannot be stressed enough. You can get unexpected injuries by cooking in the kitchen or hiking in the forest. Many times, a first aid kit would come to your service.

3- Home Security Camera

When leading an RV lifestyle, staying updated and aware of your surroundings is very important. You cannot afford weird people spending too much time nearby your RV. Every time you catch such instances, change your location instantly.

The Automotive Essentials

To live happily, your RV must be in good condition. For this, you should follow the below-mentioned tips!

1- Keep Everything Under Control

Make sure to check tires’ pressure every day, and keep all things of your RV, like window seals, fluids, brakes, heating system, etc., under monitoring. This will allow you to call the mobile RV repair company on time before the problem worsens.

2- Get RV Services Regularly

An RV is the kind of vehicle that needs regular maintenance. Just hire a mobile RV repair mechanic and fix all the minor issues in one go. This will prevent you from facing problems on a big scale.

Conclusion

Safety comes before anything. If you are not safe, your adventure can cost you your life in a worst-case scenario. You can get in big trouble and not be able to lead a conscious RV lifestyle. Second, come your finances and RV health. TNT Mobile RV Repair is always at your service no matter where you are!