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

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, 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.

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

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!

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

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!

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

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!

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

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!