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.

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.

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.

 

UP

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. 

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 RV Problems and How to Solve Them?

Are you leading a happy and easy life in your RV? You must be, after all, this is what you choose for yourself, to be free and mobile. But there must be many minor RV problems ruining the experience for you. In this article, you will know how to solve them.

Top RV Problems to Consider

Let us get started with the top RV problems!

 

1- Leakage RV Problems

Leakage can take place in your RV even if it is a high-quality product by a credible company because the effects of environmental conditions and the external elements putting pressure on your RV is inevitable. All such external effects can show up in the form of water leaking from the RV roof. The water entering the inside can bring along several RV problems such as damaged interiors etc.

To avoid this RV problem, you need to take all precautionary measures. Firstly, always keep your RV covered under a waterproof sheet.

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Secondly, you cannot just ignore minor leakage, thinking that it is of no importance. Solving this problem on time will save you from a lot more damage in the future. Call an excellent mobile RV repair service whenever there is a minor leakage. TNT RV repair is available in most of the cities of Nevada to help RV owners lead a problem-free life.

2- Electrical RV Problems

RVs have electrical systems, and electrical systems will likely catch problems now and then. There can arise so many electrical RV problems from circuit breakage to outlet malfunctioning. The wires can loose, and the buttons can go out of function. All such issues are common but not of low scale because you cannot solve electrical problems on your own; it can be hazardous.

Remember, a simple DIY YouTube video can cause you serious injuries. This can be even riskier if you live alone. Call professional help instead. TNT RV repair will always be at your service to fix your electrical RV problems.

3- The Slide Out Can Corrode

The slide-out feature is one of the favorite features of RV owners because slide-out gives more space, but this feature is at the most risk compared to all other parts of RV. It can corrode, rust, age, or damage in any possible way.

Since it is the most sensitive part of your RV, you should pay special attention to this. Do regular maintenance like applying a lubricant. Moreover, keep an eye for any water damage in the slide-out and its seals. TNT RV Repair mobile service can take good care of your slide-out along with the RV. Just give them a call to perform regular maintenance for you.

Final Words

Living in a mobile home is nothing easy. You have to be in contact with an excellent mobile RV repair company. This will help you get out of RV problems before they turn into blunders or even accidents. TNT RV Repair in Boulder City, Henderson, and Las Vegas, Nevada, is the best one to stay in touch with!

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!

Five US Landmarks with Amazing RV Camping

Are you prepared to load up and travel by RV? There are many RV-friendly locations in the United States with lots of outdoor amenities and entertaining activities, whether you’re planning a single camping trip, a retirement road trip, a family vacation, or are deciding to live in an RV full-time.

Amazing RV Camping Landmarks in the US

The top 5 American landmarks for RV travel are listed below.

1- Moab, UT

Moab is one of the excellent (and most beautiful) places to park in an RV in the country, with its red rock structures and pure desert skies overhead. With a variety of hiking routes, as well as archaeological and natural wonders.

 

Arches National Park is a fantastic spot for a road trip as well as a terrific place for overnight RV parking (like Delicate Arch). To visit famous sites like Island in the Sky, breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding park, and the historic petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock, take a drive out to Canyonlands National Park.

2- Denver, CO

Denver is a hip yet outdoorsy city with many hidden gems for RV travelers to explore. Inspiration Point Park, a 25-acre natural oasis with picnic spaces, a floral meadow, and panoramic vistas of Clear Creek Valley, is one such location. 

Both parks and a large portion of the city are dog-friendly. So feel free to bring your pets along if you’re RVing in Denver, one of the best American cities for dogs. At Keystone Resort, skiers and snowboarders of all ages are welcome. If you’re up for a challenge, try taking a snowshoe trip through Butler Gulch.

3- Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife but is also an RV-friendly city. In Vegas, you may find some of the top RV parks and “casino camping” areas, including the RV Park at Circus, designed for tourists looking for the best of both worlds. 

Visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area—first America’s and largest national recreation area and a terrific spot for boating, hiking, and sightseeing—whether you’re RVing with kids or taking a romantic road trip.

4- Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina, is the best place to have an RV vacation in the nation, thanks to its warm summers, picturesque surroundings, and various incredible campsites. The city is highly RV-friendly, offering a virtually unlimited variety of outdoor activities.

Take your RV, for instance, for a day trip to Pisgah National Forest, where you can walk up some of the tallest and oldest peaks in the Eastern United States and take in beautiful mountain views. Take a short drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most picturesque routes, while you’re there and take in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

5- Key West, FL

Key West, a part of the Florida Keys archipelago, is a favorite retirement road trip destination for seniors and a terrific spot for RVing with kids. Even the Overseas Highway, which connects to the city, offers a singular experience due to the ocean’s proximity to the road. 

Due to its proximity to the water, Key West offers a wide variety of unusual coastal activities, such as relaxing on the beach in Fort Zachary Taylor Park, going on private dolphin tours, and swimming near the only live coral reef in North America.

Conclusion

While visiting these fantastic landmarks, don’t forget to clean the place you stay with your RV before leaving. Leave the place clean and safe for others too. Don’t forget to check on your RV before leaving for the trip. If you find any issue with your RV, get in touch with TNT RV for excellent maintenance and repair services for campers, RVs, traitors, and many more.