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

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, 2022July 14, 2024

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

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, 2022

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.

September 23, 2022

Best RV Repair Tips to Benefit from!

Traveling in an RV is super fun. It is just like living a dream where you are free to go wherever you want to without ever leaving your home. To lead such a dream life, you first need to be aware of RV repair tips that you can follow to avoid any problems.

RV Repair Tips

Let us explore the multiple RV repair tips below!

1- Heating System Repair

Not all RV owners love using cold water or water in whatever state it is available. They prefer hot water to do dishes and enjoy hot showers. If you are one of such people, you need to get familiar with your water heating system and what problems it can face.

The best RV repair tip regarding water heaters can be to drain them at least once a year. If you use it a lot, you can do so once per six months. Just hire a mobile RV repair company. Ask them to drain it, check the anode rod and other heater parts, and replace the ones that can cause problems shortly.

2- Batteries’ Wellbeing

The batteries of your RV are the heartbeat of this vehicle. Having it damaged can cost you a lot of money since it is an expensive RV part. To avoid buying a new battery, you should take good care of the one you already have. Whether your RV runs on one battery or many, understanding the needs of battery(s) is a must for you.

There are some things that you need to ensure for a longer lifespan of your battery:

It should not be stored in the open air. You must keep it indoors.
Check if your battery needs water, and give some whenever required.
When leaving your battery idle in winter, charge it fully beforehand.

3- Tires’ Pressure

No matter how high quality and great tires your RV has, they are still not trustworthy. Some people say that tires especially wait for long deserted highways so they can stop functioning. While we do not believe in tires being so clever, we know how difficult it can be to manage a new tire with no workshops.

That is why it is recommended to call a mobile RV repair service online. TNT RV Repair offers several services in Henderson, Las Vegas, Clark County, and Boulder City in Nevada. You can give them a call to get your RV back to functioning efficiently.

Even though you know who to contact when your RV tires are unwilling to cooperate, there are still a few RV repair tips to remember. You need to ensure that the tires’ pressure is correct. It should neither be too low nor too high. Keep a sound pressure monitoring system to check from time to time.

The Bottom Line!

No matter in what corner of Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Clark County in Nevada you are, TNT Mobile RV Repair will be right at your service on one call. You can call them for any problem in RV and have their efficient mechanics do their magic!

September 23, 2022September 23, 2022

5 DIY Maintenance Tips for RV Newbies

You should keep up with maintenance, whether new to RVing or a seasoned expert, so that you may enjoy your investment for many years. An excellent place to start is with exterior maintenance. With this helpful maintenance checklist, you can keep the outside of your RV in perfect condition.

Maintenance Tips for RV Newbies

Follow these maintenance tips to keep your RV safe, clean, and maintained.

1- WASH RV exterior after every trip

The solution is a sponge wash followed by a rinse with water and mild soap. A concentrated cleaning can also be used to remove those stubborn stains off your RV. But make sure to frequently wash the outside of your RV, ideally right after each trip. Avoid spraying water directly into appliance vents to prevent condensation.

2- Apply protectant or WAX to RV exterior

The exterior of your RV should be coated with a high-quality wax or protectant. Depending on the size of your RV, this could take some time, but it’s worth the effort. Before you begin waxing, make sure the exterior is completely dry.

Spot-test the wax on a small portion of the graphics before applying it. Make sure the wax is suitable for the style of the exterior of your RV before using it.

3- Apply lubricant on all locks, hinges, and moving parts

Nobody enjoys a squeaky door, window, or storage compartment. An easy maintenance procedure that takes a few minutes involves lubricating all locks with graphite spray lubricant and all hinges and moving parts with WD40.

4- Prevent water damage, carefully inspect any sealed locations

Your RV is constantly exposed to the elements on your journeys throughout the seasons. To prevent the interior of your RV from potential water damage, mice, or other vermin, you need to ensure that the outside, including the roof, sides, edges, windows, doors, vents, end caps, moldings, compartments, and underbelly, is sealed off and doing its function.

Look for any cracks, gaps, or spots with deteriorated sealant; use repair tape to make rapid repairs. When repairing an RV roof, be essential to apply the proper glue, such as Rexoseal RV Roof Sealant, which we highly suggest.

5- Store RV indoors

You should regularly check for snow accumulation and clear ice and snow from the RV’s exterior during the winter. When not in use, it is best to keep your RV indoors, where it will receive some additional weather protection.

Final Verdict

Start planning your upcoming RV vacation now that you have all the advice you need for risk-free and worry-free travel. Get excellent maintenance and repair services for your RV, trailers, campers, or horse trailers from TNT RV.

Our expert team provides outstanding services at your doorstep; contact us now to get all preventative and protective maintenance and repair services.