RV Lifestyle FAQ

Are RVs expensive to maintain?

Written by Rex Gambill
The automotive part of a motorized RV is just like any motor vehicle. Change the oil and perform other regular maintenance and they'll last for years.

The living area of RVs is no more work to maintain than a small home. An RV does take some bouncing around, however, so things jar loose now and then. But a little puttering around with a wrench and screw driver can keep this problem in check.

Can I carry a firearm with me in my RV?

Written by Rex Gambill
Maybe, maybe not. Each state has its own rules; be careful that you know what they are. AAA state tour books are a good source of information about each state's laws.

Can I use an RV in the winter?

Written by Rex Gambill
Absolutely. Take it to the desert where you will be among thousands of other RVers seeking the sun, or take it skiing, in which case you'll need to take special precautions against freezing the water system. This may mean modifying your use of onboard water.

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

Written by Rex Gambill
No.

Do I need to be hooked up to electricity for my RV's refrigerator to work?

Written by Rex Gambill
No. Most refrigerators will operate on either regular 120-volt AC household electric power or propane. Some will also operate on 12-volt DC power.

Do RVs have both cold and hot water?

Written by Rex Gambill
Yes. Most RVs have a small propane water heater (six gallons is common). Water is heated by flipping a switch inside the unit. The water will heat up in about 15 minutes and provide an adequate shower.

How do you dump an RV's waste tanks?

Written by Rex Gambill
"Dump stations" are located in most private campgrounds, in many public campgrounds, and at some gas stations and highway rest stops. Most are free but a few charge one to five dollars.

The process is so easy that you seldom even get your hands wet, and then usually only from the water faucet when rinsing off the sewer hose.

How do you take a shower in an RV?

Written by Rex Gambill
Just like at home, except you generally have to be a water miser unless your rig is fully hooked up to water and sewer in which case you can be a water hog. When "boondocking" or camping without water hookups, RVers generally take a "Navy" shower -- first getting themselves wet, then washing with the water turned off, and then rinsing off. You'd be surprised how little water it takes when you conserve water this way. The hot water tank on even the smallest RV will provide enough hot water for one comfy shower before heating up again about ten minutes later for the next one.

How to you level an RV when a campsite is not level?

Written by Rex Gambill
Most mid- to high-end RVs have leveling systems -- some fully automatic. With less expensive motorhomes, a wooden block under a tire or two will usually do the job.

In terms of dealing with an emergency while traveling, which is best, a CB or a cell phone?

Written by Rex Gambill
We vote for a cell phone. A CB is really only a help when you are in a congested area, or along a busy highway. A cell phone, however, has infinite range.

However, in the rural West there are still many "black holes," where a cell phone cannot pick up a signal. If you want to cover all your bases, bring a cell phone AND a CB or high-powered walkie talkie.

By the way, a "bag" cell phone, with its three-watts of power, is far superior to the typical half-watt hand-held model. It will pick up a signal where a weaker hand-held phone won't.

Is it hard to drive a motorhome? They look so big!

Written by Rex Gambill
While some people are initially intimidated by the size of an RV, after driving one awhile they report it isn't much different than driving the family car. Because an RV is generally larger, there are special considerations to keep in mind -- like watching for overhead branches and overhangs, using mirrors more often, and making wider turns than in the family car. A survey of RV owners by Lou Harris and Associates found that three out of four RV owners do not feel that driving or towing an RV poses any difficulty. Experienced automobile drivers already have the skills to drive a motorized RV. Automatic transmissions and power brakes and steering are typical.

Is it really feasible to retire in an RV?

Written by Rex Gambill
Yes. Hundreds of thousands of people are doing it. There are many good books on the subject.

An excellent group for full-time RVers is the Escapees. Benefits are an excellent newsletter, mail forwarding service, regional and national get-togethers, local and special interest chapters, and a network of member-owned campgrounds and "boondocking sites" where members can stay for free or practically free. Contact the Escapees at 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351, or call (409) 327-8873.

Is RV insurance expensive?

Written by Rex Gambill
No more so than auto insurance, perhaps even less. Statistically, RVers are good drivers and insurance companies take that into account when setting rates.

Is there one really good source of RVing info for a new RVer?

Written by Rex Gambill
Absolutely. Contact the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. This group represents nearly 500 RV manufacturers, and offers a wealth of information to new and even veteran RVers. It publishes a free (and very worthwhile and entertaining) home video for would-be RVers that answers many questions about the RV lifestyle. You should definitely get this. Call 1-888-GO-RVing. The RVIA also publishes the booklet "Choosing and Using Your RV" and a directory of RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. To get all this free and valuable info write the RVIA at P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P., Reston, VA 20195.

Is traveling with a pet a good idea?

Written by Rex Gambill
It's common and popular. Most campgrounds allow pets. Some private ones will charge a dollar or so extra. Most have strict leash laws.

My spouse and I get along great, but I wonder how we would do in a confined space if we went full-time.

Written by Rex Gambill
This is important to consider. It's pretty obvious that even in a large RV, a couple will not have as much personal space as in a regular house. Some couples, upon hitting the road full-time, discover they do not get along well in such close proximity. Others thrive. A good idea before going full-time is to take a long test trip to see how well you get along.

My spouse and I plan to go full-time. We enjoy several TV programs and don't want to miss them. What should we do?

Written by Rex Gambill
Get a satellite dish. They are small and inexpensive these days and will enable you to receive up to hundreds of stations from wherever you are for a monthly fee about the same as cable TV.

What about getting mail while on the road?

Written by Rex Gambill
Many mail forwarding services will send along your mail for a small fee. Some RVers have their mail sent to a relative who forward it on. Some big RV clubs also offer mail forwarding services. Both the Family Motor Coaching Association and the Escapees offer economical and popular programs.

What do I do about power when my RV is not hooked up to electricity?

Written by Rex Gambill
Virtually every RV has a 12-volt DC electrical system that powers lights, heater fans, water pumps (to pump fresh water from an onboard storage tank to the sink, bathroom and shower), and other low-power devices. Nearly all refrigerators run on propane, or household electricity when available. To sum up: you don't need to plug in to run virtually everything on an RV (except an air-conditioner or microwave, in which case you will have to either hook up to power or run a generator).

What is a deep cell battery?

Written by Rex Gambill
It's a battery used exclusively by the living area of an RV, and not to start the vehicle. Some RVs have more than one deep-cell battery. The more batteries, the longer your onboard power will last. The batteries are charged as you drive, when you are hooked up to 120-volt power, by a generator, and/or by solar power.

What is a slideout?

Written by Rex Gambill
A slideout is an option that allows RVers to expand the space inside their RV once they reach their destination. A the touch of a button, a portion of a room -- usually the living room or bedroom -- slides out about 3 1/2 feet. About one-third of RVs today are sold with this option. Some units even have two or even three slideouts. Inside one of these fully expanded units, it's so spacious it's hard to tell you're not in a regular home.

What's a power inverter?

Written by Rex Gambill
It's a device that converts 12-volt DC power to 120-volt household current, enabling you to power many appliances and devices. Small inverters (which cost as little as $60) plug into a cigarette lighter and have a regular 120 outlet on the other end which you can use to plug in a computer, television, stereo or coffee pot. Larger inverters may be permanently installed in RVs, and in combination with a few deep cell batteries, can power up high-energy items like microwaves.

What's a Snowbird?

Written by Rex Gambill
An RVer who follows the sun. In the West that means heading to the Southwest when it gets cold and rainy in the north. In the East, it means heading to Florida. In the Midwest, it means heading to the Gulf coast in Texas.

Why would I want to equip my RV with a generator?

Written by Rex Gambill
To power an air conditioner, microwave, electric heater or other major power-eater and to charge your automotive and deep cell batteries.