What to Look for in an RV Sound System

Get your road trip playlist ready!

Whether you’re listening to your favorite soundtrack while driving down the road, or want to enjoy a movie night in your RV once you’ve reached your destination, a great sound system is an important part of enjoying your RV experience. Yes, it may not be as crucial as functional locksand a working engine or generator, but it’s still a helpful addition. With the right sound system, you can enjoy your music and media to the fullest. Here’s a closer look at what you should consider when shopping for an RV sound system.

Consider a Subwoofer

If you love music, you may want to consider a sound system that includes a subwoofer. You can easily stash these underneath your couch so they do not take up too much space in your RV. You will love the fact that they eliminate distortion and unpleasant noises, all while boosting the bass significantly when you need it.

Choose Quality Speakers

The in-wall speakers that came with your RV are most likely the least effective option in terms of sound quality. If you want to achieve better sound quality, you’ll probably need an upgrade. Look for speakerswith a high frequency response range, an impedance of around 4ohm, and sensitivity between 80 and 90 dB. No matter which you choose, an upgrade over the OEM speakers will give you better sound quality.

Add a Receiver

Speakers and subwoofers will integrate with your music experience, but if you are looking to also integrate yourtelevisionviewing experience, invest in a good receiver. This will allow you to experience optimal sound when watching movies and TV with the same speakers you use for your music.

Invest in the Right Sound Bar

To give yourself theater-quality sound in your RV – without the expense, hassle, and clutter of surround sound – consider a full-featured home theater sound bar. A sound bar will amplify the sound from your TV and audio systems, giving you a more movie theater-like sound experience. Look for one with an FM tuner and Bluetooth connectivity to make things even more convenient.

Go Wireless

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity make it possible for you to create a wireless sound system. This is particularly helpful for those who are not in need of the highest possible sound quality, but want to have flexibility with speaker placement. Some systems even offer app-based controls, so if the kids are listening to their tunes too loudly, you can go into the bedroom, close the door and use your phone to turn off the speakers in that area. All of this is available without wires, meaning you can actually move the speakers around your RV if you desire. 

Consider the Controls

With an RV audio system, you will want to consider sound controls, especially if you are particular about the sound quality you get to enjoy. Look for a system that allows you to adjust more than just the treble and bass levels. For ultimate control, look for a system that offers parametric equalization. This will give you the ability to set the amount of decibels a particular frequency band changes – and that is the best possible control available. Of course, not all RV owners will require this level of control, but if sound quality is extremely important to you then make sure to invest in this technology. 

We know that shopping for a new audio systemfor your RV can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many options, and you need to know that you’re getting the best one so you don’t feel any buyer’s remorse. Take your time doing your research so you can be comfortable and confident in your choice, and then go ahead and make the investment. You will enjoy much better sound quality and a better overall music or TV watching experience with the right sound system for your rig.

Spring Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Summer Camping: Part II

Even though it is still cold in much of the country, camping season is just around the corner. As you continue to think about ways to prepare your RV for the upcoming season, here are some additional steps to take. By paying attention to maintenance and preparation now – before you hit the campgrounds and the open road – you can enjoy a longer, more relaxing travel season.

1. Check the Roof

Before you hit the road with your RV for the first time, make sure you have spent some time on the roof. You need to inspect your roof to ensure that it has no signs of wear and tear, as this is the most common place for leaks and seal problems. Make sure that all openings are properly sealed, and add any caulking that looks like it is needed. Clean the roof to remove bird droppings, leaves, dust, and other residue that may cause problems for your RV’s paint job.

2. Clean the Holding Tanks

You have already given your water systems some TLCas you prepare for summer camping season, but what about the holding tanks? If your holding tanks fail, you will face a messy and costly problem. Use diluted bleach to clean them completely, and inspect them for any signs of cracking or other problems. Then, fill the tanks about 1/3 of the way full and add some soap. Drive the RV around to allow the soapy water solution to clean the sensors. Empty the tanks, and check to see if the sensors read as empty. Repeat the process until the sensors are working as they should, then fill the fresh water tank.

3. Inspect the HVAC System

One of the benefits of the RV lifestyle is the ability to have air conditioning and heat while camping… but not if your HVAC isn’t working. Grab the manufacturer’s literature for your RV or HVAC systemand perform any recommended maintenance. You should also inspect the exterior unit for signs of problems, like cracks in the casing. Replace the filter screens before you head out for your first camping excursion to remove the grit and grime that built up over the winter storage months. 

4. Generator

Make sure the generator on your RV is properly primed and ready to go. Check all fluid levels and top off as needed, then start the engine to ensure it is working correctly. If the generator is due for an oil change, be sure to change the oil as needed. Double check that the exhaust system is functioning properly. If possible, start the generator and allow it to run for about two hours to test that it is working. If there are any issues, make sure to get it repaired by a professional before embarking on your next road trip. 

5. Test Your Safety Systems 

Test the fire and CO alarms on your RV to make sure they are working properly. Test the LP gasleak detector as well. Make sure your RV has a fire extinguisher, and inspect it to ensure it is fully charged. If the fire extinguisher is a dry powder model, shake it and tap the bottom to allow the powder to release. Make sure all adults who are traveling with you know how to use the model of fire extinguisher you have. 

6. Lubricate

Finally, check all “pinch points” in your RV (such as hinges,drawer slides, and locks) and lubricate them with the correct lubricant. Make sure to lube all of the mechanisms in your slide-out. Avoid petroleum based lubes which will cause dirt to stick to your RV. If you’re not sure which product you should use, ask your local dealership. 

It’s a lot of work to get an RV ready for summer travel, but it is work worth doing. By spending the time now, you will be confident that your system will be ready for reliable performance, and plenty of fun, once you hit the road. This is time worth investing, so invest it well. 

Detailed Guide to Prepping Your RV Water System for Spring

Before you head out for spring and summer travel, you need to get your RV ready. This means undoing all of the important steps you did to winterize your rig, including de-winterizing your motorhome’s water system. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to show how you can do just that. 

1. Refill and Re-pressurize the System

If you did not use antifreeze when you winterized your rig in the fall, then the first step you need to take when preparing your RV for the warmer temperatures is filling and re-pressurizing your water system. If you used low pressure air to remove the water in the system, close the drain and fill it again. Next, turn on the water pumpto allow the system to pressurize. Once the water heater has filled and pressure has built up, the pump will shut off. 

2. Flush the Antifreeze 

If you did use antifreezewhen you winterized your rig in the fall, then you will need to thoroughly flush it out of the water system. To accomplish this, fill the unit with fresh water and run it through until all traces of the coolant are gone. If you bypassed the hot water heater when winterizing the system, leave the bypass on while flushing the antifreeze. Only allow water back into the water heaterwhen you are confident that you’ve removed all of the coolant. If you allowed antifreeze into the hot water heater, it will need to be drained as well.  

3. Sanitize the System

Sanitizing the water system is a good idea, especially if it had antifreeze and sat untouched for the entire winter season. Luckily, this isn’t a tough task to perform. Simply add a cup of bleach to a gallon of water pour it into the water tank. Fill the tank and turn on the faucetsuntil you can smell the bleach. Turn off the faucets, and let the bleach soak in the system for a full 24 hours. Once enough time has passed, drain the tank and re-fill it with fresh water. Run the water through, flushing the tank again, until you cannot detect any scent of bleach at all. You may have to repeat draining and refilling the water system to remove all signs of bleach. 

4. Check for Leaks

After you’ve sanitized and filled the system, it’s time to check for leaks. Leaks can leave you with water damage after you hit the road, and water damage can be extremely costly to repair. However, there’s no need to worry – checking for leaks in the water system and plumbingis pretty easy to do. 

Once the fresh water holding tank is full, turn on the water pumpto pressurize the system. The pump should shut off once the system has reached maximum pressure. If it cycles back on even though you haven’t run any water that indicates that you probably have a leak somewhere. If this is the case, locate the leak and make sure you repair it before you drive off to your next adventure. 

5. Make Necessary Repairs 

Finally, check the faucets, pumps, connectors, and pipes for any signs of wear and tear. You will want to repair these items before you begin your travels, rather than waiting until you have a problem and are at a campsite away from easy repair options. Hitting the road in a functional RV that has a working water system will mean a much more pleasant camping season for you. 

Prepping the water system can be one of the more time consuming tasks when it comes to getting your rig ready for spring and summer travel, but these are chores worth doing. With a working RV water system, you will have peace of mind as you head out for a season of camping knowing that you’ll always be able to come home from a day of exploration to a hot shower and a cold glass of water. 

RV Spring Prep: Don’t Skip These Checks

It may still be winter, but now that the holidays are over, you’re probably finding yourself dreaming more and more about the upcoming travel season. Before you head out on your next RV adventure, you need to make sure your rig is ready for the road. Tackle these seven spring checks before you hit the ground rolling. 

1. Batteries 

All throughout your RV, you have batteries that power everything from your smoke detectors to the engine. You may have removed some of these for winter. If so, put them back in and confirm they’re working well. Test any remaining batteries in your camper and make certain they’re fully charged. 

2. Water System

If needed, de-winterize your water system, then check it thoroughly for leaks and other problems. Double-check that all of the faucetsare running properly and that the toilet flushes correctly. If the unit had antifreeze, flush it out before you hit the road. Prepare the fresh water holding tank and water filter cartridges, as well as the water pump and hot water heater, for use.

3. Plumbing

As you test your water system, look at your plumbingas well. Verify that nothing is leaking by visually examining your RV both inside and out. To check for leaks that you may not be able to see, use the water pump on the fresh water holding tank to pressurize the water system. If the pump does not shut off and stay off after fully pressurizing the water system, then you likely have a leak somewhere.

4. Water Pump

After getting the water system and plumbing up and running, check the water pumpitself. First, sanitize it using a quarter-cup of bleach for every 15 gallons in your water tank. Fill the tank with water after adding bleach, and turn the water pump on, running the hot and cold faucets until the smell of bleach is noticeable. Turn off the faucets and let the system sit for at least 12 hours. Then, drain all of the water with the bleach and re-fill with clean water. Run the water until you can no longer smell bleach, and re-fill the system again.

5. Appliances

More than likely, part of the reason you have an RV is so you that you can enjoy travel without giving up some of the comforts of home, but if your appliances aren’t working, your trip may be less pleasant. Check the operation of all of your appliancesbefore you leave. Sometimes pests will be attracted to the odor from your LP gas, and their nests can create problems for your appliances. Take care of these issues so you can fully enjoy your appliances when you arrive at your first campsite of the season. 

6. Tires

Your tires probably lost air pressure while they sat unused. Before heading out, check them to ensure they are properly inflated. You should also confirm that they have good tread, and that you have a spare handy should you face a problem on the road.

7. Seams and Seals

Every seam on your RV is an opportunity for moisture and pests to get inside, so you need to inspect all of them. Determine that the seams and other sealsare in good condition and properly sealed. If you see any signs of damage or cracking, you will want to repair them before you take your RV out of storage to avoid water damage. 

As you prepare for spring and summer travel, don’t neglect to properly look over and check your RV from top to bottom. While this takes a little bit of time, the result is the peace of mind that comes from knowing your RV is primed and ready to serve you well all season long.

RV Winter Storage Tips for Your RV’s Exterior

When you need to store your RV for the winter, you need to make sure that it is ready, both insideand out, for the colder temperatures. Whether you store it at a storage facility or in your driveway, you can take measures to protect it from damage during the off season. With a little bit of effort now, you can be confident that your RV is going to be ready to take you on many new adventures in the spring and summer. Here are some tips to help you protect your RV’s exteriorduring winter storage.

Protect the Paint from Damage

If you’re lucky enough to have an indoor storage facility, then you will not need to worry about protecting the paint from the elements, but if you’re storing your RV outdoors, you will. The cold, ice, snow and sun of winter can age the paint and the rubber or vinyl on your RV’s exterior prematurely. To protect your RV, apply a layer of protective wax on the exterior before storing it.

Seal Any Leaks

Thoroughly inspect your RV on the outside for places where the sealants on the roof seams and windows are cracked or worn. These types of openings will allow water and pests into your RV during the off season, causing thousands of dollars of potential damage. If you find any problems, seal them with sealants recommended by the manufacturer or your RV dealership.

Clean and Dry Awning and Tenting Material

If your RV is a tent-style popup or has an awning, you will need to clean and dry these fabric parts before storing. Thorough cleaning is important, but so is thorough drying. If you do not properly dry the material, it will mildew or mold while in storage.

Consider Coverage

If you cannot store your RV in an indoor storage environment, then consider covering it under a covered parking area. If that is not available, invest in an RV cover. While wax can help protect the paint and other exterior elements, it is not a perfect solution. A cover will add another layer of protection. Keep in mind that a tree does not serve as good cover. It is likely to drop leaves or pine needles on your RV, and it is always possible for a limb to break off and cause damage to what is parked underneath.

Lubricate Hinges and Locks

Lubricate the hinges and locks on your RV. This will ensure that it can be opened quickly when you’re ready to use it again after winter. If you notice any hinges or locks are damaged, consider replacing them nowso you don’t have to worry about another startup cost at the start of the RV season.

Close LP Vents

The smell of LP gasis appealing to insects. If your RV has open LP gas appliance vents, the smell may draw the pests to them, where they will set up home for the winter. To avoid this, close or cover the vents before storing, and make sure to re-open them before you start using the RV again in the spring. 

Getting the exterior of your RV ready for winter storage is simple. Use these tips to ensure it’s ready to go whenever you’re ready to hit the road again!

RV Winter Storage Tips for Your Interior

Unless you plan to take to the open road and head to sunnier places this winter, chances are you’ll store your RV for the off season. If you are planning to store your rig, make sure you have it properly prepared. In addition to draining the water systemsto prevent freezing, you should take the following extra measures to ensure your RV is protected.

Protect Your Rig from Pests

One of the most costly problems that can occur when your RV is in storage is damage from mice and squirrels. The shelter of your rig combined with any food left behind makes it a very appealing place for pests to winter. This is a difficult problem to prevent, but one of the first things you should do is make certain that there are no obvious gaps or holes in the exterior of your RV, including the underside. If you find any, fill them in with a sealant.

Next, go inside your RV and open up all of the cabinets and drawers. If you see any daylight peering through, that means you have a gap that would allow pests inside. Make sure you take care of these problems before putting your motorhome away for the season. 

Lastly, remove all food, no matter how well stored, from the RV. This includes vacuuming up crumbs…even the ones that may have settled in the couch underneath the cushions. This uneaten food will attract pests.

Clean and Thaw the Refrigerator

If you leave your refrigerator and freezer closed, you will return to stagnant odors and melted ice buildup. Before storing your RV, thoroughly clean the refrigerator and defrost the freezer. After cleaning, open the doors to allow the fridge to air out. You can also put an opened box of baking soda inside to help absorb any remaining odors. 

Cut the Power

Next, turn off the main power breaker and the LP gas supply. Turn off all gas appliances. Gas leaks or an accidental fire could cause a serious tragedy to your rig during the winter storage months. If you have battery-powered items, like a smoke detector or any built-in clocks, remove the batteries. If they corrode during the winter, your device will be damaged and you will have to replace it. You may want to replace the batteries when you start using your RV again to guarantee they are fresh and ready to serve you well.

Protect the Interior from Sun Damage

UV rays and heat from the sun coming through your RV’s windows can fade and damage the interior of the RV. Close the blinds to see to it that sunlight does not fade your upholstery or flooring. Consider storing your rig in a covered area to further protect it.

Perform a Thorough Cleaning

This is a good time to thoroughly clean your RV. Doing so will assure that you are able to get out and go when the weather becomes more favorable. Open and inspect all of the cabinets and drawers, replacing or repairing hardwareas needed. Leave these doors open, so you don’t create a warm dark place for mold or pests to take up residence. 

Preparing to store your RV takes time and energy, but it’s worth knowing that your rig will deliver reliable performance all season long.

RV Winterization Checklist

For most RV owners, winter is the season when the RV is parked…either in a warm, sunny spot for the snow bird season or tucked away in storage awaiting the camping season to come back around. If you will be resting your RV during the winter, you are going to need to take a few steps to ensure it is properly winterized. This winterization checklist will help you prepare your RV for cold temperatures.

1. Check the Owner’s Manual

Each RV will have specific winterizing guidelines. Check the owner’s manual for these guidelines before you start. If something on this list is different than the owner’s manual, go with what the owner’s manual says.

2. Remove the Water

One of the most important steps in winterizing your home-on-wheels is removing the water from the various lines in the RV, including all of your interior plumbing. If the water is not removed and it freezes, the lines could break. To remove the water, you will need to:

·       Remove inline water filters and bypass this system.

·       Drain the water holding tank.

·       Drain the gray and black holding tanks, then flush them. You can use a product to flush the lines if the RV does not have a built-in flushing system.

·       Check the water heater to see if the water is hot or under pressure. If it is not, drain the water heater. If it is, remove the pressure and allow it to cool before doing this step.

·       Turn on the faucets, including the toilet valve. This will allow any remaining water in the system to drain out.

·       Pump the water from the low point drain lines, turning off the pump as soon as the system is completely drained.

·       Close the faucets.

This process will ensure there is no water remaining in the water lines, protecting your system from freezing temperatures.

3. Fill the Water System with Antifreeze

Removing the water is the first step. Once it is removed, you will want to fill the system with antifreeze to ensure nothing is allowed to freeze. Purchase a few gallons of RV-specific antifreeze, then perform the following steps:

·       Bypass the system from the water heater so none of the antifreeze dumps into it.

·       Disconnect the inlet side of the water pump.

·       Connect clear tubing to the inlet side of the water pump on one end and an RV-specific antifreeze on the other.

·       Turn on the water pump so the system will pressurize, then open the hot and cold faucets, allowing it to run until antifreeze appears. Start with the faucet closest to the water pump, then move through the RV. Pay attention to the level of antifreeze, and replace the container as needed.

·       Flush the toilet several times until you see antifreeze.

·       Once all of the outlets have antifreeze in them, turn the water pump off and release pressure by opening a faucet.

·       Pour one cup of antifreeze in each drain, as well as the toilet. Flush the toilet to push the antifreeze into the holding tank.

This process will ensure that all of the RV’s water outlets and drain lines are full of antifreeze, so they will not freeze over as temperatures drop.

4. Turn off the Water Heater

Many RVs have water heaterswith electric heating elements. Turn this off, so the system will not accidentally switch on when not in use.

5. Check the Seals

Before you close up your RV for the winter, check the seals around windows, doors and RV vents. You want these to be properly sealed to keep moisture and pests out while your RV is stored. If you notice any problems, replace or repair them before parking the RV.

6. Check the Lock

A parked RV is easily forgotten, but it can be a target for a thief. Make sure your RV lock is properly functioning so your RV and its contents are protected. Consider upgrading your lock to prevent potential theft.

Winterizing your RV is critical to protecting it throughout the winter. By taking these steps now, you will be confident that your RV will be ready to serve you well when the temperatures start to increase.