Travel Resorts of America E-Traveler Newsletter
April, 2010
In this edition:
How To Avoid Common Problems Down The Road
After you have invested in your RV dream, whether it be a motor home or a tow behind, you can easily get lost in the euphoria of your new toy and the many wonderful memories that will come from this great experience. Perhaps you didn’t take copious notes during the delivery process or could not find the time to read all the owner manuals that are now neatly placed in a cabinet prior to heading down the highway to explore the new adventures that await you.
We thought it might be interesting to talk with the managers and certified technicians that staff the largest service center in the RV industry to find out the helpful tips that they have for their customers. Their suggestions will enable you to have many trouble-free experiences with your RV, as well as make sure that you do not spend a lot of time, or money, on repairs that could have been avoided.
Dust off your user manuals
This one surprised even us, but it is the collective advice of several technicians that we interviewed so we put it at the top of our list when compiling this data. Believe it or not, these technicians feel that only 10 percent of RV owners actually read the collection of manuals that the manufacturer assembles and makes available when they deliver the new RV. It was also interesting to note that the more experienced the RVer was, the less likely they were to pull out the manuals and review them thoroughly before heading for the open road. When you consider the valuable amount of information that can be found between the covers of these manuals, one should be sure to perform a read-through before the need for an expensive service visit occurs rather than after.
Roof maintenance required
Even though many new RVs are being delivered without ladders to the roof, this does not mean that you can just forget about that part of the RV. In fact, inspecting the roof on a semi-annual basis is one of the most important preventative measures you can take to avoid serious and costly repairs that can come from years of neglect. Clean the roof to remove debris and prevent algae from growing. Once clean, reseal around all roof vents, antennas, air conditioners and anything else that has been attached to the roof and sealed. This, too, should be performed every six months. Always be sure to use the proper cleaning materials and sealants for the type of roof (rubber, fiberglass or metal) on your RV. Preventative roof maintenance is vital and when not performed semi-annually it can become an expensive, inconvenient service problem.
Adhesives come and go
Like the roof, but a lot easier to inspect, are the windows, doors, slideouts and storage compartments that can be found gracing the exterior of your motor home or tow behind. Butyl tape is installed by the manufacturer around these openings and then sealed. This deteriorates quickly and short-term window leaks can cause long-term damage. You should also inspect and reseal all adhesives around the gravity fill doors, all compartments and especially the slideouts, where you must check for tears and areas where water can breach the seal and find its way inside your RV. You will also want to check all of the hose fittings and valves in the waste management systems as well as look inside the compartment with a flashlight to check the connections on the dump valves and water fittings. One small crack in the sealant of these systems can cause more than $5,000 in damage.
Power can be a painful experience
You can’t take your electrician along with you, so you must be mindful of this before you plug in your RV at a campground or RV resort. Never, ever plug your home-on-wheels into an outlet without first checking the voltage coming out of the receptacle. We know it’s exciting to arrive at your destination, but you should always invest a few extra minutes into ensuring that you aren’t running the risk of blowing out your electrical circuits. In just minutes, 240 volts of electricity surging through your RV can destroy thousands of dollars worth of appliances, as well as your entertainment systems. This type of damage is not covered by your warranty and can easily take weeks to repair. One of the best after-market investments you can make to protect your RV is the purchase of a voltage meter, which can be picked up at your local RV accessory store. For maximum protection, purchase a voltage regulator equipped with a surge protector. By doing so, you will prevent damaging electrical currents from damaging your pocketbook. When checking the receptacle, if you detect a problem do not plug your cord into it. Go immediately to the campground office and have the receptacle checked. Our technicians report hearing this type of frightening and costly story four to five times every week.
Generate fun, not failure
The last thing you want to do on a hot, humid day is turn the generator on only to find that it is not working. Generators need to be used regularly so that they will perform at peak efficiency during those critical times when you really need them. A generator should be exercised at least two hours every month with a minimum 50% load placed on it. If your RV is going to be stored for long periods of time, you should drain the fuel from the tank or use an appropriate fuel additive to assure protection. It was interesting to learn that it is less costly and more fuel efficient to turn off the dash air conditioner and run the generator and roof air conditioners while driving. Generators also need to be inspected and serviced annually to make sure they are providing the correct amount of voltage. Don’t let generator failure ruin the fun you have come to expect from your RV. Reading your owner’s manual is critical, especially for anything relating to power in your generator, inverter and chargers.
Not enough light on the subject
One of the most reported problems from customers, and one of the easiest to correct, is the lack of lights and other 12V accessories working in the RV. Quite often, when asked if the 12V disconnect switch is off, customers have no idea what the technician is talking about, or are convinced that the switch was checked and is ok. They will then drive to the dealership only to learn that the 12V switch was indeed disconnected or in the OFF position. This is something that is sometimes overlooked during the walk-through and something easily forgotten. All manufacturers put this switch in a different area and some travel trailers do not have one at all, so you must take the cables off the battery if you want to disconnect this service. Don’t be insulted if, while talking to you on the phone, the technician pleads with you to go over and turn the switch to the OFF position and then back on again. One of the reasons this is done is because discharged and recharged batteries can kill the connection to the 12V disconnect switch. Even though the switch is still in the ON position, it is actually disconnected due to the low power drain that killed the connectivity. Thus, turning the switch off and then on again is actually required to get your 12V systems working again. This happens quite frequently when the coach is stored for long periods of time.
The more you use it, the better
It is better to use an RV too much than store it too often and for long periods of time. You can’t just shut it down and then go back months later and expect it to start up and provide trouble-free operation. When you put your RV into storage, you must make sure the batteries are full of water and check the water in the batteries at least once a month, refilling them when necessary. You should also put your slideouts in and out at least once a month to make sure their motors don’t freeze up. This will lube the seals and also allow them to get exercised at the same time. Lastly, you should run all LP appliances at least once a month to keep the gas lines operational and the spiders and wasps away.
Below are a few more tidbits of information that can assure you many miles of RV enjoyment. Remember, an RV is a complex house on wheels and there are a number of household chores that must be performed in order to avoid unnecessary repair nightmares.
- Check all appliances at least once a year. Clean the burners and check thermal couplers on the LP side of appliances.
- Conduct a performance check on all air conditioners at least once a year. Be sure to change the air filters.
- Keep the fins and blades clean on the back of the refrigerator. After each trip, take everything out of the refrigerator/freezer and prop the doors open.
- Flush the holding tanks (black, grey and fresh) after each trip. Use a wand attached to a garden hose to rinse the black holding tank, removing all debris from the sidewalls. This will prevent bad readings from sensors.
- Understand the amp ratings of all appliances. If appliance usage surpasses the 30-amp rating of your RV, fuses will blow.
- Don’t always run the refrigerator on electricity; occasionally run it on LP.
- Always leave enough space for air to circulate around the food in the refrigerator. Unlike a home refrigerator which takes warm air out, an RV refrigerator puts cold air in and it needs room for the cold air to circulate.
- Use distilled water in your batteries and brush the terminal connections to keep them clean.
- Check tire pressure before and after each trip and check for cracks in the tire sidewalls.
Source: betterRVing.com
Nov/Dec 2007
By Dan Margeson
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The Evolution of RVs
Then & Now
If I could only choose one word to describe an RVer it would be passionate. There is not much that can get in the way of RV enthusiasts enjoying a weekend getaway with their families, or embarking on month-long journeys to experience America by way of its highways and byways. If I had the liberty of choosing yet another descriptive word, resilient also comes to mind. Regardless of the economic challenges we find ourselves faced with from time to time, RVers stay true to the course of doing what they enjoy. In fact, it is during the challenging times that great opportunities for purchasing or trading up our RVs present themselves!
Over the past 50 years there have been significant RV product innovations which have undoubtedly enhanced the enjoyment of hitting the open road in pursuit of our passions. Sit back and enjoy the ride as we travel down memory lane, remembering the “days of then.” Whether you are a long-time RVer or new to the RV lifestyle, you will be amused by these memories as well as excited to learn about the RV features and amenities available to us now.
Although beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, gone are the days of delicate, ribbed fiberglass sidewalls and vinyl graphics—and the nightmares associated with cleaning and repairing them. Today’s construction methods consist of smooth fiberglass siding with striking full-body paint and a special clear coat finish that mirrors what we have come to expect from the automotive industry.
No more dealing with insulation hanging out of the walls. Manufacturers have also improved sidewall construction by incorporating horizontal bars to better contain (and distribute) the insulation. In addition to the pink Owens insulation used back in the day, many of today’s models also incorporate high-density foam insulation into their sidewalls.
While early stick-and-tin trailers were literally stapled together, today’s line-up features welded aluminum frame construction. Up top, the three-piece aluminum roof required constant maintenance and resealing. This, coupled with the “not-to-be-walked-upon” construction of those roofs, made maintenance a challenge, to say the least. Oftentimes one would step right through the roof as well as the ceiling. Today, roofs are constructed of one-piece EPDM rubber and polyester – no maintenance required.
And how soon we forget about early awning technology, which consisted of a manual crank that you hooked into the arm in order to roll out the fabric. Problems were plentiful when you forgot to roll-in the awning during a rainstorm – you emerged to find the awning collapsed under the weight of the water or wrapped over the roof due to high winds. Today’s electric awnings are self-supportive with built-in wind and rain sensors. Many are clear span with no side arms to further enhance the livability outside the coach.
Livability
Several years ago, there was limited space to work with when designing the floor plan of a motor home. Gas models were typically 28- to 29-feet long and 8-feet wide. Layouts generally consisted of a cockpit followed by a couch opposite a dinette; a kitchen galley and split bathroom; and a rear bedroom with a side-facing double bed nestled in the corner. Because of their “tunnel like” feeling, motor homes were often described as cigar tubes.
There were a few travel trailer models that offered some expansion capability in the late ‘70s. These trailers were referred to as “tip-outs” because that is what they did - they tipped out from the inside. To execute the expansion, one person would get inside the trailer and slowly push the tip-out while a second person (outside) would ease it to a safe landing. Done too fast, the entire tip-out would end up crashing to the ground. Not a pleasant way to start your camping trip!
It was not until the early ‘90s that manufacturers began introducing expandable floor plans by way of their motor home models. Initially, these models featured one “slideout” wall, but that innovation was quickly followed by two slideout, three slideout and then four slideout walls.
While early crank-style slideouts could not carry a lot of weight—usually only housing a sofa or dinette—the new motorized technology built into modern coaches allows the manufacturer to build in expandability that encompasses bedroom furniture, entire kitchens and multiple wardrobes. Not too long ago, the very first full-wall slideout was introduced. This feature allows the entire wall to slide out up to 30 inches.
Pilot and co-pilot seats are now covered with Flexsteel Ultra-leather, a synthetic material that provides the plush comfort of your favorite leather lounge chair but does not crack as it ages. There were radios, which were wired to speakers in the living and bedrooms, but the sound quality was poor. Today, our standard amenities include flat-screen LCD HDTVs along with entertainment systems featuring state-of-the-art CD, DVD and surround sound enhancements. And let’s not forget about having the convenience of our own washers and dryers while on the road!
Once there was a time when bedrooms consisted of only a double bed butted up against the corner walls. Now, manufacturers incorporate multiple wardrobes, night stands, plasma TVs, under-bed storage and even a desk area into what is now referred to as the “master suite.” Private baths also flank the master suite with half-baths positioned mid-ship for the convenience of guests. Back then, there were “wet baths” which were essentially one big shower. Everything got wet.
Functionality
Remember the days when you had to crouch down to climb into the bedroom, and A/C vents hung down from the ceiling in the galley? These were also the days when heat was provided by an LP gas furnace versus today’s electric heat pump technology. Now we enjoy ceiling heights of up to 7’ 2”, and with the innovation of roof air conditioners, air is distributed quietly and evenly throughout the RV while the unit projects out from the roof of the RV rather than dropping down from the ceiling.
In the early days, kitchens were equipped with tiny two-burner cook tops and microwaves that were fit for a college dorm. We had refrigerators too, but they were quite temperamental. They were 6 cu. ft. in size and you had to toil to be absolutely sure your RV was completely level (remember bubble levels?) or the absorption system would shut down. Today we enjoy touch-of-a-button leveling and galleys that feature 14 cu. ft., 4-door refrigerators that automatically change over to the most efficient way to cool. We also enjoy Corian countertops, dishwashers, residential sized microwaves and full tile flooring.
Performance
For some of us, it does not seem all that long ago that engines were equipped with carburetors and the words “turbo-charged” were never spoken in the same sentence as “motor home.” Back then, under ideal conditions, we may have gotten 3-4 MPG out of our diesel engines. They were so slow, they could not get out of their own way! My, how times have changed.
With today’s advanced engineering and electronics in both gas and diesel engines, performance has more than quadrupled with some of the new turbo-charged diesel engines. The Winnebago ERA, a new premium class B motor home, not only offers a host of “big rig” amenities, but an estimated 16-20 MPG* as well.
Do you remember bias-ply tires? After your rig was parked for a while, flat spots developed in the tires, and all you heard (and felt) was “clump, clump, clump” until they heated up enough to round out. There were no steel-belted radials, and everyone had this problem regardless of where they stored their RV or what the weather. In fact, the colder the weather, the longer it took for the tires to round out. Folks would endure the turbulent ride, hoping that their cabinet doors would not fly open and their contents strewn about. And never did you drive with anything sitting out on your countertops!
Today, not only do we ride smoothly on new tire technologies, but we can read the tire pressure of all wheels from the cockpit. While these electronic monitoring systems were once found only in high-end luxury motor coaches, they are now available in many of today’s mid-range motor home models as well. Most late-model, high-end coaches also feature elaborate navigation systems, some of which are located near the entrance door (on front entry models) so that the co-pilot can provide navigation for the pilot. Another cockpit innovation, found in many of models, is the telescopic tilt steering wheel configuration which not only increases safety but visibility as well.
There was a period of time when aerodynamic styling was incorporated into the front of motor homes. Sloped-front profiles were designed in an effort to reduce the wind drag thought to be associated with the original flat-front construction, thereby improving fuel economy. Truth be told, not only did they not accomplish such, the sloped windshield also hampered the driver’s visibility, generated increased heat in the cabin, eliminated the dashboard and pushed the cockpit back into the living area of the motor home up to five feet.
Source: betterRVing.com
July/Aug 2008
By Bob Zagami
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Turkey Stir Fry
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 chunks turkey tenderloin (or breast)
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups Sprite
- 1 cup peanut oil
- 1 cup soy sauce
Preparation:
Cut the turkey into bite size pieces. Marinate in the Sprite, peanut oil and soy sauce for at least 6 hours or preferably overnite. When ready to cook, drain turkey saving 1/4 cup of marinade. Put 1/4 cup marinade into large skillet, add tenderloin and cut up onion and peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 5-6 minutes or until done. Do not overcook.
Servings: 6
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CHILI COOK-OFF WINNERS
Winners of the Chili cook off from left to right;
First Place – C.J. Lewis, Second Place-Terri Johnson, Third Place – Nancy Daugherty.
Chili Entries
Time to eat! Members had a chance to taste all the Chili.
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SYCAMORE LODGE EASTER FUN
Easter Bunny was available for photos
Fun crafts for all ages
Pony Rides for the kids
The Easter Parade
Ready… Set… Egg Hunt!
Special Egg winners pick something special at the prize table
The Easter Bunny helps with the Egg Hunt
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New Golf Cart Guidelines and Enforcement of Existing Guidelines
Beginning January 1, 2010 there are new guidelines and regulations for Private Golf Cart usage at Travel Resorts of America. In addition to these new guidelines pertaining to Private Golf Carts, the existing guidelines pertaining to ATV's, motorcycles and other similar privately owned vehicles will be enforced. Listed below are frequently asked questions about the new guidelines and regulations.
Why are the guidelines changing? The popularity of golf carts as a convenient, fun mode of transportation has grown dramatically during the past few years. Unfortunately golf cart related accidents during that same time have also grown. This increase has changed insurance requirements on campgrounds and resorts that allow private golf carts. Our insurance carrier now reports golf cart related incidents as the second highest claim.
What are my insurance requirements? Each member must provide proof of $100,000 liability insurance. The proof of insurance must list the member's name, address, cover limits, and specifically list golf cart coverage. Golf cart insurance is available through most insurance carriers, and coverage may be available through you current homeowners or auto insurance. If you need additional assistance finding coverage, contact the Resort Store for a list of local agents that offer golf cart insurance.
Where do I send my proof of insurance? Send your proof of insurance to the Resort store at your home park. Your insurance agent can fax a proof of insurance directly to the Resort store. The fax number for Sycamore Lodge is (910) 693-3065, and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is (717) 337-1756.
What is the cost for a golf cart pass? The annual pass is $120, or a daily pass is $5.00.
What does the golf cart passes look like? The annual pass is a 3” x 3” that is affixed to the driver's side front of the golf cart. The daily pass is a paper band that is affixed to the driver's side roof support or to the steering wheel.
What are the dates on the annual golf cart pass? The annual pass is valid for the current calendar year and expires on December 31st.
Where do I purchase a golf cart pass? Both annual and day passes are purchased at the Resort store.
If I purchase the daily pass do I have to provide a proof of insurance on every visit? The Resort store will keep your insurance on file so it is not necessary to provide a proof on every visit; however each member is responsible for sending a copy of the renewed policy when it expires.
Is my Annual Golf Cart Pass Valid at all Travel Resorts? Yes
Are visiting Coast to Coast Members and Guests required to meet the same guidelines and regulations? Yes
If you have further questions please contact one of the TRA Resorts directly.
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