Tag: Crane Lake MN RV Campgrounds

Mistakes in RV Setup and How to Avoid Them

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

The RV camping season is just getting started, so now is a good time to review the most common and uncommon mistakes that people make when setting up their campground.

MISTAKES IN RV SETUP OUTSIDE

When backing up or maneuvering the RV, either walkie talkies or cell phones are advised to use. When parking your RV, yelling at each other isn’t the most effective way to communicate. And, in a similar vein, being sidetracked by fellow campers who want to converse even before you’ve parked…yes, it’s happened to us before. Tell others that you need to concentrate on parking and setting up the RV first, and then you’ll have time to talk.

Parking is reasonably near to the RV hookups. Are you as close to the water, electric, and sewer hookups as you want to be before turning off your engine or unhooking the RV? Are your windows positioned to provide the view you desire?

Parking too close to trees or other obstructions is not a good idea. Check for space for your RV slides to come out or steps to fold down all the way around the RV.

Parking on an uneven surface. Is your campsite’s most level area where you’re parked? Check with a level. Even though you may have a automated leveling system, we’ve seen it recommended that we manually level with blocks of wood first before using the automatic leveling system.

Your RV is not leveled evenly. It’s not only inconvenient to walk around in your RV, but it can also effect how your refrigerator cools, how your slides work, and so on. To finish the job, use leveling blocks or wood (or use a leveling system).

Getting sidetracked or distracted while setting up and neglecting to chock the wheels, unhook the electrical line from your tow vehicle, and so on. We’ve already discussed it, but being distracted during RV setup is arguably the most common source of all RV setup errors!

All of the propane is turned on. We recommend turning on only one tank at a time, so that when the empty one runs out, you can simply turn on the full one and return to the store for a refill. And for some reason, your propane always appears to run out late at night or at the most inopportune time. A simple propane gauge is also useful in this situation.

Leaving your awning out in the open (as shown below) and allowing the wind to wreck havoc with it. Make sure you bring your awning in at night or when you leave your RV unless you have very tight tie downs. You never know when a burst of wind or a strange storm will come through and turn your awning into a sail.

The convection oven/microwave vent flap is not unlatched. An RV technician claims that leaving the flap closed can cause your convection oven/microwave to burn out.

MISTAKES IN RV SETUP ON THE INSIDE

Not aware that objects shift around and slide forward inside your RV while moving. Inside cabinets, you can utilize small tension rods or simply open them slowly. The same may be said about your medication cabinet and refrigerator.

Liquids that expand or explode! Shampoo, soap, and other sealed liquids expand and contract as you move due to changes in height and temperature.

It’s raining and you’ve left a roof vent open or on. A rain sensor or a cover over the vent in some contemporary RVs avoids this. If you don’t have one, make sure the vent is closed before leaving or going to bed.

Leaving the windows of your RV open at night. Close the shades at night if you don’t want to put on a display. Even if your RV windows are tinted, they won’t help you much in the dark.

Allowing your pilot light to go out is a bad idea. Allowing the pilot light on your stove/oven to go out could allow your RV to fill with propane, which is bad!

MISTAKES IN RV ELECTRICAL SETUP

Lacking the necessary electrical adaptors to properly connect your RV to the power pedestal. Make sure you know the difference between 15 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp RV electrical hookups, as well as what each one will power in your RV. You don’t want to keep tripping circuit breakers because it’s terrible for them and dangerous for your RV appliances.

Lack of an extension or a long enough electrical cable. Despite the fact that we have a long 50 amp electrical connection, we still need to use a 10′ extension that we bring on many RV travels.

Not having a surge protector is a big no-no. Before connecting your RV, double-check for correct wiring and power.

Bad electricity is a common occurrence at RV parks and campsites, and it can harm your RV equipment!

With the breaker turned on, plugging a power cord into your RV! DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! Before plugging in your RV, make sure the breaker on the power pedestal is turned off, then turn it back on.

Reasons to Take Your Next Family Vacation in an RV

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

campfires Are you searching for a memorable and enjoyable family vacation?

Families, like yours, are avoiding the trouble of staying in hotels in favor of taking their children on an adventure to new areas. They’re having fun roasting marshmallows over a campfire, breathing fresh air, and rediscovering their love of the outdoors in the process.

Get Away From It All While Maintaining Home Comforts

Family holidays are popular among both children and adults, but you don’t have to deal with the difficulties of tent camping in a busy campsite. Your family will have all of the conveniences of home while yet being outside in the fresh air at the RV park! It’s ideal for family time.

There is nothing better than spending quality time with your family on vacation. What could be more bonding than getting outside with your family, playing engaging family games, or sharing meals?

Get Outside and Explore Nature

Taking a family vacation in an RV is like combining all of your favorite activities – camping, nature walks, and seeing new places – with quality time with your family. And it’s simple to start a family adventure when you’re spending so much time outside together. Bring some old-fashioned games like frisbees or badminton, and you’ll be ready for an afternoon of family outdoor fun that will keep everyone entertained.

RV campsites also allow you to relax by spreading out around your RV. Set up chairs outside to enjoy a meal, start a campfire, or simply gaze up at the skies.

Pets from the family are welcome

All members of the family will enjoy RV family holidays. Pets are welcome on family RV excursions, especially if they are enormous dogs, and many parks even have pet-friendly sites or areas where pets are permitted!

This is a fantastic opportunity for a multi-generational trip.

An RV vacation with the family is also a fantastic opportunity to include grandparents! Grandparents may be retired and have the time, energy, and desire for family bonding that children long for. RVs can comfortably sleep up to six adults. The family can also be split up between one or several RVs. In addition, campgrounds provide a variety of activities for people of all ages.

Planning a Family Camping Trip

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

campfires The following are some tried and true tips to ensure a fun and rewarding camping trip with your family.

Select the Right Site
Selecting a camping site is the most important decision you will make, one that can make or break your family camping experience. It may be your dream to backpack several miles into a remote location, but your kids (or your partner) might not be as enthusiastic about the idea as you are.

Make a Reservation
Make a camping reservation. Camping reservations are usually available online in established campgrounds.

Come Prepared
In addition to your campsite, the level of your preparation is the best predictor of family camping success. In the world of camping, “Be Prepared” is a great motto. The essential camping equipment for any outdoor adventure should include:
● First aid kit — well stocked and replenished
● Tent with rain fly and ground cloth
● Sleeping bags with an appropriate rating for temperature
● Camping mattresses, cots or foam pads
● Rain Gear — especially light-weight ponchos for everyone
● Flashlights
● Extra batteries
● Camping stove and fuel
● Camping lantern and fuel
● Camping cook set including can openers
● Water carriers
● Waterproof containers
● Sunscreen
● Insect repellent
● Camping cooler

By bringing storage bins to your campout, you can store all your camping gear and have it readily accessible. They can be stowed neatly under a picnic table at the campsite and easily stored in the back of a car. Furthermore, they keep wildlife from getting into your stuff when you aren’t around.

Structure Responsibilities
Camping will be a better experience for everyone if everyone shares in the responsibilities. Every day, we prepare a “duty roster” at scout camps to make sure everyone has something to do. Some cook, some cleanup, some gather firewood, some haul water. Having family members divide and conquer the work of a campout will help everyone do their part, but not more than their part.

Ponder About Pets
Before going anywhere, make sure they are welcome or allowed there. Plan your camping trip ahead of time so that you have a good camping experience with fun family memories rather than one that goes down as a “bad time was had by all” type of weekend. Have fun, plan ahead, and be prepared!

A Guide to Cold-Weather RV Camping

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Headquarters RV Park - Cold Weather RV Camping

cold weather camping Are you interested in cold-weather camping? Wouldn’t it be great if you could park your RV near a ski hill or another great place for winter RV camping?

Our goal is to help you utilize your RV throughout the winter, including maintaining and protecting it from Mother Nature, winterizing and storing it, and even renting your RV out to others in warmer regions.

Camping in cold weather is defined as?

A person camping in their RV in cold weather when the temperature is constantly below zero is known as a cold weather camper.

As a result, camping above freezing rarely presents the same set of issues and considerations as full-fledged winter camping.

When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, your pipes will freeze, your heating costs will increase, and your family members will be disappointed.

Wind is another factor to consider when winter camping in an RV. Even with a temperature above freezing, winter weather can bring frigid winds. It can be challenging to RV camp in the winter due to the ease with which cold winds can enter RV windows and doors.

What’s the point of going to a cold weather camp?

As a result of cold-weather RVing, you can see some of the most scenic sights in the country.

For a fraction of the price of a condo, you could live near a ski hill, you could live near certain national parks with almost the entire place to yourself, or you could simply choose to live where you want regardless of Mother Nature’s whim.

However, this does not mean that RVing in the winter should be a miserable experience. Camping in cold weather at a location you enjoy and returning home to a warm camper is possible.

If you’re planning to go RV camping in the winter, check your heater before it gets cold.

Despite the fact that propane heaters in RVs haven’t changed much since their introduction, they are still one of the most difficult appliances to maintain.

It is nearly certain that if your RV heater fails, it will be the coldest night of the year, not a 60-degree day in the middle of the week. We’re well into the weekend. And you’re hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest town.

If you want to avoid this horror when winter camping, have your RV’s heater inspected and maintained by a professional every year.

Camping: How to prevent your pipes from freezing

The most important part of winter camping is to keep water flowing – and unfrozen.

You should take the following precautions to avoid RV pipes freezing:

Your city’s water line should be kept flowing by using a heated hose.
Your RV’s internal fresh water tank is an excellent alternative to a heated hose or city water if you’re not connected.
Keeping the fresh water tank warm will help it stay frozen. One downside is that you’ll have to refill your fresh water tank every now and then.
In general, it’s not a good idea to leave your black and grey tanks open during cold weather camping as those fluids can freeze in your sewage hose.
Rather, do not dump until your tanks are nearly full so that the internal temperature of your camper can help keep fluids thawed.
Pour a small amount of non-toxic RV antifreeze down your toilet and sink drains to help keep black/gray tanks from freezing. Be sure to add more antifreeze after draining the tanks.
During winter months, keep external hoses frozen by wrapping low-temperature heat tape around them.
You can allow your water to drip if you’re in a hurry, but this method wastes water. Moving water freezes more slowly than stationary water, so this is the case. When boondocking, this method will drain your fresh water tank and fill your grey water tank in one night.

Tips for staying safe while camping in the cold

Winter camping necessitates extra precautions. Watch out for slippery conditions, especially black ice. A winter RV is especially dangerous because of the ice. In case you become stranded on the side of the road, keep an emergency RV kit in your vehicle at all times. Last but not least, keep extra water, food, and blankets on board in case of frostbite.

RV Camping in the Winter

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Campground

While the days are short and the temperatures are low, you can still enjoy RV camping in the winter. The air in open campgrounds is crisp, the landscape is peaceful, and the air is quiet. What’s more, there are no bugs.

Prepare your RV for winter and enjoy an off-season adventure with these tips.

During the winter, RV camping is a lot of fun! You can enjoy a magical winter RV camping experience with these helpful winter RV camping tips.

Camping in winter has a charm that’s unique to no other season.

The sight of fields of glistening white and snow-lined trees is spectacular. During the quiet, low-crowd season, you feel an incredible sense of solitude, which deepens your connection with nature. You can’t experience the healing properties of a warm, roaring fire any other time of year.

Prepare for colder weather than expected

Winter RV camping requires careful attention to the weather forecasts. Be prepared for temperatures 10 degrees colder. Extreme weather can occur during the winter. There is nothing worse than being stuck in your gear and not feeling warm enough to enjoy yourself.

A great advantage of winter RV camping is that you can easily take extra clothes with you. Take advantage of it! Make sure to pack extra layers of breathable base layers, insulating sweaters, and storm gear.

To stay comfortable in cold weather, wear three layers of clothing. Wear a base layer to wick away sweat. Wear another layer to insulate and retain warmth. Block wind and rain with the third layer.

Prepare an emergency kit

The most important tip for winter RV camping is “be prepared.”. Cold weather makes it imperative to have everything you will need and nothing you will (hopefully) need. Before leaving, review the following list of items you’d rather have than not have in an emergency.

Flashlight
A few gallons of water
Snow shovel
Hand warmers
Area map, or GPS device
First aid kit
Non-perishable food items
Portable USB charger
Water-proof storm gear
Firestarter
Spare dry socks
Goggles or face protection
Extra pair of boots (alternate shoes each day to let the wet pair dry)
Duct tape

Keep Your RV Warm

During your trip, your RV will be your home base. Here are a few tips for keeping warm in an RV during the winter!

Pack winter accessories. It’s a great system, but without a connection, the heaters run for only two hours before shutting down and draining the batteries in your RV. Pack a warm water bladder and a microwaveable heating pad or socks instead to keep yourself warm on chilly nights.

Park in the sunshine. Many people prefer the privacy and atmosphere of a shaded spot, but RV camping in winter requires a change of strategy. Your RV will naturally heat up in the day time if you choose a lot with as little shade as possible.

Bubble wrap the windows. Letting heat escape through cracks and air gaps is your enemy! For an easy way to keep out winter winds, grab a cheap roll of bubble wrap and some painter’s tape.

Put down cheap throw rugs. Spend some time digging through your closet or local Goodwill before this winter RV camping trip. Rugs are a very effective form of insulation. It is also more comfortable for your feet during the winter than vinyl flooring.

Use the RV Furnace

There are two reasons for running the furnace! First, it keeps the room warm enough to make it comfortable. The second reason is that it prevents water pipes and other important internal components from freezing.

Get dressed in warm clothing and turn the furnace down to a low setting as you get ready for bed. Propane costs can be lowered and the volume of notoriously loud heating systems can be reduced. Make sure your RV furnace is turned off before actually going to sleep. After running for two or three hours, the furnace blower automatically shuts off. After this, it will shut off and need to be recharged, so make sure you have an electrical connection!

Cook Inside and Eat Up

Cooking inside has two big advantages over cooking outside on your trip. In frigid temperatures, cooking outdoors isn’t as enjoyable as you might imagine. You can still make some fantastic meals by cooking outside in the winter! Furthermore, RV stovetops will heat the interior of your RV. Stay warm and make a tasty meal in your RV if the weather is too cold to cook outdoors.

Consider cooking more often or eating more than usual. As we keep warm, our bodies burn more calories. You shouldn’t worry about taking in more than 3000 calories per day, depending on how active you are. You’re on vacation, so enjoy yourself!

RV Campground Etiquette: Unspoken Rules

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

orr Minnesota rv campgrounds RV camping etiquette involves unwritten rules. Whether our neighbors are cutting through the campsite late at night or playing loud music,

You shouldn’t walk through camp sites

To get from one site to another or to nearby amenities, it is tempting to quickly cut through “common grass” between sites. It may add a few minutes to your walk time, but it is always best to respect others’ space by walking on the road or public paths at the RV park.

Avoid blasting your music

When you’re having fun camping, it’s easy to get carried away, but if your music is too loud, it can disturb your neighbors. Make sure your music is at a level where it can’t be heard from your neighbor’s campsite. If you’re unsure, stroll by nearby sites and listen to your music. Make sure the volume is appropriate.

Observe quiet hours

There are usually quiet hours at RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds. The rules of the park will typically be included in a pamphlet given to you at check-in. For example, quiet hours are those hours (from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.) during which guests can expect there to be little or no noise. During designated quiet hours, many campers are either inside their RVs or are relaxing by the campfire, and you definitely do not want to be reported to the office for noise.

Slide-outs in your RV should be taken into account

You should account for your slide-outs when parking and setting up your campsite if your rig has them. There’s nothing more annoying than slides from the rig next to you encroaching on your space. Before we unhook, we park our rig and examine the slide-outs. It is faster than hooking everything back up and reparking. In the event that you have a rig with larger slides, you can also check which RV site might be best for your rig in advance.

Pet owners must ask permission before bringing in their pets

Furry friends are always welcome at RV parks. Petting a dog at a campground is tempting, but always ask the owner’s permission first. Generally, pet owners and their animals are friendly, but it’s polite to say hello. There have been some owners who have been sensitive to petting over the years.

Park and settle your neighbors first

It’s always exciting to welcome new camp neighbors. Rvers enjoy checking out other rigs, seeing how people set up camp, and saying hello-but please be mindful that the family is trying to focus on parking and setting up. If the family seems to be settled in, feel free to introduce yourself.

Grills Shouldn’t Be Placed on Picnic Tables

You might be tempted to set up your portable grill on the picnic table at the campground, but think twice. Tables can be stained, warped, and left with residue from grills. Bring along a portable table instead so you can leave the campsite clean for future campers.

Arrive at the dump station prepared

Preparation is key to avoiding long lines at the dump station. Our gloves and the black tank hose and connector piece are always available by the time we get to the dump station.

Your tow vehicle can be parked at your site

Make sure you don’t block the road and park at your site as much as possible. Never use an empty site as your personal parking lot, even if it is nearby. You may find additional parking near the clubhouse or registration area.

You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

RVers at the campground are generally friendly and helpful when needed — it’s all part of the RVing culture.

The RV tool kit you need to have

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

Make sure you bring the tools and supplies you might need while you’re enjoying the RV lifestyle before you hit the road. It’s not difficult to find an RV accessories store while you’re on the road, but having a preplanned RV tool kit can make your travels that much easier.

In an RV, how do you store tools?

The RV toolbox is a popular tool storage choice for RVers. It’s easy to keep everything in one place this way. Some RVers use traditional tool boxes, while others use bins to store all of their supplies. There is no right or wrong way to store your RV tools, so long as they are organized and out of reach of children. You can store your toolbox in the basement or exterior storage of your RV, in cabinets, or tucked away in a corner. Wherever you keep your RV tool kit, just make sure you make it easy to access and secure.

RV Tools You Must Have

It’s always best to be prepared when traveling in an RV, especially when you’re on the road. Regardless of the type of RV, there are a few items that should be included in every RV tool kit. RV tool kits and tools should include the following:

Duct tape
Electrical tape
Tire pressure gauge
Portable air compressor
Tire iron
Spare tire
Flat tire repair kit
Flashlight
Knife
Tow strap or chains
Wrenches and pliers
Allen wrenches
Fuses
Drill and drill bits
Hammer
Zip ties
Jump box
Saw
Working gloves
Screwdriver
Multimeter
Measuring tape
Portable jack
Caulk and caulking gun
Superglue
WD-40

You can use these tools to make sure you’re ready for anything on the road, and you can even help others out if they’re in trouble. Don’t forget to bring your RV’s manual and any operating paperwork along with you on your adventures.

Toolbox Extras for RVs

You should also include safety supplies in your RV tool kit. Having a complete first aid kit with you on your road trip is essential, and there are many options to choose from. You can also build a kit from scratch using your favorite brands of band-aids, gauze, medical tape, bandages, sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, sterile gloves, tweezers, safety pins, antibacterial ointment, and eye dressings.

RV camping, a family vacation must

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

Your epic trip plans this year may have been detoured quite a bit. A family vacation is often what allows us to sustain ourselves throughout the other months. Think about taking your family on a road trip by renting an RV.

It’s a safe way to travel.

One way to travel safely this summer and at any time is to travel in an RV. Think of having your own kitchen to prepare meals, your own bathroom and a private area to hang out just for your family. It’s the best of social-distance travel.

Multigenerational families can travel in comfort and safety using this method.

You can put your kids down in a designated RV sleeping area to enjoy fresh air outdoors while you have fun. Families can bond incredibly in a comfortable way by touring the country together without having to deal with airplanes or hotel rooms.

Bring your toys with you.

When camping in a tent, you’re limited to what fits in the back of your car, so extras like bikes and kayaks are usually left at home. Having a RV gives you extra room to store your gear so that you can explore trails and water when you arrive.
Explore distant destinations or stay close to home with a road trip.

If travel restrictions prevent you from traveling, your adventures may be closer to home. Being in an RV makes any road trip more epic. When you plan your overnight RV parking options, you have your own built-in hotel room for the trip. You can also drive however far you like each day, as long as it does not interfere with your schedule.

Traveling is part of the adventure.

Trying to fit your family’s gear and yourself into the same vehicle can result in a cramped environment. RV camping allows people to travel more conveniently.

Rain and bugs? No big deal!

A camping trip can quickly go down the tubes if you do either of these two things. If Mother Nature strikes back, you’ll have peace of mind in your RV in case you want to explore the great outdoors.

RVs make cooking easier.

A campfire or propane camp stove are the only way to cook while out in the wilderness, and both can be problematic in bad weather or when there is wind. RVs have indoor cooking options that make your life easier

Turn on those devices.

In the event that you are unable to go completely off-grid on a camping trip for multiple weeks, an RV provides the option of powering up your phones or laptops from your campsite. Connect your RV to the campground’s hookups or use some newer RV models’ solar power options. So you can update everyone back home on your adventures.

Dogs are welcome.

Campgrounds are usually pet-friendly, so you can bring your pup along with you in the RV. You should always find out in advance what rules apply to four-legged friends at parks or campgrounds. As with a car, never leave your pet alone in an RV.
There will be no more communal bathrooms on campgrounds.

The majority of RVs and travel trailers have a bathroom, which is crucial when camping with children. It can also make those roadside stops more enjoyable, without having to wait in line to use the restroom before enjoying the view.

Tips for new RV campers

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

Our RV camping season is just around the corner, so many of us are getting ready! There are approximately 355,000 new RVs sold each year, so many RVers hitting the road this season are totally newbies.

After you get the hang of it, RV camping is one of the most enjoyable, rewarding, and relaxing experiences you will ever have. Our goal is to help you prepare to go on your first adventure with your RV by putting together this guide!

Checklists:

If you’re a new RV camper, checklists can be a lifesaver! Making a few checklists and keeping them on hand is a good idea until you get the hang of things.

Making a packing list will help you not to forget any essential items. As you go on more trips, you’ll learn what you need and don’t need, and what you bring but never use.

Make a list of all the things you need to do before you go… this might include packing, ensuring that your home is ready for a vacation and all the appliances are turned off and other things like:

Checking the RV tires
Making sure the awning is pulled in (you’d be surprised how many people miss this and lose their awning)
Making sure the RV Jacks are pulled up
Everything is latched and secured
All passengers are accounted for, etc.

A setup checklist will ensure that you don’t make mistakes like forgetting to connect the sewer hose for the shower once you’ve arrived at camp. A checklist for setting up a camp should include the following:

Leveling the RV
Securing Wheels
Hooking up Water
Hooking up Sewer
Setting up Pop-Ups or Opening Slides
Setting up lawn chairs/outside area

Walkaround:

No matter how old or in what condition your RV or travel trailer is, you should get in the habit of doing a walkaround every time you stop. Every time you stop at a gas station, grocery store, or campground, look around your RV for obvious problems. When you travel down the road, you are subjected to a lot of vibrations. Make sure your tires are in good shape, your storage bins are latched, and there are no obvious signs of trouble. An easy and quick walkaround could save you a whole lot of headaches down the road.

Driving Tips:

If you’re driving a motorhome or pulling a trailer, the driving experience is going to be different than if you were in just a normal vehicle on a daily basis.

RVs and trailers are both large and wide – you will need to use your mirrors to help you see. Make sure your mirrors are in the proper position for driving and learn how to use them. In general, one mirror helps you see traffic behind you, while the other shows where your RV or trailer tires are, as well as some of your blind spots. Making turns is easier if you know where your RV or trailer tires are in relation to you, the driver, and in relation to curbs. You will also be able to stay within your lane with these mirrors – your truck is much wider than a standard vehicle.

Keep a slow speed and start braking earlier than you would in a car – an RV or travel trailer weighs more and requires a longer stopping distance. Don’t ride the brakes while going downhill. Shift down and let the engine do the work, not your brakes. When downgrading, tap the brakes for a few seconds at a time to prevent overheating.

Protect Your RV:

As an RV owner, you want to enjoy your investment for years to come. In addition to insurance and preventative maintenance, RVers also use a few devices to provide themselves with additional protection and peace of mind.

Surge Protector: A surge protector protects your system from power surges by plugging it between the rig and an external power supply. In the event of a power surge from lightning or bad campground wiring, it will protect your rig from electrical damage. It monitors the quality of the power source, protects your rig from ungrounded connections, and will prevent your rig’s electrical system from getting fried. It is a small investment that can help you save your entire electrical system! To ensure that it does not get stolen, you can purchase a lock.
An TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring system, can notify you of potential tire hazards you might otherwise overlook. Tire pressure and temperature sensors are available for RVs and travel trailers alike and provide alerts when the conditions change. In this way, blowouts and rig damage can be prevented.

Time to Prepare Your RV For The Spring Camping Season

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

This is the ideal time to assess how your RV and trailer are doing so break it out of storage and check it out. Keep reading for more guidance and additional de-winterization maintenance tasks to prepare your RV for The Spring Camping Season.

Basic Inspection & Safety Checks

You should first check your RV’s major systems to ensure it is roadworthy:

power system
propane system
tire health

Make sure you do this early, so you have time to schedule any necessary maintenance before your first trip. Make certain that your carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, LP detector, and fire extinguisher all work properly.

Check Electric Power

Look over all battery connections first. If they are corroded, disconnect the shore power and wear safety goggles and latex gloves when cleaning them off. Then, charge your batteries and check the fluid levels in the batteries, adding distilled water if necessary. If you have a generator, check it for nests and make sure the filter does not need to be replaced. A lack of fuel in the generator’s lines usually causes it to fail to start. Prime your generator by running the pump for about 20 seconds to deliver fuel to the carburetor. After that, it should start much more quickly. Once you have your generator running, check the oil level. Test all appliances on the electric setting.

Propane

Check the water heater (exterior of RV) closely in order to remove any debris from the burner tube. Make sure all of your propane appliances are turned off (furnace, stove, oven, refrigerator).

Visually inspect your propane system to make sure the seals and hoses aren’t cracked. If everything looks okay, open the valve on the tank(s) all the way. If you suspect a leak, use a soapy water solution around the valves and look for bubbles. Other important gear to have on hand is refillable RV propane tanks, alarms, and detectors. The last step is to ensure that your appliances are working properly using the propane settings. Be sure to inspect your propane appliances and furnace each spring when taking your RV out of storage.

Tires

If your tires (plus the spare) are in need of replacement, get them installed at your earliest convenience. Check the tires for proper inflation, inspect the sidewall for any cracks and the tread depth.

Dewinterize and Check Your Water Systems

The antifreeze will need to be drained and flushed from your system if you winterized it with non-toxic antifreeze. There are a couple of easy steps you can follow:

If removed, re-insert the low point drain plugs.
Replacing the anode rod with an Atwood water heater or the drain plug with a Suburban water heater is imperative if they have been neglected previously.
The bypass water heater valves must be changed to “use” mode, which means closing the bypass valve and opening the hot and cold valves.
The water system can be re-pressurized with a hose or at the pump by filling the freshwater tank and turning it on.
To flush out the antifreeze in your system, open the faucets and the shower heads for indoor and outdoor use as well as the toilet.
Then turn off the water pressure and remove the caps from the low point drains.
Turn on the pressure again to flush out any of the remaining antifreeze in the system.
Then turn off the water pressure to put the drain caps back on.

Test all valves, including faucets, outside shower, and toilet while you’re at it, including the water pump and city water hook-up.

Interior Inspection & Resupply

Clean the interior thoroughly. Drain any dehumidifiers (or replace any disposables). Check inside the cabinets and under the sinks for signs of rodents and pests. Now is a good time to go through all of your supplies and restock the camper with the essentials. If you discover any evidence of them, find the source and take care of it now before you add any new food items to the pantry.

Exterior Inspection & Wash

You should inspect the interior of your RV and climb up on the roof to check for chips, cracks, or missing caulking around exterior windows, doors, roof vents, and other seals. The awnings in your RV are exposed to the weather and rarely see sunlight, making them prone to mildew. Finally, rinse the RV well with a gentle biodegradable soap solution. Simply Green works well. To clean, use a soft bristle brush with the soap solution. Rinse well and let them air dry for a few hours before retracting.

All Systems Go!

Making sure these checks are run on your RV and performing any necessary maintenance will go a long way toward making your camping season a success.