Tips for Full-Timing

When social-distancing became part of the daily conversation, many RV owners envisioned trading sticks-and-bricks civilization for a home on wheels. Additionally, many current RVers list full-time RVing as one of their dream goals. However, taking the full-timing plunge raises some questions, especially for those who are more accustomed to extended-weekend stays and simple overnighters. In addition to the regular maintenance of life in an RV, full-time or extended-time RVing requires some supplemental tasks.

We asked Camping World National Service Director Mark Lowrey and Camping World Call Center RV Technical Supervisor Michael Baltakian to share their customers’ most common questions about a full-time life on the road. We’re sure that their collective checklist will enable you to make the leap with confidence.

Pro Tip: Camping World offers its RV-purchase customers a packet for planning and documenting maintenance, accessible by searching “Customer Reference Handbook” online.

Pre-Bon Voyage

What are the best ways to prepare an RV for full-timing?

The process begins before you hit the road. Naturally, you should test all RV systems before you leave to ensure that everything works. You should also:

• Prepare and store an “emergency packet” in the RV with any potentially useful information for emergency responders, such as contact information for family members and medical information.
• Stash a backup credit card in the event that wallets and purses are lost or stolen.
• Maintain a roadside service plan, or a Good Sam Elite Membership, to assist with any mechanical disablement issues.
• Similarly, annual memberships to campgrounds and their rewards programs can easily pay for themselves.

Once you’re ready to head out, there are a number of things you should bring along for a successful full-time experience.

• Basic tools, specifically: wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, a #2 square-tip driver, a multimeter, a non-contact AC voltage detector, and extra fuses (especially 15-amp).
• Jumper cables.
• A cordless drill to ease maintenance and to manually operate stabilizer jacks if necessary.
• A plug-in 120-volt circuit tester to check the voltage in busy campgrounds.
• A portable 12-volt battery charger.
• A quality tire-pressure gauge.
• 1–2 gallons of distilled water for battery maintenance (if applicable).
• Hookup essentials, including wastewater hoses, freshwater hose, blocks, and wheel chocks.
• A folding ladder for accessing higher-up components.
• A supply of backup food in case an emergency arises and you cannot access stores.

Refer to the owner’s manuals and prepare a maintenance list for your specific RV and tow vehicle (if applicable). Document completed maintenance items as they are completed.

Routine Manuvers

What are the primary systems and components RV owners should monitor when full-timing?

• Check the battery-fluid level and top off with distilled water as needed. Wet-cell-style batteries are still common, though many RVs offer upgraded, no-maintenance absorbed glass mat (AGM) and lithium models.
• Check battery terminals for tightness and corrosion. Clean terminals with a brush and baking soda dissolved in water, protecting skin, lungs, and eyes as you clean the corrosion from the terminals and cables.
• Check the RV’s monitor-panel voltage at rest (not plugged into shorepower). After starting the tow vehicle, recheck the monitor. Changes indicate battery charge voltage is being delivered to the trailer or motorhome batteries.
• Clean the A/C air filter weekly.
• Clean the leveling jacks once a month and lubricate with silicone spray.
• Other expected typical maintenance includes roof seals, UV protection, lubrication of various components, and inspection of holding tanks, batteries, and chassis components.
• To improve generator performance and longevity, install an inline brass fuel valve to shut off the generator by starving it of fuel. This drains the carburetor bowl and prevents stagnant gas from gumming up the float.
• Lippert recommends using talcum-based baby powder (not cornstarch) in slide seals as an alternative to spray conditioners.
• Reset any electronic operating systems every couple of months.
• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors’ batteries annually.
• Tighten the A/C seals every year so their compression tabs are touching the roofline for proper sealing. The tabs have visual aids to guide the process.
• Change the water heater’s anode rod every year. RV owners can usually access the anode behind the water-heater door and do this themselves.
• Check the dates stamped on propane tanks. Replace or recertify the tanks when they reach their expiration dates.

iN-Command

• If the RV is equipped with an iN-Command control center and it malfunctions, try resetting the system by disconnecting shorepower and the vehicle’s batteries for a couple of minutes, then reconnecting.
• If the iN-Command’s touchscreen is still nonfunctional, it can sometimes be recalibrated by connecting a PC mouse to the unit’s USB port (on top of the display) and taking control manually.

In Transit

What do you need to know while on the go?

• Always make campground reservations well ahead of time, especially during peak travel season.
• Plans are subject to change, but be sure to plot itineraries and routes, letting loved ones know your locations and upcoming destinations.
• Follow the 3:30 suggestion: Drive no more than 330 miles in a day and plan to arrive at the destination no later than 3:30 p.m. This keeps drives manageable and allows adequate time to set up and relax before dark.
• Sometimes you can save money by staying longer—daily rates are often higher than weekly or monthly rates.

Hookup Tips

Since power and water situations can vary among campgrounds and other locations, what are the best ways to go with the different flows?

• Always use a water regulator when hooking up to campground city water.
• Protect your RV and any personal electronics when plugged into shorepower with a surge protector. This saves sensitive electronics from any unexpected surges.

Docking Directives

If you’re camping in the same spot for extended periods of time, how can you get the most from your RV?

• Parking in a fixed spot offers an opportunity to extend tire life. Place the camper’s axles on heavy-duty jacks and remove the tires/wheels entirely, ideally storing them indoors or at least out of the sun.
• Along those same lines, using slide-room stabilizing jacks reduces pressure on the mechanical components and interior fascia.
• Move hydraulic slide rooms in and out every few months.
• Periodically start the chassis engine to keep it internally lubed, and the chassis battery topped off.
• Don’t leave the gate valves open while stationary. RV owners often wrongly assume that open black-water valves prevent blockage when connected to a dump sump.
• Drain-valve additives help prevent messy situations arising from stuck or broken black- and gray-water valves.
• Use proper RV/marine toilet paper to help ensure the paper breaks down quickly in the black tank.
• When using a washing machine, ensure that the gray tank is empty or leave its gate valve open during use.
• Add screens to all appliance exhaust points and apply sealant anywhere on the underbelly where pests may enter and cause damage.
• For fifth-wheels, use a tripod jack below the pin box to increase stability.
• Keep a journal of miles traveled, places visited, and campgrounds stayed at to reference when talking with other RVers.

Weather-Proofing

How can RV owners increase living comfort in varying weather conditions?

• Sealing and insulation aren’t among the strengths of an RV. Carry a portable electric heater or fan in case the HVAC goes out, and it can’t be fixed right away.
• If feasible (and if you have one), erect a canopy to protect the roof from snow and general weathering.
• Underbelly skirts may assist freeze protection in the winter months.
• Minimize the need to plug in or use the generator by opening vents and windows to create a cross-breeze during hotter months.

Boondocking

For people who want to get away from it all (including shorepower), what are the primary needs and considerations?

• Calculate your RV’s amp/hour consumption per day, then possibly upgrade the battery capacity or add additional or larger solar panels.
• Be mindful of charging the batteries so that power consumption doesn’t exceed the batteries’ total storage capacity.
• A solar-power rule-of-thumb is one panel per battery, roof-mounted if possible (but often portable panels for some trailers and Class B motorhomes).
• Generators can provide reliable power; higher-end models accept multiple fuel types.
• External power devices (battery packs) can operate and charge electronic gadgets beyond the plugged-in-to-the-RV range. Some models accept charging current from solar panels.

Full-Time Upgrades

If your RV is properly equipped for these residential conveniences, why not live in lusury?

Wash + Dry: A popular full-timer add-on is a washer/dryer combo unit. It saves space and makes it easy to stay at the campground longer (hookups recommended, of course). Splendide models are available in both vented and ventless configurations.

Your Own Throne: Full-timers often step up to a ceramic toilet. The Dometic 310 features a full-size ceramic bowl for a true residential feel. It’s easy to install, and the hygienic hands-free foot-flush pedal and adjustable water level work well in an RV.

One Fine Fridge: When a refrigerator’s cooling unit goes bad, a replacement can be more viable than repair. Dometic’s Americana line is a popular solution for an RV fridge swap; adding a residential fridge would require additional power solutions.

When to Seek Help

What products and systems require repair skills that exceed the average RV owner’s abilities?

• Any appliance that uses propane should be serviced yearly for optimal operation. Access is often challenging, and proper venting for safety often makes this beyond the average RV owner’s capabilities.

Our Experts

Michael Baltakian is a Call Center RV Technical Supervisor for Camping World. Michael is ASE Master Certified and RVIA/RVDA Certified and has 27 years of automotive experience in diagnosis and repair. He has conducted a number of factory tours and classes for Thor Motor Coach, Forest River Inc., Jayco, Keystone, Lippert, Dutchmen, and also many other RV- and RV-product-related manufacturers.

“Strength reveals itself through character.”

Mark Lowery is the National Service Director for Camping World and has worked in various capacities during his career, from service technician to general manager to his current position. Married for 34 years, Mark has three daughters who all enjoyed family RVing vacations growing up. Camping and boating have always been some of his favorite things to do with his family.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Camping World team for more than 37 years.”