Category: All RVing Articles

RV Bugs And Insects – How To Get Rid Of Them For Good

RV bugs and insects can turn an enjoyable RV outing into something completely different very quickly.

Of course, when you think about it, we often bring our RVs into their domain. After all, camping in nature is something RVers love to do. And that is their home.

But there are ways to keep your RV essentially free of bugs and insects. We are talking about pests like spiders, roaches, fleas, mosquitoes and others.

Keeping them out of your RV is what this article is all about. So lets start with how to prevent their access to your rig in the first place.

RV Pest Control - How To Remove Bugs And Insects
Watch my video on RV bugs and insects here

Read about how to get rid of mice in your RV by clicking here

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Table of Contents

RV Bugs And Insects – What You Need To Do

To really be able to take steps to prevent having pests in your RV, you need to know what they want.

Simply put, they are looking for water, food and shelter. Pretty much like we do in our own daily lives.

So you need to think of ways to deny them access to what they are searching for. And try to make your rig as inhospitable to them as possible.

By doing that you can keep them from ever setting up shop in your RV in the first place.

RV Bugs And Insects – Prevention Measures To Take

Here are the top recommended measures you can take to prevent pests from making a home in your RV:

  • Keep your RV and campsite clean – this is one of the most important steps to take. Leave no food sitting out anywhere inside or outside the RV. Don’t leave dirty dishes or standing water in the sink. And wipe down all kitchen counters and tables often.
  • Store all the foods that you can in sealed plastic containers. Don’t leave them in boxes. Pests can still get into a box. But sealed plastic containers makes your dry foods unattainable for bugs and insects.
  • Don’t leave your RV door open for long when entering and exiting the RV. If you want to open the door for ventilation make sure that you use a screen door to prevent access for pests. The same goes for RV windows. Use screens that will keep the bugs out.
  • Make a concerted effort to seal up all holes and gaps you can find where pests can get in. This will probably include hunting around underneath the RV for possible entry spots. Gaps can often be found especially where things like electric cords and water pipes are installed. Remember that only a few small gaps can be all that most pests need to get inside. So use things like gap filler sealant to eliminate those gaps and holes.
  • Use natural scents and smells to repel pests. There are plenty of solutions that RVers have found to be effective. These include citrus juice and water sprays, eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil on cotton balls, and dryer sheets. Using more than one of these home remedies is most effective. And you will need to reapply them from time to time as well.
  • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around anything that touches the ground outside your RV. This material is deadly to the exoskeletons of many insects. So use it liberally and often. And reapply it, especially after a rain.
How to get rid of RV bugs and insects

What To Do If you Have An Infestation

But what can you do if RV bugs and insects are already infested in your RV?

Well, in that case you will need to bring out the big guns to eradicate them. And don’t go timid here or waste time addressing the problem.

Allowing an infestation to go on for a while can cause permanent damage to some areas of your RV.

So here are a couple of very effective actions to take right away:

  • Insect foggers are very effective. So use the recommended amount for your size RV. Just be sure to use them safely and according to the directions found on the fogger label. And never allow any person or pet inside the RV while the fogger is being used.
  • Spraying a good insecticide along all the bottoms of every wall is also effective to get rid of pests. And don’t forget the inside of closets and under counters. Again, there is a need to be safe in the application of this kind of product. Always follow the application directions found on the product label. But if you feel uneasy about applying an insecticide, you may want to hire a professional exterminator to do it for you. This is the safest option to take.

Getting Rid Of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are kind of in a class of their own when it comes to RV pests. Most often they are a problem to contend with outdoors, not inside the RV.

This is especially true in the summertime when you want to sit outside in the evenings. They can turn a relaxing and pleasant experience into an irritating nightmare quickly.

So here are some of the methods for dealing with mosquitoes that have been found to be effective:

  • Citronella candles – if pure citronella is used in the candle wax, these can be very effective to repel mosquitoes. But you may need several of them depending on the area you need to cover.
  • Thermocell patio shields – these are also known to be very effective as a mosquito repellent. Usually only a couple will cover a fairly large area too.
  • A bug zapper – quite a few RVers carry bug zappers with them to lure pesky flying insects away and kill them.
  • Spray repellents like Repel and Off Deep Woods are also effective to keep the little monsters away. Just be sure to follow the label directions to use them safely.
  • An enclosed screen room – this is one of the most effective measures for handling mosquito infested areas. There are easy-up screen rooms that are available online that can effectively fence them out. And they fold down to a very small size for storage and travel too.

What About Other Flying Insects?

Mosquitoes are certainly a threat to enjoyable RV camping. But by no means are they the only flying insect problem.

What about wasps and mud daubers? We have had to deal with these pesky and determined insects regularly.

So the first step to protecting yourself against these aerial intruders is using bug screens. Especially to cover the intake and exhaust on your RV furnace. Here is a picture of what I mean:

Dauber screens help keep out wasps, mud daubers and other RV bugs and insects
Dauber screens for your RV furnace

These simple to install screens can make sure that flying insects don’t get into your RV. And they also make them for your water heater exhaust screen as well.

Besides this prevention measure, it’s always a good idea to keep some wasp spray handy too.

It has been a big help to us on a few occasions when we faced a mud dauber infestation.

How About Snakes In Your RV?

Of course, small bugs and insects are a nuisance in your RV. But snakes can be downright dangerous.

So what can you do to make sure that they don’t make a home in your RV?

As I said above, denying a water and food supply works very well for most pest problems. And that applies to snakes as well.

If you find snake skins in your RV, that is clear evidence that a snake has set up shop in your rig.

And most likely that is because there is a food supply that is also in there with them. Usually mice.

So follow the link I placed above to another article I wrote on how to deal with RV mice. And if you follow those guidelines, most likely your snake will disappear too.

RV Bugs And Insects Conclusions

Clearly, there are lots of pests that can make your RV adventures less enjoyable.

But there are also lots of solutions that many RV travelers and campers have found to be effective.

It will take some planning ahead to have everything you need on hand. But most of the pest repellent products listed above do not take up much precious RV storage space.

If you have found pest removal solutions other than what is mentioned in this article, please comment below. If you share your experience, it can benefit others and contribute to their RVing enjoyment too.

As always, have safe and happy travels my friends …..

RV Inspectors – What They Do And How You Can Find Them

RV inspectors – increasingly more RVers are realizing the value of these skilled RV experts when its time to buy an RV.

But there is still a lot of confusion about them as well.

What exactly do they do? How do you find them? How much do they charge? When should you hire them?

These are all great questions that need to be answered. The good news is that I am an NRVIA certified RV inspector and I will be happy to explain what you need to know.

Watch my video about RV inspectors

Table of Contents

RV Inspectors – What Do They Do?

Probably the best way to think of RV inspectors is to think of them as the equivalent of a home inspector.

In other words, buyers often hire the services of a home inspector before they buy a house. And that inspector goes through the house thoroughly and provides a detailed report about its condition.

Many people these days would not even consider purchasing a home without a thorough home inspection beforehand.

Well, an RV inspector does essentially the same thing, only with RVs.

RV inspectors are like home inspectors
RV inspectors are like home inspectors

Why RV Inspections Are Complicated

One advantage that home inspectors have is that their subject doesn’t have to move. It’s only for living in as a residence.

But RV inspectors have to be knowledgeable with more than just the living area of an RV. That’s because RVs are mobile and can travel long distances.

So this means that the inspector has to also be familiar with the mobile components of this traveling home as well. Because it is actually a blend of both a house and a vehicle.

In addition to that, it can often have multiple fuel and power sources. And some appliances can run on more than just one source of power.

For instance, a typical RV refrigerator usually needs 12 volt, 120 volt and LP gas lines to function correctly.

So clearly, RV inspections require experts with specialized training and experience.

What Does An RV inspection Cover?

First of all, it’s important to note that RV inspections do not involve repairing any problems that are found.

That is not the function of the inspector. Instead, the inspector focuses on testing and examining all components of the RV. And the goal is to determine whether they are in workable and acceptable condition or not.

To do this, the RV inspector will go over the RV from the roof all the way down to the tires. The inspection will include every major system on the RV.

These include roofing, plumbing, electrical, safety equipment, waste systems, appliances, and much more. It’s really a time-consuming and comprehensive endeavor!

If a problem is found, the inspector will note it and often take a picture of the issue. Then a brief recommendation about how to address the issue is provided.

And this brings us to the RV inspection report. Because that is what communicates the inspector’s findings to the prospective buyer.

The inspection report readability is absolutely critical for the RV buyer. Because it doesn’t matter how much the RV inspector knows about RVs, if that knowledge isn’t communicated clearly.

What To Expect From An RV Inspection

In addition to a written report that is comprehensive and understandable, the inspector should be available for questions afterward.

Most RV buyers aren’t familiar with all of the components of an RV rig. So naturally, they may not understand some of the report information.

That’s why a good inspector makes themselves available to help answer questions on the part of the prospective buyer. It’s best to save this question and answer session until after the inspection is finished though.

Post-inspection phone call with an RV inspector
Post-inspection phone call with an RV inspector

That way the RV inspector can focus on the job at hand while involved in the inspection process.

But here are a couple of insights about what questions an RV inspector can’t answer:

  • Don’t expect the inspector to provide an estimate of the cost of repairs for issues found. RV inspectors are not necessarily RV repair technicians or service people. So any estimate they provide could often be inaccurate. But armed with the information in the report, an accurate repair estimate can be ascertained. Just a few phone calls to local RV repair facilities is usually all that’s needed.
  • The other question RV inspectors won’t answer is “Would you buy this RV?” Of course, that is what many prospective RV buyers want to know. But the answer to that question is irrelevant. It doesn’t matter what the inspector would decide about the buying decision. What matters is whether the prospective buyer feels the RV is still worth buying after learning its true condition. So please don’t try to shift the buying decision to the RV inspector.

Qualified RV Inspectors – How Do You Find Them?

The best way to find a truly qualified RV inspector is to visit NRVIA.org online. The NRVIA is an organization that trains and certifies RV inspectors.

Once an inspector passes their certification process, they can be recommended by the NRVIA for use by the public.

Then the NRVIA tracks the locations of their certified inspectors nationwide. Then all prospective buyers have to do is visit the organization’s website to find a local available inspector.

You can find certified RV inspectors by clicking here

To find an inspector, just click on the link at the top of the page entitled “Locate An Inspector”. On the following page, enter your location and a list of local certified inspectors will be provided.

The NRVIA map of RV inspectors

From there, just contact them and inquire about their availability for the RV inspection. Some may not be available when you inquire. So just expand your search further outward from your location to find one that is available.

In some cases, an RV inspector may not be found easily though. If that is the case, just email the NRVIA or call them at the contact information they provide on their website.

If you explain that you have done all you can to find an inspector, they often can still help further. To do this, they put out a notice to all inspectors in their network for help.

Many RV inspectors are willing to travel since they are RVers too. So they may be willing to come to your location to help out.

What Does An RV Inspection Cost?

I get a lot of questions about how much an RV inspection costs. The answer is that it depends on what the RV inspector chooses to charge for the inspection.

RV inspectors are allowed by the NRVIA to set their own fees and charges. So you may find a fairly wide disparity in what each one charges for an RV inspection.

And there can be quite a bit of difference in how labor and time intensive inspecting different types of RVs can be. For instance, a small travel trailer will not take nearly as much effort to inspect as a 40+ foot diesel pusher motorhome.

Having said all of that, let me provide some general expectations for RV inspection costs.

Larger RVs like big fifth wheels and larger motorhomes can cost on average between $600 – $1100 in most cases. Smaller RVs like travel trailers and shorter motorhomes are often less.

You may find an inspector that charges more than the range mentioned above. But you may also find someone who charges less as well.

But there is an important point to keep in mind here. And that is that whatever an RV inspector charges, within reason, will usually save you money in the long run.

That’s because an RV inspection provides a true picture of the condition of the RV you may be considering. And in many cases, the inspection will reveal issues that you would never have known about otherwise.

And very often, the issues found during an RV inspection will give the buyer bargaining power with the seller. So if a repair is found to be needed, you can either ask the seller to handle it or negotiate for a lower price.

Either way, a quality RV inspection often saves the buyer money in the overall deal.

When Should You Hire An RV Inspector?

Clearly then, hiring an RV inspector before you buy an RV is a great idea. But I don’t recommend having them inspect every RV that you may be considering.

If you do, there may be several inspections that are performed before you find the one that is worth buying. And that could get very expensive.

So you only want to hire an RV inspector on the rigs that you are really convinced could be a good candidate for purchase.

Toward that end I recommend that the buyer learns enough about RVs to be able to perform a personal inspection first. This personal inspection isn’t really technical or difficult.

But if you know what to look for, you can spot many serious issues without having an advanced knowledge of RV components.

I explain the whole process of how to perform a personal inspection before the RV inspector is hired in my new ebook. It’s entitled “How To Avoid Buying An RV Money Pit”.

Used RV buying guidebook
My used RV buying guidebook

The ebook explains how to find a quality RV, how to personally inspect the ones you like, and how to hire the RV inspector.

There’s really nothing that I know of available online that compares with the information in the ebook. And I also make myself personally available to help you with any questions you may have.

And if you aren’t sure about any part of the personal inspection process, I’ll be happy to help.

Get my ebook “How To Avoid Buying An RV Money Pit” by clicking here

Conclusion About RV Inspectors

I hope that you can now appreciate the value of having a quality inspection before your next RV purchase.

If you get a certified RV inspector to do a thorough job on the prospective RV, it can be helpful in many ways.

Fisrt of all, if there are plenty of hidden problems with the RV, the inspection may help prevent you from buying an RV money pit.

Some RVers have spent many thousands of dollars on repairing problems with uninspected RVs they bought. But a thorough RV inspection helps prevent being surprised by hidden problems after the purchase.

And if issues are found during the inspection, it gives you more bargaining power before the purchase.

Finally, when you buy an RV that has been inspected and found to be worthy of purchase, it puts your mind at ease. You can now have more confidence that the purchase you are making is a good one.

So before you buy your next RV, get it inspected by an NRVIA certified RV inspector. You’ll be glad you did!

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – Which Is Best For You?

A discussion of 5th wheels vs travel trailers is a battle of the towable RVs.

So if you have decided that towing an RV is better for your needs than driving a motorhome, this article is for you.

Of course, towing an RV means that you have to match the RV with the right tow vehicle. But that is a discussion for a different time.

In this article we just want to provide the pros and cons of both 5th wheels and travel trailers. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can make the choice that fits you best.

Just keep in mind that there is no answer that fits the needs of all RVers. The right RV for you can depend on several factors and we will discuss that as we go along.

Watch my video about fifth wheels vs travel trailers

Table of Contents

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – What Are They?

First of all, let’s make sure that we can identify a fifth wheel or a travel trailer RV.

A fifth wheel RV is easily identified because it has a hitch that mounts in the tow vehicle bed, usually over the rear axle.

So a fifth wheel has a front section that juts out from the rest of the RV. And it looks like this:

A typical fifth wheel RV.

A travel trailer on the other hand attaches to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. So travel trailer RVs look more like a box than fifth wheel RVs, like this:

A typical travel trailer RV.

The Pros Of Travel Trailers

Now lets cover the pros or advantages of choosing travel trailer RVs.

  • They come in all sizes from 12 feet to 35 feet and everything in between. So you easily can find a size that fits your needs best.
  • They are usually less expensive to buy if you just want to try RVing out for a while. This is especially true with smaller travel trailers.
  • Many travel trailers can be pulled by SUVs and 1/2 ton pickups. This avoids the need for more expensive diesel engines in your tow vehicle.
  • Smaller travel trailers can fit in almost any size camping spot. This is great for national park campgrounds and boondocking spots.
  • Travel trailers allow for more storage space in the bed of the tow vehicle. Fifth wheels take up a huge amount of space in the pickup bed with the hitch alone.
  • Easy on and off highways while traveling. Also easier to get in and out of fuel stations and restaurants while traveling.

The Cons of Travel Trailers

Now here are the cons of travel trailer RVs.

  • They often have fewer slides than fifth wheels, so they can feel less roomy inside.
  • Travel trailers often have fewer and smaller appliances and luxury items to keep the towing weight as low as possible.
  • Towing travel trailers by the bumper can be more difficult as the center of gravity is moved to the bumper. But in fairness, much of this can be aided by weight distribution hitches and sway bars.
  • There is less storage area in the RV itself. The storage compartments are smaller and cargo capacity is often less than in a fifth wheel.
  • The build quality in travel trailers is often lower than what is found in fifth wheels. These RVs are usually designed for occasional weekend use, so the build quality only meets those needs. Of course, the exception to this is Airstreams, Olivers, and Casita travel trailers.

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – The Pros of Fifth Wheels

Having covered the pros and cons of travel trailer RVs, lets do the same with fifth wheels.

  • Fifth wheels often have lots of living space compared to travel trailers. Many people remark that they feel more like an apartment than a camper. This is often because of taller ceilings and more slide outs.
  • Fifth wheels also tend to have more amenities and luxury items as standard equipment.
  • They are also usually easier to tow because the center of gravity is moved to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. And the longer the RV, the more easy it is tow a fifth wheel compared to a travel trailer.
  • Fifth wheels also usually have larger storage compartments and can handle more cargo capacity.
  • They often come with an onboard generator, making boondocking easier. This is especially true of newer fifth wheels.
  • When compared to most travel trailers, fifth wheels usually boast better build quality and materials. This is because they are often designed for longer term living arrangements and camping options.
  • Fifth wheels have a shorter turning radius because of the hitch position. So that makes them easier for many to back them into a tight campsite.

The Cons of Fifth Wheels

So now here ae the cons of choosing a fifth wheel as your RV.

  • Fifth wheels usually are more expensive to buy when compared to the same size travel trailer. This extra cost can be difficult for newer campers just getting started.
  • There are less size options to choose from. Fifth wheels usually start around 30 feet long and max out around 45 feet.
  • Because of their size, fifth wheel RVs can be more challenging to fit into smaller campsites.
  • They are bigger and heavier than many travel trailers and therefore require larger tow vehicles to pull them safely. The vast majority of fifth wheel RVs will be best pulled by a tow vehicle equipped with a large diesel engine. This of course adds more overall cost to the rig.
  • There is less bed space for storage in a tow vehicle used for pulling a fifth wheel. This is because the hitch takes a lot of space and is difficult to remove and reinstall very often.
  • Fuel costs for RV travel with a fifth wheel are also higher because they are bigger. This added weight and size leads to poorer fuel economy than a smaller travel trailer.

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – Which Is Best For You?

So having considered the overall pros and cons of these two major types of RVs, what conclusions can be drawn? Who best fits the use of a fifth wheel in their RV travels and camping? And who best fits travel trailers instead?

Well, generally speaking, travel trailers are a good fit for weekend RVers. After all, that is the kind of use that most travel trailers have been designed for.

They also are good for beginning RVers on a budget. Maybe you want to dip your toe in the RV world without committing too much hard earned cash. In that case, travel trailers can be a good choice.

But travel trailers are also a great solution for boondockers or those who like to camp in National Parks. In these cases, being small and nimble is a big asset. So there is plenty to choose from that will be perfectly suited for this type of camping.

On the other hand, fifth wheel RVs are a good choice for part-time or full-time RVers with a larger budget to spend. They are often built better and will stand up to more rigorous use on a prolonged basis.

But fifth wheels also are good for RVers who simply want more living space. For those who want more of an apartment feel and less of a camper feel while RVing.

And of course, some of us want more amenities and luxuries than others while RV camping too. In that case, fifth wheels often fit the bill a little better than most travel trailers.

Conclusion

The point of this article is to emphasize that both fifth wheels and travel trailers have advantages and disadvantages.

There are plenty of RVers who regularly use either of these type of RVs. And they are happy with what they have.

So the decision really is what kind of RV camper are you? Which of these RV types makes the most sense for your style of travel and camping, as well as your budget?

Just review the pros and cons as outlined above and decide whether a fifth wheel or a travel trailer fits your needs best.

Then find the RV you want and get out there making memories and having adventures as soon as possible!

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