Category: RV Living

How To Use RV Trip Wizard For Camping And Travel

RV Trip Wizard is one of the best tools that I have used in our full-time RV travels.

I use the program all the time for laying our upcoming travel plans. And for me, it’s the best overall camping and travel planning aid that I have found.

Of course, there are plenty of other options to to choose from for camping and travel planning.

But I have found that most of them do a few things well while not doing others as well. So in the past I have had to use a multitude of programs and apps together to get the trip planning I need.

Watch my video about how I use RV Trip Wizard

Let me be clear though, and say that RV Trip Wizard still has improvements that need to be made. It is not perfect. But I suppose that is true of almost anything in life, things can always be improved.

But I feel that the program is quickly becoming the one-stop source for RV trip planning for most people. And the program authors keep making it better all the time.

Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means โ€“ at no additional cost to you โ€“ I earn a commission if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. I only link to products and companies I use and feel comfortable recommending. The income goes toward supporting the free content on this website

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RV Trip Wizard – How I Use It

So far I have planned 4 major trips across the US with RV Trip Wizard in the last year or so.

And those trips have totaled over 9400 miles and 60 stops along the way. It includes 231 nights spent on the road that has taken me cross country three times.

So I feel that I have had plenty of experience with using this program so far. Enough that I can confidently provide this review about it.

So would you like to see exactly how I use the program to lay out my RV travels?

To see how I use RV Trip Wizard for my RV trip planning, just click here to watch a step-by-step video I made about it.

Features About RVTW That I Really Like

There are a lot of features that make RVTW a pleasure to use. But let me cover just a few of the ones that I have found most helpful.

  • There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from for overnight stays as you travel. So when you lay out your trip, you have no shortage of places to stay.
  • It’s easy to add stops or take them away as you lay out your RV trips. And you can accept the route directions made by the program or customize your own.
  • You can filter out the campgrounds that don’t meet your criteria for overnight stays. This makes your trip planning much easier.
  • There is also plenty of information about how much each RV park costs and reviews from others who stayed there. And there is also plenty of information about the features of each park too.
  • You can map out multiple stops on a long trip. And RVTW lets you know how far between stops and the cost of your travel stops as you go.
  • The program also has very helpful hazard warnings for low bridges, tunnels, toll roads, etc. And for folks that have bigger rigs, this will help keep you out of trouble on the road.
  • There are also many points of interest that you can bring up to find out what is around you. So you can know if there is a Costco, a grocery store, or other shopping areas close by. And you can also see where fuel stations are located along your route too.
  • Once your trip is planned, you can print out turn-by-turn directions to guide you as you go.

There are lots of other great features that also would be useful by others. But these are some of the ones that I have found most useful for us so far.

Other Apps To Use With RVTW

Of course, there is no trip planner that I know of that does everything perfectly. So even RVTW benefits from having the support of other trip planning apps and programs too.

  • The first app that I highly recommend is the companion app for RV Trip Wizard. It’s called RV Life, and it’s made by the same folks that make RVTW. The best feature I like about this app is that it allows you to import your RVTW trips into it. Then you can use the app on your smartphone or tablet for audible directions on your route. In essence, it replaces the need for an RV GPS unit. You just create your trips online, transfer them to the app, and follow its guidance as you go. There are other great features of the app, but that is the most helpful for us by far.
  • The second app I like to use is called Truck Map. I use it mainly for double-checking whether the route laid out in RVTW is the best one to take. This gets more important as your rig increases in size and length. This is because big rigs can’t just go on any road out there. That’s why Google Maps is not a good app to use for RV directions. It may send you on a route that is not RV friendly. But RVTW can make mistakes sometimes too. So I check to make sure the route that it is sending me on agrees with Truck Map. That’s because if a commercial truck and trailer can be on a route, so can I with my RV rig. But if there is a disagreement, I can choose the best route between the two. It works well for this purpose.
  • The last app I like to use less frequently is called Allstays – Camp & RV. It is a popular app with RVers of all kinds. And I like to use it along with RVTW to verify locations of rest stops, fuel stations, etc. It’s more like a backup app. But I use it to see if it has more information to offer on some travel support services than RVTW.

Conclusion – Who Needs RV Trip Wizard?

Although I feel that RVTW is a great tool for almost all RV travelers, I feel it’s best for RVers with large rigs.

That’s because the longer and larger your rig is, the better planning you need to do before hitting the road. And if you are towing a vehicle, planning becomes even more essential.

The last thing you want is to be sent down a road where you encounter hazards or can’t turn around easily.

And RVTW has kept us out of trouble very well so far on all of our trips where it was used.

So my experience has been a good one so far. I feel that I can highly recommend using RVTW to practically any RVer out there.

You may want to learn more about RVTW or just get the program and try it yourself.

Either way, you can click here for the RV Trip Wizard website.

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

Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means โ€“ at no additional cost to you โ€“ I earn a commission if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. I only link to products and companies I use and feel comfortable recommending. The income goes toward supporting the free content on this website

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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

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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!

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