6 Things to Ask Yourself When Buying an RV

Is the road calling? Are you ready to explore the beauty and wonder of America from the comfort of your very own RV.

While the phrase "recreational vehicle" usually brings the iconic image of a luxurious motorhome to mind, there are actually seven types of RVs to choose from, each suited for different needs or uses.

So, when buying an RV you should ask yourself these six questions in order to choose the right one for you:

What Type of Camping or Travel Will I Do?

For many, a camping adventure can be as brief as a weekend, while others will opt for a few weeks at a time. And for the more enthusiastic (and fortunate) "full-timers," a real road trip is nothing less than several months…or forever!

Other considerations to keep in mind are who will be traveling with you and how many "essentials" you'll be taking.

How to Stabilize Your RV

 

After your RV is leveled, you'll want to stabilize it so it doesn't rock back and forth when you walk around inside. You should use stabilizing jacks to accomplish this.

Note: These should never be used to level a rig, as they weren't designed for that purpose.

Stabilizing jacks come in several configurations. The most common is the scissor jack, which is usually bolted or welded to the trailer's frame at the front and rear.

Pop-up tent trailers are frequently equipped with a drop-down style jack, which, as the name implies, drops down from the frame.

To use the stabilizing jacks after you've leveled the RV:

1. Lower the jacks following the manufacturer's instructions. To save time and give the foot of each jack a larger base, slide a couple of short 2x4- or 2x6-inch boards beneath each foot. This is especially helpful if the ground is loose or sandy.

2. Once the jack foot is in contact with the ground, give the crank a few extra turns to provide the trailer a secure footing. Check the bubble level to make sure your RV remains level. Do this for all four corners.

How to Park an RV

You've finally made it to the campground. But before you can run off to the lake or go for a hike, the first order of the day is to park and level your RV so that your refrigerator will operate properly and you don't find yourself in bed at night with your feet higher than your head.

Never assume your site will be flat or level. That would make parking an RV too easy. Due to the nature of camping, chances are higher that your site will be rutted, gouged and somewhat uneven.

But don't fret. You can still get your RV into your spot, and leveled so it operates properly, with a few easy steps. Here's how:

How to Park an RV

With many campsites designed to accommodate smaller vehicles, easing your 30-foot long fifth-wheeler or even longer motorhome into some spots can be a challenge.

That's why it's important to:

Our Service Department

Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes Service Department | Near Asheville, NC

Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes service department is here to help your RV perform its best, we service all RV makes and models. Our technicians are factory certified and trained master technicians for Coachmen, Entegra, Forest River, Itasca, Pleasure Way, Shasta, Tiffin Motorhomes and Winnebago. From roof and appliances, to slideouts and awnings our technicians will get your RV fixed up and back on the road.

RV Service and Repair | Near Atlanta, GA

Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes in Greer, SC, services all class A motorhomes, class B motorhomes, class C motorhomes, fifth wheels, pop up campers, toy haulersand travel trailers right here at our shop. We honor all warranty work and favor any product updates. We accommodate any type of problem that may arise with your RV in an efficient, precise, and timely manner.

Award Winning Service Department

Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes has been in the RV business for over 40 years. We have owned and managed 3 dealerships and offer decades of service experience. We specialize in all aspects of RV parts, service & repair including towables and motorized. We have experienced RV certified technicians on staff. We offer a full line of parts, accessories, specialty items and we are happy to do special orders upon request.

South Carolina RV Service Experts | Near Athens, GA

Several decades of experience in service repair, combined with the latest computer diagnostic equipment ensure quick and accurate evaluation. We pride ourselves in excellent shop and office organization as well as detailed, itemized estimates and invoices to keep our customers informed of all details and every single step of the repair process. We'll get your RV in top shape so you can get out on the road sooner.

Maintenance and Service Specialists | Near Rock Hill, SC

Whether you bought your class A motorhome, class B motorhome, class C motorhome, fifth wheel, pop up camper, toy hauler and travel trailer with us here at Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes or you're looking to have service work done, you can count on high quality personal service. If you've had the privilege of purchasing from us or are contemplating a purchase, you can count on us for your service needs.

Service Recommendations and Delivery

Please call our Service Department at 864.848.0098 to get estimates, schedule a drop off, or contact our experienced service technicians for any questions you may have. Or use the link below to have our service writers contact you.

Need Help?

Call our Service Department at 864.848.0098. Or Click Here for a service appointment.

Adhesives Help Keep Things Together

While glues can't mend a broken heart, they'll fix just about anything else and can save a situation that's going from bad to worse.

Adhesives are available for many specialized purposes. Here's what you'll want to add to your collection of RV tools:

• "Super" glue for high strength repairs.
• Vinyl adhesive for fixing tears in same-named fabrics.
• Threadlocker glue to prevent screws and bolts from vibrating loose.
• Multi-purpose adhesive for re-affixing door seals, loose trim and molding, and re-sticking peeling decals.
• Silicon sealant to keep the rain from creeping in.
• Seam sealer (for tents), for keeping the dew on the outside.

Another "sticky" item that can spare you from disaster is a small set of adhesive-backed hook-and-loop tabs. And don't forget that universal fix-it that's good for practically any repair: Duct Tape!

Tools for Your RV Toolbox

No matter how well constructed your rig might be, eventually something will have to be tightened, loosened, pounded flat, pried or cut. Here are some basics that can help you deal with everyday problems and annoyances:

• Socket wrench set (standard and metric) for tightening and loosening bolts and machine nuts.
• Phillips head and flat bladed screwdrivers (large, medium, small) for tightening and loosening screws; also for prying items apart.
• Standard pliers for holding machine nuts while installing or removing, or squeezing items together.
• Channel-lock pliers (medium and large) for dealing with oversized machine nuts or turning pipes 10-inch Crescent wrench-for when sockets won't fit properly.
• Small drill bit set with sizes ranging from 1/16- to 1/4-inch. Get the type that works with both metal and wood.
• Cordless drill with spare battery for turning the drill bits that make the holes. Also good for lowering and raising trailer stabilizing jacks.
• Sturdy claw hammer enables you to straighten what got bent, bend what got straightened, drive nails and stakes, and pull 'em out again, and provide "persuasion" where needed.
• Pocket knife for cutting rope and twine, stripping wire insulation, or just whittling if you're so inclined.
• Hobby knife with blade protector and extra blades, extremely sharp, for making very precise cuts in canvas, vinyl, tape, paper, wood and some plastics.
• Wire cutters for cutting electrical wire, or turning metal coat hangers into marshmallow skewers.
• Small tape measure to determine how much electrical wire you're going to need, or how much ground clearance you'll have while trying to get over that boulder embedded in the road.
• Mini hacksaw with extra blades good for cutting away twisted bolts, damaged metal work, thicker plastics...anything where a knife won't work.
• Small two-way bubble level to make sure your rig is properly leveled so you're not sleeping with your feet higher than your head.
• Folding tree saw for cutting trees that have fallen across the only road out and you can't back up.Emergency use only; rangers and camp hosts frown when you start your own tree service on government and private land.

2016 Forest River Cherokee 284QB

Looking for more sleeping space, along with the main queen size bed the dinette bed also builds out to a queen and the rear bunks provide the space. Forest River builds in their “CORE” and “LIMITED” feature package and we added our own XL package to the build for an affordable shopping option.

The Cherokee LIMITED package features wood blinds, faux rock at entertainment center, power tongue jack, power awning, flip down travel rack, internal and external LED lighting, outside TV bracket and hook ups, radial tires, seamless counter top, under mount sink, drop in cooktop with glass cover, enclosed tanks, 15K A/C IPO 13.5K STD, 40” dinette drawer, black tank flush, and a sink cover.

The CORE package includes solar prep and wiring, back up camera ready, quick super lube axles, self-adjusting brakes, friction hinge door, and a DVD player.

Our XL package starts with a large exterior folding grab handle, RVQ quick connect, Fantastic bathroom vent fan, night shades, pull out kitchen faucet, outside shower with hot and cold water, sky light over tub, oven, 6 gallon gas/electric DSI water heater, and a scare light.

With all the comfort and quality you have come to expect from Cherokee, your family can expect a truly enjoyable camping experience with this travel trailer.

Safety Tips for Your Road Trip

Cellular Security: To stay in touch with work and home, as well as handle unexpected events on the road, a cell phone is essential. Before leaving on your trip, ask your service provider about roaming fees and countrywide coverage.

Overall Checkup: Whether you do it yourself or go to a garage, pre-trip auto maintenance is key to comfortable cruising. Check the wiper blades, all fluid levels (oil, water, etc.), belt and hose connections, tire pressure, turn signals, horn and headlights. If your car is still not instilling confidence, consider an all-out professional inspection.

Trunk 101: Exactly how prepared you want to be as far as your in-car tool kit is up to you, but a few items go without saying (OK, we'll say them anyway). The following should always be within easy reach when you open your trunk door: a tire iron, bottled water, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and reflectors/flares.

Spare Care: Just because you have a spare tire doesn't mean it's in working order. Give it a good look before hitting the road to ensure it's properly pumped and the treads are intact. If you've got the space, swap out doughnut tires for a full-size spare.

Towing your RV

Here are some things to keep in mind before towing your RV:

• Most full and mid-size family cars can pull a trailer; so can today’s popular vans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
• Use the right trailer hitch for the job, and make sure it is hitched correctly.
• Make sure that the trailer?s brakes, turn signals, and taillights are synchronized with the towing vehicle.
• Back up with care and ask someone to stand outside the vehicle to make sure you avoid any obstacles not seen in the mirrors.
• If another person is not available, step out and inspect the area behind the vehicle to prevent surprises and accidents.

Scenic Crystal Cave

Not to be missed during your Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks visit.

Crystal Cave is your underground adventure in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, and is vastly decorated with stalagmites, stalactites, columns, flowstone, helictites, along with some of the rarest cave formations – shields!

Crystal River

Visit the coastal waters of Crystal River, home to the largest population of manatees on the west coast of Florida! Known as gentle giants, the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, takes life at an easy pace – moving slowly and spending most of its time grazing for food, resting or migrating to warmer waters.

Kings Bay and the surrounding areas in Crystal River are popular natural habitats for this creature because the warm-water springs, rivers and other waterways offer an escape from the colder waters of the Gulf of Mexico where temperatures can dip below 68 degrees. November through April offer the best chance of seeing manatees here, however, recent years have provided successful sightings all year, making this area an increasingly popular vacation destination.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Where Mountains, Ice and Ocean Meet

Kenai Fjords National Park’s nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, the park’s crowning feature. Wildlife flourishes in frigid, nutrient-rich waters and lush forests around this extensive land of ice. The Alutiiq people depend on these resources to sustain a life entwined with the sea.

Kenai Fjords National Park is located near the Southcentral Alaskan town of Seward, 125 miles (201 km) south of Anchorage.

California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Road trip along Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur offers must-see sites from quirky to sublime.

2016 Forest River Sunseeker 2400RSD

Condition New
Stock Number 4541
Year 2016
Make FOREST RIVER
Brand SUNSEEKER
Model 2400RSD
VIN WDAPF4CC3G9636365
Slideouts 2
Length 24' 11"

Tips for Rving on the Beach

The only thing better than a day at the beach is spending several days at the beach. surrounded by surf, sand, and sunshine.

Royal Gorge

With granite walls towering 1000 feet above the river below, the Royal Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in Colorado.

2016 Forest River Cardinal 3030RS

    Condition New
    Stock Number 4000
    Year 2016
    Make FOREST RIVER
    Brand CARDINAL
    Model 3030RS
    VIN 4X4FCAF29GG101209
   Slideouts 3
    Length 37' 1"

2016 Forest River Blue Ridge 3025RL

Condition New
Stock Number 4402
Year 2016
Make FOREST RIVER
Brand BLUE RIDGE
Model 3025RL
VIN 4X4FBLF24GG101472
Slideouts 3
Length 38' 7"

Overlooked Items to Pack for Every RV Trip

Cash

In today’s high tech world, many people travel without cash. Debit and credit cards are accepted most places, so it seems somewhat silly to bother with cash when you can just use a card. However, when you are going camping in your RV, you might want to think twice about relying on cards only. Depending on your travel destination, you might find yourself in a place where cards aren’t as universally accepted. Also, some campgrounds may not be set up to take cards, requiring you to leave a cash payment for your spot (this is often true of government-run campgrounds). You don’t need to pack a large amount of cash for your trip, but having even $100 in your wallet could come in handy when you really need it.

Extra Socks

Certainly you are already packing some socks for your trip, but taking more than you will think you need is always a good idea. Having a fresh pair of socks available when your feet are tired or sore is a great feeling, and socks take up almost no room in your suitcase. Why are socks so important while camping in an RV? Because of the activities you are likely to take part in during your vacation. Many RV trips involve hiking, playing near the water, or otherwise being active in some way. All of these things can lead to sweaty, smelly socks. Therefore, it is common to go through more than one pair of socks during the day – and you could use as many as three or four pair depending on what you are doing and where you are. Instead of having to limit your activities because you don’t have enough clean socks, take extra and have as much fun as you would like.

Outdoor Lights

It is amazing how many RV travelers forget that they will want to spend time outside of their RV after night has fallen. Your RV obviously has lights on the inside, but it probably doesn’t have enough exterior light for you to enjoy a starry evening out in the fresh air. Take a lantern or other outdoor light source so you can sit around the table well into the evening if you so choose. An RV makes for a great place to retire to when the night is done, but you still want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors for as much of your trip as possible.

Steps to Take Before Locking Up the RV for the Winter

While it is certainly possible to enjoy RV travel during the winter months, there is a large percentage of RV owners who are summer-only travelers. If that title describes you perfectly, you will want to take a look at the following three tips. Consider following these three pieces of advice before you park the RV to ride out the long winter ahead.

Clear Everything Out

Unless it is actually part of the RV itself, take everything out of the rig and bring it into your garage or inside the house. By cleaning the RV out completely, you can make sure nothing gets left behind that you don’t want sitting around in the cold for the next few months. Once you have everything out of the RV, go through each item one-by-one and decide what can go back in for storage. Certain items won’t be affected by the cold temperatures, so you may as well store them in the RV for the winter to save space inside the house. However, other items are going to need to have protection from the cold, so you will need to find somewhere to store those pieces. Obviously, all food should be taken from the RV during this process as well.

Deep Cleaning

While it isn’t technically necessary to clean your RV before the winter, it sure will make it easier to use the RV when spring rolls around again. If you close up your RV while it is still dirty, it will be just as dirty (and dustier) when you are ready to use it again. Set aside a couple hours one day to sweep, vacuum, dust, etc. so that the RV is in great condition on the inside before you lock up the door for the winter. It probably won’t be a whole lot of fun to go through this task, but you will thank yourself a few months from now.

Care for the Engine

If your RV has an engine, make sure it gets the care it needs before winter arrives. Depending on the type of engine in your rig (gas or diesel), you may want to provide it with various types of ‘winterizing’ care. If you aren’t sure what kind of care would be appropriate for your rig, ask at your local dealership or even contact the manufacturer directly. Sitting out in the cold for months at a time without running the engine could potentially be damaging to the RV, and you don’t want to start off next vacation season by having to take the rig into the mechanic for service. Learn how to prepare your RV engine for the cold weather and you can save yourself a big headache (and a big expense) down the line.

You certainly would rather be traveling in your RV than preparing it for winter, but these chores can go a long way toward helping you get the best from your rig.