RVing Weekends

Sleeping Better In Your RV

hshoem1Leave a comment

It is no secret that most RV mattresses are not very comfortable and that a good night’s sleep is often a long way off.  I am not going to discuss the Midnight Train that comes through most campgrounds.  What I do want to discuss is what you can do to get a good night sleep in your RV.

The very first thing you could do is get rid of your mattress and get one of these deep foam jobs.  I know, I know they are expensive.  But the people I know who have spent the big bucks really sware by them as being a great way to get a good nights sleep.

12 Inch Foam Mattress King or Queen

Cushioned cover of yarn dye jacquard with superfine velveteen borders and decorative piping help to keep your sheets in place.

Sleep cool layering system-2.5″ MyGel® memory foam, 1″ premium 3lb memory foam, 3″ of Pressure Relief Foam.

Base support layer of 5.5″ high-density foam to provide long lasting durability and stability.

The product is treated with green tea, a natural odor protectant.

I realize this suggestion is a bit expensive so, let’s look at some other solutions for a better nights sleep in your RV.

How about using your current mattress but adding a mattress topper?  This helps soften the top of the current bed and you may be able to get a good nights sleep.

2 inch Foam Mattress Topper

 2″ thick foam mattress topper

Soft foam conforms to body weight and position

LUCID foam offers superior comfort and pressure relief; great for camping and RVs

Correctly aligns the spine by supporting the head, neck, and shoulders

Naturally hypoallergenic – 3-year warranty

You are cold all the time and can not settle down for a good nights sleep you say.  How about a heated mattress pad?  You can adjust the heat for just the temperature Winter or Summer.

Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad

100% polyester
Made in USA and Imported
Therapeutic Heat
100-Percent Polyester Skirted Mattress Pad
All sizes
Machine Wash and Dry
5 Year Warranty

If you are still not comfortable maybe improved softness in your sheets would help.  How about some 700 count fitted sheets? The higher the thread count the softer the sheets.

700 Thread Count Bedding

Cotton Blend

All sizes have double the pillowcases! Twin has 2 – Full,  Queen, and King have 4!

Easy care and wrinkle resistant when following washing instructions.

Stylish Pleated Hem on Pillowcases and Flat Sheet.

Deep pockets will fit mattresses up to 18in.

Combed cotton 60’s yarn blend (60% Cotton / 40% Polyester) for smoother, sturdier and higher quality fabric.

Maybe a personal electrical heater aimed right at you would do the trick.  This type of heater will not heat the whole room just you if it is aimed at you or maybe aimed just at your feet.

Personal Heater

 Self-Regulating Ceramic Element

Automatic Overheat Protection

Maximum Heat Power: 1.50 kW

Lower power usage saves on your energy bill and helps to eliminate tripping the circuit breaker if multiple heaters are used in an office setting.

Energy-Smart uses only 200 Watts

3.8″ x 4.3″ x 6.1″ tall. Fully assembled.

ETL listed

Safe ceramic element, overheat protection and cool-touch housing.

Ok so you may be comfortable but it is too noise.  You can keep the outside noise outside by using a Sleep Machine. A Sleep Machine generates different soothing sounds and because it is inside and closer to you.  It covers up or greatly reduces the outside sounds so you can sleep.

Sleep Machine

Six digitally recorded, calming sounds: White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night and Brook

15, 30 and 60 minute auto off timer

Battery or AC adapter operated (AC adapter included)

Natural sleep aid

Great for the baby’s room or your room.

Or you could use some good quality ear plugs.

Ear Plugs

14 pair

Highest NRR 33. The highest certified level a foam ear plug has achieved is 33 decibels.

Super soft, smooth and comfortable, HEAROS Xtreme plugs are the professionals sole choice.

All HEAROS foam earplugs are Made in the USA at the HEAROS facility.

Physicians recommend HEAROS ear plugs for sleep, travel, studying, concerts and loud events

You could cover your eyes with a Sleep Mask.  This would block out any light that is coming into the room and help you get some sleep.

Sleep Mask

Sleep anywhere, anytime. Pull out this incredibly lightweight, comfortable sleep mask anywhere – in a bed, on a flight, on a long car ride, while camping – and enjoy uninterrupted deep restful sleep.

Sleep longer in complete darkness. Exposure to light during sleep interferes with your sleep cycle, preventing you from the long and deep night’s rest you need to function at your best. The Nidra mask completely blocks out all light and visual stimuli so you can nap or sleep soundly anywhere. Nidra’s mask is like having your own personal mobile black-out curtains. Sweet dreams.

You may have used this next item when the kids were very young. Lavender spray. Lavender spray calms the savage beast and lets you fall to sleep.

Lavender Sleep Spray

Just follow the directions on the spray bottle and get a good nights sleep.  Besides, it smells good too.

Here are some additional ideas on trying to get a good nights sleep in your RV.

1. Room should be dark.  Cover LED indicator lights with black electrical tape.  Some of those indicators are spot lights.

2. Room temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees F.

3. Avoid large meals 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Snack 45 minutes before bedtime.

Lastly, relax, relax, relax. Stop thinking of that loud neighbor or the neighbor’s kids.  Remember to have fun and relax.

Until next time.

Don’t forget to join the Weekend RVers on Facebook a no DRAMA place with Hints, Tips, Free Stuff, Recipes, for every kind of RVer.

Sleeping Better In Your RV

Well, What Did You Forget This Time?

hshoem1Leave a comment

Whether you are a new Full Timer, a Newbie, a Part Timer, or a Weekender we all seem to forget something vital to our RVing enjoyment or safety at the beginning of each season.  What do you really need to have to hook up your RV and have a safe but fun RVing experience? To find out I asked a bunch of Facebook RVers to give me a list of their most important, not to be forgotten, “must haves” for the RV before you pull out.  Here is the list in no particular order.




1. Power Cord to hook up the RV along with an extension cord. You need enough to go to either end of your RV.

http://amzn.to/1R7Y3vP
15 Ft 50 Amp Extension Cable
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25-Ft 30 Amp Extension Cord

2.  An extension drinking water hose is a must.  You should have a 25-foot regular hose and a 25-foot extension.

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25 Foot Drinking Water Hose

I make the assumption  that you already have a drinking hose with you.  If not, you are going to need one.  Get a 25 foot one for everyday use and another 25 foot as the extension. (I once stayed at a park where the water was on one side of the TT and the electric was on the other side of the TT.)

3. Another good thing to have is a Water Hose Splitter for the park supply line. That way if you  need some additional outside water you will not need to unhook the water supply to the rig.

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Plastic Water Hose Splitter

4. Extra sewer hose is a must these days.  With longer rigs you can’t leave home without it.

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10 Foot Sewer Hose Extension

5. In addition, to the hose extension you should also have a short clear section of sewer pipe to keep an eye on what is coming out of the sewer and to know when it is done draining.

45 Degree Clear Fitting

With the above fitting you can really see if that new RV TP really is quick dissolving.

6. In some States and in some RV Parks you must raise the sewer line off the ground.  It is the law.  There are lots of idea floating around but here is one of the simplest.  Remember in some States this is required.

7. If the park you are staying at has Cable TV you will need some TV cable to go from the Utility Box to the rig.

25 Ft RG6 Cable TV Wire

8. How about better tasting water?  Please read the Blog Post on “Water Out Of The Campground Faucet, YUCK!!” for all the best options but, here is just one.

RV Water Filter

9. A good tire pressure gauge is vital for any RVer.  A cheap one is not an option.  As always check your RV tires when Cold.

Good Digital Tire Gauge

10. Wheel Chocks are the next must have item.  Oh, the Horror Stories I could tell.  Get some Chocks.

RV Wheel Chocks for Pull Behind RVs.

11.  For reasons of safety and anti-theft I also recommend an X-Chock.

Locking Chock

12. A spare set of water hose washers is a good idea.

Water Hose Washers

13. And by all means an RV 30 or 50 amp (depending on your RV’s power requirement) Power Management Protector (Surge Protector).

30 Amp Surge Protector
50 Amp Surge Protector

Just be sure to get one that works with your Rig.

14. A Water Pressure Flow Manager would be a good thing as well.  This limits the water pressure to your Rig to no more than 50 psi of water pressure in your RV’s plastic water pipe system.  Much more than that and you might start to blow water fittings.

Water Pressure Regulator
Water Pressure Regulator With Meter

14.5 If you use a Water Hose Splitter, like number 3 above for cleaning out your RV sewer hose then you should have a water Back Flow Preventer like

Water Back Flow Preventer

This little unit attaches to the hose splitter and prevents and water hose connected to the open side of the hose splitter from leaking water back into the water source and contaminating it.  Like when you wash out the sewer hose or the spare hose falls into a puddle.

15. Often times people will suggest that you take boards with you to level the Rig in a campsite that is not level.  While boards may work they add weight and can absorb water when left on the ground during rain.  Here is an alternative.

RV Ramp/Leveler

16. You will not want to forget some RV Dog Bones.  These adapters change your electrical hookups from one type to another.  For example from 50amp to 30amp.  Why because the campground only has 30amps. Please read “RV Dog Bones What Are They and How Are They Used” further down in this Blog for more details.

Adapt 50amp Plug to 30amp Plug

17. You should also carry a water hose for everything but drinking.  Wash the kids feet, flush the sewer hose, etc.  You get the picture.

General Duty Water Hose

18. You should also have a spray bottle of disinfectant to use on park water taps.

Spray Disinfectant

Feel free to add your Can’t Be Left Behind” items to the comments area.

Until next time.

The Weekend RVers is a Facebook Group on RVing with Hints & Tips. A group for the Full-timer as well as the Newbie or Wanna B. In case U can’t find us “Facebook.com/groups/Weekend.RVers” we are here hoping you will join us!


And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.

Well, What Did You Forget This Time?

STOP, Bugs From Sticking To Your RV

hshoem1Leave a comment

This is the dreaded part of the year because of our friendly bug population has been attacking our fine looking RVing Rigs.  So after a trip, during a trip, or before storing what do you do, what can you do, and what should you do to stop bugs from ruining your RV’s exterior?

1. Always start with a clean rig.  There are a lot  of products out there to clean an RV but here are a couple that I have used that have really worked for me.  (Your mileage may vary)

Dry Wash

Use this when you have no water available or it is prohibited to use water.

RV Wash

If you have water then this stuff really works.


On Facebook the follow RV Wash was strongly recommended.

Facebook Recommended RV Wash

I have not tried the Facebook RV Wash myself so I can’t comment on it.


You will need some help reaching all the way up to the top of the Rig, so an extension scrubbing brush is in order.

RV Wash Brush



2. OK now that you have the Rig CLEAN now what can you use to keep the bugs off your Rig.  Nothing, the bugs will always be there. But you can make them fall off easier during washing and maybe not stick to your Rig after you and they collide.

Rejex Synthetic Vehicle Wax 

“Thin-film polymer coating designed to provide a high-release surface. Prevents stains and adhesion of common contaminants such as exhaust, bugs, oil, tree sap, bird droppings, road grime.”

This stuff makes it much harder for bugs to stick onto the surface of the Rig and if they do, the bugs slide off easier during the wash cycle.


I have never tried this but have been told that it really works.

Lemon Pledge Makes Bugs Slide Off

I have used the following with some luck. It also puts a UV blocker on the Rig to slow up Sun Fade.

RV Bug Slider with Sun Blocker

Here is the first Facebook recommendation.

Fiberglass Cleaner and Polish

I have read good things about Gel-Gloss and my wife used it for years in our shower.


The second Facebook recommendation is shown below.

Ice Liquid Synthetic Wax, Innovative New Technology Blends Silicone & Organic Polymers To Provide Extraordinary Shine & Durability To Your RV Finish, Nationally Advertised Apply In The Sun Leaves No Residue, Quickest Easiest Wax To Apply & Use.


The ICE Polish is the latest thinking from the RV community on an easy to apply and remove and it makes bugs slide right off.


3. OK, one more thing you will need for the above polishes to wax on, wax off.

Micro Shine & Clean Towels

4. If you have read this far then I will give you the latest bug remove secret. Dryer Sheets, that’s right.  The sheet will remove bugs quickly even if it is a used sheet.  So start saving you old used dryer sheets to remove RV splattered on dried out bugs.

Fastest Bug Remover In The West

Until Next Time.

The Weekend RVers is a Facebook Group on RVing with Hints & Tips. A group for the Full-timer as well as the Newbie or Wanna B. In case U can’t find us “Facebook.com/groups/Weekend.RVers” we are here hoping you will join us!

And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.


Shop Amazon Warehouse Deals – Deep Discounts on Open-box and Used Sports Equipment

STOP, Bugs From Sticking To Your RV

Keep Track Of Your Tire Pressure and Temperature

hshoem1, , , , Leave a comment

I read all the time that one of the biggest fears people have when RVing is a blown tire and the massive amount of damage that it can cause.  But I rarely read about a Fulltimer or a Newbie adding or adjusting a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  Why?  I doubt that every RV sold comes with a tire monitoring system. I just got back from one of the big RV shows and not one 5th wheel that I looked at came with a TPMS nor did a single salesman recommend a tire monitoring system during the sales presentation.  I also read that more than 60% of the RVs on the road today are overloaded or worse that the tire pressure on the RV is below the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.  To make it worse [if that is possible] many of the  RVs going down the highway, are going at  70 mph or higher. Even though the RV’s tires are marked not to exceed 65 mph.  As we get our RVs ready for another season of camping, let’s look at what we need to do to be safer going down the road and monitoring our tires.  

 

1. 

You need to check the tire pressure when the tire is still cold. 

It has been shown, by an  infrared thermometer, that after only 10 minutes of Summer Sun, that the temperature of RV tires have risen above COLD and should not be measured for pressure and thought to be cold.  After you have driven 1 mile the RV tires are not considered cold and should not be tested for pressure as being cold. 


2.

When you stop for gas or a bathroom break, you should do a tire check of the RV as well as the tow vehicle. My daughter was checking the tow vehicle for me and found a large cut in the sidewall of the truck tire.  We were able to get the tire replaced before the large accident occurred.  I did not even remember hitting or running over anything on the highway.


3.

Before starting out on the RVing trip be sure to carefully look at the tread, and the side walls both on the front and the back of the tire.  Most RV tire experts agree that if your RV tires are more than five years old from the date of manufacture [shown in a code on the tire] you should replace them. 


4.

Most tire failures occur when the side wall of the tire is under inflated or rots out from the inside where you can not see. Remember you are riding on air, the tire just keeps the air captured and held in place.  You can thank Mr. Sun for sidewall failure in some cases.  Most tires have a Mr. Sun inhibitor built-in but when a tire sits and sits the inhibitor does not get moved to the outside of the tire by the tire going round and round.  Now you see why you need wheel covers right? Trailer Wheel Covers   for less than $25. 


OK, I have exposed you to some of the basic safety things you need to do, now let’s look at those Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.

A good system for monitoring your tire pressure as well as the tire temperature is the  Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System .

Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System


The system will tell you of an overheated tire, in most cases before it blows, and of course tell you of low pressure in any monitored tire, even the spare, in real time. 

  • Monitors up to 22 wheels (0-232 psi)
  •  Quickly reacts to abnormal pressure or temperature
  • Waterproof & Dustproof sensors; 
  • Customizable Tire Pressure Monitoring Criteria
  • Sensor Alarm system included; Locking Ring to Guard Against Theft
  • For use in RVs, SUVs, Caravans, Trucks, & Passenger cars

RV Flow-Through 6 Tire Sensor – Tire Pressure  Monitoring System (TPMS)


RV Flow-Through 6 Tire Sensor – Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

  • The flow-through sensor with replaceable battery can be secured to prevent loss or theft
  • Portable monitor has rechargeable battery and monitors tire pressure 0-199 PSI & temperature
  • Monitor tires 24/7: low/high pressure, high temperature, and slow leaks.
  • Monitor warning thresholds are user adjustable; low-pressure alert level is per axle adjustable.
  • Tire sensor signals have excellent range and not require signal booster for most vehicles



As a lower cost alternative, you can use a screw-on tire pressure indicator, such as Quick-Pressure-PSI-50-Monitor, which at a glance can tell you that you may have a problem [use only if your tires are supposed to have 50 lbs of air when cold. Other pressures are available]  and the traditional pencil like gauge, such as Pencil-Pressure Gage .  

A low-cost way to check the tire and the tire hub temperatures is to use a non-contact  Infrared temperature gun.  Such as the HDE Non-Contact Infrared IR Temperature Gun Digital Thermometer

As you stop during your travels you can check the tire temperature and hub of each tire.  They should be with-in a few degrees of each other.  If you find a tire or hub that is very much higher than the rest you should take action to find out why before you proceed.

The first thing you should do is to check the air pressure of the tire that is over heating.  I know that you have been traveling awhile but the pressure in the HOT tire should be with-in a few pounds of the rest of the tires on the rig.  You might want to consider a digital tire pressure gauge such as the NorthONE Digital Tire Pressure Gauge.

NorthONE Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Just be sure that the gauge you buy can read pressures above those that your tire is supposed to have in it.

To protect the tires in storage from Mr. Sun and any other nasties that come along.  You can also use an RV tire protective spray which is applied, as directed, to the tire side wall that is exposed to the sun.

I have used RV Tire Protection Spray with good luck.  This spray is not designed to make the tire side wall shinier, it is not a decorative spray, but something that is designed to put back into the surface of the rubber what Mr Sun is taking out.

RV Tire Protection Spray

Also note, that if you are going to store the RV for an extended period of time you should protect the tread of the tire from the surface that the tires are sitting on.  Nasty things can leach out of your tires into the blacktop or concrete that your RV sits on while being stored. Or from the blacktop or concrete into your tires during storage.  You can use an  Office Chair Carpet Protector 

as a way to protect your tires during storage.  It is an inexpensive solution to tire protection during storage.

I hope this better explains why it is important to know what is going on with your tires and also helps with the fear factor.

 

Until next time.

The Weekend RVers is a Facebook Group on RVing with Hints & Tips. A group for the Full-timer as well as the Newbie or Wanna B. In case U can’t find us “Facebook.com/groups/Weekend.RVers” we are here hoping you will join us!

And finally, please remember that this blog is an Amazon affiliate. When you order something through any of the Amazon links, it doesn’t add anything to your cost, but I do earn a small commission on everything you buy. Just click on an Amazon link, then shop as usual.

Keep Track Of Your Tire Pressure and Temperature