By Mark Polk
Over the weekend we started planning for an RV trip we are taking later this summer. It’s about 6,000 miles roundtrip. We are on somewhat of a timeline and I wanted an idea on average of how many miles we would travel each day, based on our schedule.
It seems like more often than not we are on a tight schedule, forcing us to put in more miles per day than I would like. I want this trip to be more leisurely when it comes to how many hours you are behind the wheel each day.
Admittedly I am one of those people who likes to do all of the driving myself. I just feel better if I know I am behind the wheel. I know my wife, Dawn, is a competent driver (she even has her CDL) but I still prefer to do the driving. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is extremely important that both individuals are capable of driving or towing the RV. You never know when your wife or husband will need to drive the RV and they should feel comfortable and confident in doing so.
AS WE WERE PLANNING THE TRIP it brought back a memory of a past trip we took in the RV. We were stopped in traffic because of an accident, and had sat in the same spot without moving for at least 30 minutes. I told Dawn that I was going to run back and use the bathroom and if traffic started moving to just get behind the wheel and drive. The boys were in the back bedroom playing X Box.
The motorhome started moving about the same time that I came out of the bathroom. Both boys looked up at me with their eyes wide open and my older son said, “If you’re back here with us who’s driving the motorhome?” My youngest son (Dawn’s stepson), who was about 8 at the time leaped up and ran to the front of the motorhome and said, “Dawn just pull over as soon as you can and let dad drive.”
The boys never saw Dawn drive the motorhome and just assumed she couldn’t or shouldn’t be driving it. At that point I made a mental note to myself to one day produce a driving DVD to help teach people who don’t drive the RV how to do it. It took a while but eventually we produced our DVD Drive your Motorhome Like a Pro.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
RV generator exercise tips plus carbon monoxide warning
You should start and run an RV's gas generator with at least a half rated load for a minimum of two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load.
Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. Our motorhome has a 4,000 watt generator so I can either turn the roof air conditioner on in the summer time, which is about 2,000 watts or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters when the outside temperature is cold. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.
Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor the usage. Consult your owner's manual for maintenance intervals.
Changing the oil and filters on a regular scheduled basis and for seasonal changes is just as important for your generator as it is for your automobile. For extended storage requirements consult your generator owner's manual.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and your generator:
The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120-volt power when there is no shore power available, but keep in mind that the carbon monoxide it generates is deadly! Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headachs
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness
8) Inability to think coherently
If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.
Learn about Mark Polks extensive of helpful DVDs, books and eBooks at RVbookstore.com
Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. Our motorhome has a 4,000 watt generator so I can either turn the roof air conditioner on in the summer time, which is about 2,000 watts or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters when the outside temperature is cold. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.
Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor the usage. Consult your owner's manual for maintenance intervals.
Changing the oil and filters on a regular scheduled basis and for seasonal changes is just as important for your generator as it is for your automobile. For extended storage requirements consult your generator owner's manual.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and your generator:
The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120-volt power when there is no shore power available, but keep in mind that the carbon monoxide it generates is deadly! Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headachs
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness
8) Inability to think coherently
If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.
Learn about Mark Polks extensive of helpful DVDs, books and eBooks at RVbookstore.com
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