Sunday, October 15, 2006

RVs Lead To Better Health

RVs Lead To Better Health by Andrew Dillan

It might not seem like RVs (Recreational Vehicles) or Motorhomes would promote a healthier lifestyle, but research shows that people who go RVing lead a generally healthier lifestyle. Here are a few ways that RVing promotes healthier living:

Stress-reduction

When you are out camping in your RV, you don't have to worry about the day-to-day stressors that you have at home or work. You can make your own schedule, travel how and when you want, and choose your activities. This leads to less stress, which, in turn, promotes a healthier lifestyle. The closeness to nature also helps reduce stress levels.

Exercise

People who are on vacations in their RVs are typically more active than if they had stayed at home. Hiking, walking, and biking are among the three most popular activities when you are RVing. Often, RVs don't have televisions, so people are more active and less sedentary than they would be in front of the tv. RVs are often parked in campgrounds which offer other active ways to get involved and have fun, such as canoeing, kayaking, yoga, jogging, rollerblading, and more.

Eating

Instead of eating the normal fare of fast food and processed food, people who go RVing are more likely to take the time to make themselves a better meal. When you are on vacation, you have time to cook healthier meals. You are also not tempted by the junk food and fast food that is often part of a daily life.

Relationships

RVing is a time when you make new friends from all over the world. It is also a time when you can reconnect to those people who are closest to you. Most RVers take their families with them, and say that RVing is a great time to hang out with their children and grandchildren. Fostering these positive relationships is great for your health.

Next time you are looking for an excuse to go RVing, do it for your health. Do it for your well-being. Most importantly, do it for the fun.
About the Author

If you want information on how to purchase an RV, or on how to get a loan to purchase an RV, visit our page on RV loans.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

"Are You an Easy Target?"

As our lives become more dependant on conveniences like credit cards, the Internet and other technologies we also open up doors to opportunistic thieves. These identity thieves seek to use our name, credit and money to steal and commit fraud. Victims are left fighting – sometimes for years – to overcome the debts, clear their reputation and deal with the emotional consequences of being victimized.

With estimates of nearly 10 million Americans being victimized within a year along with millions of others around the world it is crucial that you learn the steps you must take to prevent, identify and combat identity theft.


"Are You an Easy Target?"


Did you know that thieves do more than just steal credit cards? They can open new accounts or commit fraud in your name and you may not even realize it until the creditors or police come to get you!

Did you realize that many of the methods identity thieves use can be easily prevented by taking simple precautions?

Are you aware of the ways that identity thieves find your information? Methods used to steal your information right in front of your eyes without you ever being aware of it? By not knowing these methods you may be making yourself an easy target!

Read more ...

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Preventive Maintenance for Your Bicycle

Dear Reader,

Like all mechanical contraptions, your bicycle is
vulnerable to wear and tear caused by regular use and
exposure to the elements. Routine preventive
maintenance will keep your bicycle in peak condition
and safe for riding throughout the year. Although some
bicycle repair and maintenance is best performed by a
qualified bike mechanic, you should be able to do
routine maintenance using a few basic tools. Here are
some of the things you can do to keep your bike in
perfect shape.

Tires

Check the pressure of your tires to make sure they are
inflated to proper specifications. Consult the manual
or the tire’s sidewall for information on the range of
acceptable pressures for your tire. Note any splits or
fatigue marks in the sidewall or tread. Inspect the rim
for dents, twists or kinks. Spin each wheel to make
sure it is true and centered in the stays. If the wheel
wobbles from side to side when spun, then it needs
truing. Check if some spokes need to be replaced or
tightened. If your bike is equipped with quick-release
mechanisms, make sure they are securely fastened.

Steering

The handlebars, saddle and pedals must be securely
attached. Check the height of the handlebar stem. Make
sure that the handlebar stem and seatpost are fastened
such that their minimum insertion marks are not
exposed. Handlebars should be tight and in line with
the front wheel. Check if handlebars and front fork are
properly stabilized. You should be able to rotate the
handlebar post freely in the front fork. Tighten the
bolts that attach the pedal crank-arms to the front
bearing. Pedals should be tight, with no binding. Check
for looseness in front and headset bearings.

Brakes

Squeeze both brake levers and try to roll the bike to
check if the brakes are operating properly. If the bike
moves while the brave levers are squeezed or if the
brake levers touch the handlebar, then your brakes are
too loose and need some adjusting. Make sure brake
cables are taut. Check the brake cable for breaks or
frayed ends; replace any worn or frayed brake cable.
When brakes are applied, the brake pads (shoes) should
contact squarely with the rim and should not touch the
tire or the spokes.

Chain

Keep your bike’s chain clean and properly lubricated.
Use a rag soaked in de-greaser to remove dirt and
grease buildup. Lubricate the chain after cleaning.
Bike maintenance experts recommend using a web lube in
wet environments and a dry lube in dry environments.
Make sure that the chain moves smoothly without
sticking or jumping.

Tools for basic bicycle maintenance

Proper inspection and maintenance of your bike requires
a few basic tools. The following are the tools you will
need to keep your bike running smoothly and
efficiently. These tools may be purchased from
http://www.BikeNToy.com or from online tool stores like
http://www.BigDaddyTools.com and
http://www.Buy-Tools.com.

Screwdrivers
Allen wrenches
Spoke wrenches
Cone wrenches
Puncture repair kit
Tire pump with a built-in gauge
Tire irons
Chain tool
Multi-tools
Cleaning rags
Degreaser
Lubricants


Sincerely,

-Les Doll
Editor, The RVers Corner

Monday, January 30, 2006

RV Reminder Tags

Ever forget to lower your TV antenna or unhook your power cord?

We have all done something similar, and this weeks tip deals with one method of reminding yourself of routine tasks.

Put a labeled clip or ribbon on your antenna handle, for example. Whenever you raise the antenna, put the clip or ribbon on your steering wheel. When you break camp, the clip on your steering wheel will remind you that your antenna is still up.

Do the same for anything else you want to remind yourself of ...

If you have a slide-out, hang a length of brightly colored ribbon on the travel lock bars (if your slide uses these). The ribbons will attract your attention BEFORE you try to extend the slide.

Simple but effective!

RV Checklists - every kind of checklist that you will ever need!
RV Checklists

!!! HAPPY CAMPIN' !!!

Monday, January 23, 2006

RV Tow Ratings

Did you know the manufacturers tow rating does not include the
weight of passengers, cargo or aftermarket add-ons? Any weight
you add to the tow vehicle reduces the tow rating by that amount.
The tow vehicle also has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
This is the maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and
the trailer combined when fully loaded for travel.

Let’s say for example that your GCWR is 8,500 pounds and your vehicle weighs 4,100 pounds when it’s fully loaded for travel. 8,500 minus 4,100
equals 4,400. This means that the maximum fully loaded trailer
weight you could tow is 4,400 pounds before you exceed the GCWR.
There are numerous other factors to consider such as how much the
hitch receiver is rated for, proper hitch work, trailer brakes
and more.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101

More info at:
http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/towingregulations.html

Saturday, January 21, 2006

RV Waste Water

Waste Water Dumping Tip

Never leave your black tank valve open when you are hooked up
to a sewer equipped RV site. If left open, the liquids will
drain off and leave the solid material behind to build up in the tank.

Always dump your black tank first and always when it is at least
2/3rd full. Add water if necessary. This will ensure adequate flow
to dump all the contents.

Dump the gray water tank last to help rinse out the valves and sewer
hose.

Find more info on RV holding tanks

RV Carbon Monoxide

Never run your generator when you are sleeping! Even with a
carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is deadly and it’s
not worth the risk. Generators are designed to run for long
periods of time if they have the correct percentage of load
on them. You should consult the generator owner’s manual for
load ratings.

You also need to consider where you will be camping at, and
how much fuel you will use running the generator. They consume
about a gallon of fuel per hour. You need to be considerate of
other campers when using a generator for long periods of time.
Sometimes you’re better off just opening all of the windows to
create a breeze through the RV.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101
h

More information on Carbon Monoxide:

RV Reminders

Ever forget to lower your TV antenna or unhook your power cord?

We have all done something similar, and this weeks tip deals with
one method of reminding yourself of routine tasks.

Put a labeled clip or ribbon on your antenna handle, for example. Whenever
you raise the antenna, put the clip or ribbon on your steering wheel. When
you break camp, the clip on your steering wheel will remind you that your
antenna is still up.

Do the same for anything else you want to remind yourself of ...

If you have a slide-out, hang a length of brightly colored
ribbon on the travel lock bars (if your slide uses these).
The ribbons will attract your attention BEFORE you try to extend
the slide.

Simple but effective!


Advertisement:
RV Checklists - every kind of checklist that you will ever need!

Underinflated RV Tires

Under inflated tires run a close second to overloading as one of the leading causes of tire failure. The load rating for a tire is only accurate if the tire is properly inflated. Under inflated tires cause extreme heat build up that leads to tire failure. The appearance of the tire looks normal but the internal damage is not visible and can fail at any time without warning.

Tires can lose up to two pounds of air pressure per month. If you don’t check your tires for three or four months they could be seriously under inflated. Ideally you should check tire inflation, and adjust it if required, everyday that you move or drive your RV.

If you can’t get into the habit of doing it on a daily basis you need to make it a point to check all tires weekly at a minimum when you’re traveling.

You always want to check the tires when they are cold, meaning that you don’t drive or move the RV before checking inflation. Invest in an accurate inflation pressure gauge. Check all tires and adjust pressure according to the manufacturers recommendation. Do no exceed the maximum pressure ratings found on the tires sidewall. Never check inflation pressure when the tires are hot, you will get a higher-pressure reading and if you let some air out they will be under inflated when they are cold.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101

See this article for more!

Tip achive

RV Storage Compartment Security Issue

Did you know that I have the keys to your storage compartments
in my pocket? Take out your key ring, right now, and examine your
compartment key. Does it have a number stamped on it? And would
that number be, say, CH751 or ES201?

You know, with those keys, you could probably open your neighbors compartments, the
compartments in the trailer next in line, and so on, to the end of the row.

If that is the case ... anyone with those keys could also open your compartments!

Think about that!

See this article for more on storage compartment security issues.

RV Tires

Overloading the tires on your RV is probably the number one
leading cause of tire failure. Poor weight distribution and
taking advantage of all of the storage space offered on today’s
RV’s result in tire overloads. The only way to find out is to
have the fully loaded RV and / or tow vehicle weighed on
platform scales. Load the vehicle with everything you plan to
take on a trip including passengers, cargo, fuel, full fresh
water and propane tanks. If you tow something behind the RV
take it to the scales with you. The problem is that it is quite
possible to weigh the RV and not exceed the GVWR, GAWR or GCWR,
but you could be exceeding the tire ratings. This is why you
MUST weigh each axle end separately to determine if tire ratings
are exceeded and if the loaded weight is properly distributed.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101

Friday, January 20, 2006

RV Motor Home Flat Tire Tip

Motor homes are extremely heavy and require special equipment to
change tires. The tire itself can weigh in excess of 100 pounds.
This is why manufacturers do not put jacks in the motor home.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101
RV Education 101

Thanks Mark!

It is better to have a service such as the Good Sam Emergency Roadside Assistance to come to the rescue. At a cost of only 80 bucks per year, your tire changes, towing costs due to a breakdown or other on road problems are covered. This is a bargain!

See: Good Sam for more ...

Shocking RV!

RV shocking

You may at some time experience an electrical shock when
entering or exiting your RV. This is often caused by the
wiring in the electrical receptacle that your RV is plugged
into or an improperly wired extension cord. If the "hot" and
"neutral" wires are reversed, your coach and you may become
an electrical circuit with unpleasant or dangerous results.

There is a small polarity checker available that will
eliminate the guesswork and the hazards before you plug
in your electrical cord. Everyone should have one of these
as standard equipment!

see Polarity Checker

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Walking on an RV Roof

Walking on an RV Roof - Les Doll

Underlying the rubber covering is usually a 3/16th to 1/2 inch plywood or particle board sheeting that evenly supports your weight. If your roof is metal, especially if it is the seamed type, (has crosswise seams every 48' or so), then lay a plywood strip or some wide boards (lengthwise) to walk on. This way the boards span the roof rafters and distribute your weight evenly on several supports. Be sure to check your shoes for embedded pebbles or other sharp objects that may damage the roof material.

RV Videos

RV Roof Sealants

ROOF COAT - by Les Doll
http://www.rverscorner.com
http://www.rvrepairmanual.com

Inspecting the roof sealant is something you should do twice a year. Why?

Because that is the likely place that a water leak will first develop. Water runs downhill, of course, and a tiny leak on the roof will turn into a major problem within the structure of the RV.

Think about this - one drip per minute (through a pinhole leak) adds up to 1440 drips per day or 10,080 drips in a week.

I don't have time to figure out how many gallons of water there are in 10,080 drips, but I think you see my point.

Closely inspect the roof sealant condition on every protruding fixture on the roof. Any cracks or thin spots can be touched up with the appropriate material. If the roof sealant is peeling or flaking in any way, then the old coating must be physically removed.

On metal roofs I use a 1' wide scraper with a firm blade, like the ones used by auto technicians for scraping off old gaskets. For rubber roofs I made a similar sized plastic scraper that won't cut the rubber membrane.

If you heat the old coating with a hot air gun, it will come off fairly easily.

Emergency roof repair - http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/eternabond.html



Starting the LPG System

Starting the Flow by Les Doll

When your RV has been stored for a while the propane gas system may have a certain amount of air in the lines. It is a good idea when taking your RV out of storage to first turn on the gas bottle valve and then light one of the stovetop burners.

This does two things: it purges the air from most of the system and it establishes a visual check that gas is present and flowing smoothly.

Once the stove burner lights and the flame is steady, then light the other appliances. Do this at least a week or two before your planned vacation. This will allow you time to deal with any service or repairs needed before you head out on your trip.

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Removing items from shelves and walls before changing destinations is a pain. However, if you place a small amount of window caulking putty (called strip seal or fingertip caulking - from hardware stores) on the bottom of objects, nothing moves or falls from display position between destinations.

When this putty is applied to the corners of picture frames or other wall hangings, it prevents them from swinging side-to-side. NOTE: This putty holds more securely than sticky products specifically designed for this purpose.

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