RV News Service

RV NOW with Jim Twamley

Fulltime RVer and Professor of RVing Jim Twamley shares details of his life on the road, in the campground and around the campfire. If it has to do with RVs or the RV lifestyle, the Professor's on top of it.

Professor of RVing pulls off the road

I've written in the past about the importance of having an exit strategy for coming off the road from full-time RVing. That transition has arrived as Mrs. Professor and I have come off the road after five wonderful years of traveling the country making hundreds of new friends along the way. We purchased a home in Exeter, California with plenty of space for RV parking. We didn't want to come off the road, but we both have health issues that required the move. For my part, I am suffering from a severe case of psoriatic arthritis which makes it painful to walk and almost impossible to type. I'm receiving medical treatment and hoping for a wonder cure. If I can kick this disease, then I plan on doing more RVing. In the meantime my 40' Country Coach motorhome is parked next to the barn. Unless and until my arthritis pain goes away, I won't be contributing new RV articles to RVtravel.com. I would like to thank all my readers and especially Chuck Woodbury and his excellent staff at RVtravel.com for their support and encouragement over the years. Jim Twamley, Retired Professor of RVing
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Clean RV window screens without water

To thoroughly clean my RV window screens I remove them and wash them with soap and water. If they are merely dusty, a micro fiber towel will do a great job without using water.Simply wipe the dry towel across the surface of the screen and it picks up the dust. I couldn't believe how easy it was to clean the screens the first time I tried it. From this...to this, in only a matter of seconds.
You can pick up a 36 pack of these 16 x 16 inch towels for around $15.00 at COSTCO. Micro fiber towels are also available at auto parts stores, WalMart, Home Depot, Lowe's and many other outlets, but the best price I've found is at COSTCO. They are also great for washing and waxing, and general purpose cleanup. If you've discovered other uses for micro fiber towels please share it with us by leaving a comment.

Helping you micro manage your dust - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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RV gray water controversy

I have no problem recycling RV gray water onto grass, shrubs and trees. Plants will thrive on RV gray water if you don't use harsh soaps or chemicals. Your gray tank holds shower water, laundry water (if you have a washer and dryer), dish water, teeth brushing and hand washing water. If you think about it, that amounts to a lot of water usage. Selecting plant friendly biodegradable detergents and soaps will allow you to recycle this water instead of allowing it to go to waste.

I've stayed at many campgrounds that didn't have sewer drains at the campsites. We can usually go two weeks before having to dump our black water, but the gray water tank will only last about three days before we need to empty. I'm too lazy to pack everything up and go to the dump station, so I water the surrounding vegetation with our gray water.

You will need an adapter (sold at most RV stores) that will attach to a standard garden hose and to your black/gray water drain pipe.If you didn't already know, there is a controversy surrounding this idea. Some parks forbid the practice and some people argue that it is unsanitary. I don't let the hose sit in one place causing a puddle, but move it around to different plants until the tank is empty. In many parts of the country water is in limited supply and recycling gray water makes more sense than sending it down the sewer to a treatment facility.

When I'm at a fairground or outdoor event that has RV parking on the grass, I use a short hose to drain my gray water tank directly under the RV. By doing it this way you don't encroach on your neighbor's space. Instead of throwing an old hose away, I recycle it for this use.I know some folks object to this method of disposing of gray water and that's why it remains a controversy. Because of waterborne diseases like cholera, you should always dispose of black water into a sewer system. Gray water on the other hand has far fewer contaminates and in my opinion is safe enough for recycling. As long as you are not offloading gray water near water sources such as a lake, stream or a well, there should be no problem.

Covering the gray areas of RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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RV refrigerator hot weather tips

Hot weather can spell trouble for RV refrigerators. Summer is rapidly approaching and warmer temperatures are already giving RV refrigerators a workout. Here are some recommendations to help you get the most out of this important RV appliance.

For starters, give the frig some shade. If your RV awning covers the side of the RV where your refrigerator is located, you're in luck. Make sure the awning is deployed during the time the sun shines directly on the refrigerator side. If your refrigerator is on a different side than your awning, you can make your own temporary shade with a tarp.

Another tip is to blow out the back of the refrigerator cabinet with compressed air. This will remove cob webs, wasps nests, leaves, dust and any other debris that may have collected there during the year.You may want to consider installing a small fan to help ventilate the refrigerator compartment. Many folks install "muffin" fans used to cool computers. The fans help expel hot air while pulling cool air into the compartment. Your refrigerator will love you for this. I installed an external fan control switch so I didn't have to remove the vent cover every time I wanted to turn on the fan. These units are also available as a kit from your local RV store.Minimize the number of times you open the door. Don't just stand there with the door wide open scrounging for a snack. Think about what you want before you open the door and get it all at once.

Keeping your freezer defrosted is vital for optimum refrigerator performance. Ice build-up in the freezer compartment decreases the efficiency of your refrigerator and raises the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. Another idea is to install a small battery operated fan inside the refrigerator. This will help circulate air and keep everything uniformly cold. If you stuff the middle shelf with containers and plastic bags, you essentially block the cold air from moving down to items on the lower shelves which may lead to food spoilage.

Helping your RV refrigerator keep its cool - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Eliminate white knuckel RV mountain driving

The mountain passes in the western United States are breathtaking for beauty and breathtakingly dangerous for unprepared RVers. If you're not accustomed to driving or pulling your RV through mountainous terrain you could be in peril. I live in the western United States and have traveled extensively through the mountain states with every type of RV. Safe driving technique and proper equipment is a must if you want to arrive at your destination safely.

For all RV's it's important that your brakes and tires be in top notch condition. Traveling through mountain passes you will often encounter high winds. So, if you're pulling a travel trailer I highly recommend a load leveling system with anti sway control. If you have a diesel truck or a diesel pusher motorhome you absolutely must have a compression braking system. If you don't have a compression braking system you will burn up your brakes and have repeated white knuckle experiences.
The biggest safety tip for RV mountain driving is, "don't be in a hurry." Allowing your rig to gain excess speed on a downhill run is just asking for trouble. When you're plummeting down a hill in your multi-ton RV it is extremely difficult to stay in your lane when you encounter a sharp turn at the bottom. I've seen RV rollovers and collisions from this common mistake.

When you are climbing through a mountain pass, be sure to stay in the right hand lane as much as possible. Take your time and don't overtax your engine. Gear down and enjoy the scenery.

Be prepared and drive defensively at all times. Give yourself plenty of room to slow down and stop when following other vehicles. During summer months you will encounter a lot of road construction on mountain roads. You will encounter many controlled stops where road construction is being conducted on mountain roads, so if you're limited on time, be sure to check your route with the various state departments of transportation when you plan your trip.

Finally, be sure you have adequate fuel to make it up and over the mountains because fueling stations are few and far between in mountainous regions.

Helping you make it over the hump - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Glove up for RV dumping

I used to empty my sewer tanks bare handed. I didn't like wearing the traditional type dish gloves because they are too bulky and I wasn't crazy about latex gloves because they would easily tear. Last year I was strolling down the isles at Harbor Freight (a tool store) when I noticed nitrile disposable gloves. Since I was building kitchen cabinets for my sister-in-law I decided to pick up a box for working with stain and varnish.
These gloves are thin enough that your sense of touch is not hindered and tough enough to stand up to mild chemical exposure. I liked them so much I decided to keep a box near my sewer clean-out compartment. Now I glove up before dumping and peel off the gloves and toss them into the trash when I'm done. They are coated with powder so they are easy to slip on and off. I like the extra large size even though I normally wear size large because putting them on is easier. You can also use these gloves for changing oil, painting, washing, waxing and many other applications. These gloves are available at big box stores and pharmacies.

Working with RVers hand in glove - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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RV industry will be crushed in next economic storm

Continued high unemployment, cash strapped cities and states, trillions of dollars of Federal debt and global economic chaos all spell trouble for a struggling RV industry. Yes, I know the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is reporting increased RV sales, but these are wholesale deliveries to RV dealers. Newly manufactured RVs will collect on lots all over the nation until one by one dealerships go broke.

You know the story because you've seen it played out before. Stressed out consumers don't buy RVs, boats and other toys that are considered discretionary spending. Both U.S. and Canadian citizens are over their heads in debt and credit markets are still tight. Lending has loosened up somewhat recently, but as soon as economic forces begin to overwhelm our economies the credit door will slam shut again.

The Canadian housing bubble is near it's zenith and ready to pop. The second massive wave of foreclosures is gaining momentum in the United States. The U.S. stock and bond markets are out of control casinos. We've shipped our good paying jobs overseas and more people are on unemployment and welfare than ever before. Charitable feeding programs and food pantries are stretched to the limit. The Federal government keeps printing money to throw at the problem with little or no positive results. The banksters get richer on the backs of the U.S. taxpayer. We have an ecological disaster of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Korean chihuahua bit the leg of his neighbor. There is rioting in the streets of Europe and Asia (more than usual) and here we are whistling past the graveyard hoping for an economic recovery.

This will not end well. RV manufacturers are hanging by a thread already and any stiff wind is sure to break the backs of most. You will be able to count on one hand the number of RV manufacturers left standing after the next leg down. When will it happen? I can't say for sure, but it will happen -- probably sooner than later.

If you're in the market to purchase a new RV (and actually have the money to do so) hang on to your cash and you'll be able to buy at a fraction of the original cost. I personally prefer a well cared for used RV over a new one because all the bugs are worked out and they are cheaper. So, hang on to your hats my friends, the economic roller-coaster ride has just begun.

Saying what others are afraid to even think about - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Beware RV bumper clutter

In my RV travels I have seen all kinds of "bumper junk" attached to both the front and rear of RVs. It's understandable that RVers want to take along things that make RVing more fun. Many RVs don't have the extra storage capacity required to stow things like ladders, BBQs and bikes. The only places left for excess baggage are the roof, ladder and bumpers.

RVers need to be very careful how they store this stuff because frequently "bumper junk" blocks the signal lights. Besides being against the law, it is a major safety hazard. The biggest culprits in this regard are ladders. I see ladders strapped on the back of one out of three RVs on the road. I wonder what non-RVers think when they see a ladder strapped to another ladder on the back of an RV?

RVers love to use ladders to reach the tops of their rigs for washing and polishing. Here is an example of a 5th wheel with a ladder covering the driver side brake and turn signal.
This can be dangerous when you are merging into traffic.
Sometimes we RVers forget how long our rigs are while traveling down the road.
If the person passing us on our driver side doesn't see the signal, it could easily result in an accident. Always check and double check your mirrors to make sure you are clear to merge or change lanes.

If you are going to hang a ladder off the back of your RV be sure the tail lights are clearly visible.
I use a fold up ladder that is tall enough to wash the rig but can be neatly stowed away.
I don't particularly like these ladders because they aren't as stable as a standard ladder and the rungs are skinny and make you feet hurt when you've been standing on them for a while. This type of ladder, however, does not interfere with the tail lights and I don't use it often enough to warrant hanging a standard ladder on the back.

Bicycles can also block your tail lights. Whether you mount them on a ladder or on the back of a towed vehicle, be sure they don't obstruct your signal lights. Sending a clear signal that safety comes first - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Optional replacement for RV water heaters

We have a standard RV six gallon electric/propane water heater in our motorhome. It works great and we use it most of the time on the electric setting. The only time we run it on propane is when we overnight at a WalMart or at a boondocking campsite. The six gallon capacity is not large enough for two people to take a shower in quick succession unless you take a "Navy shower." Forget about washing dishes just before or after taking a shower because the hot water is gone.

If you primarily camp with electric hook-ups and don't mind running your generator during your shower while dry camping, then an Ariston mini tank electric point of use water heater may be just right for you.

The guy parked next to me has a Titanium 5th wheel and he did this replacement on his RV. He says it was easy to install and now he never runs out of hot water when he takes a long shower. You can purchase these units at Home Depot for around $200.00, which is much cheaper than a standard RV water heater.
These units are small and will fit nicely where your current RV water heater is located. Since the water lines are already there, it makes for an easy installation. My friend put his unit inside a plastic bucket in the event the pressure valve were to open, allowing water to escape. He insulated the exterior heater access compartment door and sealed it with silicon caulking.

If you hook the unit into your generator system, you can easily use it while boondocking.

Bringing you hot new RV ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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U-bake pizza storage RV style

Let's face it, most RVs have small refrigerators, at least when you compare them to standard house models. Some upscale motorhome makers are installing house model refrigerators and some RVers have replaced their RV refrigerator with a standard house model. If you stay with the typical RV refrigerator that operates on both propane and electricity, you will be cramped for space.

I've had to get creative when it comes to storing the foods I like. For instance, I often take prepackaged foods out of their box so I can store more in the freezer. I also make use of the zip type plastic food storage bags to conserve space. The problem comes when you try to store large or irregular shaped items.

To store an extra large U-bake pizza, cut the pie into four pieces. Place each slice on a paper plate, stack them and cover with plastic cling wrap. When I'm ready to bake, I can reassemble the beast or cook it one piece at a time.

Perhaps you have some unique ideas for how to store food in your RV refrigerator that would be helpful information to our readers. Please take a few minutes and leave a comment about how you maximize your RV refrigerator space.

Handing out RV ideas one slice at a time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Steam cleaning the RV

Sunshine and flowers in bloom mean it's time for some RV spring cleaning. Forget about chemicals, put away the rubber gloves and go green with steam. Mrs. Professor wanted a steam cleaner to clean and disinfect around the RV. She researched the various models on the internet and finally decided on the model she liked.

I took it for a spin in the shower today and it did a good job. Cleaning with steam is not easier or faster than cleaning with conventional chemical cleaners. It will take you just as long in the cleaning process, but you will be using an environmentally friendly means of cleaning. Steam released into the air is harmless but chemical vapors from household cleaning products can have harmful side effects, especially for people with allergies.Steam kills most mold and mildew on contact. This is great news for RVers who routinely need to clean moldy window sills and shower stall ceilings. You can also use these systems to kill the dust mites in your mattress and carpet. If it needs to be sanitized, steam will do the trick.

Our steamer is made in Italy and we had a good laugh at how the operators manual was mistranslated into English. Companies doing business in predominately English speaking countries should hire someone who actually speaks English to write directions.

We paid around $500 for our machine, but you can get cheaper models that put steam where you need it. Most of the higher end machines are referred to as "vapor" machines as opposed to "steam" machines. They both shoot steam, but "vapor" machines use less water and have a higher temperature and pressure at the nozzle spray head. The amount of accumulated water is also less. You can clean tile grout with this machine and just wipe up the excess water that is left behind with an absorbent towel or paper towels. You can also use a wet vacuum to suck up the small amount of water left behind.

I also used the machine to clean the sinks and faucets and it cleaned them better than chemicals. I also cleaned the toilet bowel. Steam is a great sanitizing agent and will leave your toilet sparkling clean. I also tested it on a small section of tile grout and it does a good job on that as well. You can also use this device to clean conventional ovens, microwaves and stove tops.

When you use this machine, it's a good idea to open the RV ventilation fans to evacuate the steam, unless you're trying to create a tropical atmosphere inside your coach.

Steam is also good at melting away greasy grime, so it also works well on engine parts without the use of solvents. It comes with numerous attachments like a wand and a floor brush. There are upholstery attachments and small nylon brushes for doing closeup work. There is also a wire brush for doing BBQ grills. We ordered an extra set of brushes since they wear down with use.

The unit is the size of a canister vacuum cleaner and has rollers. You have to stop cleaning when it runs out of water, wait for it to cool down and then refill it and wait for it to heat up again before you can continue cleaning (about 30 minutes). The stainless steel boiler tank holds about a half gallon of water and will last about 30 to 45 minutes before needing a refill.

Our unit has a trigger button that activates the steam wand. It shuts off the flow of steam when the button is released. You do need to be careful not to burn yourself with the business end of the steam wand. You also need to be careful around plastics because the high temperature may melt them.The steam cleaner does not remove water stains (for that you will need vinegar). It should not be used on auto paint because it can destroy the clear coat finish. Also, I would not recommend it for electric components like your computer keyboard because electrical components and water don't get along.

Overall I rate it a good appliance for general purpose cleaning and sanitizing. It will not make your work any easier, but it will leave the RV clean and germ free. There are numerous other cleaning jobs this machine can tackle and I've just scratched the surface.

Full steam ahead - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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Clean your RV fast with baby wipes

Baby wipes are so powerful I don't know why we allow them to be used on babies. Really, these things have potent cleaning power. We used to mop the floor but now we do the job with wipes. They cut through dried up, caked on spills with ease and are dry much faster than mop water.

They do a great job shining up a faucet.
They are also good for cleaning the shower stall and sinks.
Other uses are cleaning out the inside of the microwave, leather furniture, ceiling fan blades, door knobs, dash board, window frames, drawer and cabinet door pulls, stove top, light fixtures and just about anything inside your RV.

They can also be used to lift stains out of fabric and carpet. I use them to remove grime off my hands after working on a motor, generator or under the RV. They are also handy to keep nearby for cleanup after dumping the black tank. They are great for cleaning smashed bugs off the windshield and headlamps. Try cleaning your steering wheel with wipes. You'll be surprised at how much grime comes off and you'll enjoy the clean feel and firm grip on your next RV outing.

Like many cleaning products, you may need to test-clean a small spot to make sure there is no discoloration before continuing.

This is one of the most versatile and easy to use cleaning products available. It can replace many of the cleaning bottles under your sink and lighten your RV load.
If you have experience using baby wipes in and around your RV, please take a moment and tell us by leaving a comment.

Wiping out RV dirt and grime - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
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