Camping/RV Hints, Tips, Tricks, etc..

[cassiem]

I thought I would start this thread for everyone to post their favorite tips or tricks they have learned throughout the years. This will help benefit everyone, beginner campers, and even seasoned campers alike.

I mostly tent camp, so my first tip is:

In addition to your sleeping bag, I always use a sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag. Sleeping pads insulate you from the cool ground and provide a cushion for much cozier sleeping.

[kiteri]

What an awesome forum idea!!!!!!!!

My best hint (as a fellow tent camper) is to use LED lights because they don't attract mosquitos like the others do! I couldn't stand mosquitos BEFORE West Nile virus!

[mailfire99]

Here is one:

Permanently mounting levels on the front corners of your campers, so you don't have to locate the level everytime you adjust.

[mailfire99]

Oh yeah, one more

For fire starters get one of those big fire logs you use for fireplaces, cut it into small pieces. You can make 15-20 fire starters out of one large fire log. Works great.

[l2l]

Originally Posted by mailfire99

Oh yeah, one more

For fire starters get one of those big fire logs you use for fireplaces, cut it into small pieces. You can make 15-20 fire starters out of one large fire log. Works great.

What an awesome idea thanks

[cassiem]

Here is something you all should find interesting....

2000 WD40 uses

WD-40_2000UsesList.pdf

[cassiem]

We keep a file folder with us at all times that has maps, brochures, reservation information, and anyting else that pertains to that trip.

[ctfortner]

Bring a couple of big plastic trash bags. They can be used for a few different things.
It's a pack liner, and if it starts to rains, snows, etc.. it's an emergency shelter. It will keep your dry and protect you from wind to the face if its cold.

[ctfortner]

Dont ever use silicone for water leaks around camper windows, or on rubber roofs, etc... It simply does not stop water leaks. I recommend using eternabond for rubber roofs, and you can buy replacement window puddy to seal your windows. Been there done that

[mailfire99]

Posted in another thread, but thought it should be in the rv tips and tricks thread also.

Get a box of dryer sheets (any brand), dip it in some warm water wipe off your camper. Bugs will come right off and will not scratch the paint.

[bludog]

I have GOT to try the dryer sheets for cleaning bugs...sounds great!

My hint: pick up couple of those in-line water filters (Wal-Mart, Camping World...) that threads onto your water hose. Even if all you do with the CG water is flush the toilet and shower...that filter will drastically reduces any iron/sulphur/sand/whatever... that may be present...ESPECIALLY if the campground/RV park is using well-water.

[glfortner]

These are all really great ideas...now if I could just come up with one .

[cassiem]

Did yall actually drink the campground water, or just use it for dishes, showers, etc..

I have always been very skeptical of drinking campground water, but I know some that do quite often. I dont even like to make coffee with the campground water, I usually bring my own bottled water for that.

Originally Posted by bludog

I have GOT to try the dryer sheets for cleaning bugs...sounds great!

My hint: pick up couple of those in-line water filters (Wal-Mart, Camping World...) that threads onto your water hose. Even if all you do with the CG water is flush the toilet and shower...that filter will drastically reduces any iron/sulphur/sand/whatever... that may be present...ESPECIALLY if the campground/RV park is using well-water.

[bludog]

Hello Cassiem:
Almost never drink the campground water.
Tent camping and even with our little Class C...always brought own water.
Now that we fulltime...occasionally find ourselves in larger RV parks/resorts/whatever. Usually large enough that they're on 'city' water. Even then we use caution. Ok, boiling a pot of water for potatoes, spagetti, coffee...the boiling nukes anything from a 'city' water source.

Which brings me to ANOTHER HINT: carry a bottle of that spray Clorox Cleaner. Spritz water spiggots before you hook up your hose. Turn on the water and let it run just a second to flush off the bleach and whatever else was lurking.

If you ever watched folks disconnect (especially full hook-up sites)...they usually fumble around with both the sewer hose AND the fresh water hook-ups with wild abandon. (gag, gag)

My appologies to anyone reading just before a meal...

[bill0830]

Talking about water. We always use a water when connecting water the camper, plus our camper also has another filter located in the kitchen for drinking water. With the water being filter, I have had no issues with camp water, unless they have it posted not to drink the water. If you camp at a State Park or Army Corp of Engineer park, they test their water and have to meet the minimum requirement before they can post it as drinkable. I recommend the external water filter for any, even if you are tent camping. It don't take up much room and simple as connecing a water hose (which is what connects it. Hydro Life® RV/Marine Exterior Water Filter Kit - Camping World This one uses a replacement filter, which are like $7 to replace.
Here is a under the sink model: Culligan Undersink Filter System - Camping World and an above the sink model: Culligan&reg RV-1000 Drinking Water Filter System - Camping World