The Camping Club

Tips to Use on Your Next RV Trip

Next time you plan a cross-country RV trip, try these helpful tips from experienced RVers.

Use a Timer for Your Lights
We have heard complaints about people who leave their awning lights on all night and how it disrupts those around them. We realized that if we use an outdoor timer, we can set it and forget it. Now no one is disturbed by our lights at night. Submitted By: Roger & Brenda Hagan

Solar Lights
Purchase a couple of solar lights and place them by your RV steps. They will give off enough light for you to see, but they aren't so bright that they disturb your neighbors or other RVers nearby. Submitted By: Warren Brelsford

Calculate Your RV Solar Power Needs

It requires only a little math and a realistic assessment of how much power you actually use. The formula for computing amp hours is the number of hours multiplied by the number of amps used per hour. For example, one light uses 1.5 amps x 6 hours which equals 9 amps per hour. Your television uses 1.4 amps x 3 hours which equals 4.2 amps per hour. Submitted By: Robert Flasken

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Mouthwash Tip

Try putting mouthwash (regular flavored or mint) in a spray bottle and spray away, it really does work will on tents, tablecloths, clothing to keep the bugs away. We tried it several times in different locations and always work’s well.

Submitted By: Jayne Kingston

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Wax & Lint

Great fire starters start with wax and dryer lint. Start with dryer lint, wax and small bathroom paper cups. I melt wax and fill the Dixie cups with dryer lint (full) and add the wax. Let each set until firm (sometimes I put in the freezer to speed up the process). These work everytime, and we always have spares for our camping neighbors who have a hard time lighting their campfires.

Submitted By: Daphne Michele

Easy to Make Table Cloth

Instead of having those flimsy red tablecloths, go to the fabric store and buy cloth-backed vinyl. It usually sells for about $3 a yard. Buy about 6 yards. Take it to your camp, roll out the length you need and cut. No sewing needed. Then split the other lengthwise to cover the benches. No more splinters!!! You can throw it in the washer and they last for many seasons. Some tables at the campgrounds are usually chewed up so this gives them a home-like touch.

Submitted By: Marc MacPherson

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Insulated Grocery Bag

 

After planning my meals, I freeze everything I can before packing my cooler; meats, sauces, and liquids like juices or drinking water. I also freeze water in 24 oz. pop bottles. These fit easier than bigger jugs and can be packed so more food comes into contact with the ice. I pack the cooler and then put an insulated plastic shopping bag (from the warehouse stores) on the top of the food before closing the lid. I find that the food keeps much colder and the pop bottle ice lasts much longer.

Submitted By: Sharon Morse    

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Keep Your Ice Cold

I used this tip on several different occasions when I lived in Miami and I would go on my long boat fishing trips. Just add rock salt to your ice and it will make the ice colder. It will freeze your items, so just beware.

Submitted By: Mike Hine

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A S'more Alternative

We use chocolate covered graham cookies when we make S’mores. They are less sweet and not as messy. My grandson loves them.

Submitted By: John & Jodie Martin

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Forget the Graham Crackers!

We went camping and forgot the graham crackers for our s’mores. So we used iced oatmeal & oatmeal chocolate chip cookies instead and now it has become a tradition when we take the girls camping. They won't eat them any other way now and they are great.

Submitted By: Missy Sweeton

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Storage Area

Make a paper drawing of the storage areas on your RV or camper. List the contents of each storage area so you can see at a glance where the item you need is without fumbling in the dark or opening each one. Update as you add or delete equipment.

Submitted By: Rosemary McLain

Storage Area

Make a paper drawing of the storage areas on your RV or camper. List the contents of each storage area so you can see at a glance where the item you need is without fumbling in the dark or opening each one. Update as you add or delete equipment.

Submitted By: Rosemary McLain

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