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7 Common RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

7 Common RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

There is no one way to maintain a recreational vehicle (RV). While different owners are bound to give you different tips and advice on how to take care of an RV, there is one fundamental point they will all agree on – maintenance is necessary. Owning and maintaining an RV can be an expensive affair, which is why it is important to avoid certain common mistakes and make the most of your vehicle!

Forgetting to winterize
The country witnesses extreme weather transformations, with some cities reaching sub-zero temperatures during winters. During this time, RV parts can freeze, inviting expensive repairs and replacement costs. To avoid these costs, winterizing your RV is a must. Here are some common methods people use:

  • Pump RV-safe antifreeze into the plumbing system to save your water lines from freezing over.
  • Use compressed air to clean all lines of water gently.
  • Install an integrated drain-down system that passes compressed air through the water lines on demand.

Also, remember to de-winterize your RV when summer approaches to prepare it for travel, especially if your vehicle has remained dormant all winter.

Skipping out on tire protection
The RV wheels are crucial not just for your travels but also for your safety while driving. Keeping them still for too long can cause rot to set in. It is ideal for keeping the RV moving and avoiding direct UV exposure for too long. Look for tires that offer UV protection properties. Alternatively, if you use tire-shine products, opt for ones with UV-blocking features. At the end of every travel season, have your tires assessed by a professional to check whether they are in the proper condition or need replacement.

Letting pests in
Pests can easily get into RVs, especially ones left uninhabited for a season or two. Setting up traps and checking in on your RV regularly is important to keep these rodents at bay. Not only can they leave the place unsanitary for your next trip, but they can also cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your wires, textiles, appliances, and furniture. Setting up mouse traps with soft candy can help lure some of these rodents and stop them from multiplying in your vehicle.

Not checking for water damage routinely
Check your RV for water damage regularly. Any undetected water damage could lead to mold and mildew, making you and your fellow travelers sick. Do a rigorous inspection of your RV before setting off on your journey. The most common places people find mold in their RVs are in unventilated bathrooms and areas where condensation collects. Properly ventilating the RV can help avoid such issues.

Relying on DIY maintenance
Although many people know how to care well for their RVs, if you are new and just beginning on your journey, it may be wise to seek professional help. Take your RV to a maintenance company at intervals to diagnose issues you may have missed or to help you get your vehicle in shape for the following travel season.

Missing going over your safety checklist
Before setting off on a new trip, be sure to go through your checklist and check your oil, fuel, and propane levels, transmission fluids, batteries, seals, generators, and air filters. Also, ensure that your stairs are folded up, windows and vents are closed, the antenna is folded down, and the scissor jacks are retracted each time before you begin to move. Finally, create a checklist based on your RV’s features, and make it a habit to run through it before you begin to drive.

Forgetting to secure the RV
You don’t want your drawers to start falling out in the middle of your journey. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it may also pose a health hazard to your co-travelers. Secure the RV by packing the items close together and lining the drawers with thick shelf grip waffle matting. Add additional latches to doors and drawers if required.

If the cost of maintaining the RV is too high, you can also consider selling your motorhome for instant cash. Many websites are making this process easier and quicker by reducing the paperwork and letting you get the best value for your recreational vehicle or trailer.

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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment's revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6. There are multiple models with standardized features like a touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warnings. The price starts at around $38,325 for the base model. Honda CR-V The 2022 Honda CR-V is among the leaders in the compact SUV segment. It is a five-seater with upscale interiors, spacious and comfortable seats, and larger cargo space. You get a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a better mileage efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The CVR-V is equipped with most standard safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2022 Honda CR-V comes in multiple trims with a base price of around $25,750. Volkswagen Taos The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover SUV. It is a five-seater with a huge back seat and copious cargo space. You get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 158 horsepower, and a 184 pound-feet of torque. The car comes in three trims, and all have standard 18-inch wheels. The safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are bundled under the brand's IQ Drive system. Further, the car has a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, and modern and aesthetic interiors. The base price starts at around $23,495. Chevrolet Trailblazer The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a small crossover SUV anticipated to be released in the early fall or late summer of 2022. Although small, it is spacious with a two-tier adaptable cargo storage system and a foldable passenger seat. You can choose between a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. You also get a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on your chosen engine variant. The vehicle offers a fuel economy of up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The technology features include a seven-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker stereo. Plus, you get rear view cameras, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep and lane assist features for safer driving. The base price of the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is $21,800. Tips for choosing the right SUV SUVs are famous for their versatility, off-road capabilities, performance, and fuel efficiency. But consider the following points while buying one: Size Consider the size of the car, your garage space, and your comfort level in driving a large vehicle. Choose accordingly from small, compact, mid-sized, and large SUVs. The number of seats While large SUVs may offer seven or eight seats, most SUVs have a seating capacity of five. Choose one based on the number of members in your family. Luggage space If you travel a lot, have young kids, or have hobbies requiring bulky equipment, check if the SUV has enough cargo space. Even a smaller car with well-designed cargo space might suffice. Drivetrain Most offer two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive options. Choose a trim ideal for your location, terrain, and climate. Fuel efficiency Most car makers give clear information about the fuel efficiency ratings. If not, try to research this aspect before heading to the showroom. Also, work out how much you would have to set apart for gas before choosing the vehicle. Safety features Newer models are fitted with many safety features. Look for blind-spot warning and anti-lock braking systems that are crucial to prevent and avoid accidents. You can stop quickly if the tires are the right size and width. Further, ensure the SUV has tire-pressure-monitoring sensors, side and curtain airbags, parking sensors, and cameras. Driver assistance systems Effective driver assistance systems can keep you and your family safe. Look for automatic speed and cruise control and parking assistance features. Lane assist has proven helpful to drivers if there are critical lane changes. However, the price can also increase significantly depending on the car's features. So, have a budget in mind.

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Avoid these 8 common driving mistakes

Driving is an activity that you get better at by doing it regularly. And it’s quite common to make small mistakes during the learning phase. But once you receive the driver’s license, it’s also up to you to ensure proper driving etiquette for city and highway conditions by following the rules. One small mistake or lapse of attention can result in devastating consequences. So, pay attention to these common mistakes to avoid any mishaps.  Not wearing a seatbelt Seatbelts save lives! No matter how uncomfortable or tight the belt feels, it is absolutely necessary to wear it for both passenger and driver. All states mandate it by law and impose hefty fines for drivers caught without a belt. Ignoring speed limits Speeding is one of the most common reasons new drivers get a ticket. Speed zones change when you drive on different roads, and it is important to pay attention to the signs. It is enough to get a ticket even if you are going just a few miles over the limit. It’s important to also pay attention to the speedometer while adjusting the speed unless your vehicle has an auto cruise mode that adjusts the throttle and braking response accordingly. Not ensuring proper space between vehicles One of the critical mistakes a driver makes is not gauging the distance between two vehicles. This applies to both the front and back of the car. Keeping a safe distance between your car and the one ahead can help buy time to recognize a hazard and respond safely. Also, you need to pay attention to the rearview to understand how quickly you can make the stop and avoid the vehicle at the back careening into your car. So always pay attention to how much space is available between cars based on the length of your vehicle. Driving with distractions Listening to music or the morning broadcast on the radio is fine as long as you also pay attention to the road ahead. Also, avoid talking too much when driving at high speeds on the freeway. Reaction time is critical to ensure the safety of all passengers, so you must be aware of the distractions in the vehicle. Remember, you are not the only one traveling on the freeway or stuck in a busy road. Even if you are paying attention, it’s necessary to account for sudden vehicular movement by traffic in the adjacent or parallel lanes. One small slip-up can cause expensive damage to the vehicle. Not using indicators and blinkers Indicators are installed for a reason. But rookie or overconfident drivers may neglect the feature to signal before switching lanes or making a turn. It’s necessary to ensure the vehicle following behind you has time to react and adjust to your change in speed and direction. When it comes to turn signals, there are unspoken rules that apply to all drivers. Neglecting the proper use of signals increases the risk of accidents. Also, if your vehicle is damaged and not running smoothly, put on the alert blinkers to notify fellow drivers. Not giving proper way to emergency vehicles Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks need a clear route to attend to critical situations immediately. Sometimes new drivers may not be used to such situations and may get themselves into a panic state. Mostly sirens can be heard from a distance, so one has plenty of time to change tracks or come to a complete stop accordingly. Never drive in a way that you find yourself obstructing the path of any passing emergency vehicle. Failing to check the blind spot Navigating tight corners or cramped parking spaces can be a hassle, even for the most experienced drivers. However, modern-day vehicles come with sensors that indicate proximity to another vehicle or object. Even so, you must use the side view and rearview mirrors to check for blind spots while switching lanes at high speeds. Check in all directions and your blind spot to make sure you are not coming in the way of another vehicle or around pedestrians at the junction while merging or pulling out into traffic. Not getting the vehicle serviced Getting the vehicle serviced from time to time is a critical part of the maintenance. A proper service entails checking the brakes, electrical systems, lubricants, and engine oil fluid to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle. But many drivers fail to do so and only get it done when it becomes absolutely necessary. Delaying proper maintenance and service only puts the driver at risk and makes the vehicle unfit for travel. 

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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

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