Lessons learned with RV-ing to date (2017)
I have a few lessons I've learned in RV-ing. I'm not a full-timer, but I do part-time from January to about now, then put my rig into storage.
First, if you can, especially here in Texas, find covered storage. RV covers are not worth the hassle. This will help everything on your rig big time. Right now, after seven years in the sun, my awning is pretty much shot, most of the small things like door holders, grab handle, and such have crumbled to powder.
Second, consider screens for the furnace, fridge, and water heater. Mud dauber wasps are a menace.
Third, check your converter out. If it is a single stage, chuck it and get a multi-stage "charge wizard" model. Otherwise you will be replacing batteries every season.
Replace the bulbs with LEDs. I spent $20, got 20 bulbs, and each bulb is 1/7 the energy use of the previous incandescent bulbs.
The CH751 locks break easily. You don't have to go Medeco or Abloy, but Amazon has automotive grade keys that are double-sided which keep dirt at bay with a shutter, and work well enough. I might go for the triangular head cams next time, because it provides enough security.
Get a token hitch lock, so a would-be thief sees that the rig is secured. Then, secure the wheels with a wheel boot or a simple chain through the pair. After getting permission from the owner where I store my trailer, I sunk an anchor into the ground under my trailer, and have the trailer wheels chained to that. A thief might cause damage, but it would be less damage than if the thing was stolen and it was turned into a "kitchen."
Don't even think of a half-ton. Buy a one ton. This mistake I regret constantly since I bought my truck a few years back.
OEM factory trailer brake controllers are a must. The Ford ones are nice because they will handle trailer sway.
Those 2000 watt Hondas are worth it. Buy a pair with an extended run tank, and a security handle bracket.
Even in Texas, get a "four seasons" rig, if possible.
Get a Cheap Heat system if you can.
This goes without saying, but get a good rechargeable drill. This will be very useful with manual jacks.
Apologies for the ramble, but I wouldn't have realized these things when first starting.
Apologies for the ramble, but I wouldn't have realized these things when first starting.
