Full timer where to work on your RV

[chilly81]

I'm about to embark on my full timing and was wondering what people do when they need to work on their rig? I just have a TT, so it's usually just basic stuff like sealing windows or packing bearings. But it could necessitate being up on jackstands, etc. I'm sure some places don't like to see that.... what do people generally do - just ask ahead of time and some places are OK with it?

[Pop-Pop_C]

Most camp ground will not allow any extensive maintenance in there parks.

[Slowmover]

Work that isn't inherently dirty. No oil changes. I wouldn't push it on wheel bearings. Or ripping out a cracked black tank. But, as above, plenty of work can be discreetly done. I don't mean secretively, but with consideration.

Butyl backed painters drop cloths are always good for indoor and outdoor work. Same for heavy gauge drum liners. Spend a great deal more money and time on area protection than you might at home. It's reassuring to others.

I like to clean up the parking spot beforehand, not just afterwards. Makes controlling things easier as one goes along.

[2gypsies1]

valhalla360 wrote:
The one I find funny is lots of places prohibit washing of rigs. If you are in the desert SW, I can understand due to water consumption but in places with plentiful water, it makes no sense as this keeps the park looking good with nice clean rigs. Luckily there are plenty of parks that will let you wash the rig.

There are reasons many parks will not allow washing of rigs. Probably a top reason would be wasting water. Some can do it efficiently. Some will not. Some parks will allow it if you're spending a month or a season there. Think about if you were only there for a day or two and washed it. Then the next person comes in and washes his. Then the next. Soon the parking area would be mushy even if the parking is on gravel.

Back to the OPs question....as stated, if it's minor 90% of the time you'll be allowed to do it. Major - no. Something like replacing a vent cover or sealing seams would generally be allowed. Some parks have a special area for more major work. Oil changes could be very messy and that's why they wouldn't be allowed. Also disposing of it.

Hopefully, you won't have to do any major work!

[chilly81]

halfwright wrote:
I volunteer at state and COE parks that allow you to work on your rig. Many will let you use the tools you need--like cutting torch or welder.

Well I've been on the road for a couple weeks now and so far so good - only organizing things inside the trailer. This is a great bit of info though - sounds almost too good to be true, but I'm planning on hitting a number of COE's, so I'll have to check things out - definitely worth asking.

[halfwright]

I volunteer at state and COE parks that allow you to work on your rig. Many will let you use the tools you need--like cutting torch or welder.

[BarbaraOK]

Lots of place won't let you wash rigs/cars anymore. Often depends upon the local environmental laws. For example, lots of communities now sample run off into storm sewers during rain storms. If oil/grease found and they can track it back and see someone with water running off of a rig into the street that leads to the storm sewer, then there is a violation. Car/truck washes have oil/grease separators to catch that and divert such runoff.

As for kick backs - no different than the places we've seen that say you can't use on board w/d because of their septic systems, all the while having laundry rooms (with money going to park) which empty into same said septic system. And commercial w/d use a lot more water than an onboard system.

Barb

[valhalla360]

falconman wrote:
We were staying for several,weeks at a park in Northern California when I decided to clean the outside using some waterless cleaner. Got a call from the management the next day that they didn't allow washing of your own rig, that it was a "resort, not a trailer park". They did however, have an approved vendor that I could hire. I'm sure there is some kickback involved as the approved vendor was nearby the day I did this. I understand the water shortage stance, that's why I use the waterless. It seems they prefer dirty rigs in their resort.

Again I can certainly understand if you are in an area with limited water but yes, there are places like this where it just doesn't make sense....and no most people aren't using 500gal to wash the rig.

[mkane]

Did you ever think that most of the restrictions park place on maintenance are due to environmental issues? Some folks don't exactly always follow the rules. Letting soap run the ground may create a situation with the local environmental people where the owners have to pay for cleanup. How about the person who just drains their oil on the ground or dumps it somewhere? Imagine the cost of having to clean that up not to mention the fines?

[DianneOK]

Falconman......wow...., just.... wow....

[falconman]

We were staying for several,weeks at a park in Northern California when I decided to clean the outside using some waterless cleaner. Got a call from the management the next day that they didn't allow washing of your own rig, that it was a "resort, not a trailer park". They did however, have an approved vendor that I could hire. I'm sure there is some kickback involved as the approved vendor was nearby the day I did this. I understand the water shortage stance, that's why I use the waterless. It seems they prefer dirty rigs in their resort.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

valhalla360 wrote:
Always best to ask. The one I find funny is lots of places prohibit washing of rigs. If you are in the desert SW, I can understand due to water consumption but in places with plentiful water, it makes no sense as this keeps the park looking good with nice clean rigs. Luckily there are plenty of parks that will let you wash the rig.

In my experience - this is due to either a cost of water issue, or a drainage issue.

Some folks can wash a 35 foot rig with 20 or so gallons of water, and others will use 500 gallons.

------------

Great topic.

----------------

As other mention - we try to get into a park which is not family/ resort/ vacation centric. And we do the work when the park is minimally occupied.

But we always ask - even at COE parks.

I've been told to take the TT over to the auto hobby shop at military base RV parks - which actually worked better because of the available tools. Nothing like a dozen 10 ton jacks and jack stands to make bearing maintenance simple.

[valhalla360]

Campgrounds often have rules against it but they are usually concerned with appearance to other campers and making sure you can drive away when it's time for you to leave.

Anything that will leave the rig disassembled for more than a couple hours is likely a no go.

If you are going to rebuild the engine or other major work, they are likely going to tell you no. If you just need to reseal a seam on the roof, it's usually not an issue if you ask.

Always best to ask. The one I find funny is lots of places prohibit washing of rigs. If you are in the desert SW, I can understand due to water consumption but in places with plentiful water, it makes no sense as this keeps the park looking good with nice clean rigs. Luckily there are plenty of parks that will let you wash the rig.

[4X4Dodger]

tsetsaf wrote:
When we bought this rig I performed major suspension and wheel upgrades while at camp. Here is how I handled it:

1. Recognize that it "looks" bad to everyone other than you
2. Pick a park that is not a resort and not vacationy. We picked a place that was mostly permanents living and working in the area.
3. Perform the work only between 10am and 3pm when most everyone is gone or out and about.
4. Do not leave it on jackstands overnight
5. Get permission from owner/ manager

The nice thing about a tt is rarely will you be performing obvious outside repairs. The inside stuff can be hidden.

Its so refreshing to see common sense and consideration for ones neighbors so well put on this forum.

[tsetsaf]

When we bought this rig I performed major suspension and wheel upgrades while at camp. Here is how I handled it:

1. Recognize that it "looks" bad to everyone other than you
2. Pick a park that is not a resort and not vacationy. We picked a place that was mostly permanents living and working in the area.
3. Perform the work only between 10am and 3pm when most everyone is gone or out and about.
4. Do not leave it on jackstands overnight
5. Get permission from owner/ manager

The nice thing about a tt is rarely will you be performing obvious outside repairs. The inside stuff can be hidden.