All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: Finding Wi-Fi on the RoadI was simply trying to provide a helpful list of places for people to get "free" wi-fi on the road. I leave it up to the readers to decide if they have a moral obligation to buy a $5 coffee before logging into Starbuck's wifi or not. I would like to zoom out to the bigger picture for a moment. We shouldn't have to pay for wi-fi and we shouldn't have to look for wi-fi either. Many countries provide free wifi in every large metropolitan area open to the public. The US has this capability too, actually the FCC is trying to put this into effect right now....but it will never happen, because free wifi = free phone calls. Increased phone calls on the internet, means the cell phone companies loosing money. The cell phone company lobbyists will have the FCC plan shut down by the end of the summer.Finding Wi-Fi on the RoadI'm on the road full time and staying connected for work and life is important to me. I don't pay for wi-fi. I find hot spots that are strong enough that I can use in my camper from the parking lot. I would love to hear other people's techniques for finding wifi. Here are my usual spots: Starbucks: Usually the strongest signal of all the places listed. McDonalds Corner Bakery Cafes Denny’s Dunkin’ Donuts FedEx: Strong Signal Whole Foods Office Depot Panera: Strong Signal Caribou Coffee Tim Hortons Coffee Bean Tea Leaf Public libraries: Occasionally will need a passcode, that you can get at the front desk. Hotels and Motels RV Campgrounds Book Stores...yes they still exist Large truck stops: Flying J, Love’s, Pilot, and TA Websites to help you find locations: AnchorFree:Only shows free wi-fi hotspots. JWire’s Wi-Fi Hotspot Shows you paid and free Google Maps: Go to the “Find Businesses” tab under the search box. Enter “wifi hotspot” in the first box and the address in the next box. It will show you an extensive list of paid and free Wi-Fi hotspots. Wi-Fi Boosters for Your Laptop Wi-Fi adapter for your laptop that will help your computer find stronger signals. For a even stronger boost you can get a Wi-Fi antenna that you keep in your camper window.Re: Bummer - found a tear in my roofYeah, EternaBond is probably the best way to go. I've fixed two seam leaks with it and they're both going 5+ years strong. Good instructions on fixing the damage with EternaBond at Best Small Camper's RV Roof Repair InstructionsYou can sometimes find it cheap on ebay. Good luck and let us know how it turns outRe: Reseal seam between the seam between roof & bodySorry to say this, but silicone caulk is bad news for this purpose. It's not really a good sealant, it's really hard to remove and it leaves residue on the material that makes it hard for other stuff to attach to it. I would get a tube of "silicone be gone" leave it on for twice as long as they recommend. scrub with scotchbrite pad and repeat. Also, a very sharp utility knife or chisel will come in handy. Then get a roll of EternaBond. Ebay is probably the cheapest place to get it. Clean the area super well, then generously put down the EternaBond tape give it pressure and you'll be all set. Good instructions on fixing RV roofs with EternaBond at Small Campers Blog Post I've fixed two seam leaks with it and they're both going 5+ years strong. Good luck and let us know how it turns out :)Re: Which trailer is best bang for buck?I second the renting recommendation. I would go to the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association website and look up the RV rental places near you, call them up to see if they have any of those models. It will be a worthy research expense. Check out:buying a camper guide, there are a bunch of rental options and tips. Good luck, your almost there!Re: Where to Sell Motorhome?I've only used Ebay and Camping world, but from what I've researched these are the best websites to sell/buy: 1. Ebay 2. Camping World 3. RVT.com 4. RV Trader 5. oodle 6. GeneralRV *You can also put up paper ads at your local RV campgrounds. If you haven'y yet, use one of these camper pricing guides Good luck!Re: RV Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!Some tips for saving money on gas: - Avoid idling, skip the drive through, check traffic reports - Only use AC on highway, using AC while going slow use more energy (8+% of your tank) - Make sure your gas cap has a good seal, other wise gasoline evaporates out, especially in the sun. - Don't use roof rack as an attic, don't haul bikes and other things, that aren't needed, they create drag using more fuel. - Always keep good air pressure in the tires, replace air filters, spark plugs and oil when needed. I've carried a product called "extra fuel" around in my storage for 5 years without thinking about it. Two weeks ago I ran out of gas in the middle of the Adirondacks, no cell phone reception, pouring rain, 3+hr walk to nearest gas stations. I put in the "extra fuel" and the truck started right up and I was able to make it to the gas station without a problem. I would def recommend carrying this at all times. It's some sort of non-flammable gas that works in all gas engine types. It says its biodegradable and completely safe to carry around. It's not cheap, around $25 for a half gal container, so it's for emergencies only, but when the time comes, the $25 is totally worth it. You can read more about what exactly it is here. I saw listed cheapest on amazon.Re: buying rvI'm no tax expert, but I know if you meet the requirements, you can claim your RV as a second home and get interest deductions on your RV loan, deduct the state sales tax, deduct the registration fees in most states. To be considered a "second home," an RV needs cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities. If you use your RV for "business purposes" you may be able to deduct some of you travel expenses (gas, food, etc.) and depreciation on the RV's value...tRe: fiberglass roof leakYeah, EternaBond is probably the best way to go. I've fixed two seam leaks with it and they're both going 5+ years strong. Good instructions on fixing the damage with EternaBond here http://bestsmallcampers.com/2013/06/07/rv-roof-repair/ You can sometimes find it cheap on ebay. Good luck and let us know how it turns out :)Re: rv showsI've personally never done this, but I've head that sometimes RV show representatives will sell the floor models at a decent discount, so they don’t have to pay for them to be moved back to their storage facility. In general, you should always do your research before showing up. I wouldn't even talk to the dealer until you know the wholesale value of the camper. If you go to a show bring a smart phone, so you can look stuff up as you walk around.
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RV Newbies We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts