The Best Way to Protect Your RV from Environmental Damage

Sometimes, RV dealerships will try to talk you into expensive add on procedures that really aren't needed. Indeed, one of their top profit makers is convincing new owners into buying very expensive spray-on treatments for the interior or exterior. After an RV dealer asks for Mike's advice on whether he should pay $900 for such a treatment for his new RV, Mike offers much cheaper and very practical advice. That's one of many topics tackled in episode 64 of the Roadtreking RV Podcast. [spp-player] Complete shownotes for episode 64: How to Protect your RV's Exterior To the listener who wondered about spraying on some exterior protection for $900 on his new RV, Mike offers his opinion [spp-timestamp time="9:25"]. Perhaps a better investment is a good cover for your RV, he says. Don’t buy the cheap ones. A good cover is like good shoes. It should snugly fit your RV. [spp-tweet tweet="Why you should have a cover for your RV"] Over time the roof and exterior of your motorhome begin to show signs of wear, caused by constant exposure to the elements. Ozone in the air and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun start to take their toll, which is first evident by signs of fading paint. The ozone in the air also causes products like rubber and vinyl to dry out, crack and start to deteriorate. The UV rays from the sun make this aging process happen quicker. If possible, try to keep your RV covered when not using it, to help protect it from Mother Nature. The cover model Mike recommends is Hugger Covers. Now… as to having someone spray stuff on… for $900. Mike says he does not recommend this. The best way to protect yourt RV is to clean it. Wash it afer use and wax it once or twice a year. These treatments the caller's dealer is trying to sell him is pure profit. Mike instead suggests that he use Turtle Wax Ice. It costs about $7.50 for a 48 oz bottle and produces a thick foam which encapsulates and loosens abrasive soils. The encapsulation technology helps prevent soils from re-depositing on the paint finish to reduce the formation of swirl marks and minor surface scratches. Jennifer's RV Tip of the Week Jennifer shares how she attracts hummingbirds to a feeder that attaches to an 'sRV outside window. It's called the Perky-Pet 8 oz Window Mount Hummingbird Feeder. It costs about $9 on Amazon. [spp-timestamp time="7:00"] Hummingbirds are very active so if there are any in the area you are visiting, it won’t take them long to find you window feeder, even if you have just set it out. [spp-tweet tweet="Attract hummingbirds to your RV"] RV Question: Tire Pressure Monitoring System A listener asks what kind of tire pressure monitoring system Mike recommends. [spp-timestamp time="14:53"] While there are many different monitoring systems available. In your case, I would recommend the EEZTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System with six sensors. It costs a little over $300 from Amazon. [spp-tweet tweet="The best tire pressure monitoring system for your RV"] RV Question: Retrofitting an old RV with a generator Another listener wants to know whether a 20 year old Class B RV can be retrofitted with a a built-in Onan generator. [spp-timestamp time="17:07"] Installing a generator in an RV that is not equipped for one is a daunting project, says Mike. Even if you have provisions for one, things like mounting, cooling, wiring, fuel supply, exhaust routing, noise and vibration, and accessibility all need to be seriously considered and planned for. Onan generators have lots of good material online, including an RV generator handbook and a guide to choosing a generator for a Class B motorhome. [spp-tweet tweet="Retrofitting a generator to an old RV"] RV Question: Finding a Used Roadtrek A man looking for a used 1995 through 1999 model Roadtrek asks where he should start looking for it.[spp-timestamp time="21:57"]  Mike has three suggestions: Call Roadtrek dealers around the country. Many have waiting lists. Tell them what you want.