Northwest RVing
The Northwest RVing Blog site is hosted by MHRV (Manufactured Housing and Recreational Vehicle) Show Association. Each year, MHRV presents three important trade shows in the greater Seattle area to promote and display the RV Lifestyle. We are all about RVing and hope you will enjoy the many articles posted here about RVing in general and about our upcoming shows.
Take a Brake
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- Written by Dave Helgeson
In a previous "Ask Dave" article, we looked at RV tires and motorhome brakes. While motorhome braking systems are similar to what is used in the automotive and trucking industries, the braking system on towable RVs like travel trailers, tent trailers and fifth wheels is totally different. Take a break and learn more...
The following is an overview of the typical braking system found on the majority of towable RVs and what you should know about safety and service.
Navigating RV Life During a Pandemic: Tips & Resources for Staying Healthy
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- Written by Shari and Hutch
When the news of the severity of this health crisis hit on March 11, we happened to be in our “hometown” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As part of our 2020 Road Show, we were just days away from doing our next public presentations and open houses at both the local university and an outdoor outfitter, as well as visiting with old friends. Needless to say, everything came to an abrupt halt overnight!
Like almost 1 million other Americans, we don’t have a traditional home in which to shelter. We live 24/7 out of our RV’s, vans, or travel trailers. Some of us never had a traditional home, others sold theirs and hit the road like we did. Some folks are seeking a more sustainable way of life, some simply can’t afford a stick-built home, others are young families giving their children an educational experience of a lifetime, some work from the road or work seasonally in various parts of the country, and others are retired or partially-retired. We are a very diverse group, but we all have one thing in common right now – we are all finding our own ways to social distance, stay healthy, and find an appropriate area to shelter in place without the comforts of a traditional home.
Be Ready for a Camping Trip
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- Written by Dave Helgeson
Spring 2020 will be etched in everyone’s memory for many years to come. Kids are out of school for weeks, sports are cancelled, restaurants are closed, movie theaters are shuttered, employees are furloughed or encouraged to work from home, borders are restricted and stores are sold out of toilet paper across the country.
March of 2020 has certainly changed the paradigm for recreation. Effects from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to change daily as we all try to follow the recommendations from the CDC and our state governments. In Washington State, we had been able to get out and camp while still practicing social distancing…until March 25th when the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” policy went into effect.
Why Half a Bubble Off May Be Good
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- Written by Dave Helgeson
Pages have been written about How to Correctly Level Your RV, front to rear and side to side to keep the absorption refrigerator happy and functioning properly. In fact, you will find a wealth of information in books and on the internet as to why it’s important to level your RV and how to properly do so. Proper leveling is not only important for the refrigerator but also can play a part in proper operation of; the slide-outs, entry doors closing properly, shower and sink drains, etc.
Those are all valid reasons for leveling your RV and I agree with most of the methods for doing so.
However, RV absorption refrigerators are not as temperamental regarding level as they once were and sometimes having your RV slightly off level one way or another can be advantageous.
10 Favorite Travel Toiletries for Your RV
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- Written by Emily Helgeson
Camping is often seen as an escape from the hustle and bustle of your busy, daily life. An excuse to get out of the city and in the great outdoors. But if it starts to become an excuse for poor personal hygiene, that’s where we all should draw the line. I’ve put together a list of my top 10 favorite travel toiletry items, perfect for your next camping adventure. So the next time you find yourself sniffing a shirt to decide if it’s re-wearable, or excusing that rats nest you call your hair because, “hey, it’s camping,” refer to the list below. Easy no muss, no fuss travel toiletry items to bring along on the next camping trip with your RV.