Save Your RV Refrigerator: Always Level

Above, leveled in Yosemite National Park's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is an axiom in the RVing world: always lever your RV to prevent damage to your propane refrigerator. 

No matter how long I am stopped anywhere for overnighting, I always lever the motorhome. If I am stopping somewhere that would be longer than 30 minutes, I shut the refrigerator off. When I get back into the motorhome to get back on the road, I turn it back on.

I have never had to replace my RV's refrigerator due to not leveling since I do the above.

This is a topic in RV Travel that every RVer should read. 

They begin with:

 I read this tip:

Do you level? That’s a question repeatedly posted on RV forums, regarding leveling an RV when stopping at the end of the day. Here’s a typical response: “I try to get it relatively close unless it’s just for an overnight stop, in which case I don’t bother.” Unless it’s an overnight stop? ALWAYS level your RV. Another comment tells you why: “I’m on my second Dometic 4-door. I level METICULOUSLY every time I stop to camp and I check level every morning. I refuse to go thru all that replacement AGAIN.”

RV refrigerators need to be level to work properly, and to prevent damage. No absorption-type RV refrigerator has ever read the fine print that says, “Don’t count the damage caused by operating off-level if it’s only overnight.” Seriously, damage to an RV cooling unit is CUMULATIVE, and every “only overnight” adds up. Can’t level? Shut off the fridge.

I was rather shocked by people’s thinking that running an absorption refrigerator out of level overnight or for any length of time is an acceptable practice. As mentioned above, the damage is cumulative, adding up each time you operate your refrigerator out of level.

To read more, go here. 

RV Chores

Above, drying the awning after getting home from the car wash. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before it got too hot today, I took the motorhome out to Gallup to get a few things done. It was a good thing that I did as it got to 90° this afternoon.

I took it to T & R Propane at the north end of town to get the propane tank filled. It took about 9 gallons of propane. Next to the propane station, they had sheep for sale for around $275 each. T & R is a family-owned business that includes "western wear, vet, tack, rope, saddles, trailers, fencing, pet supplies, toys, home decor, and much more. We finance trailers, saddles, and campers. We pawn tools, tractors, trailers, vehicles and more. We have two pawn shops, two gas stations, several tax offices, a propane department, a grocery store, truck accessory store, a toolshed, and a feedstore."

Above, everything done, now it's Alien time. 

Following this, I headed back into town to a coin-operated car wash to wash the motorhome. It needed a good wash since the trip in April to Tombstone and Tucson.

After stopping for a few groceries, I headed back to Jamestown. But before heading home, I filled the gas tank to half at the Flying J. Gas was $3.679/gallon. With my Good Sam discount, the price was lowered to $3.629/gallon.

When I got home, I unfurled the awning to let it dry out from the car wash to prevent mildew. While letting it dry, I popped open an Alien Amber Ale and relaxed.

Unless I decide otherwise, the next camping trip will be next month to Ridgway, Colorado for this year's John Wayne Cancer Foundation's marathon. I volunteered to work a water station for the marathon runners.

RV Travel: Portable Heaters Safety Tips

Above, the ceramic electric heater I use. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RVs these days include indoor propane heaters to keep one warm during cold weather. The problem with them is that they eat up propane, which is quite expensive.

An alternative to RV propane heaters are portable space heaters. Mine (a ceramic electric heater) has saved me plenty of money over the years.

But one should be aware that space heaters come with their own set of hazards. RV Travel has posted some safety tips when using them.

They begin with:

Winter brings cold temperatures, biting winds, and even snow or sleet. Will your RV furnace keep you toasty? How much will it cost to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your rig? Perhaps a space heater can supplement your furnace heat and save you money on costly propane, too. Before you get started, it’s important to know critical safety tips for using portable heaters.

To read more, go here. 

Propane Price: Not As Bad As I Expected

Above, The Beast at the clampout two weeks ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before heading off to the fall clampout in Arizona with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus two weeks ago, I went to Gallup Propane Service to have The Beast's propane tank filled.

The motorhome needed five gallons. The price was lower than I expected : $2.40/gallon. It was $1.54/gallon in 2019.

It was still less than what I was used to when I lived in Tarzana, California. The price was usually around $3.60/gallon at the Northridge U-Haul.

Generally, our autumn weather tends to be brief and we get our first snowfall in October, which is only days away. The last fill-up of the house propane tank was at the end of August and I haven't used much propane while home or while off camping.

Good Beer Blimp Gondola At Albuquerque Sunport

Above, the gondola of one Good Beer Blimp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While waiting for Jessica's plane to arrive at the Albuquerque Sunport, I was wandering around the terminal. As I was coming down an escalator, I spotted an interesting display. It was the gondola to an experimental advertising blimp, the Good Beer Blimp. 

I am guessing it was experimental as the motor ran on liquid propane. 

Above, the gondola was made from a Cessna 337 Skymaster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the USML Digital Library:

The "Good Beer Blimp Busch" is the latest high-flying sales promotion vehicle for Anheuser-Busch Inc., a company spokesman said Thursday.

Above, an inside view from the front. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Apparently, there were two Good Beer Blimps. One was the Anheuser-Busch Good Beer Blimp Busch and the other was the Good Beer Blimp Budweiser. 

I couldn't tell from the gondola or the display's card which Good Year Blimp this one was.

Above, the display card. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The blimp only lasted about two years as it had stability and other issues and it consumed its propane fuel at a fast rate. 

For more details, go to Hot Airships.com

Recall: LP Gas Danger On New RVs

There's a dangerous problem with some new RVs. It is the LP (liquid propane) fittings that are cracked or porous, allowing LP gas to escape.

According to RV Travel:

Eight RV manufacturers, 37 models and 22,021 RVs from model years 2021 and 2022 have dangerous RV cracked and porous LP gas fittings that can lead to a fire, and they don’t know it. Worse yet, almost all of the RV factories say they will not send notices to tell dealers or the public about it until July 1st.

The recalls were quietly announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but virtually all factory warning letters to the RV dealers and owners of these RVs will not go out until July 2022, according to filings with federal safety regulators. Meanwhile, they say 100% of certain models of Cruiser RV, DRV, Heartland, Highland Ridge, Jayco, KZRV, Thor, and Starcraft have cracked gas fittings on recall.

The article also includes a list of the makes and models of the RVs affected.

To read more, go here.

RV Refrigerator Fires

Above, the refrigerator and galley of my Minnie Winnie. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only really tedious thing about RVs to me is having to level them so that the propane RV refrigerator inside will properly work. 

Another aspect about RV refrigerators is that they can and do catch fire.

Do It Yourself RV discusses this in a new article.

They begin it with:

Today’s modern RVs are equipped with all the niceties and technology you’d find at home. Of course, this includes refrigerators. While very large RVs have gravitated towards residential refrigerators, most smaller RVs still rely on the gas/electric absorption refrigerator that has been used in RVs for decades. This is due to the cost, efficiency, and power requirements of smaller RVs. Knowing which RV refrigerator you have is vital. 

While a residential refrigerator might not operate at its highest efficiency when off-level, a gas/electric absorption RV refrigerator may not operate at all. At worst, it can be a dangerous fire hazard.

To read more, go here. 

RV Propane Safety

Above, getting the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everyone who has an RV uses propane.

It is the most common RV fuel to use. It is used for refrigerators, campfires, barbeques and heating. It is so common that it is easy to take for granted. 

RV Life has posted an article of seven important propane safety tips.

They begin it with:

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t use propane as part of their RV experience. Propane gets used in RVs for cooking, refrigeration, and heating.  Outside of the RV, propane has a host of other uses like firing up the barbecue or propane fireplace.  The use of propane is so common, it’s easy for RVers to take propane safety for granted. 

Propane is a colorless, odorless gas that is compressed into a liquid.  Since propane is a highly noxious gas that can kill quickly if a leak goes undetected, gas companies add a rotten egg smell to it. This smell helps us detect propane leaks before they can poison us. When handled correctly, propane is a stable, safe, and convenient fuel.

To read more, go here. 

Saving RV Propane and Batteries

Above, having the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saving on propane and electricity while camping, especially while boondocking or dry camping, is essential for remaining comfortable and having a trouble-free time.

Do It Yourself RV has 8 tips on saving propane and battery power.

They begin with:

Here are 8 tips to help you save on propane and other energy costs as prices continue to soar. Use these tricks to preserve your RV propane and batteries.

To see what they are, go here. 

How To Determine Your RV Furnace’s Propane Usage

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first real use I put my RV furnace to was while dry camping at Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. I put it on when I went to bed, but I found myself cold when I woke up and got out of bed early the next morning. I had plenty of propane, but what I didn't count on was that the furnace drained my house battery to zilch. 

Normally, I stay at RV parks with full hook-ups, thereby providing power to my space heater and RV furnace. Even though I have access to power, I use the RV furnace sparingly to conserve the propane and rely more on the space heater. And, since l learned my lesson, I don't use the furnace until I am awake as I am warm enough under the covers. I have not had any problems since.

How much propane does an RV furnace use? To answer that question, Do It Yourself RV posted an article that tells all.

They start it with:

How much propane does an RV furnace use? This is not a question you typically hear sitting around the campfire with other RVers. You are more likely to hear questions like how long will my battery last, how long will my freshwater last, or how long will my propane last. The last three questions are totally subjective, but “how much propane does an RV furnace use” has a definitive answer. 

Note: This article addresses DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) RV furnaces found in most newer RVs—not older RV furnaces that contain pilot lights.

To read more, go here. 

RV Oven Won't Light

Above, the galley (refrigerator/freezer, stovetop, sink and oven. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A confession: I've only used the oven in my motorhome once and had difficult lighting it. I generally use the stovetop, barbecue grill or microwave oven to cook.

So this topic definitely caught my eye, posted by Do It Yourself RV. The title is, "What To Do If Your RV Oven Won't Light."

They begin it with: 

RV ovens can be a challenge to light for various reasons. Is your RV oven being used as a breadbox? Here’s what to do if your RV oven won’t light.

RV oven troubleshooting

It’s not uncommon to see RV ovens that have never been used. Some people choose to do all their cooking outdoors, but some just don’t want to fight with lighting the oven.

Many residential ovens are electric, requiring no special operation besides turning a knob. Gas ovens in residential settings are mostly problem-free as they generally stay lit and only require lighting after power outages or a gas issue.

Having your RV oven not light when needed can be frustrating and may lead to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all week while camping.

So let’s look into what to do if your RV oven won’t light.

To read more, go here. 

Detecting RV Propane Leaks

Above, a propane technician filling The Beast's propane tank. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since propane is the primary fuel source for heating, hot water and refrigeration in RVs, it is important to know how to detect a dangerous RV propane leak.

This is the topic of a new article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

An RV propane leak can happen anywhere throughout the RV propane system. Propane leaks often originate in cracked propane lines or cracked or broken fittings. 

Age, use, and general wear and tear all wreak havoc on the RV’s propane system, and RV propane leaks can happen, anytime and anywhere.  If you smell rotten eggs around or in your RV, you should definitely know how to detect and identify an RV propane leak.

To read more, go here. 

Best Electric Heaters For RV Camping

Above, the temperatures got down into the 20s at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka,
 Kansas, prompting me to purchase an electric space heater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I camped for a few days in Topeka, Kansas while waiting for a money transfer at my bank. While there, the nighttime temperatures dropped down into the 20s. I was using my built-in propane heater in my motorhome, but that wasn't cost effective. I needed an electric heater to help save propane.

Luckily, a Walmart was nearby and I went over there to pick up an electric space heater. I bought a ceramic electric space heater and it fit my needs perfectly. I still use it to this day.

Above, the electric space heater I bought in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The topic of what is the best electric heater for RV camping has been posted at Do It Yourself RV. 

They start it off with:

“What is the best electric heater for RV camping?” This is a question many RVers ask when cold weather rolls around each year. After all, why spend money on propane to operate your propane furnace if you have shore power (120 VAC) available to operate an electric heater?

If you search online for “best electric heater for RV” you will find a nearly endless list of comparisons, reviews, and debates on electric heaters. The problem is, you don’t need to know the absolutely best electric heater for RV use, you need to know the best choice of electric heater for the way you use your RV.

Let’s look at the different types of electric heaters and features to determine which ones fit your needs.

To read more, go here. 

How To Heat An RV Without Propane

Above, The Beast at Red Rock Park Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unless one is headed to the desert with thousands of other snowbirds, heating an RV will be challenging. 

There are ways of heating an RV without propane. Using up the RV propane supply in order to heat it is costly. Obviously, if the the RV is at a campground with full hook-ups, running a space heater or two off the AC electric supply is easy.

According to RV Life, there's other ways of heating an RV.

They begin with:

Many RV heaters and appliances are powered by propane, but this isn’t always a convenient energy source. You have to refill propane tanks often and the cost can add up quickly. Luckily, if you want to know how to heat an RV without propane, there are many ways to do this.

For those who use their RVs during the colder months of the year, proper heating is especially important. You need to make sure that the interior stays at a comfortable temperature and that your water tanks don’t freeze. Although propane heating works pretty well, there are lots of other ways to solve the heating problem. 

To read more, go here. 

Propane Heaters: Dangers and Precautions

Above, the ceramic electric space heater I use. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I camped in a pop-up camper (tent trailer), I used a portable propane heater to heat the inside. 

It worked well, but I was concerned about carbon monoxide and rarely used it. I still have it, in case I need to use it outdoors. Nowadays, if my RV is plugged into a campground's electric outlet, I use a portable ceramic space heater. I have a built-in heater in the motorhome that runs off of the coach's battery and propane, but I only use that when dry camping so not to use up the propane. In either case, I do keep a window cracked open for ventilation.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on the dangers of using propane heaters and what precautions that should be taken.

They start it with:

A travel trailer set on fire in Oregon recently after a dog knocked over a portable propane heater.

The RVer was lucky to escape unharmed in this case, but accidents like this are not uncommon.  If you’re using a portable propane heater to stay warm over the winter, you’ll want to follow a few simple precautions to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

To read more, go here. 

Thank Goodness For Space Heaters

Above, the propane truck arrived to fill the tank. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today started out normally until I started feeling cold.

So, I went to turn the thermostat up. After a while, I noticed no change and my thermometer in the kitchen read 50°. I had the thermostat set at 75°. It was in the 20s outside.

At first, I thought the heating unit (a Coleman propane model) had dirty filters that could affect the heater, which it did. I cleaned them off (I'll get new ones Wednesday). That had no effect.

After trying different things to get the heater to work, I contacted a HVAC guy in Gallup and set up an appointment.

At least I was able to keep myself and Sierra warm with a space heater.

I don't remember why I did this, but I went into the kitchen to turn on a burner on the stove. Nothing happened. The igniters were working on all burners but no propane was coming out to ignite. 

A-ha! That was the problem! I was out of propane. I cancelled the HVAC service call.

My account with the propane supplier in Gallup was current (paid last in early November) and apparently I received no deliveries for some time. So I called them and gave them hell.

Within an hour, a propane truck showed up an filled the tank. And later, a technician showed up to re-light the pilot lights to the water heater, stove and heater and perform a Propane Safety Check.  The bill the driver gave me was a whopper: nearly $600. But, if I pay the bill by December 16, the price would be discounted down to $571. I mailed the check today.

What a day!

Dry Week With Cold Nights

Above, Barking Spider Acre earlier this week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, I am already missing summer.

The daytime temperatures have been comfortable (when there's no wind), but the nights are getting bone-chilling cold.

Right now, it is about 22° outside. Inside, I have my thermostat set at 70° in order to conserve propane. Since propane prices are high, I have not pushed the thermostat to 75°.

The upcoming week will be dry, according to the National Weather Service. At least I'm not in Oregon where floods from heavy rains have swelled rivers and eroding hillsides.

The forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. West wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Democrats Double Down On Destroying America's Energy Infrastructure

Above, a New Mexico Flying J gasoline pump. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People are rightly concerned about energy prices. They are seeing gasoline prices skyrocket. They are seeing shortages with oil and propane, essential for home heating during the upcoming winter months. And, they are blaming the Democrat Party, and rightly so.

The Democrat extremists are in control of the party and government machinery. They are hell-bent on destroying America's energy infrastructure.

This is what a new article in The Hill is presenting.

Some snippets:

Voters just handed Democrats a crushing defeat in the most recent elections, and it appears that further setbacks may be on the near horizon. The party seems to have two clear choices: They could pause and reconsider, or they could double down.

Taking an even stronger position might embolden their team and bring on future wins, or it could turn into further setbacks as voters flee from their increasingly extreme views. Doubling down is a definite risk, but it’s clearly the hand many senior Democrats are choosing to play. In energy policy terms, doubling down means that, with winter approaching and energy prices skyrocketing, they were — even momentarily — considering plans to close down yet another major pipeline. 

He began his time in office by rejoining the Paris agreement and killing the Keystone XL pipeline, then moved on to helping promote Russian pipeline construction, and then to begging OPEC to increase production. Fellow Democrats are even pressuring Biden to consider shutting down oil exports and tapping the strategic petroleum reserve. 

Apparently, they have never seriously considered encouraging the American oil and gas industry to increase production and transportation of their products. In fact, we’ve even been treated to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm’s guffawing when asked to consider the notion that she might be able to do something — anything — to help rein in energy prices by expanding domestic production.  

Even worse, while Granholm yucked it up on TV, she was also warning members of OPEC that “we need to increase [energy] supply at this moment so that people will not be hurt during the winter months.” Despite recognizing the protective value of more energy supplies, the Biden administration first acknowledged, and then rapidly walked back, reports that they were studying the costs of closing down the Line 5 pipeline, which supplies heating and transportation fuels to much of the Midwest.

Now you can see why the Democrats took a drubbing in recent elections and why Biden's approval numbers are below 40% in many polls. The Administration is full of lunatic leftist idiots.

To read more, go here. 

Will There Be A Propane Shortage This Winter?

Above, getting the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I heat my home with propane (along with using it in my RV), I am keeping tabs on the propane supply and price situation.

So far, I've had no problem in getting propane, although it has been priced higher (over $3.00).

RV Life has an article on the whether or not there will be a propane shortage.

They begin with:

With an extra cold winter on the horizon and rumors of a propane shortage, many people have started to worry that the U.S. might run out of fuel during the 2021 winter season. Millions of people use natural gas to heat their homes and RVs, so a propane shortage could be disastrous for families who are trying to keep warm this winter.

Propane prices are currently higher than they have been since 2014, and national stockpiles are being stretched thin due to high demand inside and outside the country. According to the U.S. Energy Administration, it’s projected that about half of the Americans who use natural gas to heat their homes will spend 30% more than in previous years.

However, it seems unlikely that the country will completely run out of propane during the winter, as the U.S. is one of the top producers and is capable of increasing production to prevent a major crisis. Supplies may be somewhat limited, and it’s likely that the prices will be higher in the winter of 2021. Homeowners and RVers who rely on propane should prepare for this situation and possibly consider switching to alternative energy methods that will be more sustainable.

To read more, go here. 

Propane “Armageddon” Coming?

Above, getting the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before heading off to Quartzsite for the fall Clampout with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus last week, I had my motorhome's propane tank filled. It was $2.69 per gallon, which, as a new article in RV Travel states, is the national average price for propane. It is about a dollar more than last year.

Trouble may be on the horizon for propane supplies this winter. This is something that I will have to keep an eye on as my home runs on propane.  

RV Travel wrote:

RVers who are still using their rigs this winter would be wise to keep a close eye on their propane levels.

Propane industry analysts are already warning of an “Armageddon” in the U.S. propane market due to low supply, high demand, and the resulting rocketing prices.

Edgar Ang, who is with the research firm IHS Markit Ltd., said U.S. propane inventories are at record lows and will remain extremely tight as the cold weather sets in. Experts are also warning that mean temperatures in the Lower 48 states are expected to drop into the 60-55 degree range by the end of October, and heating degree days (those days that signal the start of the heating season) have already begun in much of the country.

To read more, go here.