Tips for taking a longer trip in your RV

Getting ready to explore the country on a longer RV trip? Whether you’re headed off for a one-week excursion or months-long journey, here are some suggestions and tips before you go.

NOTE: The team at Max RV Storage is not affiliated with any of the companies, products, or services linked below – we’re just providing them for your information!

Plan out your route

There are many ways to plan out your trip route with your traveling companions, but it’s a good idea to discuss needs and wants. How long will the trip be? Do you want to visit any sites on your way? Is there a destination, or is the trip all about going from place to place? Will you take the same route coming and going? How will driving be divided up? What’s your budget?

Once you’ve plotted out a route, review which roads you’re planning to drive so you can discuss where you’ll be stopping (and for how long) and so that you can make reservations where needed. If you’re a AAA member, you can get lots of free maps and planning assistance, too (as well as emergency roadside assistance if your auto insurance doesn’t cover it).

There are numerous online sites to help you find RV parks and campgrounds, as well, including Good Sam, Hipcamp and Allstays.

If you’re planning to work from your RV for part of your trip or need online maps on the way, be sure you know where and when you’ll have reliable Internet and phone coverage, as well as a backup plan in case something goes wrong. 

There are a variety of RV-focused planning apps available, too, such as the RV Life Trip Wizard and Adventure Genie, that can help you put together plans and which offer reviews, tips, and cost estimates, if you’re interested.

What to pack

The clothing you’ll pack depends on your anticipated weather and trip length, of course, but be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather conditions. If you’re packing a lot and are worried about things getting a little cramped, check out our blog post on interior storage ideas for your RV.

In terms of food, you’ll save a lot of money and stress at the end of a long day of driving if you have plenty of supplies along. It’s a lot easier to get settled in your campground or RV park and heat up some homemade chili rather than have to go back out again late at night to find a grocery store (or get your RV stuck in a fast-food drive through)!

Pack essential safety items

No matter where or when you plan to travel, there are certain safety items you should always pack in your RV in case of emergency. Make sure you have a first aid kit, extra medications (if you need them), a fire extinguisher, jumper cables, extra motor oil, batteries, blankets, flares, at least one flashlight, and plenty of drinking water.

If you need to find a hospital on your trip, you can do a Google search on your phone, but depending on which health insurance provider you have (and how far away from medical services you’ll be), you may want to plot out in-network providers beforehand so that you don’t risk running up a big medical bill in an emergency.
 

Practice driving, if needed

As we noted in another recent blog post, if this is your first big outing in your vehicle, be sure to practice driving, parking, and backing up your RV in a wide-open area before your trip.

Once you have your route in place, consider what road conditions you’ll face – such as mountains or hills, big cities, tight parking spots, narrow roads, etc. – and see if you can find ways to practice or prepare for those conditions.

Follow the weather

Weather can change drastically in just a few hours. Your phone can display local weather as you go, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re set up to receive automatic Wireless Emergency Alerts from the National Weather Service. These alerts are free with no app necessary, and they can provide you with emergency information in the case of a weather or local emergency.

One final tip: No matter when or where you’re traveling, make sure you take plenty of breaks and rest or switch drivers when needed. Don’t drive when you’re too tired – after all, one of the great things about an RV is having a comfortable place to rest all ready to go when you need it!

Stay safe and have a great trip!

Have additional tips to share? Need a secure, easily accessible space to store your RV between trips? Contact the team at Max RV in Clovis today!

Tips for driving, parking and backing up your RV

If you’ve never driven an RV before, or you’ve recently upgraded and gotten a bigger motorhome, there are a few things you should do and understand before heading out on your first big trip.  

RVs are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles – generally twice the weight of a car – and maneuvering them on and off the road is quite different. After you’ve made a major investment in an RV, the last thing you want is to damage it in an accident.

Here are a few tips on driving, parking, and backing up your RV, camper or trailer.

Know your RV dimensions and weight

Knowing the size and approximate weight of your RV can help you avoid getting stuck somewhere (literally!) if there’s a low clearance area, short garage, weight-restricted bridge, etc.

You’ll also want to be aware of any mirrors, vents, roof ladders or other items that stick out beyond the main frame of your vehicle that could catch on something and get damaged.

Be especially cautious when pulling into gas stations or retail parking lots in towns. Large travel stops along on the interstate and major highways are designed to handle semis and big motorhomes that need high clearance, but a small mom-and-pop shop in town may have low light fixtures, curbs, or an overhang that you may need to avoid.

Practice makes perfect

This one’s a must: Before you take your first major trip, practice driving, parking, and backing up your RV or camper in a wide-open area like a large, empty parking lot where you won’t risk hitting anything.

Get a feel for driving and turning going forward and backward, braking, and parking. Doing this will give you a much better understanding of how much you can see (or not) so you can adjust your mirrors, determine where your blind spots are, see how much longer it takes to slow down and speed up or maneuver your RV.

Go slowly and use helpful tools

If you need to back up or get into a smaller parking space, it’s often helpful to stop, get out and assess the situation first. Most recent RV models have cameras to help you back up and park, so you can use these along with your mirrors, but it’s still wise to do a preliminary check to see if there are obstacles in your way, such as tree branches or other vehicles.

However, even with cameras and mirrors, the best tool of all may be a traveling companion. Let them out, open the windows so you can hear, and have them guide you as you go.

Sometimes, even with help, the best solution may be just to find another spot!

 
Slow down and move to the right

Once you’re out on the open road, remember what you’ve learned in practice about braking and speeding up. In a car, it’s much easier to speed up, pass other vehicles and switch between lanes. In an RV, you’re going to need to slow down and, in general, stick to the right-hand lane when passing lanes are available. It’s better for everyone!

Also, RVs use a lot of gas – for example, a Class A motorhome averages between 6 -10 miles to the gallon – so going more slowly will help your mileage. Mileage will vary depending on what type of RV you have, but you’re going to have to fill up a lot more often, even if you have a dual tank.

With a bit of practice, patience, and common sense, you’ll be ready to hit the road for many safe and memorable adventures in your RV.
 

Need a secure, easily accessible space to store your RV between trips? Contact the team at Max RV in Clovis today!

Options and tips for working from your RV

NOTE: The team at Max RV Storage is not affiliated with any of the companies or products below – we’re just listing them for informational purposes.

Dreaming of working remotely from your RV? Many people do, and the benefits are obvious: Getting to explore new places, enjoying nature on your lunch breaks, and packing up and moving whenever you’re ready for a change of scene or weather.

Doing an office job from your RV can also mean a much cheaper cost of living. If you own a home and live in your RV for part of the year, you might rent out your home while you’re away and use the rental income to help fund your travels.

If your RV is your permanent home, you’ll likely save thousands on a mortgage and property taxes while paying far less for heating and cooling your space.

Popular job choices for RVers

People who live the RV life have many jobs available to them – in fact, some become Uber or Lyft drivers, take on part-time seasonal work (for instance, during the holidays when companies need extra help), work at a KOA campground, or even create and sell items on platforms like Etsy.

However, some of the most popular jobs for people who live in RVs are computer- and phone-based, such as jobs in graphic and web design, marketing, sales, IT, data entry and admin support, finance and accounting, transcription services, writing and blogging, or translation.

With the help of online job platforms like Upwork and NoDesk, you can create your own profile, find and apply for jobs that sound interesting, connect with clients or businesses that need your help and start working.

One great option for RVers is to work online for companies or clients in another time zone or country. While this might sound unusual, this often gives you the chance to work during the hours you want.

For instance, when it’s morning in Australia, it’s afternoon and early evening in the U.S., which can be perfect if you want to go sight-seeing, hiking, or exploring in the morning and settle down to work in the afternoon.

Tips for working from your RV

Here are a few tips and things to think about if you decide to work online from your RV:

1. Set up a dedicated space and schedule – You may work more on some days than others, but you’ll work best if you create and stick to a regular schedule; depending on the jobs you do or the companies you work for, this may be required anyway. Set up a dedicated office area in your RV and block out the general times you’ll be working. Be honest with your clients or boss about your schedule and location changes, too.
   
   

2. Internet connection – Many RV parks and campgrounds offer reliable Wi-Fi, but make sure you have a secure, trustworthy connection and a backup plan if something goes wrong. The last thing you need is to get ready to work on a Monday morning and find out that the Internet (or your cell phone) doesn’t work.
   
   In fact, you might want to invest in a mobile hotspot for your RV. These devices can give you a better, more reliable Internet connection in areas where you have cell phone service.
   
   

3. Consider a VPN – While a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, doesn’t block all security threats, it does mask your IP address and location, and it can provide extra security when you’re online to help you avoid identity theft, data breaches and more. A VPN is also extremely useful if you end up working with a client overseas, as you can set your location to their country.
   

Looking for a secure storage solution for your RV, camper or trailer when you’re not working on the road? Contact Max RV today!

Seven long-term RV storage prep tips

The end of summer is here, and for many RV owners, that means it’s time to put their vehicle in storage for a while.

But regardless of the time of year, if you’re planning to store your RV for a few months (or even longer), there’s a list of things you should do to ensure your vehicle is clean, protected and ready to go whenever you plan your next trip.

Here are 7 important things you should do to prepare your RV, camper or motorhome for long-term storage:

1. Check your owner’s manual – The manual for your RV, camper or trailer likely has a section on preparing your vehicle for storage and/or winterizing. Look there first for recommendations and instructions.
   
   

2. Clean the inside completely – Start by cleaning out your refrigerator – the last thing you want to find in the spring is a half quart of spoiled milk that was left inside! After wiping down the inside, unplug it and leave the door slightly open to avoid any moisture or odors. Then, clean and vacuum everywhere inside, checking for any crumbs or packaged foods that could freeze, burst, or attract pests.
   
   

3. Clean the outside – It’s a good idea to wash the exterior, even if you’re storing your RV in a fully enclosed and secured facility, but if you’re taking your RV to a car wash, choose your location carefully as many have height restrictions and/or brushes that can damage vents, etc.
   
   

4. Check vents, pipes and other openings – Look for any places where insects or other pests could get inside the vehicle and cause damage, such as roof vents.
   
   

5. Turn off and empty all tanks – This tip is especially important if you’re storing your vehicle for the winter in a location where it may freeze: Drain and flush your water holding tanks (as well as the lines) as well as your water heater tank to avoid any risk of freezing or corrosion. If you have a propane tank, be sure to shut that off, too. 
   
   

6. Perform general maintenance – Take your RV to your dealer or mechanic for an oil and filter change and have them check the tire pressure, radiator, batteries, hoses, etc. Depending on the type of RV you have and where you’re storing it, you may need a fuel stabilizer for the winter.
   
   If you won’t be starting or moving your RV or camper at all for several months, you may want to consider removing the tires altogether and placing the vehicle up on jacks or blocks to avoid flat spots and protect the rubber.
   
   

7. Fill it up – Filling your RV’s gas tank before storage reduces the potential for condensation buildup inside both the gas tank and fuel lines, which can result in significant corrosion. This advice also goes for storing any car or other motor vehicle!
   
   

Again, check your owner’s manual and consult with your dealer or mechanic for additional tips on winterization in colder climates.

Looking for a secure storage solution for your RV, camper or trailer until next spring? Contact Max RV today!

Tips for buying a used RV

Thinking about buying an RV, but struggling with the price tag? You might want to consider buying a used one. In addition to saving money, there can be other advantages to buying a used RV if you’re careful and know what to look for.

Why buy a used RV?

Just like when you buy a new car or truck, the value of a new RV goes down as soon as you drive it off the lot, and many RV owners upgrade over time. This means that if you’re on a budget and do your homework, you may be able to get a bargain on a nearly new or little-used RV.  

There isn’t a shortage of used RVs right now – especially since many people bought them during COVID and then decided to sell or upgrade later – so if you’re not in a hurry, you can do some research and find what just you’re looking for.

Buying used also means that you can save some of the money you’d spend on a new model to make improvements on an older one, such as painting, changing fabrics or carpets, upgrading appliances, replacing the flooring, adding solar panels, etc.

Preparing to buy a used RV

Buying a used RV is a major investment that’s like buying a car and a home all in one, so do your research before making any purchase.

First, decide how much you can afford to spend and put together a budget that includes room for potential upgrades, routine maintenance, fuel and insurance.

Next, examine the different types of RVs available on the market and decide what size and style you’re interested in, seeing how various models match up with your budget and keeping in mind your plans for use. Ask yourself:  

• Will you be towing the RV with another vehicle, such as a truck? If so, does your other vehicle have the necessary power and towing capability?

• Will you be traveling on a regular basis for long-distance trips, and if so, what amenities will be needed?

• Will your RV be a primary residence and “home away from home” for longer periods of time, or will it just be used on weekends or short trips?

• How many people (and possibly pets) does it need to accommodate?

• Where will the RV be kept when not in use? If you’re keeping it at your home, do you have the space, security and HOA permission to store it?
  

Based on your answers, put together a realistic list of wants vs. needs and start exploring options. You may want to check out local RV dealers (who may have used as well as new models available), online sources like Craigslist or RV Trader, or referrals from family and friends.

Things to look for when buying a used RV

You should NEVER buy a used RV sight unseen or make an impulsive purchase. If you think you’ve found something, arrange to look at the RV in person so you can talk directly with the owner or dealer. When you meet and see the vehicle:

• Look carefully for signs of weather damage – especially on the roof and in the walls – such as bubbling, cracks, warping, etc.

• Turn on and check the HVAC, fans and appliances

• Run water, check any fans and lighting and test electrical switches   

• Don’t be afraid to look in drawers and cabinets

• Take it for a test drive (with the owner, if needed) to get the feel of the steering, sight lines and brakes

• See if you notice any strong chemical smells, such as formaldehyde

• If the RV has been used or stored in a wet and humid climate, check for signs or mold or mildew. Water damage is one of the biggest problems with used RVs, so keep a sharp eye out 

• If possible, ask the owner why he or she is selling it and find out about the mileage and maintenance logs
   

Finally, arrange to have a mechanic look over the RV for a thorough inspection prior to purchase.

With careful research, persistence, and a little luck, you may just find the used RV of your dreams!

Contact our team at Max RV today if you’re looking for a secure storage facility for your “new-to-you” RV, camper or trailer.

Interior storage ideas for your RV or camper

You’ve found a secure storage facility for your RV or camper in the off-season and are now getting ready to take an extended trip or long-term excursion.

But even if you have a large fifth wheel or motorhome, you may find that fitting everything you need for a couple of months into a smaller space is a challenge.

That’s where creative organization comes in.

Many solutions that work for small space living are great for RVs and trailers and can help you keep items off counters, tables, and the floor, where they’re likely to get in your way or become tripping hazards.  

Unlike a ‘permanent’ home, however, your vehicle will be moving around a lot – so make sure your solutions are stable and secure enough to stay in place when you hit a bump or go around that big curve!

Here are some of our best storage ideas for inside your RV:

NOTE: The team at Max RV Storage is not affiliated with any of the companies or products listed below – we just think they’re good options for organization!

 

1)    Get hooked

Hooks – especially Command Hooks – offer a huge range of organizational possibilities when it comes to RV interior storage. These products allow you to hang far more than just pictures and there’s a wide range of sizes to hold items weighing from a few ounces to over 10 lbs. They also offer easy-to-remove shelves, hangers, clips, and more.

Of course, you can use permanent hooks as well, but Command products are easy to install and take down without the need for drills, nails, screws or other tools (hence their “damage-free hanging” tagline). That way, if you want to change up your organization – or if you decide to sell your camper or RV in the future – you won’t have permanent holes to worry about.

2)    Go vertical

When your horizontal footprint is small, look up. Vertical storage solutions are often the way to go in smaller spaces because you can take advantage of otherwise wasted space.

Vertical storage also gives you the chance to get creative: Sure, that over-the-door clear shoe organizer can be used for shoes, but it can also hold kitchen utensils, spices, toys, toiletries, or even fishing reels.

Stackable mesh shelves or undershelf baskets can be used inside cabinets for dishes or pots and pans, but they can also be used in your fridge or pantry to hold canned or prepared foods.

And if you don’t have room for a side table next to the bed or chair in your RV, vertical hanging caddies are a fantastic way to securely hold books, glasses, remotes, magazines, and more. If you’re crafty, you can sew one yourself, or you can check out options available from Amazon.

3)    School yourself

If you’ve ever lived in a dorm room (or had to squeeze into a studio apartment), you’re already familiar with the need to economize when it comes to square footage.

Companies like Target and Walmart have taken full advantage of the “off to college” market and now offer complete lines of inexpensive storage options to fit tight spaces.

While they’re available all year round, July and August are great times to look for sales on storage items, including underbed bins, rolling storage carts, collapsible cubes, and more. 

Have some other creative interior storage ideas to share with your fellow RV and camper owners? Let us know!

Contact the team at Max RV Storage today to find out more about storing your RV, boat, camper, or car at our secure facility.

Four fun RV destinations within a four-hour drive of Clovis, NM

Sometimes you just need to get away for a weekend or a quick break – and you don’t want to start off exhausted from a long drive. If you’re storing your RV in Clovis and are looking for a new getaway spot, here are four fun destinations with RV parks and campgrounds (plus a bonus option in #3!) that are within a four-hour drive of the Max RV facility.

1)    Guadalupe Mountains National Park

A little less familiar to most people than its northeastern neighbor Carlsbad Caverns (which is a great place to visit itself), Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits right over the New Mexico border near Pine Springs, TX, and is just under a four-hour drive from Clovis. The park boasts the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and the four highest peaks in Texas, as well as many scenic drives and a wide range of hiking options.

The park has three developed campgrounds open all year (including spaces for RVs, campers and tents – however, note that these do NOT have hookups or dump stations): The Pine Springs Campground, Dog Canyon Campground, and Frijole Horse Corral Campground.

All campsites at Pine Springs and Dog Canyon can be reserved up to six months in advance by visiting recreation.gov, and you can learn more about the wide range of hiking opportunities and activities by visiting the official park website.

2)    Roswell, New Mexico

If you love UFOs and aliens, Roswell is the place for you. With a long history of sightings and famous locations, Roswell is about a two-hour drive from Clovis via US-70 and features alien- and spacecraft-themed iconography, an annual UFO festival and the International UFO Museum and Research Center. There are numerous well-rated RV parks and campgrounds scattered around and just outside the town.

And if UFOs aren’t your thing, you can check out other flying objects – namely, birds – just down the road at the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (also in Roswell). If you’re an avid birdwatcher, fall is an outstanding time to visit and enjoy the sandhill crane migration, when about 26,000 birds pass through.

The refuge itself doesn’t offer lodging or RV sites, but it’s only 10 miles from downtown Roswell and close to many campgrounds and RV parks. Recreational activities at the refuge include walking, bird and wildlife viewing, places for dog walking, photography, horseback riding and more.

3)    Sumner Lake State Park

Sumner Lake sits about an hour and half to the northwest of Clovis and in addition to offering 50 campsites (including water, a dump station and many spots with hookups in the location), the park offers activities including a wide range of boating options, fishing, birdwatching, swimming, and hiking and biking trails.

The park is open all year and includes a visitor center with a playground, picnic areas and more. Visit the website to learn more and reserve a spot.

Plus, on the way to the park, you can stop in Fort Sumner and visit the Billy The Kid Museum, as well as the famous outlaw’s grave.

In fact, if you want to split up your trip or skip the lake altogether, the Valley View RV Park is located in Fort Sumner right near the museum and offers hookups, electric, Internet and special weekly and monthly rates. 

4)    Ute Lake State Park

Located in Logan, NM, about an hour and a half drive north of Clovis, Ute Lake is a 13-mile reservoir along the Canadian River, and the state park boasts a wide variety of camping options. In particular, the Yucca Campground is designed for RVs and offers sites with water and electric, and there is a dump station as well as many other facilities and campsites available.

Boating activities permitted at the lake include canoeing, kayaking, motorboating, sailing and waterskiing, and there are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as swimming and birdwatching. Horseback riding is also allowed in some areas of the park.

Learn more and reserve a spot on the New Mexico State Parks website.

Wherever you go, stay safe, have fun and enjoy the trip – and let us know how it went when you get back!

Got a recommendation for a great RV park within 3-4 hours of Clovis? Let us know!

Contact the team at Max RV Storage today to find out more about storing your RV, boat, camper, or car at our secure facility.

Why store your RV in a dedicated facility?

Maybe you’ve just purchased an RV and are busy planning summer and fall trips. Or maybe you’ve decided to take a job where you can work from home part of the year and spend the winter months in a warmer climate, living in your motorhome and traveling when you want.  

But where will you keep your RV in the meantime? 
 
If your answer is, “I’ll just keep it in the driveway until it’s time to go,” you might want to think again.  

Here are three major reasons why you should store your RV, motorhome, or fifth wheel in a dedicated storage facility:  

1. Security  

RVs are attractive targets for theft (as well as vandalism), often because thieves can drive away not only with a vehicle, but an entire “home” full of belongings.  According to Gitnux, an independent market research platform, RV theft is a growing problem in the United States, with a 30% increase nationwide between 2016 and 2020.  

Thieves will also steal RV parts – especially catalytic converters, which are stolen for the precious metals inside. In 2020, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a total of 14,433 catalytic converter thefts reported in the U.S., with instances of RV catalytic converter theft having risen fourfold. RVs are especially attractive targets for “cat” thieves because the parts are larger and therefore worth more money.  

And despite new laws in many states to fight catalytic converter theft and proposed federal legislation under review, this issue remains a problem for RV owners.  

Dedicated storage facilities that offer 24-hour surveillance, gated access, and good lighting help protect your RV from theft and vandalism and reduce the chances of loss or damage.

2. Protection from the environment
  

Depending on size and amenities, most new RVs cost between $75,000 - $300,000. Used motorhomes or fifth wheels are generally much less, but they can still cost about as much as a house, even before insurance, maintenance, and gasoline. 

But no matter if you paid $3,000 or $300,000 for yours, an RV is a major investment that you’ll want to take care of, whether you plan to keep it for decades or sell it in a few years. Maintaining the value means keeping everything in good shape, and that means protecting your RV from the elements.  

A covered RV storage facility shields your vehicle from harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and other environmental factors that cause damage over time. A fully enclosed RV storage unit provides even better protection, keeping your investment safe from high winds, heavy rain or snow, and blowing dust.

3. HOA rules and city ordinances 
 
If your neighborhood is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may not be allowed to park an RV, camper, or trailer at your home in the first place. In most HOAs, RVs are not allowed to be stored within public view, which includes driveways, side yards and backyards.  

Because of the amount of parking space required, many HOAs limit parking to a few days – and they generally prohibit anyone from living or staying in them even in the short term, except in cases of emergency or under special permission.  

If you can fit your RV in your garage, you may be OK – but most standard-size garages just aren’t long or tall enough. 

Even if you don’t have an HOA, RVs and boats can cause problems when parked in residential areas because they can hinder visibility for residents, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. For example, here in New Mexico, there are only a few places that allow temporary RV parking in the driveway.

By keeping your RV in a dedicated, secured storage facility, you won’t have to worry about HOA fines or city violations, angry neighbors, or potential loss or damage to your investment. In fact, the peace of mind that comes from protecting your RV may be the biggest reason to store it in the first place! 

Contact the team at Max RV Storage in Clovis today to find out more about storing your RV, boat, camper, or car at our secure facility.