DECATUR TEXAS TX RV PARK PARKS - What Are The Best Propane Accessories For Your RV?

 

Propane Accessories: Top Picks For RVers

Most RVs have a combination of power sources: Battery power, solar energy, and propane are some of the main options. Although batteries can take you a long way, you almost always need propane to power a few appliances and systems. That’s where propane accessories come in handy.

Propane is a fairly safe and stable fuel source. It acts quickly, and the fuel can last for a decent amount of time. If you want to make the most out of your RV resources, you’ll need a few propane accessories for safety and convenience. These products help to direct and regulate gas flow, as well as keep tanks stable.

In general, RVs already have basic propane systems in place, but you can always add extra features to improve their functionality. Below, we’ve gathered information about some of the best propane accessories. Just make sure you find a product that fits your vehicle specifications before you buy it!

Propane/Gas alarm

One of the most important items for any RV is a propane/gas alarm. Fuel leaks are uncommon, but they can still happen. Manufacturers add a rotten-egg “smell agent” called mercaptan to help detect leaks because propane alone has no smell. Even then, propane can be very difficult to smell on its own, so you need an automated device that can detect it for you. A lot of propane alarms can also detect smoke, carbon monoxide, and other dangerous gases.

Plenty of RVs have these systems pre-installed, but you may want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model. Don’t forget to replace the batteries on a regular basis. You need to ensure that the monitor is active if you want it to do its job!

Some of the best alarm systems on the market include the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector and the Natural Gas Detector and Propane Detector from GasKnight. A good alarm system will usually cost between $30-$50, so they’re not too pricey.

Propane tank stabilizer

Propane tanks are generally narrow at the top and bottom. This design makes it easy to connect them to your RV fuel lines, but it’s a nightmare when you try to balance your spare tanks. Ideally, propane tanks should be stored upright to minimize the risk of leaks. But when you drive, brake, swerve, and travel over bumpy roads, it’s easy for these tanks to fall over.

That’s where tank stabilizers come into play! These propane accessories attach to the bottom of tanks and give them a more stable base. The most common design is a tank “foot,” which connects to the base and props up the sides. When the tank’s weight is spread out over a wider footprint, it’s less likely to fall over.

Most bases are made from heavy-duty plastic, but they can also be made of rubber or metal. The bases can support weights between 20-40 lbs, so make sure you get a stabilizer that matches the size of your tank.

The Camco 57236 Cylinder Stabilizing Base is one of the most popular options, but the Mr. Heater TankFoot Tank Stabilizer is another good choice. These propane accessories are also quite cheap, usually coming in at around $15.

Tank racks

Again, tanks that are hooked up to your RV are usually pretty stable. You don’t have to worry about them shaking loose. However, your spare tanks can be a problem! Although bases/stabilizers are a great option, things can get tricky when you want to travel with multiple propane tanks at once.

In these situations, you may want to buy a tank rack. These can carry two or more tanks at once, plus they don’t take up much room. There are single-bottle products as well, but a rack is usually a better investment if you travel with backup tanks.

The Stromberg Carlson J Bottle Rack 2020-JR can hold a single tank, while the Flame King Propane Tank Rack can hold two 30-pound tanks at once.

These racks often include a base and some sort of locking mechanism. But if you want a bit of extra support, you could also buy a strap to limit movement. Heng’s 90032 Gas Bottle Strap is a good product for this purpose.

Tank covers

Propane tanks are hardy, but they can still be damaged by outside forces. If you want to give them a bit of extra protection, tank covers are worthwhile propane accessories. These come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials.

The most common type of tank cover is a simple fabric wrap. These are generally waterproof, breathable, and UV resistant. Some models can cover multiple tanks at once, such as the ADCO 2113 RV Propane Tank Cover. Others are only suitable for one tank at a time.

There are also some covers that can completely disguise your tank! Let’s be honest—these items may be useful, but they’re not exactly pretty to look at. That’s why options like the Bond Manufacturing Propane Tank Hideaway exist. This is a sturdy and attractive box that can completely cover a tank. In a pinch, it can even double as a seat or a side table.

Fuel indicators

There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel halfway through a cookout! It can sometimes be hard to tell when your propane is running low, especially because there’s no way to see through the solid metal tank. Fortunately, a fuel indicator can help you track how much propane you have at any given time.

A gas level indicator is one of the most helpful propane accessories. It attaches to the outside of the tank and can reflect the tank levels as the fuel inside is used up. It’s a safe and effective product that can ensure that you’ll have plenty of warning before your tank runs out.

Hoses, adapters, and valves

Some of the most crucial propane accessories are hoses, adapters, and valves. These control the amount of gas that is released at any given time. They also direct it to where it needs to go. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which of these options is best. It all depends on your tank size, your RV connections, and the purpose you need it for.

It’s best to consult with auto shop employees to find the best fit for your situation. However, you can usually rely on brands like Flame King and Marshall Excelsior for a range of helpful products.

Propane appliances and gadgets

Finally, there are all kinds of RV products that use propane as a fuel source! RV appliances are designed to be powerful yet compact. That’s why propane is such a popular choice.

Most of your RV appliances will come pre-installed, but there are also a few options you can buy to enhance your camping experience. Some of the best propane accessories and appliances include:

• Camp stoves/grills
• Space heaters
• Refrigerators
• Propane torches

With these items, you can easily cook outdoors, start campfires, keep your RV warm without relying on the battery, and even operate a refrigerator! It might sound strange to power a refrigerator with propane, but it’s a common practice in RVs. After all, it needs some type of fuel in order to function.

There are countless products on the market for all of these devices. Shop around to find the ones that best suit your lifestyle.

Get tips from other RVers

One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.

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A DECATUR TX GATED RV PARK WISE COUNTY TEXAS - Backing Up a Trailer Solo: Master the Art with These Tips

Backing Up a Trailer Solo Gets Easy with Practice

1. Find a Big, Open Space To Practice

Backing up a trailer without a spotter is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. However, it does take patience and practice to build your skills so you can confidently back your trailer by yourself. The best place to start practicing is in a big, open area, like an empty parking lot, where there isn’t any danger of actually hitting an object. The goal is just to get a feel for how your trailer handles when it’s being backed up in a safe environment where you can build confidence.

2. Set Your Mirrors Correctly

It’s really important to set up your mirrors correctly before you try to back your trailer anywhere. If you have a travel trailer or a fifth wheel this may mean adding towing mirrors to your existing mirror setup.

3. Roll Down Your Driver’s Side Window

Rolling your driver’s side window down will allow you to look over your shoulder as you back your trailer. This will give you a much better view of where the trailer is going than a mirror would, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments as soon as you need to.

4. Choose a Driver’s Side Campsite

When you’re new to backing up your trailer, it’s usually easiest to back into a campsite on the driver’s side.

5. G.O.A.L. (Get Out and Look)

Once you’ve picked out a campsite, you’ll want to get out and do a quick survey of the campground. Take note of the location of obstacles like overhead branches, trees, picnic tables, and fire pits. Get out and look anytime you need to reassure yourself that the trailer’s not going to hit anything. It’s better to check too often than have to deal with damage to a tail light or wall.

6. Set a Traffic Cone

Now is a great time to mark the trailer’s pivot point with a traffic cone (or other marker) on the campsite driveway. If you are backing your trailer into a driver’s side campsite, you’ll place your traffic cone about a foot in from the right front corner of the driveway. If you don’t happen to have a traffic cone handy, you can always just use whatever is handy. After your first three successful sessions of solo backing, you’ll probably be able to “wing it” without using a marker.

7. Stay Focused on Backing Your Trailer

You might notice that other campers openly stare while you’re backing your trailer into a campsite. Once in a while, someone might even offer to help. If you’ve been practicing your backing skills in an empty parking lot, you won’t need any help. Instead, you can graciously instruct them “Please just stay where I can see you and let me know if I’m going to hit something.” This way you’ll get to focus completely on backing your trailer while they get to feel like they did something constructive with their day.

At some point in your trailer-backing career, you’re going to accept the fact that watching someone back a trailer into a campsite is sometimes the best entertainment in the campground. What you do with this knowledge is up to you.

8. Pull Forward

Your goal here is to align the passenger side of the tow vehicle and trailer about a foot from the edge of the road until the front axle of the trailer is in line with the traffic cone that you placed in the previous step.

9. Place Your Hands at the Bottom of the Steering Wheel

Want to avoid doing mental gymnastics when you back your trailer? Having your hands on the bottom half of the steering wheel allows you to turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go. It’s so much easier than having your hands on the top half of the steering wheel and turning it the opposite way you want the trailer to go.

Try having your left hand at “8” and your right hand at “4”. (You can thank me later!)

10. Get Your Trailer Headed Into the Campsite

Turn your front wheels to the right and pull forward. This will get your trailer headed into the approximate direction of the campsite you’re backing into. You’ll need to adjust the angle of the trailer from here.

11. Straighten Your Wheels and Back Up Slow and Steady

Turn your steering wheel counterclockwise and back up a few feet as you watch over your shoulder or in your driver’s side mirror. With your hands at the bottom of your steering wheel, turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go. At this point, you’ll want to make subtle adjustments to your steering to get the trailer pointed right into the spot you chose in your walkaround. After this point, your tow vehicle will be following the trailer, more or less. Beware of oversteering.

12. Once the Trailer Is Backing Straight Into the Campsite, Stop.

Now is a good time to get out and walk around the back of the trailer to double-check and make sure you aren’t going to back into a firepit, picnic table, branch, or other object that could potentially damage your RV. Because it’s always better to double-check and be safe than it is to explain how you damaged your beautiful RV to an insurance claims agent.

13. Move the Traffic Cone to Where You Want the Back of the Trailer

While you’re out looking for obstacles to avoid, pick up the traffic cone you set. Place it where you want the rear driver’s side of the trailer to wind up. If you have a bike rack on the back of your trailer, you’ll want to allow room for it.

Master the Art of Solo Trailer Backing with Confidence

Backing up a trailer solo may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right techniques and plenty of practice, you’ll soon become a pro. Remember, the key to successful trailer backing is preparation and focus. From setting your mirrors correctly to choosing the right campsite and using markers, each step is crucial in ensuring a smooth and safe process.

Don’t let the stares of other campers distract you; instead, use it as an opportunity to showcase your newly acquired skills. And always, always double-check for obstacles before making that final push into your campsite. With these tips in hand, you’re not just backing up a trailer; you’re backing it up with confidence and precision. So go ahead, take that solo camping trip you’ve been dreaming of—now you’re more than ready for it.

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MVRV DECATUR TX RV PARK TEXAS - How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Power An RV/Motorhome?

RVs and motorhomes are the perfect candidates for solar electricity. Not only is solar more eco-friendly and less polluting than gas generators, but it's much quieter. Anyone who's ever hunkered down in an RV campground only to be kept awake by the droning rumble of their neighbors' gas generators knows this for fact.

Thus, installing solar panels on your RV is a fantastic idea. Of course, it can be a somewhat pricey initial investment, even with the recent decline in costs of solar power. Our article on what to know before installing solar panels on your RV explains how it's an affordable endeavor, but not a cheap one. There are also expenses like hardware, installation costs, and even possible retrofitting of your RV to accommodate the new hookup. The first question, however, is how many solar panels you'll actually need.

The question is simple, while the answer is a bit complicated. As you might expect, not every RVer requires the same amount. Factors like sun exposure, personal energy consumption, solar panel model size and capacity, energy storage options, and mounting hardware will determine the number of panels you'll need. 

But coming up with an estimate doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here, we've broken down the steps into a straightforward guide to help you get an idea of how many solar panels you'll need to power your RV. This uses many of the same principles as our guide on calculating how many solar panels are needed to power a tiny home, though there are some key differences that we'll go over.

Step 1: Estimate how much solar energy you need per day

Before determining how many solar panels you need, you'll first have to estimate how much daily energy you typically use.

To get an estimate, you can add up the daily power consumption of your RV's major appliances. Make a list of all the electronics in your RV. Then, label each with their indicated wattage. Many common appliances, like refrigerators and televisions, are stamped with their wattage on their back panels.

If a device isn't labeled, you can search its model online to find it. You can also search the web for a common wattage of that particular appliance, or refer to the common wattages list provided by EcoFlow. Some devices indicate their voltage and amperage instead, but you can simply multiply the two to get the wattage.

Once you have a list of your appliances and their wattages, estimate how many hours per day you use each. Then, multiply each appliance's wattage by the hours per day you use it, and add everything up. This will provide your total Watt-hours per day you need.

For example, let's say you have a 100W television running 2 hours per day, a 60W refrigerator running 24 hours per day, and a 400W space heater running for 1 hour per day. To find the total, multiply each device's wattage by its daily usage and add everything up.

(100W television) x (2hr/day) = 200Wh/day

(60W refrigerator) x (24hr/day) = 1,440Wh/day

(400W space heater) x (1hr/day) = 800Wh/day

Total Wh/day = (200Wh/day) + (1,040Wh/day) + (800Wh/day) = 2,040Wh/day

This is an example, so you'll likely have more appliances to include. Whatever number you come up with, write it down to keep it on hand for the next steps.

Step 2: Decide what kind of solar panels you'll use

Solar panels have different output ratings, depending on the model. Some are smaller and more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, but they typically cost more. Cheaper options, like polycrystalline panels, are usually less energy- and space-efficient. The third type, thin-film flexible panels, offers easy installation, though they don't last very long –- they're also the least efficient. 

Thus, if the available roof space on your RV is limited, you may have to go with monocrystalline panels to make the most of their space-efficiency. You can compare the different model sizes prices, and output ratings on merchants' websites. You can also check out the 5 best solar panels for RVs to see which one works for you. If you can't decide just yet, consider applying the following calculation to each type to see what the final price and space occupancy comes to. 

For our calculation, you'll need to find the power output rating of your panel-of-choice. Typically, these range between 100W and 400W. This number indicates the watts the panel can generate in an hour during peak sunlight exposure. When you have a solar panel in mind, write down its power output rating.

Step 3: Estimate the daily solar potential of your area

Now that you have the output rating of your solar panel, you'll have to estimate how many hours of sunlight it will receive per day. To get this number, we recommend looking up your area's solar exposure using either Unbound Solar or Google Project Sunroof. 

Of course, in an RV, you'll be moving around, so the daily sunlight will vary depending on your location. To counter this variability, you can map out your travel plans and look up the daily solar exposure of each location. Then, use the daily sunlight exposure of whichever area has the least amount of exposure. That way, you'll have enough solar power in every scenario.

For example, let's say you're traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Acadia National Park in Maine. Along the way, you intend to stop in Charlotte, Harrisburg, and Hartford. Looking these cities up on Google Project Sunroof, we get the following daily average sunlight exposure:

Atlanta, GA: 4.3hr

Charlotte, NC: 4.1hr

Harrisburg, PA: 3.9hr

Hartford, CT: 4.0hr

Acadia National Park, ME: 3.7hr

Thus, you should use Acadia National Park's daily sunlight exposure for the calculation, since it's the least amount. Keep in mind, however, that this value is for your estimate. The idea that solar panels can't generate energy when it's cloudy is one of the common myths about solar panels. 

Note: Google Project Sunroof provides the annual hours of sun exposure, so we divided each location's annual sun exposure by 365 to get a daily average.

Step 4: Calculate how many solar panels you'll need

At this point, you should have an estimate of your daily power consumption, your solar panel's energy output rating, and the average hours of daily sun exposure you'll receive. Now, calculating how many solar panels it will take to power your RV is as simple as plugging in the numbers.

(Solar panel energy output rating) x (Daily solar potential in hours) = Daily power generation of one panel

(Daily power consumption) / (Daily power generation of one panel) = Number of solar panels you'll need

Here's an example. Let's say your solar-panel-of-choice's output rating is 300W. Your destination, Acadia National Park, receives an average of 3.7 hours of peak sunlight a day. Your daily power consumption in your RV is about 4,000W. Plugging in the numbers to the above formula, we get the following:

(300W) x (3.7h) = 1,110Wh

(4,000W) / (1,110Wh) = 3.6 ≈ 4

Thus, you would need four 300W solar panels to power your RV.

The final consideration: Battery storage

Without batteries to store the electricity your solar panels generate, you'll only have power while the sun is shining. Furthermore, batteries for solar energy storage are often part of larger battery "bank" systems, which regulate the flow of electricity to avoid frying your electronics. (They're sometimes called "Battery Management Systems" and "charge controllers.") Thus, these systems not only provide energy storage, but they also add greater control and security to your setup. 

Fortunately, battery technology is rapidly improving these days, and prices are dropping as a result. The five top brands for deep cycle RV batteries often offer complete solar kits with batteries and charge controllers included. Better yet, most solar power batteries list their storage capacity in watts, making your daily power consumption value calculated in Step 1 useful yet again. For example, you can compare the different AM Solar models and their various capacities to get an idea of how many batteries you'll need to meet your daily power consumption needs. 

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