Planning a Long Road Trip in your RV

There are two different ways to look at a long road trip. Some people like the idea of spending time out on the open road, while others just can’t wait until they get to the destination. No matter which camp you fall into, one thing is certain – you can put together a smart driving plan using Google Earth and a spreadsheet.

The plan will make sure you know exactly how many miles and hours you will need to drive in order to reach your destinations. Many people do not know that Google Earth has the features to measure out mileage and also add placemarks. The mileage that is measured is very accurate. I have been using these features for years and have found them very useful. You can use Google Earth to find Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Campgrounds and places of interest.

Go to or download Google Earth and play around with it. You may end up using it as much as I do. I use a spreadsheet to record the mileage to destinations and also much more information like Gas Stops, Current gas prices from Gas Buddy, Grocery Stops, Campgrounds with pricing. I get my pricing from the Campground websites. We have a membership to Passport America and also we use the Federal Senior Pass. I hope this information will be helpful in your Road Trips.

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Best Windshield Cleaning I Have Seen

Great video on how to clean vehicle windshields. I'm going to give this a try.

Take care of your rubber roof.

If your RV was made in the last 10 to 12 years, chances are it has a rubber roof. It is made of a material called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) which is specially made for roofing. EPDM rubber roofing membrane is made to last 20 years or longer and usually has a 10 to 12 year guarantee.

EPDM manufacturers advise that rubber roof membranes do not require the use of any protective roof treatment or roof protector product. The only maintenance recommended is cleaning the roof three or four times a year.

If you have owned a unit with an EPDM roof, you've no doubt noticed that the roof surface is chalky. Manufacturers say not to worry, this is a normal process of age and, and that even after 10 years, only 10 percent of the material is lost due to chalking. Plenty of roof is left.

Regular cleaning will reduce chalk buildup and minimize white streaks on the sides of your RV. The correct cleaning product is of great importance for your EPDM rubber roof. Never use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or citric based cleaners on your EPDM roof. Using such solvents will cause irreparable damage and will most likely void your warranty. If you are uncertain about what is in the product, don't use it. Of course each EPDM manufacturer recommends using their own brand of cleaner, but all approve the use of mild laundry detergent such as Arm and Hammer for Sensitive Skin.

While EPDM rubber roofing does not need to be protected from ultra violet rays (UV ) and ozone, the manufacturers do approve 303 Aerospace Protectant as a safe way to resist staining and make future cleaning easier.

To reduce the expense, you may want to treat the whole roof once a year and do only the part of the roof that can be seen from the ground the rest of the time.

After the roof is clean and before you climb down, be sure to inspect all the roof seams, around vents, etc., to make sure the caulking is still in good condition and you might as well check the condition of all vent covers, the air conditioner cover and the TV/satellite antenna, etc.

On The Clip Board 01-04-2016