Helpful Hints, Ideas and Solutions for Today’s RVer

All motorhomes have a threaded connection to hook a water hose to a pressurized water supply, but not all have a gravity fill port to refill your tank from a non-pressurized source. Not having a gravity fill port will limit how long you can boondock, our favorite way to camp. Running out of fresh water always sent us looking for an RV park until we figured out a simple way to take on fresh water using our winterization system.

All you need is a bucket, short section of tubing and threaded fittings to extend the length of your RV antifreeze siphon tube.

• Extend your siphon tube as far as it will go.
• Measure the length of additional tubing you will need to reach a bucket sitting on the ground.
• Build an extension of tubing and fittings. We got ours at Home Depot. I choose metal fittings so the extension wouldn’t float.
• Once attached to the antifreeze siphon, place the “winterization” selector to “winterize” and the “fresh water valve” to “tank fill.”
• Turn on the water pump and the water should be pumped directly into your onboard tank. Our pump will move five gallons of water into the tank in about 30 seconds.

• Crossing the border is a serious part of the journey. Border agents on both sides do not make jokes, so don’t try to be glib or clever with them.
• Remove all fresh fruits, vegetables and potted plants from your RV before arrival at the border crossing.
• Canada has a long list of what they consider weapons. While certain rifles and shotguns are allowed into or transported through Canada, others are under strict criteria. No weapons are allowed into Canadian national parks. This includes certain types of knives, flashlights and other items, such as gun cases and holsters. These items should be stored on the U.S. side of the border prior to your arrival. We rented a bank safe-deposit box for our small items (handgun, ammunition, holsters, etc.). Keep a copy of the deposit box rental with you in case they ask for it. If you do not have a place to store the items, or your route brings you back to a different crossing, you can ship them to a friend, relative or yourself, in care of General Delivery at a convenient U.S. Post Office. (Check postal regulations beforehand.)
• Now that you have left all the forbidden items safely stored in the U.S. and you are approaching the border, have your passports and vehicle registration ready to hand out the driver’s window.
• As you approach the actual crossing, be sure to follow the instructions on the signs and lane signals. Go slow.
• Refrain from idle chitchat. Only hand over the documents they ask for and wait quietly for instructions. It may take a while, so turn off your engine.
• If the officer asks you to pull over, follow their instructions. Once parked, get out immediately. Do not take time to tidy up. Be ready to give the officers your keys and stay right where they tell you.
• Once they are satisfied that everything is as it should be, you will be on your way.
• Do not complain or argue with the officers. It will only complicate matters.
After four border crossings, we have only had our coach (not including the basement compartments or our tow vehicle) searched once. It only took about 20 minutes and we were back on the road. However, we have seen RVs and buses completely vacated and all compartments searched.

If you are going through Canada to Alaska, I recommend acquiring a recent copy of The Milepost magazine (www.themilepost.com). It is updated annually and well worth the cost. It is useful both while planning your trip and during daily travels.

Pets are a part of our family and, as their caretakers, it is our responsibility to be aware of their needs.
Below are rules to follow when traveling with your pets.