am old enough to remember researching school papers at the local library. Okay, full disclosure: I’m old enough to also remember cars that had window cranks, headlight dimmer switches mounted on the floorboard and AM radios — but using a library’s resources was an important part of growing up.

Why? Because aside from being a place where you could find books for entertainment and, quite often, meet up with your friends, it was where you went for information. You knew that when you consulted the “Encyclopedia Brittanica” or searched for a non-fiction title in the card file using the Dewey Decimal System, you’d be getting the straight scoop. Yea, facts would change as more knowledge was gained, but that’s why encyclopedias were continually updated and new books would be published.

Today, we quite literally have the world at our fingertips. It wasn’t always like this. I can recall the angst that came with using dial-up AOL — at a whopping 56Kbps — only to lose the connection when someone else in the house picked up a phone extension to make a call. Who at the time could have imagined being able to travel down the highway at 60mph, spy a billboard touting an interesting stop and have your travel partner pull out a smartphone, type the subject into a search engine and know everything there was to know about the location before you passed the exit ramp?

atteries are invaluable to anyone who has ever gone “off the grid” in search of adventure — and we’re not talking about those 1.5-volt Type D dry cells you pump into a flashlight to keep from stumbling over tree roots at night. Most of an RV’s electrical system is powered by one or more 12-volt batteries, so knowing all you can about them might save a vacation should you flip a light switch and nothing happens. When last we met, I discussed the differences — from cost to chemistry, energy capacity, maximum charging rate and lifespan — for three popular RV battery types: flooded lead-acid, absorbent glass mat and lithium iron phosphate (for more information, go to https://magazine.rventhusiast.com/issue/april-2021/battery-basics/). In this part two of Battery Basics, I’m going to divide the article up into a few sections of “Do’s and Don’ts” — covering how to charge the various types of RV house batteries properly, what you should do to maintain them during usage and the best ways to store them over the winter.

Match Your Charger to Your Battery Chemistry
While FLA (flooded lead-acid), AGM (absorbed glass mat) and lithium (lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4) batteries can be dropped into most any RV and provide nominal 12-volt power, each of them behave differently while charging. Not understanding this can shorten their lifespan considerably and even destroy them in short order.

f you’re new to RVing, or perhaps have considered moving up to a larger trailer, you’ve probably thought about a fifth wheel and may have wondered how these larger models differ from their travel trailer counterparts. Fifth wheels typically represent a much larger investment in both the trailer and the tow vehicle, so it’s a good idea to learn about what equipment is required to tow them.

Prepping the Truck
It wasn’t long ago that a fifth wheel represented the ultimate commitment in towing. Unlike a travel trailer hitch — which simply slides into a receiver already on the tow vehicle — a fifth-wheel hitch required that a structure first be fabricated and attached to the truck’s frame for mounting the hitch. So, in addition to the cost of the hitch itself, there were often significant labor charges involved — and hopefully the technician you trusted with the job did it correctly. Later, aftermarket kits were made for various models of trucks to simplify the process. Still, sometimes the truck bed had to be disconnected and raised for the installation.

oday, there are more RV choices than ever — from well-equipped, versatile truck campers and vans to luxurious diesel pusher motorhomes costing more than a million dollars. It’s safe to say that there is truly something for everyone out there, but the most popular RV choice remains the travel trailer. It’s understandable: An outdoor enthusiast can buy one with “the basic necessities” for less than five figures or opt for every conceivable amenity — from slide out rooms and island kitchens to flat-screen televisions, theater seating and fireplaces — when using the proper tow vehicle.

Before you set out to find the perfect travel trailer for your needs, however, it’s important to understand the key component in towing: the hitch system. Let’s take a look at the various types of hitches, and how to set them up the right way.

nce you’ve established the type of trailer you want to purchase (travel trailer or fifth wheel) the search for a hitch system begins. As with RVs, there are plenty of choices to serve every need, application and budget — and usually several different options to help make your towing experience safer and more enjoyable. To help give you an idea of what’s available, we’re presenting this handy hitch and accessories guide. As you peruse each company’s offerings, keep in mind that almost every company featured offers a variety of products and accessories — we just can’t fit them all within these pages. So, if you see a product that strikes your fancy, be sure to visit that company’s website, because there’s sure to be more for you to consider. There are also many smaller manufacturers that may offer a hitch or related product to fit your needs, so take your time and shop wisely.

erforming recommended service of wheel bearings and brakes are two of the most important tasks for owners towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Maintenance is the key to safe travels because, unlike your truck or car, many trailers sit for long periods of time — allowing the grease to cake or attract condensation, depending on the climate where the RV is stored. Most manufacturers recommend an annual service after 10,000 to 12,000 miles of travel, whichever occurs first. Without proper inspections, a defective or broken part may not be detected, leading to a possible catastrophic failure on the road.

A defective wheel bearing will put a serious damper on any outing, especially when a failure occurs on a weekend when repair shops may be closed. Wheel bearing failure can cause extensive damage to the spindle (axle end) and a total loss of the hub and brake components. A replacement axle could take weeks to arrive, since it is usually a special-order item.

ew Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most eccentric and vibrant cities in North America. Known for its amazing food, live music and warm southern hospitality, festivals abound in New Orleans, including the French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Summer Fest, and Mardi Gras — the greatest “free show” in the world. And yes, you should attend Mardi Gras at least once.

But while the city is alive with plenty of glitz, music and fun watering holes, there are numerous historical and cultural points of interest that are worth visiting during your RV travels.

In the winter of 2019, my husband and I were planning a trip across the southern United States, with stops in many of the major cities, including Phoenix, Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta, to name a few. I own a “Passport To Your National Parks, Collector’s Edition” book, which lists pertinent information and maps on national parks, national battlefields, national monuments and more. It was in the Passport book that I discovered Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.