Episode 176: Girl Camper FAQ’s answered by Janine

On this week's podcast I am answering listeners questions! I think it is so important to remember that for many, this camping thing is all brand new and we definitely want to be the site that says, "There's no such thing as a dumb question" so, here we go!

Submitted by: Michelle Cole
Travel Trailer vs motor home with toad behind - Which would have better gas mileage?
Answer: This is so much a matter of personal preferences. In 2018 I did a podcast episode on the many different types of RV's out there. In the list below you can listen to the pros and cons of all the different RV's and see what resonates most with you. I will say that my preference was a travel trailer because I didn't want to take down camp each time I left the campsite. I also like "coming home" to my RV after a day of sightseeing. I gave up the perk of having a bathroom, kitchen and bed with me everywhere I go, but the trade off of being more mobile in my tow vehicle rather than a larger motor home, was worth it to me.

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/02/06/episode-117-re-imagining-the-toy-hauler/

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/12/04/episode-151-the-pop-up-trailer-explored-with-mary-ellen-arndorfer/

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/06/05/exploring-the-class-b-motor-home/

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/08/21/the-pros-and-cons-of-teardrop-trailers/

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/03/06/episode-121-class-c-motorhome-pros-and-cons/

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/11/06/episode-147-the-pros-and-cons-of-class-a-motorhomes/

Submitted by: Beth Jordan
Is it okay to turn your propane fridge on the day before you leave so its cold in the morning?
Answer: It's not only ok, it's highly recommended. RV refrigerators work best when they are prechilled and you put cold food in them. I did a mini podcast episode about this a few months ago. Here are a few of the tips to get you started but you can see all the tips for RV refrigerators in the blog post below!

• Plug it in the night before so it is cold when you put food in it.
• Make sure the food you put in it is already cold.
• Use an RV refrigerator air circulator to keep cold air moving around. Camco makes several different kinds.
• Set it on Auto and then it will run on electricity as soon as you plug it in. When you disconnect the electric it will go to propane automatically.
• For the quick retrieval of foods organize the lunch foods or snacks in plastic, open weave baskets or bins that you can pull out with everything you need in one place.

https://girlcamper.com/blog/2018/05/30/rv-refrigerator-tips/

Submitted by: Debra Allen
I am using my Ford Transit Connect to car camp. What kind of extension cord or converter can I use to run my refrigerator, DVD or pressure cooker?

Answer: Car Camping is a great option for many reasons. When you arrive you are really already set up. No tent to find level ground for. If it is raining you are bound to be drier in the car. You are off the ground. You can make camp before you leave home by setting up your bed and curtains ahead of time. One of the women I regularly car camp with has an extension cord in which the wire is flat as opposed to round. When she shuts the tail gate it doesn’t crush the cord. It also rotates once plugged in so that it does not block the other available outlet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721TV97N/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_a9LiDbD3A0AYS



Submitted by: Sandy Newkirk
How often do you clean the fresh water tank and how do you do it?

Answer: That is all going to depend on how often you use it. If you are a full timer, as Sandy is, twice a year will do the trick. You are changing out the water daily and not giving it much of a chance to sit and grow bacteria. If however you only use your RV every few weeks, chances are high that bacteria can grow in the tank. It’s easy to clean your RV water tank with regular household bleach.
1) Close all drains and make sure drain plugs are installed
2) Add ¼ cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of...