My Camper Friend

Journal

Practical guides, honest gear reviews, and road-tested tips for camping and RV adventures.

RV Furnace Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide for Cold Nights

Sep 7, 2026

RV Furnace Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide for Cold Nights

Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a furnace that quits on a cold night. Before you call a technician, try these common fixes that solve most RV furnace problems.

troubleshootingmaintenancewinter
RV Sewer Hose Setup: A No-Grossness Guide

Aug 26, 2026

RV Sewer Hose Setup: A No-Grossness Guide

Nobody wants to talk about the sewer hose, and that is exactly why so many new RVers make messy mistakes. Here is the step-by-step so you can handle it like a pro.

maintenancebeginnershow-to
RV Tire Safety: The Boring Topic That Could Save Your Whole Trip

Aug 24, 2026

RV Tire Safety: The Boring Topic That Could Save Your Whole Trip

Tires are easy to ignore until one blows on the highway. Here's my practical approach to RV tire safety that takes minutes but prevents disasters.

rvsafetytires
RV Composting Toilet: Is It Worth the Switch?

Jul 31, 2026

RV Composting Toilet: Is It Worth the Switch?

The black tank is the part of RV life nobody loves. Composting toilets promise freedom from dump stations and sewer hoses. But are they actually better? Here is my honest take.

gearrv-upgradesboondocking
RV Awning Care: 6 Lessons I Learned the Expensive Way

Jul 29, 2026

RV Awning Care: 6 Lessons I Learned the Expensive Way

After one ripped awning and a few close calls, here are the awning care lessons that save us money and stress on every trip.

rvmaintenanceawning
RV Weight Distribution: Why It Matters and How to Check It

Jul 17, 2026

RV Weight Distribution: Why It Matters and How to Check It

An improperly loaded RV can sway on the highway, burn through tires unevenly, and make braking feel unpredictable. Here is how to check your weight distribution before every trip.

safetytowingbeginners
How to Dump Your RV Tanks at a Dump Station (Without the Mess)

Jul 3, 2026

How to Dump Your RV Tanks at a Dump Station (Without the Mess)

A no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to dumping your RV black and gray tanks at a dump station. Covers gear, technique, hygiene, and how to avoid the dreaded 'poop pyramid.'

rvmaintenancebeginner
RV Roof Maintenance: Preventing the Most Expensive Repair

Jun 29, 2026

RV Roof Maintenance: Preventing the Most Expensive Repair

A damaged RV roof can cost $3,000-$10,000 to replace. Here is how regular inspections and simple maintenance keep yours watertight for years.

rvmaintenancerepair
RV Gray Water: Managing the Tank Nobody Talks About

Jun 1, 2026

RV Gray Water: Managing the Tank Nobody Talks About

Your gray water tank collects sink and shower water. Learn how to manage it properly, prevent odors, and dump responsibly whether you are at a campground or boondocking.

water systemmaintenanceboondocking
RV Awning Care: Cleaning, Repair, and Storm-Proofing

May 22, 2026

RV Awning Care: Cleaning, Repair, and Storm-Proofing

Your RV awning takes a beating from sun, wind, and rain. Proper care keeps it looking good, prevents expensive replacements, and stops it from becoming a dangerous sail in unexpected weather.

rvmaintenanceawning