Hey there, fellow Wanderers! Welcome back to The Wandering Gypsy RV Life. If you’ve been following along on Instagram and Facebook, you know that a few weeks ago, we discovered a pesky water leak in Bertie Bea’s bathroom. Well, I’m happy to report—it’s fixed! Let me explain exactly what we did to stop the leak and keep Bertie Bea dry and road-ready.
The Problem: A Pesky Leak in Bertie Bea
Water leaks in an RV can be a nightmare. Not only can they cause structural damage, but they can also lead to mold and other long-term issues if not addressed quickly. When I first noticed water seeping into Bertie Bea’s bathroom, I knew I had to act fast. After some investigation, I found that the leak was coming from the slide rail area—a common trouble spot for many RV owners.
The Solution: Building a Dam
To stop the water ingress, we needed a simple yet effective fix. Here’s what we did:
Rubber dam to block the water on the slide rail.
Identified the Leak Source – We checked the slide rail area and pinpointed where water was sneaking in.
Built a Barrier—We installed a rubber dam between Bertie Bea’s exterior and interior to blockfuture water entry.
Sealed & Tested—After installation, we ran a few tests to ensure thatwater no longer seeped inside. Success!
Now, Bertie Bea is dry and ready for more adventures—no more surprise puddles in the bathroom!
Lessons from the Road
RV life is full of challenges, but every problem is a learning opportunity. If you’re dealing with an RV water leak, here are a few quick tips:
✅ Act fast – The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get. ✅ Check common leak points – Slide rails, seals, and roof edges are the usual suspects. ✅ Use quality sealants – Investing in the right materials will save you time and money down the road. ✅ Test thoroughly – After a repair, always check for leaks before hitting the road again.
Life on the road isn’t always easy, but it’s always an adventure! Remember, not all who wander are lost. See you on the road!
When you’re rolling down the highway in a 24,000-pound motorhome with your tow car trailing behind, there’s one thing you don’t want to leave to chance: your tires. A blowout at 60 mph can be catastrophic, not just for your vehicle but for your safety and everyone on the road. That’s why I never hit the road in Bertie Bea, my 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA, without a reliable Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) watching over all ten of my tires, including those on Rosie, my tow car.
Why a TPMS is Essential for RVers
Tires are the foundation of your RV journey. Properly inflated tires help with fuel efficiency, ride comfort, and, most importantly, safety. An underinflated tire builds up excess heat, which can lead to a blowout. An overinflated tire, on the other hand, can wear out unevenly and reduce traction. A TPMS continuously monitors each tire’s pressure and temperature, alerting you to any issues before they become dangerous.
NHTSA Guidelines for RV Tire Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that RV owners regularly check their tire pressure using a reliable gauge and always inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended cold tire pressure, which you can find on the yellow DOT sticker inside your RV’s driver-side door. However, since tire pressures fluctuate due to temperature changes, a TPMS is the best way to ensure real-time monitoring while you drive.
Getting the Right Tire Pressure for Bertie Bea
Every motorhome is different, so weighing your RV is crucial. I had Bertie Bea weighed at an FRVA International Convention in Gillette, Wyoming which helped me determine the ideal cold tire pressure for my six RV tires—no less than 95 PSI. Before every trip, I turn on my TPMS and let it calibrate, ensuring every tire is at its proper pressure before we roll out.
Where to Weigh Your RV
Accurately weighing your RV ensures you’re inflating your tires to the correct pressure based on your actual load. Some great options for weighing your rig include:
Escapees SmartWeigh – Available at select RV parks and rallies.
FRVA International Conventions – Offers four-corner weighing for a precise balance.
CAT Scales – These are found at truck stops nationwide, though they only provide axle weights.
Why I Chose TST TPMS for Bertie Bea and Rosie
After researching multiple brands, I went with the TST Truck TPMS system, which monitors all ten tires between Bertie Bea and Rosie. Here’s why TST stands out:
✅ Real-Time Monitoring – Alerts me to slow leaks, high temperatures, and sudden pressure drops.
✅ User-Friendly Display – Easy-to-read screen that shows pressure and temperature for each tire.
✅ Long Battery Life – Sensors last up to five years before needing a replacement.
✅ Reliable Signal Range – Works seamlessly between my motorhome and tow car.
Monitoring your tires is CRITICAL! I had been monitoring Rosie’s right rear tire for a 1/2 PSI per week leak, which turned into a five-PSI leak in one week. I ended up having to replace the tire due to three holes in it. Being aware of my tire pressures helped me prevent a catastrophic blowout that could have injured me or others.
Other Top TPMS Brands for RVs
While I swear by TST, there are other great TPMS options for RVers:
TireMinder TPMS – A popular choice for its Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration.
EEZ RV Products TPMS – Offers a wide range of sensors and an easy-to-use display.
TireTraker TPMS – Known for its compact monitor and long-lasting sensors.
Monitoring Tire Pressure in Changing Weather
Tire pressure naturally fluctuates with temperature changes. A tire filled to 95 PSI at 35°F may reach 105 PSI at 70°F. That’s why never letting air out of your tires when heated is crucial. Always set pressures based on cold tire readings before you start driving for the day.
My Pre-Trip Routine for Tire Safety
Before every journey, I follow a simple routine to make sure Bertie Bea and Rosie are road-ready:
Turn on my TST TPMS and allow it to calibrate.
Inspect all tires for any visible damage, bulges, or cracks.
Check tread depth and feel for uneven wear by running my hand across the inside and outside dual tires.
Use an air compressor to top off tires that fall below the recommended PSI.
Confirm that my tow setup, including safety cables and the braking system, is secure.
Stay Safe & Keep Rolling
A TPMS isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for anyone serious about safe RV travel. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country road trip, make tire pressure safety a priority.
And remember, not all who wander are lost. Safe travels!
The week of the Fourth of July marked a turning point in the journey as we set our sights on the return trip. Heading towards Idaho, I embarked on a two-week visit with Jeff Roper in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park offered a haven, and together, Jeff and I embarked on a fishing expedition on the Henry’s Fork.
The guide’s expertise put us on the fish, but nature had a surprise. An audacious osprey made my fishing experience more enjoyable by snatching one of my prized catches right off my line. The unexpected encounter added a touch of wild beauty to the Idaho waters.
Hanging with Richard and Charlene
Leaving Idaho Falls, the road unfolded its chapters with a promise of more stories. In Island Park, Idaho, I had the pleasure of meeting Charlene and Richard Guidry and their 2019 Tiffin Allegro Red 37PA. A week exploring Yellowstone National Park set the stage for a journey that would unfold into the heart of Wyoming.
A day on Yellowstone Lake with our Yellowstone National Park Guide, Lindsey, became a highlight as Charlene, Richard, and I fished for lake trout and cutthroat trout. Trolling spoons deep in the crystal-clear waters brought forth a bountiful catch, creating memories that shimmered like the ripples on the lake.
Cody, Wyoming, became a familiar stop once again, where Charlene, Richard, and I, along with our motorhomes, hung out for a week and enjoyed one more day of fishing on Lake Yellowstone.
FMCA Rally in Gillette, Wyoming
Our motorhome convoy continued to Gillette, Wyoming, for the grand finale of Summer RV Tour 2023 – the 107th International Convention of the Family Motorcoach Association. Taking RV Basics classes, we discovered more tips and tricks for maintaining our cherished motorhomes. The week became a blend of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the inevitable required upkeep of our beloved RVs. As always, new friends quickly became old friends, and old friends became family. All too quickly, one of the best weeks of the year came to an end.
The Journey Home to Kick Back
Thursday, August 31, marked a bittersweet moment as I bid Richard and Charlene adieu at the Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday. The open road stretched before me, a 1,556-mile journey to the final destination – the Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in Ramer, AL. The miles ahead promised reflections, lessons learned, and the echo of laughter shared with newfound friends.
The journey reached its poignant final destination on Sunday, September 3, when Bertie Bea and I arrived at Kick Back Ranch & Event Center. Summer RV Tour 2023 and Brother Highway took me through 13 states and countless adventures with friends who’ve become family. Once again, the experience was worth the effort. Remember to follow your dreams and live life to the fullest.
When traveling in the RV in the winter, you must pay attention to the weather because cold weather can affect every system, especially the water system. Through trial and error, including freezing my water pressure regulator, I have been able to mitigate most cold weather issues in Bertie Bea.
Heat
Heat in the RV can either be provided by a propane or diesel fuel furnace or an electric heat pump. In Bertie Bea, there is an electric heat pump that works well when outside temperatures are over 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a propane furnace. Built into the heat pump is a feature that allows propane heat assist, which will automatically switch to the propane furnace. Eighty-five percent of the time, I leave the propane assist feature turned off and supplement it with electric space heaters. But, with the temperatures of the next few days being forecast in the high teens and low twenties, I will opt for the propane assist feature in order to keep the interior of the RV at least sixty-five degrees. I’ll supplement it with the space heater.
Water
With temperatures being below freezing for several days, there are several options when it comes to handling water. I’ve figured out the best method is to just fill up the freshwater tank. Bertie Bea can hold 70 gallons of water on-board which is plenty for three or four days unless running the washing machine. The evening before overnight temps are going to drop below freezing; I will unhook the RV from the external water source, turn on the water pump, and hunker down. The furnace and heating pad will keep the onboard water from freezing.
Inclement Weather
If the weather is calling for freezing rain, sleet, or snow for a period of time, you will need to make sure that the slide toppers are free from snow and ice before retracting them to travel. If you have steps coming into your RV, make sure they’re free of ice and use your handrail entering and exiting so that you limit the chances of slipping and falling.
With a little preparation, your RV will provide you with a warm and snug home on the road even when the weather turns cold. Bertie Bea is wonderfully appointed and prepared for most anything Mother Nature can throw at her.
The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners – A Must Have Tool
byStan Cromlish
Podcast Show Notes: The Importance of a TPMS for RV Safety
Episode Title: The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most critical safety tools for RVers: the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Whether rolling down the highway in a motorhome or towing a travel trailer, knowing your tire pressure can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous blowout. We’ll cover why TPMS is essential, NHTSA guidelines for RV tire safety, where to get your RV accurately weighed, and the top TPMS brands available today.
🚐 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why every RVer needs a TPMS for safety and peace of mind.
How underinflated tires can lead to dangerous blowouts and poor fuel efficiency.
NHTSA recommendations for proper tire pressure maintenance.
The best places to weigh your RV for accurate tire pressure adjustments.
A breakdown of the top TPMS brands, including TST, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and more.
How temperature changes affect tire pressure and what you should do about it.
Best practices for tire maintenance to extend the life of your RV tires.
🌎 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire pressure guidelines.
Escapees RV Club and FRVA International Conventions for RV weighing services.
Recommended TPMS brands include TST Truck TPMS, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and TireTraker.
🔗 Learn More & Connect: For more RV tips, product recommendations, and expert advice, visit our Wandering Gypsy RV Life website.
🎙️ Subscribe & Stay Safe on the Road! Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to our podcast and join the conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with fellow RVers. Safe travels, and remember: Not all who wander are lost.
