Archive for January, 2009

1. Work in the shade if possible or wash early in the morning before the temperature gets too hot. A hot surface causes the wash and rinse water to evaporate too quickly increasing the likelihood of water spotting.
2. Park on a slight incline to allow rinse water to run off moldings, trim, and recessed areas better.
3. Wash tires & wheels first. If you clean the RV first, when you wash the wheels you’ll probably spatter cleaners, dirt and brake dust on already cleaned panels around the wheel wells.
4. Start by thoroughly wetting the RV with a medium spray of water to remove loose grit and surface dirt.
5. Wash from the top down and rinse the RV often. Frequent rinsing is especially important.
6. Use a detergent specifically formulated for automotive or RV use. Follow the directions on the bottle for the proper mix ratio. Using too much soap is wasteful and may leave a soap residue on the surface.
7. Most RVers use a scrub brush with an extension handle. You will want one with soft bristles and lots of them so the brush will hold lots of soapy water.
8. Sheepskin wash mitts keep grit away from the surface and should last for years. 100% cotton chenille wash mitts and pads are also excellent but will need to be replaced from time to time.
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You may also want to read the following articles on RVbasics.com

• RV Exterior Care Quick Tips
• RV Roof Cleaning and Care
• RV Tire Care – The Basics

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RV Repair and Maintenance Manual: Updated and ExpandedThe most popular resource for RVers who prefer to work on their own RVs. Featuring step-by-step procedures for maintaining and repairing RVs, in easy-to-understand layman’s terms and simple-to-follow instructions. Includes topics on electrical systems, LP-gas systems, water systems, sanitation systems, AC generators, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, trailer brakes, trailer suspensions, dinghy towing, hitches, drivetrain systems, solar power systems, ovens and ranges, microwaves and ice makers, exterior and interior care, and accessories.

This is High Season for RVers visiting Quartzsite and it can be nearly impossible to find a site in an RV park so most RVers plan to dry camp in the desert on BLM land.

If you are planning to stay in Quartzsite for just a few days you will probably want to stay in one of the free camping areas.

Quartzsite BLM – Free Camping

Free camping not to exceed 14 days in a 28-day period is permitted in non-fee Quartzsite BLM areas:

• Plomosa Road: Take 95 north of Quartzsite to the Plomosa Road turnoff. The free camping areas are on the north and south sides of Plomosa Road.
• Hi Jolly/MM112: Head about 3 miles north of Quartzsite on US Highway 95 at mile marker 112 on right side.
• Dome Rock Mountain: West from Quartzsite about 6 miles. Take I-10 west to the Dome Rock exit. Camping is south of the Frontage Road (Kuehn Street).
• Scaddan Wash: About 3.5 miles east of Quartzsite. Take the I-10 Frontage Road from the mile marker 19 exit east. The camping area is south of the Frontage Road (Kuehn Street).
• Road Runner: This Quartzsite BLM camping area is on the west side of US 95, about 5 miles south at mile marker 99 on US Highway 95.

Quartzsite BLM – Long Term Visitor Areas

Planning to stay in Quartzsite for a while? Your best bet is to camp in the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). You’ll find it South of I-10, and running on both sides of Route 95 .

FACILITIES PROVIDED: 10 vault toilets (handicap accessible), dry dump station, dump station with water, water station (eight faucets), trash services, some paved / improved roads, dance floor and ramada.

FEES / PERMITS REQUIRED: A Long Term Visitor Area Permit is required from September 15th through April 15th each season. The cost is $180.00 and is valid for up to 7 months. A Short Term Permit can be purchased for a 14-day stay. This permit is $40.00. Permits may be purchased at LTVA entrances or at the BLM Yuma Field Office located at 2555 E. Gila Ridge Road in Yuma.

The La Posa LTVA is divided into 4 sections. Each has it’s own entrance:

• La Posa West is just south of the RV Show Big Tent.
• Across the street from the West section is the North section of the La Posa LTVA.
• Further south along the west side of Route 95 is the entrance to the south section of La Posa LTVA.
• Across Hwy 95 from La Posa South is the Tyson Wash section.

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