Spring is just around the corner so this is a good time to start thinking about checking over your RV and getting it ready for summer use. Check your owner’s manual for suggested annual maintenance items that may apply to your RV or coach type. For motor home coaches, this might be a good time to book a tune up or overall check with your local mechanic to make sure your rig is in tip top shape to hit the road. Be sure to check tires and air pressure, air or engine filters, wiper blades and fluid levels. Be sure to empty out cold weather anti-freeze mixtures, flush well and ensure that your storage tanks are fresh and bacteria free. This is also a good time to check the maintenance schedule on equipment like your water heater or refrigerator. Taking the time to ensure that your rig is in top shape will not only make your travel more enjoyable but will also make your vehicle safer and more stable on the road.
RV Rubber Roof Care
Caring for your RV rubber roof surface is an important step in helping your RV stay in good shape. Never use abrasive or citrus based cleaners to clean your roof surface since these can damage your roof and cause it to bubble, crack or otherwise loosen from the surface plywood that it is there to protect. Be sure to check with your manufacturer about what product is recommended before attempting to clean your roof. Rubber roof manufacturers recommend that a rubber roof be cleaned at least 4 times per year and more if the RV receives more dirt from storms or other weather conditions in the area. Apply the cleaner and a follow up companion protectorate to keep the rubber in good condition so it will provide many years of good service. Always be very careful when walking on a wet rubber roof since this surface can be very slippery. After cleaning your roof, inspect it for tears or punctures. Patch kits are available if you need them at your local RV repair center. To prevent white or gray streaks from running off of the roof and onto the sides of your RV, try applying the cleaning solution with a mop or soft brush and then mopping or sponging off the residue. Another option is to have an assistant with a hose so that the debris can be washed away from the cleaning area immediately. Keeping your roof in good shape will help you save you money and allow you to enjoy years of fun and interesting travel so be sure to put this important item on your quarterly maintenance list.
Montezuma’s Castle
If you are interested in the historical side of Arizona, be sure to visit Montezuma’s Castle. Perched high on the limestone, canyon wall, this ancient rui
Perched high on the side of the canyon wall, the Sinagua made their homes in the Verde Valley. The first permanent settlers in the area were the Hohokam. When the Hohokam moved north, the Sinagua are believed to have migrated into the area around 1125. The society flourished and the Sinagua began building large pueblos often on hilltops or on easily defensible cliffsides. Somewhere around the early 1400’s, the Sinagua abandoned their pueblos possibly due to dwindling natural resources, disease, change in the weather patterns or perhaps even changes in religious beliefs. The Sinagua were a hunter-gather tribe. In addition, they were good craftsmen creating beautiful pottery, tools and woven garments.
Montezumas Castle was built from limestone and is well protected from the elements. The dwelling is a 5-story, 20 room structure that stands in a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley floor. The monument is one of the best preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in the United States. The park was dedicated as a national historic site in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was closed to public access in 1951 and has been reinforced and stabilized to slow the slow erosion taking place of the pueblo walls and prevent collapse. A flat, easy to navigate trail takes visitors on a 20-30 minute walk around the historic area. There are many benches and good photo opportunities to get different views of the cliff dwellings from many parts of the trail. Rangers are often on hand to provide additional information and there is a large shaded pavilion where talks are often taking place during visiting hours. The monument is open 8 A.M. to 6 P.M., 7 days per week. During winter the park closes at 5 P.M. Cost is $15.00 for adults with no charge for children under 15. You can also purchase a ticket that includes a visit to Tuzigoot, another ancient Sinagua settlement for $8.00 per person. Tickets are valid for a seven day period. Pets on leashes are allowed on the park grounds.
n of the Sinagua Indians dates from somewhere around the early 1400’s. The monument, located north of Phoenix on I-17 is open daily and offers tours and ranger talks on the historical past of this beautiful and interesting area. It is definitely a place not to miss on your way to or from the Phoenix area.