Smitty's RV & Weld Articles & Tips

What to Consider When Buying a RV

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:33:24 GMT

Owning an RV can provide years of joy and freedom, if you know how to pick the right RV for your lifestyle.

Buying a RV is a big decision. Not only financially but also as it is a complete lifestyle change - whether you intended it or not!

Owning an RV can provide years of joy and freedom, if you know how to pick the right RV for your lifestyle.

Here are our tips for what you should consider when buying a RV.

Size

The size of RV will be completely dependent on whether you’re looking for a cozy getaway for two or a family of four. RVs also differ in length. Longer vehicles may limit you in where you can go, but more compact campers could potentially limit comfort and modern conveniences. Before you choose your size you should consider your current lifestyle, but also at least your intentions for the next five years as well as what you’re planning to do with your RV. This will greatly help in your decision with what type of RV to buy.

Type of RV

Besides size, the type of RV you choose will be dependent on your lifestyle. Not all RVs are suited to everyone’s style of travel. You’ll also need to consider where or what type of places you want to visit: rough, wilderness campsites, more easygoing trails or mostly freeway.

There are two broad categories of RVs: Motorized (motorhomes) and Towed.

Towable RVs can roughly fit into five different categories: fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, sport-utility trailers, truck campers and pop up (or fold-down) campers.

MOTORIZED RVS:

Motorized campers generally refer to all-in-one vehicles that you drive. These may include top of the range luxury RVs that feels like a home on wheels; smaller, but still very comfortable campervans that may include a kitchen and toilet and converted vans which typically includes a small kitchenette and bed.

TOWED RVS :

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers are the equivalent of the luxury motorized RV, except that they are towed and not drivable.

Due to their size they must be towed by a large pickup truck or a conversion van. A fifth-wheel connects to the tow vehicle via a “gooseneck” extension, which extends over the back of the towing truck. This feature provides a stronger and more maneuverable connection than ball hitches.

Fifth-wheel trailers are, as a rule, very spacious. Fifth-wheels typically include full-size kitchens and baths, ample storage and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes and the range of amenities and floor plans varies widely from space for 2 to up to eight people. Travel trailers are usually lighter than a Fifth-wheel. This gives you the advantage of being able to pull it with a lighter tow vehicle. Many of the smaller travel trailers can be towed with a 1/2 ton pickup or larger SUV.

Travel trailers connect with a standard ball hitch receiver and can be towed by any vehicle rated to handle their weight capacity

Sport-Utility Trailers

Sport-utility trailers (SUTs), commonly called “toy haulers,” were not created as a place to sleep. These RVs were designed to allow outdoor enthusiasts to transport their jet skis, motorcycles, ATVs, etc. more easily.

Truck Campers

These RVs are perfect for weekend warriors, spontaneous travelers and outdoorsy types who favor flexibility, drivability and affordability over luxury amenities.

Truck campers (sometimes called “slide-ins” or “cab-overs”) are made by mounting a hard-sided camper shell to an ordinary pickup truck, and still give you plenty of conveniences.

Truck campers typically sleep two to four passengers and offer small cooking, dining, storage and bath facilities.

Pop Up (Or Fold-Down) Campers

Pop-up campers are compact trailers that feature extendable top and side sections that are folded away during travel for easy transport. Appearing just as a normal trailer they are generally lightweight and offer room for a few people to sleep. Most have a refrigerator and stove or small kitchenette, but no bathroom. Ideal for weekend camping when you want something more robust than a tent to sleep in.

Lightweight and easy to maneuver, pop ups can be towed by ordinary passenger vehicles (like an SUV, minivan or full-sized sedan) via a ball hitch receiver.

Buying New vs Used

The most obvious difference between deciding to buy new or used is price. RVs generally hold their value quite well in the market and even used RVs are not cheap. More customisations also add to the price, but may also require a savvy mechanic to give everything a once over.

Buying new you receive at least a one-year warranty on everything bumper to bumper. This is really great as things move while on the road and you’ll be covered should anything happen. Buying new is a blank canvas. Whether buying top of the range or an affordable pop-up trailer you will probably want to make some customizations.

Buying used may however come with many customizations already in place, the only problem is that if those customizations are not something you wanted, or if they were not made by a qualified RV technician/mechani c. Buying used does also save you money and you could make improvements to your taste as further upgrades or accessories within budget.

MAINTENANCE

RVs require regular maintenance and repair, more so than an ordinary vehicle. It is important to have your RV inspected seasonally and perform regular trailer checks before traveling.

Depending on your destinations you may also look to acquire RV suspension upgrades , or RV towing accessories to make things more comfortable for tows or when parked.

It is important to find an auto-mechanic that understands RVs and one that you can trust to have your best interest in mind. Speak to Smitty’s for all your RV requirements for the best advice.

Importance of Regular Maintenance on Fire Water Tanks

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:54:39 GMT

With summer in full force and temperatures rising there is an increased risk of fire outbreaks.

Fire water tanks are water storage tanks with the purpose of having water readily available in case of a fire outbreak. They are usually found in buildings as part of a larger fire suppression system. These tanks are pretty large and installed on top or below the roof to provide water to sprinklers or hoses in case of a fire emergency.

Water tanks can also be created at a smaller scale with a similar purpose for RV or camper travel, aside from travelling with a fire extinguisher. RV or camper water tanks can also serve as a dual purpose water reservoir for general usage.

If the tanks are not properly looked after with regular maintenance checks, they could degrade and not function properly.

Water Tanks for Residential, Commercial and Agricultural Buildings

All buildings are required by law to have a water tank for the suppression of fire outbreaks, but once installed it is all too easy to forget about the maintenance until you have need of the system. If the water tank is faulty or leaking, you might run the risk of not being able to extinguish the fire entirely, or worse.

Water Tanks for RVs and Campers

When travelling, having your own water reservoir or water storage tank is very convenient, especially when those travels take you to more remote places. Most RVs and campers have fittings welded on to support a couple of 5 gallon jerry cans, but 5 gallons might not be much when travelling in parts of the country where water is less easy to source. Custom water tanks or storage baskets can be created for your trip that could hold more water canisters or tanks for your trip.

Custom Water Tanks for Fire Protection

Water tanks are available in a range of suitable materials including plastic, galvanised steel, stainless steel, steel liners, fibreglass, and concrete.

In generations past most water tanks were made from galvanised steel which are the water tanks usually found on older buildings and sheds. These days most new tanks have moved to a plastic or poly material which keeps the water quality better for longer, thus used in more potable water storage instances. Most of the other materials can slightly degrade over time, so if you’re looking for a potable or dual water system, one could still use steel, but with a lined interior made of poly. However the usage degrades over temperatures higher than 158 degrees.

Steel, steel liner and concrete tanks are the best options for choosing fireproof tanks.

Why Maintenance On Water Tanks Are Important

Water tanks need regular maintenance to remain safe and able to complete the critical tasks of delivering clean drinking water and water for fire suppression. A tank experiencing a breakdown in either of those areas could pose safety risks to people relying on the tank.

It’s nearly impossible to predict when a seemingly healthy water tank will suddenly go bad. Yearly maintenance checkups are therefore encouraged. This includes an external and internal inspection of the tank.

Here's a brief look at some inspection standards:

Water levels : The water level should be checked quarterly for tanks with a supervised water level alarm. Monthly checks are needed for tanks without an alarm.
The temperature of the water : The temperature needs to be maintained at a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent it from freezing, for which a heating system is usually required.
Heating system inspection : Heating systems are fuelled by steam, gas, coal, electricity, or solar power. Daily inspection is recommended for systems with no electric supervision system and quarterly inspection for those with a supervised system.
Exterior inspection: The supporting structure, foundation catwalks, ladders, and vents of the storage tank need to be inspected for any damage or weakening. They also need to be checked for degrading paint, ice build-up, leaks, and cracks.
Interior inspection : Tanks without corrosion protection need to be inspected every 3-years, and every 5-years for tanks with coverage. They also need to be checked for pitting, rot, debris, aquatic growth, failure of interior coating, and blockage of the anti-vortex plate.

Interior inspection can be particularly challenging because the fire protection tank is mostly filled with massive quantities of water. When this occurs, steel frac tanks are used for temporary storage for water until the main fire protection tank is inspected and repaired, if required. In case of an emergency, water can be directly sourced from the frac tanks to handle a fire breakout.

At our core we at Smitty’s RV and Welding are expert welders. Whether creating custom water storage systems, cradles, supports or tanks get a free estimate from Smitty’s RV and Welding .

If you have water storage tanks at your site that need welding maintenance work, or replacement, or if your steel based fire protection tanks develop a leak, get in touch with Smitty’s RV and Welding, based in Houston, for rapid solutions .

Trusted RV Auto Mechanic & Repair in Houston

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:30:55 GMT

Finding a good, trusted and reliable auto repair technician can be a daunting task.

If you’ve recently acquired an RV, whether new or used, you’ll need to have it inspected and serviced at regular intervals and especially if you’re planning a big road trip for summer vacation.

Smitty’s RV and Welding is a 3rd-generation family business and has been operating successfully for 40 years. At Smitty’s you’re more than a customer, you’re a lifelong friend and treated like family.

Genuine Care and Expert Knowledge

Based in Houston you can be assured of our Texan hospitality. We welcome your questions and we’re happy to help. We’ve been known to help new RV enthusiasts and towers find their feet and increase their understanding of safe towing.

How We Can Help

Smitty's RV & Welding provides towbar , brake system , suspension , motorcycle lift , and welding services. Our specialty is RVs and trailers, but we also do custom welds for water storage tanks - whether for your vehicle or as building fire prevention methods.

We also stock major brand name kits and parts including Koni, Safe-T-Plus, Roadmaster and Blue Ox if you prefer to do your own installations.

Book a free consultation with the trusted name for anything RV and welding related in Houston. Speak to Smitty’s RV and Welding.

Everything You Need to Know About Dry Camping in an RV (Boondocking)

7003184773 — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 16:37:50 GMT

Everything You Need to Know About Dry Camping in an RV (Boondocking)

What Is Boondocking?

If you're new to the RV world, you might have heard the term and wondered about its meaning. A basic definition of boondocking is camping in an RV or other self-contained vehicle without electricity, sewer hookups, or fresh water. Usually when people talk about boondocking, they mean camping on remote public lands, but the term can also apply to RVers parking overnight without hookups on privately owned land, “dry” campsites, or even in parking lots.

There’s one thing for sure: boondocking is an awesome way to camp and RV for free. But it’s not something you can head out and do without preparation or proper gear! Although most RVs are designed to camp without hookups for a couple of days, there are many things you can do to make the experience more comfortable.

There’s one thing for sure: boondocking is an awesome way to take a very cheap RV vacation or live in an RV full time nearly for free. But it’s not something you can head out and do without preparation or proper gear! Although most RVs are designed to camp without hookups for a couple of days, you'll quickly discover that using an RV without hookups isn't the same as having full hookups.

For example,

- Some of your lights and electrical outlets may not work.

- You won't be able to run any appliances that draw a lot of power…such as an air conditioning unit.

- You'll be limited as to the number of hot showers you can take and the number of times you can flush the toilet.

That's why many RVers who plan to boondock on a regular basis end up investing in gear that helps make the experience more comfortable.

This is where Solar power solutions come in handy!

Boondocking Solar and Power Needs

RV solar power is a technical and complicated topic. However, solar power is the best way to have power in your RV while boondocking.

At Smitty’s we have a wide variety of Solar Power Solutions for your RV!

Have a look at our solar power solutions here!

Speak to us at Smitty’s RV and Welding if you have any questions about about installing Solar Power in your RV. Get in touch!

We will take pride in making sure your RV is ready for the road!

How to Make RV’s an Affordable Travel Option with These RV Tips

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:42:01 GMT

How to Make RV’s an Affordable Travel Option with These RV Tips

The cost of RV travel can add up quickly, but strategic and patient planning make hitting the road possible on any budget. RVing is one of the most economical ways to travel, and thousands are able to enjoy RV living while keeping their finances in check.

In order to RV on a budget, it’s important to have an idea of how much you’ll be spending, whether full-time RVing or just taking your motorhome, travel trailer or camper van out a few times a year. When estimating how much you will need, consider how you’re financing your RV, annual maintenance costs, campground fees, gas prices, and food costs. As you plan out the costs of your RV travel, below are some ways you can save money while travelling in an RV.

Create an RV travel budget and stick to it

The first tip for RVing on a budget is to understand how much you will be spending overall. Some of your costs are going to be fixed, like RV payments, insurance, etc. Make sure you are getting the best possible rates for your fixed cost by price comparing insurance coverage. One of the biggest benefits of RV travel is that you largely control the cost. Whatever your destination, timeline, and must-see activities are, you can make it work within your budget.

Start by figuring out how much money you are willing to spend, subtract your fixed costs and then prioritize your flexible costs. Do you want to travel frequently? Gas prices are high, and could get even higher. Consider taking shorter distance trips to offset the rising costs. Do you need to stay at campgrounds with hook-ups? Site fees are likely going to be more expensive than rustic campgrounds or sites with limited services. Once you know what’s most important to you, you can pick the areas where you can cut back.

RV Maintenance: Maintain your home away from home

Regardless of what they drive, responsible RV owners all have one thing in common. They know the best method of avoiding costly repairs is preventative maintenance. Putting it off could subject your wallet to towing fees, lost time and hastily-needed repairs that often cost substantially more than they would if addressed sooner. Regularly servicing your RV at home can cut costs substantially, but not everyone has the mechanic skills and knowhow. There are many videos online that can teach you how to fix simple repairs!

Find the right campsite at the right price

Another substantial cost in RV travel is paying for campsites. When you’re RVing on a budget, these costs can add up quickly. The cheapest way to camp is by boondocking, which is also known as “dry camping” without electricity or water hookups. Typically, boondocking RV sites are on public land and are either very low-cost or completely free. You also get the added benefits of more flexibility and better views when boondocking. It’s true that traditional RV camping has its benefits, like access to running water and being able to do laundry. However, you can’t beat the freedom that comes with boondocking, and it’s far gentler on the RV budget as well.

Along the same lines as boondocking, sometimes the best activities are the ones off-the-beaten-path. National parks, beaches, and theme parks are popular for a reason, but they also come with substantial expenses. Admission costs, parking fees, and pricey food can quickly bust an RV budget. If you plan ahead, you’ll find plenty of low-cost and totally free activities along your route. As a bonus, you’ll probably end up discovering some awesome activities and places you would never have known about otherwise!

But if you’re trying to avoid bigger issues, give us a call at Smitty’s RV and welding to learn more about having your RV professionally serviced., it’s easy to schedule an appointment with Smitty’s to have your RV serviced before your next road trip.

Speak to us at Smitty’s RV and Welding if you have any questions about your towing capacity or which tow bars or hitches to install. We also specialise in tow hitch installations and custom hitch installations for all types of vehicles and RVs.

Tow Hitches, Bars and Towing Weights

Thu, 26 May 2022 13:27:49 GMT

Getting to grips with towing lingo and weights

The terms tow hitches, trailer hitches and towbars are often used interchangeably. This can be especially confusing to those starting out in the world of towing and not sure what they should be installing on their vehicle.

Towing hitches also look a little different whether you’re in the States or elsewhere in the world. In the States we refer to tow hitches and trailer hitches as a name for the same thing, but generally they fit into the larger tow bar category.

Types of Tow Bars

Towbars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are four popular designs that together cater for the vast majority of use cases and environments.

Tow hitches

Towbars need another mechanism to connect to a trailer or other vehicle, and this is typically known as a hitch.

A tow or trailer hitch is the primary connector between a tow vehicle and trailer. It is the structural component that bolts onto the vehicle and provides a coupling point to hook up a trailer.

Towing Classes and Weights

Apart from the towbar design, an important consideration is the maximum weight it can tow. This capacity must exceed or match the vehicle’s braked or unbraked towing capacity in order to maximise towing ability. Today, towbars fall into three distinct classes.

Class 2 , also known as light-duty towbars, are rated to a maximum of 2,000 lbs and are therefore suitable to tow lighter items such as a small trailer. Most flat tongue towbars fall into this category. Typically used with cars, crossovers and minivans.

Class 3, or medium-duty, towbars are rated to tow up to 8,000 lbs, suitable for medium sized trailers. Entry level horizontal hitch towbars would fall into the Class 3 category. Typically used with crossovers, vans, SUVs and trucks.

Class 4 category, or heavy-duty towbars are rated to tow up to 10,000 lbs, suitable for a large caravan. Stronger horizontal hitch or rear step towbars are likely to be categorised within this class. Typically used with trucks and SUVs.

Speak to us at Smitty’s RV and Welding if you have any questions about your towing capacity or which tow bars or hitches to install. We specialise in tow hitch installations and custom hitch installations for all types of vehicles and RVs.

When Do You Need A Baseplate For Towing?

Thu, 19 May 2022 10:43:05 GMT

Attaching a baseplate is a safer and more convenient way to tow

Bringing a second vehicle along when taking trips in your RV allows for a lot more freedom of movement, especially once the RV is settled and secured in its overnight spot.

Taking the vehicle along on the journey in a convenient manner without someone having to drive behind the RV can sometimes be seen as more of a burden than having the convenience of a second vehicle available. Towing the vehicle behind the RV might be a solution.

Finding a car that is readily towable might be an obstacle, especially if you have an existing vehicle or a specific vehicle in mind.

Having a baseplate installed on the vehicle you wish to bring along might solve the problem.

What Is A Baseplate?

Baseplates are installed on your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The size of the baseplate will vary depending on the type of vehicle and what you intend to tow. The reason you need such a device installed on your vehicle’s frame is that towing a vehicle without an additional support structure might cause damage to more fragile parts of the vehicle.

Baseplates are usually used to flat-tow a vehicle directly behind the RV. This means that the vehicle is towed on all-fours as opposed to being on a trailer or flat-bed. It is the most convenient method to tow a vehicle.

The Two Most Commonly Requested Baseplates

Direct-Connect Baseplate

This style of baseplate eliminates the need for a crossbar as it directly connects your tow bar and baseplate. Smitty's RV & Welding recommends you to choose this baseplate if you are using a motorhome-mounted tow bar (except Sterling).

Reasons to choose a direct-connect baseplate is that it creates a cleaner look on the vehicle and is not too difficult to install.

Crossbar-Style Baseplate

This style of baseplate utilizes the crossbar and/or quick-disconnect system as a mounting platform and accommodates Roadmaster tow bars and accessories. It comes in handy if you are using a Sterling or a car-mounted tow bar.

Reasons to choose a crossbar style baseplate is if you require some extra stability. Crossbar style tow bars are traditionally going to be much heavier and more difficult to install on the tow vehicle than the direct connects, but once you're pulling you won’t notice a considerable difference in stability of one over the other. Another reason to choose this style is if you're planning on towing somewhere remote and off-road, like in the mountains or wilderness, the crossbar style tow bars allow for the additional mounting of vehicle guards, safety cables and anchors.

Many baseplate kits are available on the market for self-installation. At Smitty’s RV and Welding we welcome you to consult us about your RV and intended vehicle that we may guide you on the best baseplate styles and upgrades . We also sell baseplate kits and provide fully customized baseplate creations and welds based on your requirement. Get in touch with Smitty’s RV and Welding for your baseplate upgrade.

Upgrading Your RV Suspension for a Smoother Ride

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 14:29:41 GMT

Owning an RV is as much about your comfort at the end destination as it is the journey there.

Having a bumpy or uncomfortable drive could detract from the joy of your total experience. If your RV, camper-van or travel trailer is seeming a little more jolting than usual it may be time to look at your suspension.

Knowing When To Upgrade Your Suspension

RV suspension is critical for a smooth ride. Not only is it the foundation of your RV, but it impacts your frame and the contents inside your RV.

The most obvious thing to reflect on is how your vehicle feels when you're on the road: if you're getting excessive body roll when cornering, your rig is nose diving when braking or it's getting bumpy when loaded up, then there's a strong chance your current suspension isn't performing as well as it should. We recommend that you should check out your RV's suspension system at least twice a year or more, if you travel more often.

Having a solid suspension system in place will also mean better road-handling and driver control, a more solid and stable drive with less swaying, especially when entering and exiting driveways, off-camber surfaces, rough roads and in windy conditions.

What are the Options?

There are many different solutions to choose from when upgrading your RV/truck suspension . Sway bars, track bars, steering stabilizers, shock absorbers and torsion bars are a few of the most popular that have been proven most effective.

Most drivers want to find a balance between seeing a significant improvement to their driving experience and an affordable upgrade investment.

There is more than one type of RV suspension system, including those with coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, or air bags. Coil springs & leaf springs are less expensive and more commonly used types, smoothing out most road imperfections. Leaf springs are most often found on travel trailers and 5th wheels. Torsion bars are a more expensive type that attach to your RV's frame, but are not designed to work with a weight equalizer in a dual or triple axle system the way leaf springs do. Equalizers prevent too much weight from being put on an axle. Airbags are the type of suspension with the highest cost, but also provide the smoothest ride.

Airbag suspension is generally more expensive due to its specific load-bearing capabilities. Ride height adjustment can be controlled at the touch of a button in most installations. Making traveling versatile in terms of ground clearance over tricky terrain and long-distance traveling (ie reducing ride height can improve aerodynamics for road stability and perhaps a reduction in fuel consumption - that however generally can only be measured based on the type of vehicle/RV)

We recommend that you speak to us, or bring your RV to us at Smitty’s RV and Welding Houston to look over your existing suspension and to provide you with the best and most bang-for-buck value options.

Seasonal Travel Trailer Inspections & Repairs

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:47:56 GMT

The Importance Of Seasonal Trailer Inspections & Repairs

With summer approaching you might already be planning your next family vacation. Before going on vacation most people have their cars routinely checked, but many forget to have their trailers inspected before taking trips.

The Importance Of Seasonal Trailer Inspections & Repairs

Your trailer, whether camper, caravan, RV or utility trailer is just as important to have routinely inspected as your vehicle. This is especially true coming out of winter, where wheel and electrical issues will be the most apparent, and depending on how you stored your trailer, possibly even body work.

If your trailer is not stored properly when not in use, or if you didn’t give it a good rinse down before you stored it, it is possible that rain and dust may have led to rust, and salt and road chemicals gathered from driving may have been corroding some parts while in storage. Winter may have also caused some leaks, and fittings may have gone out.

Just because it was fine when you last used it doesn’t mean something hasn’t changed. It’s always best to do a pre-travel trailer inspection and see to any repairs that are needed prior to hitting the road.

Pre-Travel Trailer Checks To Perform

There are some basic checks that you can perform yourself when bringing your trailer out for season. It’s usually a good idea to perform these checks every time you use the trailer as an extra precaution. If you have any doubt in what you’re seeing, it’s always best to seek out a professional for a second opinion or more thorough inspection.

External Inspection

Step back and look at the trailer to confirm it looks straight and square all around. It should sit level when hitched.
Check that the ball is the right size for the trailer hitch.
Check every latch, pin, and hinge to ensure it is tight and secure.
Closely inspect tires, looking for bulges, cuts, and worn tread or areas where the steel belt shows through. These may also commonly be caused by “tyre rot” or “dry rot” which may lead to cracked and brittle tyres from being left in the elements (high heat or cold) or long periods of disuse.
Adjust tire inflation as needed to meet pressure recommendations listed on the tire.
Check brakes to be sure they’re in good working order.
Check the electrical system to be sure brake lights, signals, and running lights all work.

Internal Inspection

Make sure all drain valves and nozzles are closed
Turn on the power
Fill water tanks with fresh water
Check that all fittings (especially the hot water plug) are tight and completely sealed
Check batteries and ensure they hold sufficient charge
Turn on the water pump
Turn on every faucet and let run for several minutes (to completely rinse antifreeze)
Fill hot water tank BEFORE turning it on (activating a hot water heater without water inside can overheat it and burn up the element)
Check propane tank lines and levels
Check that the LPG (liquid petroleum gas) detector is working properly. The LP test will check to make sure there are no leaks in your trailer’s system (a system that runs the gas, furnace and the hot water heater).
Check the roof for cracks, gaps, and leaks
Check the fridge, stove, oven, lights, ect.
Check for any abnormal noises, hums, or smells,

At Smitty’s RV and Welding we encourage you to bring your trailer to us for a professional and thorough, multi-point, proactive inspection of the interior and exterior of your travel trailer before you embark on your journey. Get in touch with us today to arrange your pre-summer trailer inspection and repairs.

What is Flat Towing?

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:36:14 GMT

Bring a car along on your vacation

If you’re new to RV life there are so many words to get used to and understand. As you spend more time in your RV and go further afield or for longer holidays, you might want to consider taking more things with you for your trip. One such item might be a vehicle for shorter trips to buy groceries, or go exploring some four wheeling tracks with, but you don't want to be the one to drive it solo, a flat-tow installation might be an option.

What is “flat tow” and how does it work?

Flat towing, also called “four-wheels-down” towing, refers to the practice of pulling one vehicle behind another, with all four wheels of the towed vehicle being in contact with the ground.

It is a very popular way to tow your 4x4 or daily drive behind your RV especially as it requires only small modifications and not too much time to install. A big advantage of flat towing is that once you have set it up, it’s the fastest way to connect and disconnect the vehicle being towed.

Preparing your vehicle to flat tow usually requires some kind of flat tow kit. The basic flat tow kit will have five sets of hardware pieces, as follows:

There is your tow bar , which securely links the two vehicles together.
Most kits also come with a basic base plate installation kit for the vehicle you plan to tow.
Safety cables that serve as a backup link between the two vehicles in case the tow bar somehow gets detached or breaks.
Tow bar wiring that you will need to set up a set of tail lights on the vehicle being towed.
Supplemental braking systems that work with the braking system of the towing vehicle, which helps smooth out the braking forces experienced by both vehicles.

What vehicles can be flat towed behind an RV

Before going ahead with the flat tow installation on your truck or RV, you need to make sure that the vehicle you intend to flat tow, is safe to tow in this way. Not all vehicles can be flat towed.

Every car model has its own specific transmission and lubrication system, and these determine whether they are safe to tow on their own four wheels. It’s a good idea to check with your owner’s manual on whether your car can be flat towed at all.

Generally speaking, a rear wheel drive car with manual transmission is likely to be a good candidate for flat towing, without additional modifications.

At Smitty’s RV and Welding we will do full safety checks on both your vehicles prior to going ahead with any installation. We will also recommend alternative options should flat towing not be an option for your particular vehicles.

Get in touch with us today for your flat tow or base plate installation.

Let’s Talk About Suspension

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:58:39 GMT

What it is and why you should consider it

They say bigger is better in Texas, and there is no truer reflection of this than in our trucks.

It doesn't have to be a monster-truck to be considered bigger. Taking your wheels from 30” to 35” makes a big difference, and when you go up even one size from your original vehicle wheel size, you have to also look at whether your suspension can handle this.

Suspension parameters are as important to get right when you’re doing custom lifts on your Jeep as they are for safety purposes in RVs and trucks.

What is Suspension?

Your vehicle’s suspension system is a protective network of shock-absorbing components such as springs and dampers. This network connects your wheels to the frame of your vehicle. The vehicle’s suspension helps ensure that your drive is safe and smooth by absorbing the energy from various road bumps and other kinetic impacts. If one element is out of line or balance, the entire system will be compromised.

There are three basic types of suspension components: linkages, springs, and shock absorbers.

Linkages - There are a number of various shaped links that are used for the different types of suspension systems. They vary from straight bars to forged, cast or stamped metal shapes that best fit to support the springs, shocks and wheels onto the vehicle frame or body structure. The simplest linkage is a straight bar that connects one wheel to the other on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Springs - help to control the height and load of the suspension and body of the vehicle.
Shock absorbers - (also called dampers), absorb and dampen various kinetic energy impulses that your tires transmit when they contact the road.

Your car’s suspension system also likely has an anti-sway bar. The anti-sway bar can help to shift the movement of your wheels relative to your steering wheel. It effectively stabilizes your car’s direction as it moves along the road.

Why is the Suspension so Important?

Most vehicles are equipped with a suspension kit due to the many benefits, including but not limited to:

Comfortable handling experience - Suspension systems maximize the friction between your car's tires and the road. By maximizing friction, you can steer your vehicle with more stability and experience more comfortable handling. The more contact your tires have with the road, the safer and more securely you'll be able to drive.
Smoother ride - The suspension system of your car also provides added comfort. By limiting the kinetic energy transferred from road imperfections like bumps to your cabin, you’ll bounce up and down far less, and your passengers will also enjoy a smoother ride.
Decrease wear and tear - Suspension systems can help to increase the lifespan and durability of your car. Your vehicle’s components will be taxed much less over time by limiting how much energy is transferred from bumps and potholes in the road. Therefore, your car’s other components will last longer.

RV suspension systems work on the same principle, but as the vehicle is typically longer and heavier than cars, it is even more critical to ensure that the components are all working efficiently and fits the specific load. Most RVs come equipped with a standard factory installed suspension kit usually consisting of leaf springs and an equalizer, which is perfectly fine and suited to general travel. However many owners upgrade these kits to increase their suspension’s performance and durability for less wear and tear.

A typical example of such an upgrade would be due to carrying additional loads like bike racks, or flat-tow systems for additional vehicle tows.

Make sure that you keep your suspension system in good condition by periodically taking your car or RV in for an inspection with a certified mechanic.

At Smitty’s RV & Welding we ensure that your vehicle or RV is safe to drive. We check all the suspension components to make sure the vehicle is as safe as it can be.

Get in touch with us now to discuss your suspension requirements, or RV suspension system installation or upgrade.

Water Tanks For Fire Protection

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:15:05 GMT

Considering a water tank in case of fire?

Generally office workers or apartment block residents don’t put much thought into where the water for internal building fire sprinklers are kept, or what those storage facilities look like. They just know it’s there when they need it.

On the other hand, people who work in factories, warehouses or construction sites are far more cognizant of these water storage facilities as are the building owners who are liable for the safety of those working or residing within these buildings or premises.

What is a Fire Water Tank?

Fire water tanks are used to store an adequate amount of water to be used by fire sprinkler systems or other fire fighting measures. The exact size you need will depend on how much water you need to store and additional factors, including whether it is an independent system or whether it needs to work with smaller deposits around the building, amongst other things.

Trying to rely on the municipal water supply may be insufficient for fire suppression under some circumstances, and with new regulations around fire safety it is better to have a good solution in place.

Why Custom Made Tanks

Tank sizes differ by their requirements, how much water they need to store and even what materials they can be made from. There are various formulas to work out exactly how much water you need to store for your particular building or project. Using those formulas you might end up with a size specification that you can’t really buy off the shelf and would need to consider a custom build.

Custom builds are not as expensive as you might think, plus you can get it in the shape your space demands as opposed to trying to retro-fit it to the space available.

The material it can be made of will also depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to:

If there is a chance the tank will be exposed to heat and must also be fire resistant;
level of pressure the tank must be able to withstand;
above or below ground installation;
seismic activity in the area

Property protection systems such as water tanks for fire protection are often installed at the request of the building occupier’s insurer to protect the business by ensuring the building and contents are protected against fire. They might also have their own set of requirements which might be easier to comply with by means of a custom tank.

Smitty’s RV & Welding specialize in manufacturing custom water tanks for fire protection as per safety norms and comply with all major fire safety standards/certifications. We create individually engineered tanks to serve as dedicated reservoirs and water supply configurations for commercial, industrial and municipal applications amongst others.

Apart from manufacturing customized fire water storage tanks; we also offer other services like custom tank protective enclosures or tank cradle systems.

Get in touch with us today for a quote on your fire protection project.

6 Reasons You Might Need a Trailer Hitch

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:00:49 GMT

Considering Getting a Trailer Hitch? 6 Reasons Why you Should.

There are a number of reasons you might consider installing a trailer hitch to your vehicle or even RV. If you regularly need to tow for your job or you’re planning on using that RV more frequently and want to expand options for more packing space, or bringing along a side-by-side or Jeep, it’s a no brainer. Perhaps you’re thinking about renting a trailer for a house move, want to be able to hitch your own horse-trailer or are planning on spending more time outdoors and you might have a few more things to think about before deciding to attach that hitch to your daily drive.

How Easy Is It To Get A Hitch?

Not all vehicles come equipped with a trailer hitch, however, most have some towing capacity. If your vehicle allows for towing, installing a towing hitch will be relatively easy. Just make sure you have it installed by a qualified and experienced mechanic as things can go terribly wrong if it’s not done properly.

There are plenty of great custom shops that can install your hitch in less than a day, and before you know it you’ll be ready to load up the trailer and hit the great outdoors.

Before You Get A Hitch

It’s very important to know what you’re planning on using your hitch for as the weight will affect the type of hitch that is right for you. Be sure to discuss all your intentions with your tow-hitch installer to make sure they make an informed decision about what type of hitch to fit to your vehicle.

Here are a few great reasons to install a hitch to your vehicle!

Make Moving Easier

Hauling around large items like appliances is easier with a trailer. If you are planning a move, or bringing your gear down to the summer house, a trailer and hitch can make the job easier, more efficient and cheaper than renting a truck. Installing a trailer hitch is a great, cost-effective solution as well as a practical investment.

Bike Rack Attachments

While the name “trailer hitch” implies the use of a trailer, these installations are also popular for their bike rack attachments. Instead of trying to fit your bike inside your car, these racks safely and securely mount your bikes onto the back of your vehicle. A bike rack attachment via trailer hitch is also a lot more secure than the ones that clip on to your trunk. They also allow you to bring along up to four, some even more) bikes per trip.

Camping and Vacations

A trailer hitch can simplify hiking, vacations and camping. Pack all your gear out the way so you and your family or friends can travel in comfort. Hitch up a trailer, load up and carry all of your gear like your backpacks, fishing gear, tent, cook stove, sleeping bags, climbing gear and more!

Recreational Toys

Bring along the ATVs, jet skis, boat or camper. Just hook them up to the back and go!

Horse or Livestock Transportation

Tow your horses (or other livestock) safely as and when you need to.

Overhead Cargo Load Stability

If you tend to strap ladders, paddle-boards, lumber, kayaks, and other cargo on the top of your vehicle, a trailer hitch may help with stability. Hitch attachments can help anchor and secure your overhead cargo. And you will have the option to attach a trailer for the cargo instead as well.

Whatever reason you choose to install a hitch, be sure to work with a seasoned professional.

Smitty’s RV & Welding, based in Houston Texas, is a third generation business. We take pride in our recommendations, work and in making sure you’ll be safe on the road. Speak to us for all your trailer hitch installation needs.