5 Things You Should Never Do in Your RV | Tech Tip Tuesday

Welcome back to Todd’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by Big Beard Battery! This week, Todd is diving into some must-know RV safety tips that can save you from expensive repairs, dangerous situations, and frustrating breakdowns. Some of these might be a little controversial (we see you, keyboard warriors 👀), but trust us—following these simple guidelines can help you stay safe, protect your RV, and enjoy trouble-free adventures.

1. Never Drive with Your Propane On (Yes, Even in Cold Weather!)

We know—technically, it’s not illegal to drive with your propane on in most states. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Here’s why:

• Having propane on means you have pressure sitting at your appliances, and in many cases, an active flame.

• The wind created while driving can disrupt the flame, causing appliances to malfunction or even start a fire.

• It is illegal to have propane running when pulling into fueling stations or driving through tunnels, and some states have additional restrictions.

• If you’re winter camping and need to keep things from freezing, find alternative solutions like tank heaters or skirting rather than relying on propane while driving.

Bottom line? Turn off your propane before hitting the road. Your appliances (and safety) will thank you.

2. Avoid Open Flames Inside the RV (Except When Cooking!)

Yes, your propane stove is meant for cooking, but it should never be used as a heating source. Here’s why:

• Using your stove or oven to heat your RV can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, which can be deadly.

• Propane leaks can lead to fires or explosions, especially in a small, enclosed space.

• The only time it’s safe to have an open flame inside your RV is when you’re actively cooking and monitoring it.

Never leave an open flame unattended, and never use your oven or stove as a heater.

3. Leave Your Black & Gray Tank Valves Closed Until You’re Ready to Dump

It might be tempting to leave your gray tank valve open at full hookup sites, but here’s why you shouldn’t:

• Leaving your black tank open leads to the dreaded poop pyramid (solids build up while liquids drain, making it difficult to empty).

• Even in your gray tank, food particles, soap scum, and other gunk can build up, leading to nasty odors and clogs.

• The best practice is to keep both tanks closed and only open them when you’re ready to dump—black tank first, then gray tank to rinse out the hose.

Exception: If you’re washing clothes in your RV, it’s okay to keep your gray tank open temporarily to avoid overflow.

4. Use Your Awning Wisely (or Risk Losing It!)

Your awning is not a parachute, but if you leave it open in bad weather, it might become one. Follow these simple awning best practices:

• If you’re the only one in the RV park with your awning out, that’s a red flag! Others may know something you don’t—like incoming wind.

• Never leave your awning open unattended. A sudden gust of wind can rip it off in seconds.

• If you have to roll it up while it’s wet, make sure to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew.

• Use a gentle cleaner (like a hydrogen peroxide and water mix) to keep it in top shape.

If in doubt, retract your awning—it’s much cheaper than replacing it!

5. Don’t Plug In or Unplug with Appliances Running

Electrical safety is one of the most overlooked issues in RVing, but one wrong move could cost you hundreds or even thousands in repairs. Here’s what to remember:

• Never plug in while your air conditioner, electric fireplace, or other large appliances are on. Sudden power surges can damage your RV’s electrical system.

• Before unplugging, turn off all major appliances to avoid dangerous voltage spikes.

• Inspect your power pedestal before plugging in. If you see burn marks or melted plastic, do NOT plug in—ask for a different site or have the RV park replace the outlet.

Be discriminating with your shore power, and always use a surge protector to prevent electrical disasters.

Bonus Tip: Always Perform a Full Walk-Around Before Every Trip

Before hitting the road, do a thorough inspection of your RV, including:

✅ Tire pressure and condition (blowouts are no joke!)

✅ Suspension and brakes

✅ All major appliances (don’t assume they still work after sitting for weeks/months)

✅ Water, propane, and electrical systems

Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your RV can prevent a world of headaches down the road.

Final Thoughts

These five simple RV rules can save you from costly repairs, dangerous situations, and unnecessary stress. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, keeping these best practices in mind will help you stay safe and enjoy the journey.

💬 Have any RV horror stories from not following these tips? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear (and learn) from your experiences!

📢 Want more expert RV tips?

✅ Subscribe to The Todd & Tony Show for weekly insights on RV living, off-grid adventures, and self-sustainability.

✅ Visit ToddAndTonyShow.com for more blogs, videos, and resources!