Thursday, February 28, 2013

Green RVing...environmentally responsible motorhome design


Go Green! by Debbie Hollembaek, DLH Design
No, we aren’t speaking of the University of Oregon’s Ducks (although they’re off to a great football season!)…we’re speaking of environmental friendly options you have in the upgrade and renovations of your motorcoach.

I was very surprised at the turnout of my “Green Seminar” held during the annual Country Coach Friends Incorporated Friendship Rally (www.countrycoachfriendsincorporated.com) this past July in Harrisburg, Oregon! I would like to take some time here to share how easy it is to “go green” as you make renovations to your coaches. Green, environmental friendly, eco-friendly and sustainable are all terms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on our environment.  This definition takes into consideration green products and sustainable products. Green products are those fabricated from recycled or natural substances. Sustainable products are those fabricated to conserve and improve our natural ecosystems while protecting human health.

As you consider changes for your coaches such as flooring, counters, cabinet alterations, new sofa, etc. - take a moment and think green.  Today there are green products in almost every area of home renovation. Countertops made from recycled glass, paper, porcelain, concrete and even recycled money and traffic lights are crafted into exquisite surfaces.

Tile flooring crafted from combining recycled glass and porcelain, wood flooring manufactured from wood in a sustainable forest or bamboo which regenerates itself quickly….Carpets manufactured with wool or plant fiberPlumbing products that regulate water flow oxygenate our water and work on solar power…Fabric, grout, glass, metal, insulation and many other materials can all be found today with a green certification. The list is endless and when considering replacing old with new think green and find a product that has been certified green.  A quick goggle search can lead you to these products, just goggle “green flooring”, “green faucets” or whatever item you are looking for and you will find those that carry a green certification.

Small steps we all take today will insure our environment for tomorrow.  Let me know if you need help finding a “green” product I would be happy to help! Debbie Hollembaek, DLH Design, 541-579-0910; Email: dlhdesignrv@comcast.net; Website: www.dlhdesigner.com.

Freshwater Holding Tanks...Keeping it fresh


Guest writer Gary Obermire of Premier RV Services (www.premierrvservices.com) provides a guest column regarding your motorcoach freshwater tank.
 
Q)  I’ll be storing the motorhome in a hot climate for a couple months. Should I drain the fresh water completely or leave it as is partially filled?



Answer:  To avoid bacteria growth in the tank and odorous, foul tasting water, yes, we do recommend you empty the fresh water tank before you store it for an extended period.

When it’s time to take that next road trip, thoroughly flush your tank before using the fresh water again.

Flush Basics:  Start with a full tank, then add a bleach/water solution to the tank. Run each faucet a couple minutes using the water pump not an external water supply. Top off the RV fresh water tank and let stand several hours or better yet overnight.

 

Drain the system, letting faucets flush for several minutes each, repeating until the tank is empty. Open the fresh water tank drain valve to speed up emptying the tank, and open the hot water tank drain plug and drain until it is empty. Close all valves and faucets and drain plugs.

Fill the tank again. The water should now be fresh and ready to drink. You can repeat the fresh water flush if some chlorine odor/taste remains.

Enjoy your travels and let us know if Premier RV Services in Junction City, Oregon can help with any of your motorcoach service and maintenance needs.