Most slide-out are driven by some version of a electro-mechanical system.  Also occasionally a hydraulic system.  The majority of all slide-outs that are manufactured do not require lubrication.  However owners can do their part by keeping the equipment clean, which tends to prolong the life span of the mechanisms.  With doing your own part in taking care of the equipment, the owner will also begin to become familiarized with their trailer slide-out.  And might notice something go awry before it becomes a major issue.

A few general rules and troubleshooting tips to follow can help you avoid costly trips to a service center.  The first thing you should always do before pressing that slide-out button, is to make sure your coach is level, and any latches are released. Make sure there is nothing impeding the path of the slide out.  Move all throw rugs, make sure cabinet and interior doors are closed.  Make sure you have the proper distance on the outside of the trailer to operate the slide-out.  If the slide-out has not been extended for a lengthy period of time, check the edges of the seals to make sure non sticking is occurring.

Slide-outs can bind if the chassis/frame of your unit is twisted or not properly leveled.  Mechanism motors can bog down if they do not have the proper voltage supplied.  To ensure a sufficient power supply to the motor, keep the shorepower connection intact.

If a slide-out moves slowly or sticks when moving.  Check for binding around the edges of the opening that the slide-out is attempting to pass through.  The best way to know if something is binding or impeding your slide-out, is listen.  The more you run your slide-outs in and out, you will learn to hear any differences in the process.  So stop, look and listen.

If your slide out fails to extend or retract when you push that magical button.  Do not panic, the first thing to do is check to make sure the mechanism is getting power.  Look for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.  Locations for these very.  However the first place to look is in the fuse/breaker panel.  If all looks good there, proceed to the battery compartment or in the wiring harness near the motor driving the slide mechanism.

If you hear the motor straining and if the lights dim when the slide-out is activated, either voltage is low or the mechanisms are binding.  Inspect the underside of the mechanism to see if anything is corroded, broken or otherwise damaged.  If all else fails most, if not all, slide-out mechanisms have the good old manual over-ride.  This over-ride is a designed method to operate the slide-out if a problem does occur.  Hydraulic systems usually require that the pressure be released in the ram by manually opening a valve, and then the slide-out room must be pushed closed or pulled open.  Mechanical slide-out systems usually have a hand crank, but the motor may have to be removed first to all the gears to turn freely.  Cable driven slide-out systems will have an adapter that can be placed in a portable drill to allow the drill to act as the motor to extend and contract the slide system.  The owner’s manual that came with your RV will outline which type of system and manual method you should use.

The best thing an owner can do, is to become familiar with all the operational aspects of your RV.  You do not need to become a pro.  However the more knowledge you know, the less likely you will need to cut your enjoyable trip short.  If you do have any questions about proper slide-out maintenance or operation, please contact your Central PA RV Dealer.  We will help you with any questions that you may have.

Related Articles

• RV Repairs on the Road (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park may now sign up to receive status updates about the park’s most frequently used roads via text message or on Twitter. In the past, travelers had to place phone calls to the Park to determine the status of the roads, which can change frequently with changing weather conditions.

The Park’s recorded information line receives more than 1,000 calls per day during the severe winter weather from people inquiring about road conditions. When all of the incoming lines are in-use, the calls rollover to the park’s Communications Center staff, often resulting in more than 600 calls to be answered, hampering the staff from responding to calls requesting park information and emergency assistance.

Those who wish to be notified of the status of the Park’s four most popular roads — Newfound Gap (U.S. 441), Little River Road, Laurel Creek Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road — can opt to get text messages to their cell phones by texting follow smokiesroadsnps to 40404. To stop receiving the text message alerts, text stop smokiesroadsnps to the same number. Standard text rates will apply.

The public can get that same information via the Internet by going to: twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps to read recent road notification postings. This is a Twitter website maintained by the park, but anybody can access it at any time, without having to establish a Twitter account.

Anyone having a Twitter account can go an extra step and choose to have updates set to them by going to the site listed above and clicking the “follow” button to see the updates on their own account page and receive the notifications in the manner they specify. In addition to notifications of winter road conditions, park officials plan to notify travelers throughout the year of road openings and closings due to rock slides, fallen trees, and accidents. Anytime the status of one of the listed roads changes, a message will be sent.

As the National Park Service prepares for its 2016 centennial celebration, officials are increasingly utilizing technology to connect the American people to their national parks.

For more information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for a link to the Twitter site, go to www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm. Information on all of the roads in the Park as well as other Park information may be obtained by calling the park’s information line at (865) 436-1200 and following the prompts.

Related Articles

• Despite ‘anomalies,’ Smokies park records steady 2010 visitation (knoxnews.com)

“Grab a pencil and a piece of paper before you come,”…“You’ll want to do the math, because RV travel is very affordable.”

Regardless of the size or make you choose, today’s RV travel experience is more fuel-efficient and comfortable than ever before as manufacturers design with convenience in mind, using lighter materials and more streamlined exterior looks. With the economy showing signs of recovery, more people than ever before are discovering the freedom and flexibility an RV vacation affords.  Great camping memories are part of almost every family’s history and it’s a great stress-reducer.  I do not know of anyone who does not enjoy sitting around a campfire and just relaxing.

Hours for the show are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 11; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 12; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 13.

Admission is $8.00 per person with children under 12 admitted free. Balloon designing clowns will be on hand to entertain the children. There will also be games, door prizes, and camping weekend giveaways.  And if you make a purchase from me at the Lerch RV display and you mention this blog. I will subtract your admission fee from the price of your new trailer.

The York Expo Center is at Carlisle Avenue in the city of York. If traveling Interstate 83, get off exit 22, take Route 30E. Follow signs to Fairgrounds/Expo Center. Your Lerch RV Sales Team looks forward to seeing you there.

Related Articles

• The Essential Camping List (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• New RV Trends for 2011 (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• Completely redesigned Keystone Sprinter draws kudos. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• Early Bird Sale! (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• Changes abound for Sprinter travel trailers. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Do away with the winter blues and think of greener grass, sweet-smelling flowers, and the sound of chirping birds.  Spring is undoubtedly around the corner.  Come on out and join us for our Early Bird Sale, which is going on now. Lock in great low prices on new travel trailers and 5th wheels.  Our great low prices will allow you get that new RV before our leading manufacturers raise their prices.  Make your purchase now and we will store your unit until you are ready for to pick it up.  Take a look at our Early Bird Sale Flyer…

Check out our Early Bird Sale Flyer.

Compare prices and save with Lerch RV.  With over 200 new and pre-owned travel trailers and fifth wheels in stock. We are sure you will be able to find the one that fits your family. Give Lerch RV a call at 800-722-1236 or visit us at LerchRV.com. Better yet visit our dealership, located along Rt 322 in Milroy, PA.  We are Pennsylvania’s largest Keystone RV and Open Range RV dealership.

Related Articles

• Completely redesigned Keystone Sprinter draws kudos. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• Changes abound for Sprinter travel trailers. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Amazon Kindle, perfect for RVers on the go.

One of the things I like to do when traveling is catch up on some reading. What I don’t like to do is bring a bag full of books that is cumbersome and  just take up space. I’ll admit, I’m not the most techno savvy guy on the planet, but if there is something that will enhance my RV lifestyle I’ll certainly consider it.

I found an article on The Kindle that really peaked my interest and would solve my “bringing an entire library on the RV” problem. A big Thank you Clemstrailersales.com for allowing me share this with my readers. If you are a reader, then I know you’ll be interested in an easy way to enhance your RV adventures.

After seeing electronic book readers in the stores for a while now and then hearing my daughter-in-law raving about the one my son got her for Christmas, I decided to check them out. I searched Amazon.com who sells the Kindle and discovered they provide free Kindle for PC software for those of us who want to just check it out or who want Kindle books on our PCs instead or who don’t have wonderful spouses. I have to say Kindle is amazing and has reopened a whole new world for me. Along with the free software, I also downloaded several free books that sounded interesting. There are thousands of free books out there from numerous websites.

I have not been able to read a regular book in full in a couple of years due to my eyes but I can read a book on my PC quite easily. I like that I can change the background and text colors as well as the text size to something comfortable for me. It bookmarks where I am at in a book so I can easily come back later. I love the highlighting and note options which make it very easy to study a book and get back to important points. The click-able links in Kindle books is also very handy. The price of Kindle books is usually lower than a paper book and you get easy instant delivery online with no shipping fees. In fact I liked all this so much that I went ahead and bought a book I had already planned on buying and but now in the Kindle version. I read half the book in just one sitting because it was so easy! I should also mention that many popular newspapers, magazines and blogs are also available in Kindle subscription versions. They are automatically downloaded early in the morning daily, monthly, etc. I will have to start bugging my favorite RV magazines about going to Kindle.

Another great benefit is having a whole library on my computer that is limited only by the size of my hard drive space. When I get my handheld Kindle (and I will definitely be getting one of those too!), it can hold 3500 books. Imagine that! What a savings in storage space in an RV and no more having to give up books on my shelves to add new books. According to Amazon, the handhelds have special screens that you can see even in broad daylight while kicking back in your lounge chair with a cool drink and a good book. They can also connect to Amazon.com via either Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and free 3G depending on the model you get. Of course you can also sync a handheld with Kindle for PC on your computer.

Related Articles

• Kindle Books Overtake Paperback Books To Become Amazon’s Most Popular Format (techcrunch.com)
• Amazon Introduces Kindle Book Lending (freetech4teachers.com)

Taking your RV along with you on a trip is like taking the comforts of home with you. You have everything you need for shelter, cooking and entertainment. But are you prepared for an emergency or accident?

When preparing yourself and your RV for emergencies and accidents, make sure you not only have the necessities but you also have packed a few items for the trip you are going on. For example, if you are traveling for a weekend getaway, make sure you have a complete first-aid kit with medications and a few survival items, like matches, a flashlight with extra batteries, space blankets, a flare, whistle, etc. If you are going on an extended vacation, make sure to pack the things listed above, but also include a tool kit, spare tire, jack, extra food, water, etc. Also, always take a camera with you in case you need to take pictures of an accident for insurance purposes.

You can also make your safety and first-aid kits specific to your family’s needs. If you have a member with asthma or high blood pressure, make sure to add medications in your kit for them.

Wherever you are going, make sure you are prepared for the road ahead of you.

Click Here for a list of items to make your own personal RV first-aid kit (eHow.com).

Related Articles

• The Essential Camping List (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Pilot Flying J is launching Frequent Fueler Advantage, an enhanced loyalty program on Jan. 3 for professional drivers and RV customers.

Frequent Fueler Advantage will allow professional drivers to instantly accrue and redeem loyalty points in all participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers, travel plazas and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Added benefits of the new program for professional drivers include extended shower expiration for loyal customers, shower credits for expeditors and in-store rewards. RV cardholders in the program will receive instant discounts on fuel, propane purchases and dumping fees. Coming soon, RV cardholders will receive discounts at the truck diesel islands in addition to the specified RV fueling lanes.

Pilot Flying J will also offer Pump Start to all Frequent Fueler Advantage cardholders. Pump Start will allow drivers paying with cash, a check or a third-party credit card to use their Frequent Fueler Advantage card to start the fuel pumps. Members must register their card at the cashier counter and must have 500 gallons of purchase history in order to activate the Pump Start feature.

Pilot Flying J will continue to honor points accumulated on the Frequent Fueler, RV Real Value Card and Driver Payback cards. Pilot Flying J is asking that drivers register these cards under the new program in order to take full advantage of all benefits.

“By registering for the Frequent Fueler Advantage, our customers will be able to instantly access enhanced benefits,” said Pilot Flying J President and CEO Jimmy Haslam. “In addition, Pilot Flying J will be able to better serve our customers by designing benefits that more closely match their needs and wants.”

Drivers may register their cards at www.FrequentFuelerAdvantage.com or at cashier desks and kiosks in Pilot and Flying J locations.

If anyone else is aware of any other fuel discount or savings program? It would be great if we could point all of our customers to the best and most economical fuel distributors which can really pad your pockets with a little extra spending money during your trip. Which I’m sure would help make your trip a little more memorable.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Related Articles

• RV Repairs on the Road (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
• Pilot Flying J launching driver marketing program (knoxnews.com)

Have you ever gone on an RV trip and realized you forgot a few essential items? Buying forgotten essentials from the campground store can be a pain (and expensive!), and if you’re camping on your own, well…good luck! At Lerch RV, we know how important it is to know what to bring on an RV trip, so we put together this little checklist to make sure your packing is as stress free as possible. Before you go on your next RV trip this season, stop by to visit us and stock up on all the essentials!

Kitchenware:

The best thing to do with kitchenware is to just buy a lot and leave it in your RV all season. This way, you’ll always know you have some on hand and won’t have to worry about packing it up while deciding what to bring on your RV trip.

• Plates
• Bowls
• Cups
• Mugs
• Flatware
• Coffee maker
• Toaster
• Hand towels
• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Ziploc bags
• Pots
• Pans
• Bowls
• Cutting boards
• Folding table
• Outdoor chairs
• Garbage Bags

Kitchen Supplies:

One of the more frustrating things when getting ready to cook dinner  is when you’ve forgotten your little spice assortment.  You have to have rosemary to rub onto your grilled chicken.  How about cinnamon for your French toast? One thing that many people do is to stop at their favorite grocery store before the trip to pick up some fresh herbs.  There’s nothing better than fresh basil to top off a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad.  Fresh oregano is fantastic in spaghetti sauce. When you’re on the road, it can be very hard to find a grocery store that carries fresh herbs.  The best thing to do with kitchenware is to just buy a lot and leave it in your RV all season. This way, you’ll always know you have some on hand and won’t have to worry about packing it up while deciding what to bring on your RV trip.

• Salt and Pepper
• Herbs and Spices
• Mayo and Mustard
• BBQ sauce and horseradish sauce
• Oil and vinegar

Toiletries

Again, toiletries are things you can buy once and leave on your RV all season, and knowing what toiletries to bring on your RV trip can make your experience a lot more comfortable (for you AND those around you!). Before you leave for your first trip, make sure you have the following things:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Hair products
• Deodorant
• Powder
• Perfume
• RV safe toilet paper

Special Equipment

You’ve taken care of yourself – now take care of your RV! When you’re deciding what to bring on your RV trip, don’t forget to take the following RV essentials:

• Extra long sewer hose to help you reach your sewer connection in those hard to reach campsites
• 25 – 50 ft vinyl water hose with connecting devices (rubber can make water taste bad)
• Water pressure regulator (A must have)
• RV Toilet chemicals
• Coaxial cable if campgrounds offer cable/satellite television
• Work gloves and rubber gloves (for hooking up sewer connections to your RV and doing the dirty work)
• Leveling blocks to ensure that your RV (and in particular, the refrigerator) is level

Electrical Equipment

Don’t forget your adapters! Since campgrounds have varying electricity sources, it is important to remember your adapters when thinking of what to bring on your RV trip – otherwise your appliances might not work! In addition to various adapters, stock up on batteries for your flashlights, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, gas leak detectors and other electronic devices.

Odds and Ends

What else should you bring on your RV trip? Whatever you want! There are a lot of other miscellaneous essentials that you’ll need, including:

• GPS
• Portable vacuum
• Bungee cords
• Whisk broom
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Matches or a Lighter
• Puzzles and games
• Bikes
• Frisbee
• Fishing poles and gear
• Anything Else that makes your trip enjoyable and memorable

The best thing about having a camper is that once it’s packed up you don’t have to worry about what to bring on your trip for the rest of the season. Remember, if you’re planning a road trip and want some advice on what to bring or what to do, visit the Lerch RV’s camping center parts department. Our friendly staff will not only be able to help you find the all the supplies you need in our parts department, but we also have experienced campers who know exactly what you shouldn’t camp without! So stop by your Central PA RV Dealership today to prepare your travel trailer or 5th wheel for the upcoming camping season.

With the New Year, comes new trends, models and changes in the RV Industry. Exciting new floor plans, increased high-tech integrations, and a new emphasis on “Functional Luxury” are grabbing the attention of RV enthusiasts everywhere. The “Go Green” movement has taken the RV Industry by storm, with sustainable and green materials in not only the construction, but also in the decor of the units. Light-weight travel trailers that can be pulled by smaller vehicles are also a new addition to the industry.

To keep up with all of the new trends and changes, here is a rundown of the most exciting innovations to watch for in 2011.

1. Versatile Floor Plans: RV Manufacturers are starting to shy away from the normal rectangular structures inside an RV. Manufacturers are starting to use quad slides, full-wall slides and telescoping slides to create more interior space, which allows for a more flexible floor plan. Using the “L” shape is the trend this year! The “L” shape is being used in kitchens, bedrooms and even in the furniture to help create spatial use and flexibility.

Outback 298 RE Rear Entertainment Center

2. High-Tech Integration: Now, you can have the technology comforts from home inside your RV. Entertainment centers with 40-to 46-inch-wide flat screen TVs, DVD and Blu-Ray players, true 5.1 surround-sound systems, satellite-enable and equipped with integrated wireless capabilities, and built-in charging stations for hand-held electronics are just a few high-tech gadgets inside the 2011 models.

3. Functional Luxury: Manufacturers are focusing on RV features that improve the quality of daily living for RVers. Some features they are starting to include are: Full-size kitchen appliances, second refrigerators, dual sinks, full-size showers, spacious master bedroom suites, nooks for reading or exercising, walk-in closets, built-in dressers, adding a second half-bathroom, and full-size washer/dryers. But really the most exciting feature that is being added to these RVs are outdoor kitchens! Most of these kitchens come complete with either a two or three outdoor cook stove, a grill, prep areas, refrigerators, microwaves, and sinks.

Passport 3220 Outdoor Kitchen

4. Going Green:
The RV Industry has an environmental certification program for all units that pass inspection for being “Green.” To earn the Certified Green sticker, RVs need to meet the required net energy-efficient and water-efficient benchmarks set by a third-party certification organization.  Manufacturers are increasing using stronger composite construction materials, sustainable materials in interior design elements, LED lighting, and installing energy-efficient appliances. Manufacturers’ are Going Green in their factories too. RV makers are installing solar panels and wind turbines to help power their factories. In the motor home category, small, fuel-efficient diesel engines are making a comeback.

Weighing in at only 3,700 lbs. The Passport Express 238 is great for the smaller truck and SUV tow vehicles.

5. Size Matters: The most surprising new model of 2011 are the small, light-weight, fuel-efficient RVs that are geared to meet the needs for those families on a budget. This light-weight models can be easily towed with most SUVs and mini vans.

For more information regarding all the new features and ‘trends’ for this year. Give your Central PA RV Dealership a call at 800-722-1236.

Custom paint job by Willy’s Custom Concepts in Springfield, Oregon 

 

Adding jaw-like teeth or attaching a longhorn skull to the grill can add so much to your RV. Also, does your RV have a name? If so, add a decal of the RV’s name onto your unit. Not only does it add personality to your RV, but it is a great conversation starter in campgrounds. For those of you with 5th wheels, add a decorative paint scheme to your exposed 5th wheel hitch.  That way, when you are unhitched from your rig, anyone walking by will be able to view it.

Getting ideas: Look at the vehicles in your town. What kind of custom paint jobs have you seen? What would be a good design for your RV? Think of the trucks and cars you have seen with custom paint jobs…now think RV/trailer size! Add flames or racing stripes down the sides. Polk-a-dot your unit or paint your RV your favorite color! Have fun with it. You can also incorporate a mural of your favorite vacation spot, your hometown skyline, a religious story or animals onto the sides of your RV. You can also honor your favorite team by putting their decals on your unit.

Tailgate in Style

You could also restore your current paint job and add new decals from the factory. Whatever you decide to do, we suggest using a professional painter because of the dimensions of an RV/trailer, painting types and resell value.

The sky is the limit and you are only limited to your imagination. So do not be afraid to add some flare and personality to your RV!

Click Here for more ideas on how to “Customize Your RV” written by Don Goodson.
Click Here to see more custom paint jobs on motor-homes done by Willy’s Custom Concepts in Springfield, Oregon.

Let us take a look at how to clean and maintain your Black Water Holding Tank.

If your travel trailer or 5th wheel is equipped with a factory installed Black Water Tank Flush, you have the means of maintaining your black water tank at your figure tips.  However when you are using your installed tank flush, remember to pay attention to the manufacturer’s directions for proper use and care of the tank flush.  If your current coach does not have a built-in tank flush.  A qualified RV service center can also add a waste water tank flush to your existing trailer’s holding tank.  This is a very simple and inexpensive alternative to using the hand-held swizzle stick/flexible wand style flushers.  If you are considering adding a tank flush, give your Central PA RV Dealer a call at 800-722-1236. You can schedule an appointment with our service department and have an easy solution installed.  So you can do away with the ‘dirty’ part of camping. And continue with the fun stuff.

Safe Travels & Happy RVing!

Tips for Full-Time RVing

With your home on wheels, your destinations are endless.

Residency: Choose a single state to use as your official state of residency.
Use this permanent mailing address for your driver’s license, voter’s registration, insurance policies (auto, medical, property), wills and trusts and any other legal matters. This makes it less confusing for all legal matters.

Downsize: Keep anything you may want in a storage facility and make sure a family member or close friend has a key to the lock. Donate, sell or give away the rest.

Mail: Use a full-service mail delivery service to handle everything or ask a relative to help you. Make sure you notify all billing companies and organizations you are with of your permanent address.

Bills: Arrange to pay all of your bills online or by automatic withdrawal from your account. That way you don’t have to worry about where you will be when a certain bill is due.

Banking: You can either keep your local or credit union bank by banking online or you can choose a nationwide bank or a reputable online bank to handle your finances. You’ll need complete online access to your bank accounts and make sure you either have a low fee or no ATM fees.

Stay Connected: Purchase a cell phone with plenty of free minutes and good regional/national coverage. Webcams can be inexpensive and an easy way to talk with children and grandchildren face-to-face. To access the Internet, sign-up for a mobile Internet service through your cell phone provider. Also, set up a Facebook page to keep family and friends updated about your RVing adventures. And, if you don’t have one, purchase a digital camera to help share your memories with your family and friends.

Emergencies: Have an emergency contact plan ready and share it with your family members and anyone traveling with you. Also, don’t forget to check in with your relatives at least once a week.

If your RV or travel trailer spends a lot of time unattended or in a storage unit (especially during the winter months), there is a good chance that someone could break into your unit. Before putting your unit into winter storage, you need to take precautions to make sure your RV is safe from vandalism. Here are some tips to make sure your RV is protected from vandalism and robbers who cause it. These tips are not only for long-term storage.  We should all try to practice them on a regular basis.

1. Take all valuables out of your RV. This includes all electronic items. For motor homes with built-in dash radios, upgrade the system to newer system where you can remove the faceplate of the head unit.

Vandals can cause serious damage getting to those high dollar items inside your coach.

2. Remove the roof ladder on the back of your RV (if possible). By leaving the ladder, you are giving a robber access to your roof. If someone really wants in your unit, they could kick in the roof vents to enter into your unit. This causes serious damage to not only your vent mounts but also to your roof.

3. Leave up a few window shades in your RV (about 10 inches). If a person is able to see into your unit before breaking in, they are less likely to break in if they see all of the electronic items have been removed. Do not leave up all of you shades, just a few main ones.

4. Ask the manager at your storage facility about their security system. See if they have a system or if there are any guards that come to regularly check on the storage lot. Also, ask for a lot space where all sides of your unit can be seen easily, especially the back of your unit. If your RV is backed up against a fence where there is a forest, a field or a close building behind it, this gives a vandal the perfect opportunity to enter your unit without being detected or seen.

5. Positioning your RV. Make sure when you back in your unit into the storage space that your RV is at least a foot away from the fence. Just because there is a security lock on the fence, doesn’t mean a desperate robber won’t try to climb the fence. If your unit is backed up close enough to the fence you are actually helping the robber enter into the storage lot. The vandal can climb over the fence, use your ladder to climb down into the storage lot or on your roof.

6. Lock the doors! Before leaving your RV, make sure all your doors and storage compartments are locked. This is particular true if your unit has a hamper access panel or under-bed storage that leads to a storage compartment. If you have deadbolts make sure those are locked too.

7. Check on your RV regularly. Check on your unit regularly, even if there is a security system in place at your storage facility. Just don’t forget about the unit after you have parked it. Make sure to check on your RV especially if you have a winter cover on it, this gives vandals an excellent ‘invisible cloak’ to hide behind.  So schedule visits to your unit.

If you are parked at a permanent site at a campground and only use the coach during the weekends.  Have your neighbors keep an eye on your unit for you, be sure to do the same for them.  Many bold and brazen vandalism attacks have been made in broad daylight.  The whole joy of camping and the RV lifestyle in general is to make friends, to help one another enjoy life, to establish lasting relationships in the RV community, and to create those lasting memories.  So help each other out.

Safe Travels & Happy RVing!

The all new Patio is available on select Open Range 5th Wheel floor-plans.

Some of the new features available on the new unit from Open Range RV Company are definitely exciting.  However the new outside Patio is a true must see.  The Patio is only available on select models.  The patio is quite roomy and strong enough to support 2,500 lbs.  Along with the Patio, you also get another convenient power awning designed especially to extend over the patio only, so you can relax in the shade.  You will be the envy of the campground.  The Patio and Patio Awning is available only on the Open Range 337 RLS, 345 RLS and 375 RLS 5th wheel floor-plans.  The Patio is also available on the Journeyer 340 FLR and all new 359 FKS, travel trailers.

Open Range’s Rolling Thunder Toy Haulers will also have the patio and awning available to them as well.  The all new Rolling Thunder H320MPR and H345MPR have the option of adding the patio.  The aforementioned floor-plans will also have another new exciting feature available.  The rear garage areas will have an available  Toy Lift.  This new lift will enable you to park more than one toy in the garage area.  Another great innovative idea from the designers at Open Range.  You can opt for the queen bed on the electric lift for more sleeping room, or go with the all new Toy Lift to bring more toys with you.

If you need more information on any of these new available features.  Please visit PA’s Largest Open Range Dealer.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!

Optional Toy Lift makes taking more toys easy!

Interior of the newly re-designed Sprinter

GOSHEN, Ind. – Keystone RV’s newly revamped Sprinter travel trailer received high compliments from dealers at the recent National RV Trade Show, the company announced today.

Showcasing all new interiors and new floor plans, the 2011 Sprinter continues to “Make Camping Easy” and affordable for today’s RVing family, said Chad Enyeart, Sprinter product manager.

According to Gabe Johnson, co-owner of Rick’s RV Sales, Ville Platte, La., the new Sprinter is one of the most beautiful travel trailers on the market today, and clearly the best value.

“After seeing most of their competitors in Louisville, I still feel Sprinter is the best value in the fiberglass, aluminum framed market,” said Johnson. “With unique floor plans, interiors rivaling luxury fifth wheels, and a responsive sales staff that listens to dealers, I think Sprinter and Copper Canyon will continue their upward momentum.”

Among the many interior upgrades featured in the 2011 Sprinter are Sienna-stained hardwood cabinetry, LED floor lighting, stylish new furniture, and easy-to-care-for Corian countertops.

Also incorporated into the product line are six all new floor plans.

“One of our most talked about new floor plans at the Show was the 255RKS,” said Enyeart. “There is nothing else like it on the market. We’ve created a rear kitchen layout that includes a 5.5-foot-long rear kitchen bar, with stools, and sofa/dinette super slide. It’s an ideal arrangement for gathering with friends, sitting down to a buffet breakfast, or playing cards. And all this in a 28-foot trailer that weighs just over 6,000 pounds.”

Sprinter has experienced five straight years of continued market share growth and three consecutive years of RVDA DSI Quality recognition, said Matt Zimmerman, Keystone group general manager, who credits Sprinter’s roots for the ongoing success of the brand.

“Sprinter is Keystone RV Company’s very first brand. From Day 1 we have encouraged feedback from the people who actually use our campers,” he added. “The improvements and new models we introduced at the show grew from our dialogue with campers. At Keystone we listen to the customer.”

So when are you are ready to check out the new features of Sprinter or Copper Canyon. Be sure to contact your Central PA RV Dealer. We will be sure to help.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!

Most heat tapes have a built-in thermostat

There are two basic concerns when using your RV as a winter retreat. The first is your plumbing system, the second is cabin comfort. So let’s start with the plumbing. Fresh water pipes that run underneath the coach or along the floor inside are very susceptible to freezing. By using a thermostatically controlled heat tape and some foam pipe insulation, you can keep the water flowing freely in the lines and keep the coach from suffering freeze damage. Lines that run behind the cabinets can avoid freezing by keeping the cabinet doors open slightly and the furnace on. These tapes are available in both 120 volt (house current) and 12 volt (battery-powered). Simply follow the manufacturers recommendations on installation then find a power source to supply power. If you are using a 12 volt system, you should wire it so that there is an internal switch so that you do not run the house battery completely down. If proper use allows, apply foam pipe insulation after the tape is in place to further protect the heat.
In addition there are special heating elements that fit on holding tank elbows and valves to keep them from freezing or building ice dams. On the subject of drain valves. it is best not to leave your holding tank valve open to let gray water run into the sewer line as you use it. When water trickles it tends to build up ice dams and can keep the valves from closing at all. Best off to drain a full tank all at once so that ice build up is at a minimum.
To keep your holding tanks from freezing you can purchase self adhesive heating pads that stick to the bottom of a clean holding tank and keep it from freezing. As is the case with heat tape it comes in both 120v or 12v. If you are going to be at an RV park, you might want to invest in a heated hose for your fresh water intake. You can as an option just fill the on board tank and run off of that for a while.

Use a Infrared Thermometer to pinpoint heat lose.

Now that we have covered the plumbing, what to do about the cabin heat. There are two fronts in this battle, providing more heat, and reducing heat loss. First, start with reducing the loss of the heat that you are able to make. If you do not know where you are losing heat, think about purchasing one of the new cordless Infrared Thermometers that are now for sale by Dewalt/Black & Decker. You can pinpoint heat loss with one of these new products very easily. One of the first places to look for heat lose would be your roof, we all know hot air rises. While the roof may be insulated, the vents aren’t. You can purchase pillows or pads that will fit inside the vent well and keep the cold air from getting in. Install heavy curtains or drapes over the side windows and then check the weather-stripping around all the doors, including the outside storage doors.
If this doesn’t increase your furnace capacity to keep the coach or trailer warm, then you can look at purchasing an auxiliary electric heater. They are portable and easy to move around. If you are concerned about electricity use, then you might want to consider a catalytic heater. It burns fuel but is extremely efficient. You must however make sure you crack a window to allow air to vent in the coach, otherwise the catalytic will burn up all of the usable air. I also recommend that you install a CO detector as well, if your coach does not have one already. Finally, if you are going to make catalytic heat, remember that it creates moisture and you might want to employ a de-humidifier to keep the air at a reasonable humidity.
All of these tricks are easy to do on your own if you are relatively handy. When making any type of modification to your existing unit, please keep safety in mind. And you may also want to consult your manufacturer in case any alterations void your warranty. If you would like a quote on having your Central PA RV Dealer make the conversion for you, just drop a line, or make a service request and we can give you a quote.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Exciting new changes for Keystone RV's Sprinter

After a very successful year of travel trailer sales. Sprinter has once again made some great changes to stay ahead of the competition. During Keystone RV’s Fall Open House and at the Louisville RV Show held earlier this month, Sprinter unveiled some of these great changes. Quality has always been synonymous with the Sprinter name. That will not change. The new changes are exciting and will reposition Sprinter to a broader market.  So if you have not thought about purchasing a Sprinter or Copper Canyon in the past, or if you put off making that purchase. Now is the time to take another look at the new Sprinter.

A small list of Sprinter’s exciting new changes:

 
• Storage Door under both dinette seats
• Glass inserts in overhead slide-out cabinets
• 2nd Utensil drawer
• Solid Corian Counter-tops
• Floor lighting with switch
• All new Beau-Flor flooring
• New style air-mattress sleeper sofa
• New chair styles
• New Dinette back design
• Full extension drawer guides
• Manual front and rear stabilizer jacks
• Motion detector porch light for added security
• Outside Speakers
• Electric Awning
• Black water tank flush
  

  Copper Canyon now with Solid Corian Counter-tops.

Some of the above items are current features already on every Sprinter travel trailer and Copper Canyon fifth wheel that is built. The addition of the solid Corian counter-tops gives the new Sprinter that upscale feel. The floor lighting is a great new feature that will keep some of us from stumbling around our trailers in the dark. For those of us with kids, it works as a night-light as well. The redesigned air mattress sleeper sofa provides you with a more comfortable sleeping platform. And the addition of the Motion Detector Porch light, allows you to have entry light when you need it. Not to mention a little added feeling of security while you are asleep at night in your new Sprinter or Copper Canyon. So stop by and take a look at a new Sprinter at the Mid Atlantic’s Largest Sprinter Dealership. If you would like more information on the new Sprinter with all of the new exciting changes, please contact our sales team at 800-722-1236.

The three steps below are a quick guide to make sure your RV refrigerator is working properly. You may have a Dometic or a Norcold refrigerator. Most, if not all, refrigerators found in all RVs are produced by one of those companies. The steps below will work on which ever make or model you have.

Step 1: Ensure the refrigerator is sitting level. All you need to do is set a level on the top of the refrigerator. Sometimes RV refrigerators will not work properly if they are not sitting level. If the level indicates that this refrigerator is not level, simply move your RV to flatter land. If it is sitting level, you can rule this out as the problem.

Step 2: Test the settings. If the refrigerator will only operate in 120-volt, make sure the on-board battery is operating correctly. If not you should replace it. If the refrigerator will only operate in gas mode, check the breaker to which it is connected. If it operates only in electrical mode, check the burner’s pilot light. Simply open the access panel and relight this pilot light.

Step 3: Check for ammonia leaks. If the refrigerator is leaking ammonia, you will smell ammonia or see the appearance of yellow stains on or around the cooling unit. If this is the case, shut off all electricity and gas to your refrigerator immediately. You will need to replace the cooling unit entirely before operating this refrigerator again. Ammonia is flammable and presents a potential fire hazard.

Take a quick look at the video below. This video gives us a great insight on the workings of an RV Refrigerator.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

What is a “Green Certified” RV and is it the future? – author unknown.

“Going green” is a popular phrase being bandied about these days. Chances are, you have heard it referred to quite a lot. But what does going green mean? In essence, it refers to using various everyday methods to help save the world and its environment.

Living a green lifestyle – or going green – can begin in small, easy to manage ways. Recycling is a huge, obvious part of helping to save the world through green living. Reducing one’s reliance on oil-based energy sources is another popular method employed in trying to save the world. Purchasing only all organic, chemical free products is another way that many people begin going green, and is considered a very effective method at trying to save the world and all of its resources. Green living is infiltrating all parts of daily life…including the RV world!

Who’s heard of a Green Certified RV before? Not many of us. I’m sure… However times are a changing my friend.  Many RV manufacturer’s have incorporated some sort of ‘going green’ procedure into the production line.

I found an article on RV.net  written by a gentleman by the name of Mark Polk, after he attended this year’s RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky.  This is his take on the Green Certified RV:

Green Certified RV’s

Something else that caught my eye was the “Green Certified” label adorned by many of the new RV’s on display in Louisville. I asked a couple of the manufacturer reps what this green certification badge entailed, but I didn’t  get the response I was looking  for so I decided to look into it further.  The green certification labels posted on the RV’s indicated the RV was certified by TRA Certification. After some research I discovered TRA Certification Inc. is an independent third-party green certifier. Using well established consensus standards TRA analyzes, evaluates, measures and certifies RV manufacturers on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.

In an attempt to “go green” some RV manufacturers started building RV’s to these consensus standards used in the modular and manufactured housing industries. When an RV gets the “Certified Green” badge it means that TRA certified the manufacturer is capable of building green, and uses their process, materials and components to assemble a green RV. The certification also involves verification of materials and components suppliers used in the production process of the RV.

Note: Another company involved with “green certification” for Recreation Vehicles is NTA Inc. The NTA approved green program is based upon recognized green practices and award points to Recreation Vehicle Manufacturers that demonstrate stewardship in these areas.

But, what does a green RV really mean?

Six key factors are taken into account when building and certifying a green RV. These factors are:

1) Resource Efficiency

2)  Energy Efficiency

3)  Indoor Environmental Quality

4)  Water Efficiency

5)  Operation & Maintenance

6) Innovative Practices.

For a better understanding of what each of these categories involve here is a TRA green certification label with more information on what goes into building and certifying a green RV.

At some point soon, I believe the RV Industry will really embrace these ideas and philosophies.  And the technology of trying to develop a greener way to RV…after all, these are our roads and this is our adventure, let us do our best to keep it in the same conditions for our children and grandchildren to experience. Lerch RV supports any initiative to help our environment.

At the same time, the RV industry has been getting greener in a number of ways. RVs are using more aerodynamic designs and lighter weight materials to reduce fuel consumption. Motor-homes are using more fuel efficient engines. RV and park model suppliers have catered to the green demand with items such as low-flow fixtures and more efficient appliances. “There are many ways in which a company can tout its greenness,” says Tom Arnold, president of TRA Certification.  “Often a company may not even realize what product or practices can be called green. That’s where we can help. Products like awnings, for example, not only provide campsite shade for RVers, but also for their RV, thereby reducing cooling loads.”

So when you are thinking about the purchase of your next RV, make sure that the manufacturer incorporates some sort of green procedures or are truly TRA Green Certified.

Top Ten

• 1. Understand the basics: Start at the beginning. Read our tips on managing RV weight. Understand the weight definitions and the importance of weight distribution in towing. Do this before you buy.
• 2. Do the math: Get the specific numbers for your prospective combination of RV and tow vehicle.
  Obtain and carefully read manufacturer’s manuals and product-specific towing tips. Make sure you understand their definitions of weight-related terminology. If you are planning to tow a trailer or fifth wheel, the major truck makers have Towing Guides that include model-specific details. Develop a realistic estimate of fully loaded weight, and do the calculations to make sure you end up with an RV and tow vehicle combination that will meet your needs. Don’t forget any options or accessories you had added (or plan to add). Remember to consider passengers, belongings, full water and fuel tanks. This is time well spent to avoid poor purchase decisions, costly repairs and unsafe travel.
• 3. Distribute the Load: Weight Distribution is critical. Know your Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), obtain measurements of specific wheel position loads and set tire pressure appropriately. Keep the center of gravity low.
  Keep cargo secured to prevent shifting that could cause a loss of control. Distribute weight between right and left and front to back per the specifications for your particular RV and tow vehicle. Trailer towing requires the right amount of tongue weight. Tap into the expertise of hitch and trailer specialists for towing tips on your particular configuration.
  Determine if you need a weight distribution system (generally recommended for trailers over 5,000 lbs. fully loaded.
• 4. Hitching Your Wagon: Select hitches/tow bars that are rated to handle the load, in conjunction with the actual towing capacity of the towing vehicle. The maximum towing capacity is determined by the lowest-rated element in the chain of hitch components. For trailer towing, this chain consists of the trailer rating, the ball hitch rating, the hitch rating, and the towing capacity of the vehicle. The weakest, or lowest-rated, element in this chain always determines the maximum safe towing capability of the entire chain.
  For a motor-home towing a dinghy, the same principle applies. You must consider the towing capacity of the motor home itself, as well as the ratings for a tow bar, cables, and connectors. Hitch up and unhitch a few times to get the steps down. Use a towing tip checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. Hook up and un-hook on smooth level surface.
  When towing a dinghy, manufacturer towing tips often state that the receiver hitch of the motor-home should never be more than 4 inches higher than the base plate attachment points — use an appropriately sized and rated drop receiver. Most trailers and tow vehicles should be level (parallel to the ground) during travel. Check for manufacturer towing tips and instructions to correctly set up your combination of vehicles.
• 5. Built for Two: When you connect a towing and towed vehicle, you need to make sure that the two can operate together effectively, safely (and legally in some cases).

  Brakes – Many states require a separate braking system on towed vehicles with a loaded weight of more than 1,000 – 1,500 pounds. Legal reasons aside, a separate functional brake system for towed vehicles is recommended for increased safety. Include a breakaway option, in the event the trailer or toad is separated from the towing vehicle. Lights The law also requires that the towed vehicle have operable lights. The brake lights, tail lights and turn signals of the towed vehicle must operate in sync with the  towing vehicle.  So be sure to occasionally check all your lighting, prior to hitting the road.

• 6. Oh say, can you see? Make sure you have adequate mirrors to give you the visibility you need for safe RV driving and towing. If your mirrors aren’t adequate, change them. If you are towing a trailer, you should have extended side-view mirrors to see rear and side-approaching traffic.

  Rear-vision cameras may be included in your motor-home, with a monitor in the driver’s cockpit. These provide a view of the dinghy and immediate roadway in back, and help when passing or changing lanes. They are available as an after market add-on, and there are rear-vision cameras that work with towable RV applications.

• 7. Ready, Set, Go?: Well, maybe not yet. Another good towing tip – practice first. Before you head out on your first trip, practice driving, turning, stopping (and backing up for towable trailers) in an area away from heavy traffic. Make sure you know your roof clearance. Try out your mirrors.

  Driving: When starting out, accelerate slowly and steadily. The addition of a trailer or dinghy adds weight and length. More weight means more time. Determine how long it takes you to accelerate and come to a stop. Allow extra time for changing lanes, stopping and passing other vehicles. Pass on level ground with plenty of clearance. Avoid sudden moves. When turning, allow room for the towed vehicle to clear.
  Get in the habit of looking ahead – a good rule of thumb is to look as far ahead as you will travel in 12 – 15 seconds. Obviously, this distance will vary depending on how fast you are going. Give adequate notice of your intentions with turn signals. If you are going to come to a stop, a few taps on the brakes might give a clue to the driver behind you. Watch traffic signals and anticipate light changes so you can stop in time.

  Backing: For motor-homes, don’t try to back up with a dinghy attached. The key towing tip here is to avoid getting into a spot where you have to back up in the first place. Or disconnect the dinghy before backing.
  For towable trailers, back up slowly, with someone spotting near the rear of trailer to guide you. It’s a good idea to agree on a set of hand signals beforehand, so you can communicate clearly with the spotter. Move the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Make small steering movements so you can get the hang of it. Slight steering movements result in greater movement in the rear of the trailer.

• 8. Swaying in the Breeze: Hopefully not. Appropriate attention to weight limits and distribution in setting up your tow configuration will help avoid problems with sway. Sway control options are available to help with trailer sway, and a weight distributing hitch system is recommended for large towable trailers. If you do experience trailer sway from a gust of wind, downgrade or draft from a passing truck: remember to gradually reduce speed, steady the steering wheel and only apply the trailer brakes. Do not slam on the brakes since jack-knifing could occur. Do not try to steer out of a sway, increase speed or make sudden moves – it will only make things worse. Do not tow a trailer that continues to sway – determine what is wrong and correct the problem.
• 9. No passengers: You should never have passengers traveling in a towed trailer. This is against the law in most states. No only is it very dangerous, but very uncomfortable for the passengers.
• 10. An Ounce of Prevention: Avoid serious problems by adopting a “checking it twice” mindset. Use towing tip checklists as handy reminders. Before long trips, make sure your maintenance is current on both the towing and towed vehicle. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance on your towing apparatus. The first time you tow, a general towing tip is to stop after 50 miles to check towing connections, tires, etc. Make regular stops to stay fresh at the wheel and during these breaks, check around the RV and tow to make sure all is well. General advice is a stop every two hours.

Testing the battery state of charge is not difficult to do. There are basically three ways to test the condition of your RV batteries. Here is a great explanation from blog.rv.net:

• The three ways are:1) You can use the monitor panel in the RV.

  2) You can measure the voltage with a digital voltmeter.

  3) You can test the specific gravity with a hydrometer.

RV Monitor Panel

The least accurate of the three testing methods is the RV monitor panel, but if this is your only means for checking the battery(s) it will give you a general idea of the condition. When you check the condition of your battery using the monitor panel make sure the RV is not plugged in to shore power, if it is you will get a false fully charged reading. To get a more accurate reading of the battery’s condition check the monitor panel when the RV is not plugged in and turn a couple of overhead lights on to place a small load on the battery.

Measuring voltage with a voltmeter has its advantages. If you have sealed batteries your only choice is to use a voltmeter, and measuring voltage can give you a quick picture of the batteries depth of discharge, so you know when they need to be recharged. To measure the voltage you need a good digital voltmeter. Set the meter on DC voltage and connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. A 12-volt battery that is charged should read 12.5 to 12.7 volts. Readings less than 12.5 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80% and the battery needs to be charged. A 6-volt battery that is charged should read 6.25 to 6.37 volts. Readings below 6.25 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80% and the battery needs to be charged.

The Hydrometer is the best method of testing your RV Battery

The preferred method for testing the battery’s state of charge is to check the specific gravity reading of each cell. This method is a little more involved, but it’s worth the time and minimal cost. You can purchase a hydrometer at an auto parts store for about ten dollars. The electrolyte in the battery cells is a solution of acid and water so you need to wear safety glasses and gloves and avoid any contact with your skin. The first step is to remove the vent caps and check the electrolyte levels. There has to be enough in the cells for the hydrometer to pick up a sample. If you have to add any water prior to testing you will have to charge the battery and let it sit for 12 hours before testing the condition of the battery.
Next, fill and drain the hydrometer at least twice in each cell before taking a sample. Take the reading and record it and drain the electrolyte back into the cell you are testing. Test all of the cells and replace the vent caps when you are finished. Specific gravity readings for a charged battery should read between 1.235 and 1.277. Specific gravity readings below 1.235 indicate the battery state of charge is less than 80% and the battery needs to be charged. If there is a .050 or more difference in the specific gravity reading between the highest and lowest cell, you have a weak or dead cell in the battery.

If that was a little difficult to understand, take a look at the video below. It is a great explanation of how the hydrometer works:

If you put your RV in long-term storage it’s a good idea to remove the batteries and put them in storage too. This is quite simple to do. When you remove a battery always remember to remove the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Knowing the battery state of charge and re-charging a discharged battery in a timely manner will extend the life of the battery.

Caution: RV batteries can be dangerous to work around. If you are not familiar with batteries or if you do not feel comfortable working around batteries you can always bring your RV in to us and have us take a look.

When nature calls, one must answer.

Once again we are visiting our good friend Jeff Daniels, the actor turned RV guru. In this episode, Jeff teaches us how to use the Recreational Vehicle’s facilities while in motion.  He does have some good pointers however I would be very cautious in following all of his directions.  At least I would not go about my “business” the same way while driving my motor-home.
Jeff also discusses the meaning behind winterizing your RV and how you can still use your coach while maintaining the weather proof protection of winterization.  To get a better understanding about winterizing your RV, check out my past blog post for winterizing tips. Personally I would recommend purchasing a true four-season RV if you happen to be camping in extreme weather year round.  Keystone RV Company’s Montana 5th wheel and the newest member of true four season RV club, Open Range.  Are two great RVs for year round use. Both are heavily insulated and combine great heating/cooling systems.  Better yet I still recommend traveling South or Southwest for the winter, instead of traveling north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to RV in a winter storm. Most of the customers who purchase from Central Pennsylvania’s RV Dealership normally just store their travel trailer or 5th wheel for the winter. Some allow us to winterize and store their RV here on our lot.  Winter RV storage tips are readily available for those of you who are new to the RV and camping lifestyle.
As you view my latest post about Jeff’s adventure.  Keep one important thought in mind, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! I know what you see is You-Tube magic, however cruise control is not an auto-piloting feature.  I do find a smile on my face when the coach discovers the ‘Rumble Strips’ on the road.  So sit back and once again be educated by Jeff.  I hope everyone takes some of his knowledge to heart and practices his recommendations the next time you are enjoying the RV lifestyle.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!

Once again we are back visiting with my favorite RV driving instructor aka Jeff Daniels. This episode is one of the funniest yet, as Jeff transitions from RV Driving Instruction to RV Service Technician. Wow, this stellar fellow can do it all. I wish I would have stumble upon these webisodes earlier this year, however I believe this is the perfect time of year to share them. Since the cold weather is going to be coming sooner or later. From this wonderful video, I once again take away some great RV education, always carry a salon sized or industrial hair dryer and a large extension cord. Or maybe just use some good old common sense and keep your slide-outs in during extreme over-night temperatures. I will allow everyone to make their own conclusions. Keeping your slide-outs functioning properly requires very minimal maintenance through out the year. Your owners manual will list and inform you of any required maintenance. Also you can always contact your local Central PA RV Dealership for maintenance help with your slide-outs. Or you may visit the forums at Camping PA.com for RV friendly hints and RV maintenance tips. As you watch this episode, how many of us out there would love to Jeff’s tour manager?

Until next time Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Once again, here is Jeff Daniels:

Need to know more about required maintenance on your RV, please fee free to contact Lerch RV’s Service Department.  We will gladly have one of our qualified technicians help you.

Recently I have overheard some service customers asking about winter storage suggestions. I decided to gather some industry followed practices and compile a small list. Again many RV owners out there follow their own tried and true methods for RV storage. However after selling travel trailers and 5th wheels to an above average number of new campers this year, those new RV-ers are having to prepare for winter storage as novices. So this little list may be helpful to those of you who are new to this. Check out my past blog post on indoor vs outdoor RV storage.

Interior
Before winter storage begins, give your interior a good cleaning. Wipe down and vacuum the interior. That way you are one step ahead when Spring camping season comes around again.

Humidity
Moisture inside your camper can be very detrimental. You can help alleviate humidity in a couple of ways. Run a de-humidifier, although this is only a viable option if you have power to your RV through-out the storage period. If not, open a roof vent to allow excess moisture to escape (only while using a Roof Vent Cover like a MAX-AIR VENT COVER that still protects your roof vent while open).

Rodents
Remove all food or any odor producing items. There are many different types of rodent and pest control items and some we have heard include but are not limited to Drier Sheets, Commercial Applications, Moth Balls, and more. Some may cause allergic reactions so use your discretion. We recommend using an all natural repellent that is safe for kids and pets.

Batteries
Clean and remove your battery(s) and store them in a cool and dry place. Top off the water level and check and/or recharge them every month. Better yet keep a battery tender/maintainer hooked up to the battery, again only if you have accessible power during storage. Most people simply store them in their basement. Deep cycle batteries will self-discharge in a month or sometime less. Most RV batteries will have a draw put on them by the LPG Leak Detector and the climate control switch on the refrigerator. Make sure you have your climate control switch in the off position when your RV is not in use year round. A battery that has been discharged will not work as well or last as long. Use only distilled water to top the water levels off in the cells.

Water System
Winterize your coach according to the manufacturers recommendations. Do not put anti-freeze in your water heater. Dump all your waste water tanks and lubricate your dump and toilet valves with petroleum jelly.

Propane System
Turn off your propane system by closing the valves on the tanks themselves.

Seals
Check all seams and seals on your coach including slide-out, windows, roof vents, sewer vents, wall seams, and any other you may find. Caulk where voids in seams are apparent. Lubricate your slide-out seals with appropriate conditioner (available in our store).

Roof
Before and after winter storage is a good time to inspect your roof. A good roof cleaning will go a long way to preserve your roofing material. Only use appropriate and manufacture recommend roof cleaners. A clean roof will also benefit the side walls of your RV, by keeping a lot of dirt and debris from running down the sides, producing those tall-tale black streaks.

The above suggestions may not work for everyone. Always refer to you owners manuals for proper care of your coach. If you have any questions about winter care and storage, give your Central PA RV Dealership a call at 800-722-1236. Send a question via email to rvsales@lerchrv.com. We will gladly help as best we can.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!!

This is the official list of Open Range RV 5th Wheels and Travel Trailer changes. The dust has cleared and these new features are already being incorporated into the coaches being produced as I type. Although all of these changes are subject to modification from the manufacturer.  However I believe most of these new features will be permanent. Randy Graber and the designers at Open Range keep leading the way in the RV industry. Take a look at the list and let me know your thoughts.  And all you existing Open Range customers, are you ready for a new model yet?  With so many changes that have come over the past 6 months, if you are, allow Lerch RV to find that new exciting floor plan for you.  Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Open Range Roamer Travel Trailers:
* New Beauflor flooring
* New Alder-wood cabinets
* New cabinet hardware
* Quick bite coupler

Open Range Roamer 5th Wheels:
** Same as Roamer Travel Trailer
* Dura Floor in pass through storage

Open Range Journeyer:
** Same as Roamer Travel Trailer
* 3 Sliding glass door bedroom wardrobe

New Exterior Decals on the Open Range 5th Wheel

Open Range:
* New Two-Tone colored exterior
* New Alder-wood cabinets
* New cabinet hardware
* Solid hardwood panels on upper and lower cabinets
* Dura-Floor in pass through storage
* LED tail lights
* Remote control for slide-outs and awning

Open Range Rolling Thunder Toy Hauler:
** Same as Open Range

Open Range Residential:
** Same as Open Range
* 3 Solid wood French mirrored mullion wardrobe doors
* Radius fiberglass shower

As per manufacturer the above is subject to change without any notice.