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Author: Emily Sullivan

  • Believe it or Not – These Small Businesses All Operate Out of RVs

    Believe it or Not – These Small Businesses All Operate Out of RVs

    Long gone are the days of small businesses sticking to brick and mortar storefronts. Many creative entrepreneurs have decided to take their businesses out on the road… in their RVs! We’ve compiled a list of a few genius businesses that are all fully functioning out of campers, trailers, and motorhomes. These businesses will delight, surprise, and might even inspire you.
    Check out a few of our favorite mobile businesses below.

    J.D. Luxe Fashion

     
    Image: J.D. Luxe Fashion

    Brick and mortar boutiques will become a thing of the past with designers like J.D. Luxe Fashion going mobile. Their flagship “truck and mortar” store opened its doors in 2011 in beautiful Woodland Hills, CA to offer customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

    Now you don’t need to visit the closest shopping mall to find the hottest trends in fashion. This mobile boutique offers California locals a unique (and chic) shopping experience on wheels. While they do run storefront locations, J.D. Luxe swept up media attention on the streets of Los Angeles and at festivals like Coachella. Their eye for design, the mobility of their store, and online shop makes J.D. Luxe Fashion a competition for standalone fashion entrepreneurs everywhere!

    It’s a Dog’s Life Spaw

     
    Image: It’s a Dog’s Life Spaw

    We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a business having something to do with animals in our RV businesses piece, and we didn’t have to look far – It’s a Dogs Life Spaw made us fall in love with their mission of providing a traveling, tail-wagging worthy grooming experience for West Coast pups! Kristi, creator of the “Spaw,” has loved animals as long as she can remember. No matter what the situation, every time she saw a stray dog, she brought it home with her. Over the course of her lifetime, she’s owned and raised a number of other pets, including horses, and exotic species.

    It didn’t take her long to realize that her passions were driving her to commit to a future of full-time employment with pets. More than anything, Kristi loves spending time with individual pets, getting to know their unique personalities, characteristics, and tendencies. Her website reflects her feelings that “All pets are truly a special soul that deserves nothing but the best.”

    Having graduated from a licensed academy of pet grooming and styling from Amber Lewin, a master certified groomer, Kristi is well-taught in not only styling, but also CPR and first aid. She presents with IPG (International Professional Groomer) certification, and notes that her philosophy is to “treat all her clients as if they were her own pet.”

    The Spaw itself is state-of-the-art, and comes fully equipped with warm water, climate-controlled mani areas, and top-of-line amenities with zero cages or crates. It’s designed to provide not only a bathing experience, but a relaxation, stress-relieving (“Spaw”) experience for the animals, too – so the open, comfortable environment makes for just that.

    The Winneburger

     
    Image: Winneburger

    What do you get when you mix burgers with classic Winnebago vibes? Winneburger, of course. Based out of Montreal, the Winneburger is a fully-equipped traveling kitchen, operated by the popular local restaurant Nouveau Palais. Functioning out of a 1980s revamped Winnebago, it is designed to blend vintage vibes and decor with modern, freshly produced grub.

    Always including a veggie-friendly option with their meals, their goal is to provide all customers with a memorable, unique cuisine experience. Owners Gita Seaton, Mary Martha Campbell, and Jacques Seguin are the seasoned chefs and restaurant business experts behind the small business and noted a few go-to items on the Winneburger’s menu, including kettle chips, homemade lemonade and iced tea, and ‘old-fashioned’ milkshakes.

    Their famed, sweet challah buns make their burgers famous, and nothing compares to these key dishes, such as the Mushroom Burger (imagine a breaded, fried Portabello cap- stuffed to the brim with cheese, then placed on a challah bun) with all the fixings.

    Silvercloud Trailer Events

     
    Image: Silvercloud Trailer Events

    In need of a photographer for your event? Why not mix it up and rent out the Airstream Photo Booth curated by creative entrepreneurs Yvonne and Chris Johnson?

    Based out of the Austin, TX area, Yvonne and Chris are both experienced in the wedding photography industry, and noticed a popular trend developing in the industry: rentable photo booths. Hoping to offer an individualized spin on this trend, they aligned this interest with Texas’ popular affinity for Airstreams. Switching up the traditional backdrop of large events, regardless of whether it be a wedding or festival, the Airstream Photo Booth experience comes fully equipped with fun, engaging props for dress-up, and the company offers both a full-size Airstream and smaller sized ‘Bambi’ trailer for smaller-scale events.

    Ink Minx 

    Image: Ink Minx

    Tattoo culture is often a male-dominated space, but Shanzey Afzal had a plan to create change. Shanzey is a 26-year-old tattoo artist who converted a 1963 Shasta trailer into a mobile tattoo studio called Ink Minx. The mobile tattoo studio isn’t your average parlor, it caters to a specific audience – women. Shanzey was inspired at a young age by henna tattooing, which is a tradition from her Pakistani culture. The inspiration turned into something more and she began a tattoo apprenticeship at age 21, becoming a licensed artist soon after.

    As she observed the tattoo industry during her apprenticeship, she came to find that it wasn’t always an inclusive place for women so she made it her mission to create an inclusive and safe space for women to express their creativity and participate in tattoo culture. Ink Minx might be located in a small trailer, but it is packed with a lot of heart. The trailer includes just the tattoo basics like one tattoo table, a counter station, fold-out desks, and a few other odds and ends required to get the job done.

    The pink interior gives off a feminine and welcoming vibe to anyone about to make a tattoo commitment. One of the main reasons Ink Minx is a mobile unit is that Shanzey’s mission is to empower women across the country. Shanzey has recently traveled up and down the East Coast to tattoo women and plans on adding additional stops (including music festivals) in the near future.

    The Caravan Camera 

    Image: Home Crux

    Brendan Barry attended art school in England, but found out pretty early on that he quite frankly “wasn’t very good at art”. He began getting into photography and years later received his master’s degree and later started teaching the subject.

    Barry has built a variety of handmade cameras in the past but started thinking outside of the box – or should we say camera. He was inspired to make a camera where people would be physically invited into the process of photography. That’s when the Caravan Camera was born.

    The Caravan Camera is an RV converted into a working camera obscura. From buying the unit to having it fully completed took roughly 2-3 weeks. Individuals can stand outside of the RV to get their photograph taken by the caravan. The inside of the camera also hosts a darkroom where the film is then developed.

    Barry has grand plans for the Caravan Camera, including taking it to schools, hospitals, and community groups to excite and engage people in the process of photography. He plans on building a bigger camera in the future that will be wheelchair accessible so a variety of people can appreciate the art of photography.

    Andrea Denniston Ceramics 

    Image: Andrea Denniston Ceramics

    Andrea Denniston is a studio potter based in Virginia who decided to get creative with her art show display. She entered the craft show world and wanted to find a way to make the most of her allotted booth space, that’s when she began researching trailers. During the summer of 2015, she designed a chassis and commissioned outside assistance to make her dream mobile display come to life. Her mobile gallery is a 4×6 foot teardrop trailer that is cute as a button, yet still very practical for her needs.

    Denniston loves pottery and that love shines through each of her creations. Her goal is to make pottery that will find its way into someones home and works to create unique and engaging objects. She enjoys working with a bright color palette and her mobile gallery highlights her work in a way that’s incredibly pleasing to the eye.

    The display has a hatchback style opening on the back of the trailer complete with a variety of shelves to securely hold and protect her stunning porcelain creations. Due to its small size, the trailer can be easily towed to various craft shows where Denniston displays her work. There is not a lot of interior room to spare, but when fully set up, the trailer even has space for a packaging station.

    Denniston’s husband Seth, who is also a potter, occasionally uses the trailer to display his gas reduction stoneware. He runs a business called Poor Farm Pottery.

    These are just a few stories of courageous entrepreneurs that have made it big with their RV businesses. So many small business owners are now operating “storefronts” out of their campers and motorhomes – we’re excited to see what they come up with next! What are some other small businesses you know of that are operated out of RVs or trailers? Would you ever consider developing a small business startup in your own camper? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Top Dog-Friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds

    Top Dog-Friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds

    If you’re anything like us, we can’t imagine leaving home for our next adventure without our dogs. Our four-legged friends are considered part of the family and we often ask ourselves, “what did we do to deserve dogs?” With SO many RVers out there, we know we aren’t alone. So to make sure you never have to leave home without little Fido in tow, RV Trader has compiled a list of top dog-friendly RV parks and campgrounds that will be sure to be a tail-wagging good time for both you and your pet!

    1. Four Paws Kingdom

    Four Paws Kingdom is located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina and, as its name suggests, is truly a kingdom for dogs. This campground is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the first and only campground in the U.S. dedicated to dogs. Four Paws Kingdom includes a fenced in swimming pond, multiple dog parks, trails, a dog bathhouse, and even a grooming salon! There are also tons of benefits for you dog owners out there like RV hook up sites, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and so much more.

    2. Normandy Farms

    Normandy Farms is located in Foxboro, Massachusetts and is a luxurious campground located deep in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod. This resort takes dog friendliness to the next level by providing a 1.5-acre dog park, agility equipment, a dog washing station, dog walking services, and they even provide kennels services for your furry friends. They do have a few pet specific restrictions, but overall this campground is extremely dog friendly if you meet those requirements. Normandy Farms is stunning and hosts a variety of activities for guests. The grounds and facilities are top-notch and have plenty of room for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes.

    3. Lake George RV Park

    Lake George RV Park is located in Lake George, New York and is thrilled to welcome pets on their grounds. The park includes a two-acre off-leash dog park for dogs to run freely and get out any pent up energy after long days of travel. The “Bark Park” also includes a pet vending machine stocked with toys and treats – this is what doggie dreams are made of. Wait there’s more! The park also includes a dog splash pad to cool off on hot days and agility/turf areas for play. Dogs are also allowed in the indoor areas of the park including their main lodge, general store, and cafe. You won’t have to leave your dog anywhere when you visit this RV park!

    4. Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is truly camping at its best. You’ll have to pick your jaw off of the floor when you take in the surrounding views. But how does this park cater to your pups? Glad you asked. Garden of the Gods RV Resort is a pet-friendly park that includes an off-leash Bark Park for your dogs to run wild in. They’ll be able to interact with other dogs and get out all of their energy. This resort has plenty of RV campsites and offers standard, deluxe, and premium sites for RVers. This resort sounds like a win-win for both you and your pet.

    5. Escondido RV Resort

    Located 30 miles away from sunny San Diego, California, Escondido RV Resort boasts resort-style amenities for you and your dog to enjoy. The 10-acre RV park features scenic views, over 100 full-hookup sites, and a fenced dog park. Let your pet stretch their legs and run around this one-third-acre park. On a hot day, your pet can cool down and make a splash in the fire hydrant water feature. There are even dog toys and training tools available on-site.

    6. KOA

    There are hundreds of KOA campground locations across the country and they are all pet-friendly! KOAs have special KampK9 areas of their grounds where dogs can roam around off-leash, and they often include washing stations. Many KOAs also have dedicated areas for large and small dogs so your dog can play safely.

    There you have it! Our list of top pet-friendly RV parks and campgrounds. With these options, you’ll never have to leave your precious pooch at home. Bring Fido is another great resource to check out so you can see nearby pet-friendly locations.

    For more tips on traveling with your dog, visit RV Trader’s Pet Resource Page. And, if you’re shopping for a camper with room for your four-legged friend, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used RVs for sale on RVTrader.com.

  • Tips for Buying a Vintage Camper

    Tips for Buying a Vintage Camper

    Vintage campers have the ability to transport us back in time, have an undeniable charm, and are all the rage right now – which is why so many consumers are interested in purchasing them. But the real question is – is a retro trailer the right choice for you? Before you claim a little piece of history, there are a few things to consider when buying vintage. We’ll share a few questions to ask yourself and simple tips you need to know before buying that diamond in the rough.

    Determine usage level

    Before you buy, it’s important to ask yourself how you’ll be using your vintage camper. Are you planning on taking short weekend getaways or cross country road trips? You’ll want to determine what you’ll be using your camper for so you can decide on proper size, quality, and length to best fit your RVing needs. If you’re planning on parking your unit at specific campgrounds or RV parks, you’ll need to see if they have any restrictions on vintage units.

    Gauge your budget

    It’s time to empty out the piggy bank to see what finances you are working with before buying a vintage camper. If you are buying a full restored camper, you might be looking at a higher price up front but this could minimize future repairs in the long run. On the other hand, buying an older model can definitely be a more cost-effective option. But if you plan on renovating your camper, you’ll need to be prepared for any surprises that come up in the process.

    Keep an eye out for water damage

    We’ll say it louder for the people in the back. LOOK FOR WATER DAMAGE. When buying a vintage camper, you need to inspect the unit very carefully because the sad reality is, most vintage models have water damage that can be easily hidden. If there’s too much water damage, there’s a chance the whole unit will need a complete renovation. Anyone else hear a cha-ching? Fixing water damage can cost A LOT of money so here are the big things to look out for:

    • Ripples on the interior walls of the camper
    • Water stains
    • Repainted walls (some sellers will try to mask the water damage by painting)
    • Floor leaks/rotting
    • Window and ceiling vent leaks

    To DIY or to not DIY?

    This is an important question to ask yourself before you consider buying a vintage RV. There are many vintage RVs on the market that have already been completely renovated and restored, so if you’re looking eliminate the DIY work, those units might be your best option. If you’re toying with the idea of buying a true vintage camper, you’ll want to assess your ability level and the time, money, and energy you want to spend on fixing up an older model. Renovations give you the ability to give your camper a custom feel, but it’s important to keep in mind that they also take time and effort to restore.

    Check for any electrical damage

    Electrical damage can be a dealbreaker when it comes to buying a vintage camper because to get to the root of the electrical issue, you will typically need to remove all of the interior walls. Unless you’re extremely handy, you will most likely have to bring in a professional. That’s why it is a good rule of thumb to make sure all the electrical systems are in good working order before making your purchase. It’s also a good idea to double check that the propane systems are working properly as well.

    Fully examine the exterior of the unit

    Before purchasing a vintage unit, you’ll want to take a look around the exterior of the unit to make sure it is in good shape. Check the panels and glass to make sure there are no cracks. A few dents might not be a dealbreaker, but if the exterior of the camper is in bad shape that means there is a higher chance of leaks down the road.

    Know your towing capacity

    It might sound obvious, but if you’re planning on buying a towable vintage unit, you need to make sure you have a vehicle that can actually tow your trailer. Vintage campers come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and weights, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when starting your search. You will also need to find out the towing capacity required and the weight of the specific unit you’re interested in to make sure it’s a fit for your current vehicle.

    Make sure to keep our tips in mind if you’re on the hunt for a “seasoned” model. Vintage campers can be so much fun to own and the renovation process can be exciting, but it’s important to know everything that comes along with purchasing a vintage trailer. If you’re looking for a retro beauty of your own, check out our listings on RV Trader!

  • A Guide for Great Listing Photos

    A Guide for Great Listing Photos

    It’s no secret that the buying process is changing, and with technology on the rise, online research is becoming increasingly important to buyers before they make a purchase – large or small. That’s why taking high-quality photos is crucial to get more eyes on your listing when selling your RV. Interested in upping your photo game? We’ve got 8 easy tips to make sure your listing photos are painting a clear picture to potential buyers.

    Make it Shine

    We know cleaning an RV can take time depending on the size, but a deep cleaning can have the potential to make or break a sale. It’s important to know that buyers want to see their potential unit in tip-top shape not just before making a purchase, but before even coming to see it in person. New or used, you’ll want to make sure the outside of the unit is washed, and that the inside of the unit has had a full detailing.

    Use the Right Camera

    Consumers are likely to move along to the next listing if your photos are grainy or blurry. So our question to you is, are you using a high-quality camera to take your listing photos? You’ll want to make sure that you have a fairly newer camera to ensure that your photos are crystal clear. Keep in mind, most smartphones have incredible cameras and can be great options for taking photos. If you want to take your photos to the next level, consider buying an updated point and shoot camera. They are very simple to use and take extremely clear photos.

    Shoot at the Right Time of Day

    Ask any photographer and they’ll tell you, lighting is everything when it comes to taking photos. That’s why it’s so important to keep in mind the time of day you’re taking your listing photos. We recommend avoiding taking photos midday when the sun is at its brightest and lighting can come across as harsh. Shooting during the morning or late afternoon is ideal for capturing “warmer”, less washed out photos. As long as it’s not raining, cloudy days can also be great photoshoot days – just make sure it’s not too dark outside! While taking photos inside of the unit, highlight the natural light that the unit provides by opening up all of the windows while shooting. If there are darker areas inside, we suggest turning on the cabin lights as needed – avoid flash if at all possible.

    Keep in Mind Positioning and Location

    When taking listing photos, you’ll want to keep in mind where you’ve positioned and parked the RV. Make sure that the unit you are trying to sell is the focal point of your photo. While inside the unit, stand in corners and point the camera outward while taking photos to make the unit feel larger and longer.

    Take a Few Test Photos

    It’s important to take your time while shooting your listing photos, as they are a crucial part of your listing. Take a few test photos of your unit to make sure the lighting is right, the images are clear, and that you are satisfied with the outcome. If you aren’t pleased with the photos you can take a step back and see what might need to change to enhance your photo (positioning, lighting, etc.).

    Have a Variety of Photos

    Consumers want to see photos and LOTS of them. Potential buyers want to see the entirety of the unit even before coming to see the unit – they want to picture themselves in their new RV on the road to their next destination. To paint your buyer a clear picture, we suggest taking a few full shots of the outside of the unit (showing the whole RV) as well as detailed, close-up shots. When taking indoor shots, we suggest showing all aspects of the unit. We recommend having a full outdoor RV shot as your main listing photo to grab the customer’s attention right off the bat, then they can explore more photo options as desired.

    Be Honest and Authentic

    It’s extremely important to be honest and authentic with your customers. Don’t hide the imperfections of the unit you are trying to sell. If the unit has a few dings or scratches, or if there’s a tear in upholstery, consumers deserve to know. It’s also a good idea to stay away from using stock photos of your unit – consumers appreciate original photos and want to see exactly what their potential unit looks like.

    Highlight Special Features

    Does the unit you’re selling have any special features like extra storage, great natural lighting, or new technology? Make sure you are highlighting them in both your listing photos AND descriptions. As we mentioned earlier, consumers want to picture themselves in their new RV, and showing them unique features will having a higher chance of piquing their interest.

    We hope that these 8 tips have helped you realize taking listing photos doesn’t have to be difficult. Taking the right photo can take some practice, but your buyer will thank you in the end when selling your RV.

  • Snowy Destinations

    Snowy Destinations

    Whether you live in a naturally snowy climate or just pine for one, these destinations are great spots to truly enjoy the winter weather. The three spots we picked out all have a unique charm to them – but are not the big resorts you’ve likely heard so much about.

    Mammoth, CA

    Mammoth is a great destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. The mountain itself has more open terrain to explore than any other ski resort in the country – which is impressive. And, if that wasn’t great enough – it is also known for being uncharacteristically sunny throughout the year – with more than 300 days of sunshine on average.

    If you aren’t up for skiing, you can check out the Village at Mammoth Mountain – which is full of cute shops and restaurants – or ride the Gondola up to the mountain’s summit for some breathtaking views of the snow-covered surroundings.

    If you’re looking for a day trip – check out June Mountain Lake – which is possibly more beautiful in the winter than it is during the summer.

    Midway, UT

    Make sure you pack your bathing suit…is typically a recommendation you would expect to find in an article about the best snowy destinations – but you’ll definitely need one for this stop. The Homestead Crater is a hot spring found inside a 55-foot tall limestone rock and was slowly formed by the melting snow. The coolest – and possibly creepiest – part is that the crater is completely dark. They do have some lights, but overall, it’s dark water. To get a better view – you can even look into scuba diving there. Afterward, hike to the top of the limestone rock to see a view of all Herber Valley – which includes Herber City, Midway, and Daniel – and take a look down on the hot spring and swimmers below.

    Steamboat Springs, CO

    Steamboard Springs, in our opinion, has one of the cutest ski villages around. This particular town is bustling throughout the year with great events and festivals, including a Hot Air Balloon Rodeo.

    In the winter, Steamboat is known for their “champagne powder” – the term coined to describe their light, fluffy snow. After hitting the slopes – should you choose to – the Yampa River Core Trail is a great pastime. It runs from one side of Steamboat to the other along the frozen river. As you walk along the trail – it kind of feels like you’re walking through a winter wonderland.

    Wondering where Steamboat Springs got its name? From the hot springs that are found throughout the surrounding area, of course! There are two famous ones – the Old Town Hot Springs and the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Both are relatively close to downtown Steamboat – and would be great to relax in after a busy day in the wintery weather.

    Winter weather doesn’t last that long – so make sure to plan a trip to enjoy these snowy destinations that are guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life snow globe.

  • Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    There’s nothing we love more than a good hack. Usually, they are so simple, but so smart that they make us jealous we didn’t think of them first. But – let me tell you – the list of hacks we’ve compiled below has us green with envy – these truly are the best of the best.

    Doritos make the best fire starters

    As surprising as it may sound – there really isn’t a better fire starter out there than a good old bag of Doritos – and the best part? There’s literally nothing to it! Pick up your favorite – or maybe least favorite – bag at the grocery store, light one corner on fire, and watch it burn. But there’s a catch – it’s actually necessary to get the Doritos brand. Apparently it has something to do with their fat content. This is one of our favorites – but definitely slightly concerning if you’re a Doritos lover because once you see how long these burn, you might lose your appetite.

    Make a zipline for your dog

    We, like many RVers, are big time dog people – so we’re all about anything we can do to make our pup’s trip more comfortable. And making them a zipline, instead of tying them out, gives them way more freedom to enjoy their interesting, new surroundings. And, like the Doritos, this is another super easy trick. You just need a piece of rope and some carabiners to attach their leashes to it. From there – find some trees a decent distance apart to tie the rope to and hitch Fido on up. He’ll be much happier being able to wander back and forth freely – but you’ll still have peace of mind knowing he’s not going to take off on you.

    Sage bundles repel mosquitos

    We hate mosquitos. They are the fastest way we can think of to drive even the most tolerant RVer back inside. So this hack is definitely worth a try. This particular article says that you can also throw some lavender and mint in there – but the majority of reading we did specifically called out the sage – so if you add nothing else, make sure to have that. You can hang these outside of your camper or put them in your fire – either way, they seem like an essential way to keep the ultimate pest away.

    Turn an acorn cap into a whistle

    This is a great hack – and this link shows you exactly how to do it, step by step. Thankfully, there are plenty of acorns to practice on out in the woods – so even if it takes you a few tries to get it right, this is sure to come in handy – and hopefully, you will only need to use this for fun.

    Ok – so tell us the truth. Had you heard of these before? We hope there were at least a few that surprised you and will make their way into your bag of tricks as you head out on your next great adventure.

  • Genius RV Storage Ideas You’ve Got to See

    Genius RV Storage Ideas You’ve Got to See

     

    When we started hearing from members of our RV Trader family that they were curious about storage tips and tricks, we weren’t surprised. RVs are already relatively confined spaces — so finding efficient ways to store and organize your belongings can be a challenge. To help you brainstorm, we compiled a Pinterest board with some of the most genius RV storage ideas we’ve ever seen! Click below to see them

    Storage Hacks

     
  • 5 Tips for Efficient RV Cleaning

    5 Tips for Efficient RV Cleaning

    It can be difficult to understand just how to get your RV cleaned thoroughly given it’s large size and numerous parts. Cleaning is a necessary part of owning an RV, however, so the job must be done. With these few tips, you can efficiently clean your RV and have it feel like new.

    1. Use a Low-Pressure Washer

    You might think a regular pressure washer is for an RV—but this is actually not the case. A high-pressure washer can do serious damage to the cracks and seals on your ride. Use a low-pressure washer instead; it will give you enough pressure to clean the exterior of your RV, but it won’t be forceful enough to cause lasting exterior damage.

    2. Add Vinegar to the Wash

    When hand-washing the exterior of your RV, add vinegar to your cleaning solution. This will help prevent water streaks from forming on glossy and transparent surfaces. The vinegar will ensure no smears are left on your vehicle and your RV will show nothing but a shiny finish.

    3. Buy an RV Cleaner

    A myriad of special RV cleaners are available on the market these days. They contain the right ingredients to ensure your RV’s surface gets as clean as possible, and they don’t contain harsh additives that can cause decals to loosen or paint to chip off.

    4. Avoid Microfiber Cloths

    Microfiber cloths and polyester are quickly becoming the new norm for getting things clean. In the case of an RV, though, microfiber and polyester cloths should not be used. They can cause damage to the finish and even rub off the sealant. Stick with cotton and you’ll ensure you aren’t taking any finish or sealant off your vehicle when you clean it.

    5. Treat Your Tanks

    RVs come with two tanks: one for bathing water and one for toilet water. While the bathing water tank may not become very dirty, the toilet water tank needs to be properly treated to keep odors away. Enzyme-based chemicals need to be used so any solids can be broken down efficiently.

  • Diesel vs Gas: Which one Should You Choose for your RV?

    Diesel vs Gas: Which one Should You Choose for your RV?

    The urge to reconnect with the outdoors and the open road usually returns with spring and RV shows. Maybe you would like to sell your “old clunker” and replace it with a newer, more polished model. Or perhaps, on the eve of an upcoming retirement, you imagine yourself driving into the sunset at the wheel of your very first RV. When it comes to choosing an RV, it is important to make an informed decision before you buy, and the same age old question has fueled the debate with regard to the type of RV engine: gas or diesel? The answer is not simple as it often depends on many factors such as your travel frequency, maintenance, fuel economy, financial means and floor space needs.

    Pros of owning a Gas RV

    •             If you’re looking to travel only once in a while, then a smaller gas engine RV (35 feet or smaller) could make more sense.
    •             Since service and fuel stations are common, gas is much more accessible and affordable than diesel.
    •             Gas engines are also more resistant to cold weather than diesel engines.
    •             They have higher RPMs (about 6000 RPMs), allowing for a smoother, quieter ride with faster acceleration.

    Cons of owning a Gas RV

    •             Gasoline has a strong odor and a short shelf life due to evaporation.
    •             Gas engines have weaker towing power compared to diesel equivalents.

    Pros of owning a Diesel RV

    •             RVs with diesel engines are an excellent choice if you are looking to travel frequently and for longer periods of time.
    •             They tend to offer more efficient fuel consumption, meaning less frequent refills at the gas pump.
    •             Diesel engines usually have better torque. This means improved towing capability, an important factor if floor space is a priority.
    •             If well maintained, diesel engines have a longer life than gasoline ones and can still perform reliably after extensive mileage. This means diesel RVs often retain a higher resell value after a few years.

    Cons of owning a Diesel RV

    •             At a range of $2.00 to $3.50 per gallon, diesel fuel often costs more at the pump. However, this is off-set by their superior fuel economy.
    •             RVs with diesel engines have lower RPMs than those with gas engines meaning slower acceleration and lower top speeds.