Category: The RV Blog

Can You Have an Eco-Friendly RV? Tips for Green RV Living

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 25, 2023

If living green is important to you, you may be wondering about the carbon footprint of owning an RV. The concept of an eco-friendly RV isn’t something that’s too hard to accomplish – despite how many might think there’s no way a large vehicle like that could be “green.”

Read on to learn about eco-friendly RV life and making your RV travels greener!

How Is an RV Eco-Friendly?

Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean being completely green. It means reducing usage of appliances and other devices that produce carbon. As an RVer, you’ll be able to do this easily! Why? Because even the biggest RV is smaller than a typical home – which means your base level of usage for everything from electricity to water and more will be a fraction of what they’d be at home.

It’s definitely true that you’ll be using gas or electricity to improve your comfort during your stay. But how much energy does it take to keep your RV properly heated or cooled versus your home? And your water supply isn’t infinite when you’re on the road – so you’re naturally more likely to conserve what you have with proper rationing and smart usage.

Even if being eco-friendly isn’t a major concern of yours, these facts can make you a bit greener in the wallet too. Especially if you consider the difference from vacationing in an RV versus a hotel!

Of course, for those of you who do want to take steps to make your RV a bit greener, here are some of the best tips we have:

Making an RV Even More Eco-Friendly

Solar Panels

When it comes to an eco-friendly RV, few upgrades are as helpful as solar panels. These are a great addition because not only do they make green RVing easier, they’re incredibly useful too! Renewable energy like solar panels makes use of existing energy sources, like the sun, to produce a surprising amount of electricity for your vehicle. This can be enough to keep your phones charged, power some light appliances and keep you comfortable when you’re too far from a hookup station or would prefer not to use it.

Solar technology has been quickly adopted into the RVing world, with many RVs coming off the lot ready to benefit from solar charging. But even your older RV can probably be upgraded to add solar panels and reap the benefits of this eco-friendly RV strategy.

Aftermarket Upgrades for Insulation & Lighting

Solar panels aren’t the only way to make your RV greener. Aftermarket upgrades are a popular way to get the most out of any RV, including eco-friendliness. The two easiest upgrades to make in this regard would be improving insulation and replacing lighting in older models.

Insulation

By taking the insulation of your vehicle to the next level, you can drastically reduce the energy needed to keep it at a comfortable and livable temperature. For eco-friendliness, this means reducing byproducts of using your heater or air conditioner. For you, it also means extending the potential range of electricity or gas your vehicle can store. That’s a win-win!

Replacing Lighting

Similarly, older RVs that still use incandescent or fluorescent bulbs can use an upgrade to LED lighting that has the same benefits of convenience for you and the environment. LEDs consume less power and produce the same or better-quality lighting. Lower emissions, longer battery life, and it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your RV!

Plan Close Trips

One of the best ways to practice eco-friendly RVing is not to look at what your RV can do, but how you use it. Like any vehicle, burning fuel to travel great distances whether you drive a motorhome or use a tow vehicle is going to be seen as “not eco-friendly.” If you’re worried about how much gas you’re using, one of the best ways to avoid it is to take advantage of camping opportunities close to home!

Depending on where you live, this may or may not be a viable option. But a quick search for campgrounds near you might surprise you with how many results there are to be found. There are plenty of websites, from official government ones to private ones, that can provide a lot of information for planning your next trip. By sticking to a local site, you can reduce fuel emissions, fuel costs, and spend money on local businesses around your community!

Use Energy-Free Solutions

Lastly, it’s a good idea to remember that there are ways to stay comfortable and safe in or around your RV without running a generator or your battery:

RV Positioning

If you’re trying to stay cool, keep your RV oriented to reduce sunlight that can come through the windows. The less sun that comes through, the lower the general temperature will stay. On the flip side, if things are a bit chilly, you can do the opposite! Let the sun shine straight into your RV as much as possible and enjoy a few extra degrees of warmth during the day.

RV Skirting

Adding a skirt to your RV can help trap in lost heat to keep your RV warmer during cold days. While you may think this is a fall camping tip, it can make a big difference in early spring when the weather hasn’t decided if it’s ready to stop dropping to near-freezing temperatures occasionally.

Use a Cooler

If your camping trip is just going to be a weekend, you may be able to simply pour some ice in a large cooler to keep your perishables ready for the trip. Most well-made coolers can keep food and beverages chilly for up to two days with the appropriate amount of ice. This can let you keep your fridge off, which tends to be one of the larger single-appliance drains on electricity.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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RV Wholesale Superstore Busts Common RV Myths

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 25, 2023

What is a myth? Merriam-Webster defines a myth as a traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. Wikipedia says a myth is folklore where the main characters are usually gods, demigods, or supernatural humans. Finally, Dictionary.com defines a myth as any invented story, idea, or concept; an imaginary or fictitious thing or person.

While RV myths have nothing to do with demigods (it’s not likely Thor will show up at your campsite); here are five of the most common myths about RVs and the truths that bust those RV myths.

Pickup Trucks Can Tow Any RV

All pickup trucks are not alike, nor do they all have the same towing capacity. If you were building a house, you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to pound the nails, nor would you try breaking up old concrete with a claw hammer. In the same manner, never assume you can tow any RV with any pickup truck. It’s not an RV myth that there are smaller RVs and even lightweight RVs that can be towed with an SUV or minivan. However, the more length and amenities you add, the heavier the RV gets. Larger travel trailers, those with multiple slide outs, and bunkhouse trailers certainly need a truck for towing. There are some lightweight fifth wheels, but many fifth wheels can weigh up to 20,000 pounds and some luxury RVs that can be downright massive. Bigger RVs need bigger trucks and not just any pickup truck will do! So you can see why it’s important to know the weight of your RV and also know the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. When you’re looking for an RV, to get the right fit for your pickup truck, it’s important to check the ratings of both your tow vehicle and the RV you’re considering. You can work with a dealer if you have questions. Ultimately it’s best if you know your vehicle and its capabilities well before you purchase your RV. The last place you want to be when this RV myth is busted is trying to drive your new RV off the lot with a pickup truck that can’t tow it!

RVs Are Expensive

While there are some luxury or destination RVs that can range in price to nearly that of a small house, saying that all RVs are expensive is simply an RV myth. It is impossible to judge the cost of RVs in such a sweeping generalization. The price range is immense. In fact, some RVs are just a few thousand dollars, especially used.

RV myths aside, the fact is you can always find something to fit your budget. What determines the price is what you want out of an RV. Doing your homework is a key ingredient to the perfect RV purchase. Keeping in mind that an RV purchase isn’t as permanent as you may think, what fits your needs today may not be the best RV in as little as 3-5 years as your family dynamics change.

RVs Aren’t Good for City Travel

Another RV myth is that RVs are only good for the open roads or remote campgrounds. City limits are not off limits to RVs! Most cities in the United States are favorable to RV travel. However, the larger the RV, the less recommended it is to drive it all around town for sightseeing – this is where a toad comes in handy! Still, RVs can still maneuver most city streets, especially with a little practice. The key is to know where you are going and plan your route in advance to cut down on the chances of getting stuck in a tight spot and becoming less than popular with the local traffic! How to avoid too-narrow streets and low-clearance bridges? As the saying goes, there’s an app for that! In addition to all the RV-friendly apps, there are free resources like Google maps that can alert you to construction or road hazards. Plus, if you camp 20-30 minutes outside a big city, you can generally take public transportation into the heart of the city for some great sightseeing.

If you prefer being in the heart of it all, there are some large cities that boast RV parks within minutes of popular attractions or downtown areas, you’ll just need to do your homework and plan ahead. Keep in mind that there are some places even allow free overnight parking, big potential savings for trips. These free overnight adventures range from parking lots to private property, but always call ahead to confirm that they allow boondocking. Remember to plan ahead (there are no RV hookups) and be sure to leave your boondocking space as clean – or cleaner – when you depart than it was when you arrived. Practicing good camping etiquette ensures that the joy of free overnight parking doesn’t end up becoming an RV myth!

RVs Are for “Off the Grid”

Types It’s true that RVs let you go off the grid if that is the type of camping you enjoy. However, more often than not, the amenities offered at RV parks such as Wi-Fi, electrical hookups, water and sewer hookups, and even data plans, allow you to use modern gadgets and stay connected anywhere.

RV camping in groups can provide as much of a social experience as you want. Many RV resorts even offer on-site attractions such as water parks and zip-lining. There are also luxury RV parks that boast amenities like tennis and basketball courts, heated swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, fitness centers, putting greens, pet parks, and more! Some of these places are off the chart, not off the grid. So there goes that RV myth!

RVs Take the Fun Out of Camping

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to camp and each has its own benefit. Just like the price range varies from a few thousand dollars up to that of a small home, the range of fun you can have camping with an RV is only limited by your taste, imagination, and sense of adventure.

There is absolutely nothing about owning an RV that stops you from setting up a tent and sleeping in the great outdoors! In fact, RVs expand your options, extend your camping season, and can provide a retreat when you need it from extreme weather. If you travel extensively, an RV can provide a mobile “base of operations” from which you can take short excursions.

The definition of roughing it differs from camper to camper, as does the definition of camping fun. The idea that RV takes the fun out of camping is simply an RV myth. An RV only adds more options to your camping experience!

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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RV Outdoor Kitchen Feature Spotlight

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 24, 2023

One of the most-used spaces in any RV is the kitchen. Any camping cook knows the value of every square inch of prep space and most have their routines down to a science. But one drawback can be that while the cook’s in the kitchen, the party is going on outside. With RV outdoor kitchens, any cook can have the best of both worlds for every meal and never miss a moment with friends, family, or the beauty of nature.

Benefits of An RV Outdoor Kitchen

Let’s look at how an RV outdoor kitchen can benefit you and your family on any excursion.

More Time Outdoors

Camping is all about spending time enjoying the beauty of nature around you. With an RV outdoor kitchen you can spend even more of your camping time outdoors. All the amenities of living at home, or of the kitchen inside your RV, are at your fingertips right outside your RV.

Gone are the days where your family plays games or relaxes outside while you go inside to prepare a meal.  An RV outdoor kitchen is the perfect answer. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors with your family in the nice sunny weather rather than being cooped up in a hot kitchen missing out on all the fun.

Avoid Heating Up the Interior

Speaking of a hot kitchen, who enjoys being inside cooking a meal on a hot day? That is not a fun camping experience. When the temperatures soar, it can be tempting to skip meal prep since cooking inside your RV not only heats up the kitchen, but the ambient temperature in the whole RV can increase.

Here’s another way that RV outdoor kitchens really shine. They provide a convenient area to cook your meals out in the open letting the heat escape rather than being trapped inside your RV. It’s also a great way to beat the heat when enjoying your meals because you can cook outside and then step into the comfortable climate in your RV to dine. It’s a great way to keep the temperature inside your RV comfortable, especially when boondocking.

Additional Space to Cook

When there’s a crowd, big meals are a must. So when you have a big family trip, or maybe a tailgate party, additional cooking space is an exceptional value. An RV outdoor kitchen can alleviate the problem of having too many cooks in the kitchen! That second kitchen provides a lot more elbow room so there’s no fighting over cooking space – no matter how much food you need to prepare and how many helping hands are pitching in.

Easy Grilling

A good number of campers feel that camping and grilling go together like bacon and eggs. However, grilling usually means setting up a portable grill that you had to lug along for the trip. Many of the RV outdoor kitchens feature a grill. With instant access to a grill that’s built right in, you won’t have to think about how to transport your grill anymore; and, with grilling this easy, you may end up cooking all your meals this way!

Keep Your Interior Clean

When you are in and out of your RV, it’s hard not to track dirt inside. Easy access to things like a sink for hand washing and a fridge for cold drinks can be right at everyone’s fingertips when you have an RV outdoor kitchen. Some models even have ice storage or a place for paper towels. You can keep grimy fingers out of the RV with a hand-washing station at your outdoor kitchen. The less trips you and your family need to make indoors throughout the day, the cleaner you can keep the interior of your RV on your trip.

Great RVs with Outdoor Kitchens

2021 Arctic Wolf 271RK

A great 5th wheel option for ardent travelers is the 2021 Arctic Wolf. The RV outdoor kitchen on this model has a sink, a stove with two burners, refrigerator, and ice storage unit so you’re never more than a few steps away from drink refills if the cards or conversations carry on long past dinner.

The interior boasts plenty of storage room and privacy in the front bedroom. Additionally, there’s also room to cook in the spacious indoor wraparound kitchen with farm-style sink. The tri-fold sofa can provide a comfortable space for guests.

2020 Catalina Legacy 333BHTSCK

Looking for plenty of room for your family? This Catalina Legacy model has room for everyone! A queen bedroom and two additional bunks provide sleeping quarters for the whole crew. Longer trips are a breeze with all the wardrobe and storage space available.

The standard full-sized RV camp kitchen boasts a large fridge, pull-out grill, a sink, electrical outlets, generous overhead storage, and two drawers. There is also plenty of counter space for food prep. You’ll easily cook your favorite meals outside. In fact, this outdoor kitchen is so nice it may become the cook’s preferred kitchen!

We Can Help You Find the Right RV – Contact Us Today!

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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