Tag: rv features

Big Family Trips: Finding the Best Fifth Wheel for Families

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

A big family trip can mean a short trip for your big family or an extended trip for your small family. Either way finding the best fifth wheel for families – large or small – means taking all the needs of your family into consideration and finding the best fit. Do you need room for lots of friends and family or maybe just for all the kids? How about all the toys required to keep an active, outdoor-adventure clan entertained? Maybe you need quiet luxury for your camping getaways. No matter your family’s needs, there’s bound to be a fifth wheel option that can provide the perfect retreat wherever you go.

What Are the Benefits of Fifth Wheel RVs?

When choosing the best fifth wheel for families, the first question may be, “Why a fifth wheel?” The general comparison is between a standard travel trailer and a fifth wheel. The unique feature of a fifth wheel is the way it attaches to the tow vehicle. Instead of a standard hitch like travel trailers, fifth wheels must be towed by a truck because they connect to a specialized hitch centered in a truck bed. While this may not seem like a benefit if you don’t have (or want to have) a truck, the benefits over travel trailers include unique and spacious floor plans, easier maneuverability and “shorter” towing length because much of their length is hanging over the truck bed. There is virtually no sway when towing a fifth wheel vs. a travel trailer which in and of itself is a benefit that can be the sole reason that many choose a fifth wheel for their family.

Our Top Family Fifth Wheels

One feature that is a big selling point when finding the best fifth wheel for families is that the fifth wheel floor plans almost always feature a private master suite at the front of the RV. This can allow for a quiet mid-day retreat or even turning in early when the rest of the family is still up enjoying games, swapping stories or watching a movie.

Arctic Wolf 287BH

The Arctic Wolf 287 BH is one of Forest River’s most popular fifth wheels. This floor plan is ideal for large family trips! It features a private master bedroom with a residential queen bed, double stacked bunks in the rear of the RV. A stow-away dinette and an additional tri-fold sofa round out the sleeping quarters so this unit can sleep up to 8 people easily making it one of the best fifth wheels for families, and extended families!

With all those people it’s important to have plenty of space to cook and serve meals! The large, open, L-shaped interior kitchen provides plenty of prep space and the super U-dinette gives plenty of space inside for big family meals. When paired with the deluxe exterior kitchen, there’s more than ample space – even for those who want to social distance!

 Cedar Creek 377BH

Looking for a home-away-from-home experience? Look no further than the Cedar Creek 377BH, it’s hard to beat this RV when you’re looking for the best fifth wheel for families. Parents can enjoy a private suite with king-size bed while the hide-a-bed sofa comfortable sleeps two more.

Planning an extended trip? The huge 20 cubic foot stainless steel fridge with ice maker in this model provides plenty of room to pack enough food for everyone without worries about restocking trips to the grocery store.  The large kitchen features an island with sink and prep counter while the free-standing table is close by for extra prep space if necessary in addition to providing ample dining room and a comfortable place to play games. The luxury power theater seats provide the ultimate comfort when enjoying the cozy fireplace or watching TV.

Rogue Armored 371

No family or toy left behind with the Rogue Armored 371! This is the Trojan horse of RV’s and easily one of the best fifth wheels for families – especially big, active families!  It measures a whopping 42’ long and provides plenty of space for living as well as ample room to bring all the family toys along in the rear garage through the ramp door.

There’s also sleeping capacity for 8-10 people which means when you’re ready to call it a night, everyone can get a good night’s sleep and recharge for the next day’s adventures. Parents can relax in the king bed while others can catch their Z’s on the raised queen bed or flip up sofas.

With the living area, bathrooms, and kitchen all located in the center, everything is easy to get to no matter what you need with this spacious interior design.

And if you’re a fan of boondocking, the Rogue has an optional 5500 watt generator and 100+ gallon fresh water tank. This makes it ideal for being off the grid. That means quiet camping away from the crowds without worrying giving up the amenities that you love.

With any RV you choose, there are also upgrade options to personalize and customize to suit your needs. No matter the size of your family or the activities you plan on a big family trip, finding the best fifth wheel for families is what RV Wholesale Superstore is here for.

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 Awning Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

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

No matter the size or type of your RV, the RV awning is a key component to your camping experience. An RV awning can expand your living space to provide an outdoor dining area. It can provide shade and help keep you cool when temperatures soar. An awning can protect your entryway from rain or even offer a great place to hang some lighting for a late evening gathering or game night.

The best way to keep your awning in tip top working condition is with proper care and cleaning. Your awning can last for many years and provide hours of outdoor comfort and enjoyment by following these RV awning maintenance & cleaning tips.

Cleaning Your RV Awning

For the best results, clean your RV awning several times per year. Depending on the camping environment and the tree coverage at your site it may be necessary to clean more often. You’ll want to pay special attention to any leaves or sap that can cause your RV awning to become exceptionally dirty. If you experience this type of dirt and debris, clean your awning before you close it up.

Just Use Water

A hose is all you’ll need to clean your RV awning in most cases. If you want to get a good angle for cleaning the top of your awning, using a ladder can help. You’ll be able to see debris and push it off more effectively with the added height from being on a ladder.

Some RV awnings have waterproof coatings. These coatings are generally found with vinyl and acrylic RV awnings. Most unwanted debris tends come right off when you have a waterproof coating. Be aware that they don’t last forever, though. Even waterproof coatings can be worn off!

Cleaning Tough Awning Stains

Occasionally you may get some spots or tough stains on your RV awning that plain water just won’t clean. When this happens a soft brush can be used along with mild soap to clean your awning.  Another option is to purchase special awning cleaners. These are cleaners that are awning-safe and can even help restore the look of your awning to “like new.” You can find specialized awning cleaners at most RV supply stores. Just remember that even if you’re using awning-specific cleaners that you don’t want to be overly aggressive with a brush. It’s better to have a slight stain that you simply can’t remove than to scrub so hard that you begin wearing down the special waterproof coating on your RV awning that keeps moisture from penetrating into it.

Let It Dry

As with any part of your RV, moisture can cause major problems including mold, rust, and warping issues. When caring for your RV awning, make sure that you let it dry after you clean it. An awning that is stored with even a small amount of moisture trapped inside can lead to mold, mildew, or worse. If it’s necessary to retract or stow away your awning when it’s wet, be sure to air it out and let it dry completely as soon as possible. Even a small amount of mildew can result in a stinky RV awning. If left too long, that mildew or mold can lead to rotting. Rot can compromise the structure of your awning and is another factor in the breakdown of the waterproof coating, which can lead to leaking.

Keep in mind that your RV awning also contains supports which can become damaged by rust if left stored in a moist environment. Over time, this could eventually result in your RV awning failing to work properly if at all.

So, whether your awning is extended because you are camping or because it’s being cleaned, always confirm it is completely dry prior to putting it away. You’ll save time and money by using that ounce of prevention.

RV Awning Maintenance

Watch for UV Damage

RV awnings aren’t just for keeping you dry. They also are a great way to block the sun. Whether it’s high noon or later in the afternoon, your awning can keep the sun’s damaging rays at bay. Those strong UV rays can break down the fabric of your RV awning over time. Awnings can protect you, your family, and your RV from the sun and harmful UV rays, but they aren’t immune.

To extend the life of your RV awning, keep it rolled up and protected whenever it isn’t in use. As with many things in life, if it is exposed to the sun for days on end month after month, it will begin to show signs of wear and tear much faster. So use it in short spurts to ensure the longevity of your RV awning.

Lubricate Your Awning

Your RV awning has many moving parts. A key factor in keeping these moving parts in good working condition is to make sure they are well lubricated. Both manual and power awnings have moving parts that will benefit from regular lubrication.  You can use silicone spray lubricants to keep all your rollers, hinges and support arm pistons in good shape. Be sure to wipe away any excess with a rag.

Keep Your Awning Slightly Unleveled

Water is heavy. If enough of it collects on your awning it could potentially cause damage. To prevent this, when using your RV awning to protect your entryway from rain, don’t let water pool up on the fabric. Keeping your awning slanted is an easy way to provide a natural run-off for rainwater.  However, sometimes water can gather in a small puddle even when your RV awning is slanted. In a heavy downpour it doesn’t take long for water to collect and in no time a small puddle can become a huge body of water that can bend the support system and ruin your awning.

While slanting the awning doesn’t always prevent pooling water it certainly helps. Additionally, you are also more able to control where the water will run off, so when you are slanting your awning, take the time to assess your surroundings and adjust your awning accordingly. You may be able to direct the run-off away from your campsite so you can keep yourself and your area fairly dry – even in heavier rains.

Include the RV Awning in Your Inspections

Regular inspections of your RV are important. It’s something that should be done a few times every year and especially prior to a major trip. Your inspection should be of both the inside and outside of your RV. Unfortunately, many times out of sight means out of mind. But don’t let the fact that your awning is rolled up and out of the way keep you from making it a part of your inspection process. When you inspect your RV awning on a regular basis, you can make sure they are in good shape as well as avoid small issues becoming larger ones.

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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