Tag: rv living

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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RV Camping Hacks to Get the Most Out of Your RV

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

You want to get the most out of everything. Why not get the most out of your RV and all the space in it as well? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of each item you pack – great RV camping hacks!

Tension Rods for Storage Safety

RVs are designed with a lot of storage in mind. However, sometimes rough roads or just motion in general can cause items to shift or get jumbled around during travel. A great RV camping hack is using tension rods to keep items in place during transit.

This simple solution can be used in many different areas of your RV as tension rods come in a variety of sizes. Smaller ones can be used in kitchen cabinets to keep spices from spilling or in the bathroom to prevent toiletries from tumbling around. Larger rods can be used in pantries or closets to push dry goods or clothing back and keep them secure while traveling. Upon arrival, they are simple to move up or remove altogether when you are setting up camp, allowing easy access to anything you need. Larger rods may even be repurposed while camping and positioned in the shower to hang wet swim suits while they drip dry.

Reuse Everything from Home

Some of the best RV camping hacks are simply repurposing items from home. Items like jars and boxes that have served their original purpose make wonderful storage solutions for RVs. Shoe boxes or Ramen noodle 12-pack boxes are great for storing camping essentials like a s’mores kit. Simply store your graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate together in the box and you have everything at your fingertips for a quick trip out to the campfire.

Empty tissue boxes make great one-at-a-time pop-up plastic grocery bag dispenser for everything from trash to doggie waste bags. Tic Tac or other small candy containers can be used for travel-sized versions of spices.

Your family can brainstorm whenever you empty a bottle or container at home. Make a game of it as you consider all the RV camping hack possibilities for each item to see if it will be a new RV solution before you throw it away.

Add Storage with Stick-On Fasteners & Magnets

Add instant additional storage and organizational space to your RV with adhesive and magnet-based storage solutions. These RV camping hacks can be a life saver in almost any area of your RV. Command strips or similar hooks can be used to hang clothing and accessories in the bedroom or cooking utensils and keys in the kitchen or entry way.

Magnetic strips are another RV camping hack option. They are easy to find and can be quite useful in the kitchen for keeping utensils within easy reach. Magnetic lids for spices can also be a handy way to keep cooking essentials handy.

Let your creativity flow as you think of ways to use all the “blank space” in your RV. You can check out other campers’ ideas for ways to keep important items right where you need them yet organized and out of the way.

Over-the-Door Hooks

Another easy RV camping hack waiting to be used are your doors. There are many accessories designed to hang off doors and ways to repurpose or expand on the original intent. An over-the-door shoe storage caddy can become an RV bathroom linen closet or storage for toiletries. Everything from hand towels and wash cloths to hair dryers and deodorant can have a home on the back of the door.

When you use hooks on the inside of cabinets, small waste containers can be positioned for easy access to and disposal of trash.

Stick-on LED Lights

One of the best ways to enjoy your RV is when you can see it! A well-lit interior is not only more pleasant, but much safer as well.

If the lighting throughout your camper isn’t to your satisfaction, one of the most effortless RV camping hacks is stick-on lights. A pack of these brilliant gems instantly improves the illumination in your RV wherever you need it. No more stubbed toes in dark hallways or squinting trying to read in bed. They can make great nightlights as well.

Stick-on lights last for years and are a relatively inexpensive fix. They provide significant additional lighting for specific areas, even inside cabinets and closets. They are also great in emergencies if the electricity is out, or if you like boondocking and want to save on battery power.

Collapsible Containers Are King

Any type of container that collapses can make the unpacking phase of an RV vacation go by much faster and with less effort. This RV camping hack saves you time and space while keeping things organized on your way to and from your camping destination. Tote your food in collapsible crates or your clothes in collapsible trash bins and you can easily maximize your space when you unpack or when you’re done using what you packed inside them. It’s a great way to help minimize clutter in your RV.

Bungee Cords Keep Things Closed

Bungee cords are the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to RV camping hacks. They can be used to keep RV drawers and cabinets closed when you can pack them a bit too full and they won’t stay closed as designed. There’s nothing more frustrating that arriving at your campsite only to have to spend time cleaning up a mess in your RV from a cabinet or drawer that flung open on a tight turn.

Bungee cords can not only be used to secure anything, they can be repurposed upon arrival. Use a bungee to secure your rolled-up outdoor mat during your trip and use it while you’re camping to hang your campfire forks from your RV or a nearby tree. A few bungees, depending on their length, can be strung between trees for a makeshift clothes line.

The use of bungees, boxes or bottles as RV camping hacks is only limited by your imagination. Have fun, get the most out of all you pack, and hack on!

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

Connect with us on Social Media!

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