Tag: rv tips

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 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

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RV Tailgating Tips & Tricks for Safe Outdoor Fun

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

If you have an RV chances are you love the great outdoors, or at least have an affinity for fresh air and fun. Good news! The great outdoors may be as close as your next RV tailgating party! No matter the event or the motivation, RV tailgating can bring the best of camping to the nearest parking lot or event. Let’s look at some tips and tricks for safe outdoor fun while RV tailgating.

RV Tailgating – Fun Away from the Campsite

Camping isn’t the only way to enjoy your RV. Think about it: your RV is a mobile entertainment center! You can travel anywhere and have amenities at your fingertips that other vehicles can’t offer. This is why RVs are the perfect vehicles for tailgating! They have awnings, kitchens, and extra space for games and fellowship.

RV tailgating, as opposed to tailgating with other vehicles, also gives you the added benefit of having your own space to retreat if you need to take a break, a cool area away from the heat, or a private place to use the bathroom.

When you take into consideration the current conditions where social distancing is important, an outdoor gathering like an RV tailgating party is likely one of the safest options you have. And while tailgating parties are commonly associated with sporting events – especially football – they can be for any reason. So, no matter what the fall sports lineup looks like this year, you can still plan some RV tailgating fun for a charity or social event, or just to gather with friends!

Tips for Your Next RV Tailgating Event

Call Ahead

When traveling with your RV it is important to know the lay of the land at your destination. So, whether it’s a stadium, parking lot or field, if you call ahead it can save you major headaches upon arrival. It’s important to remember that not all locations are designed for RVs so you’ll need to pay special attention to parking and backing up if and when it’s necessary. Some locations may require you to enter at a specific entrance. Also remember that many times RV tailgating may have additional fees for the added space required. Calling ahead will provide the information you need to be prepared when you arrive.

Arrive Early

No matter what vehicle you have or what event you are attending, you can be sure that the best parking spots are going to go quickly. With RV tailgating, arriving early can provide you the added time to find a great spot if you are attending an event that doesn’t have parking assigned in advance.

There is always preparation and set up involved with RV tailgating, so it’s good to give yourself extra time to prepare your RV even if you have assigned parking. You’ll be glad to have the extra time to set up tables, chairs, fire up the grill or outdoor kitchen, and arrange any other outdoor items you brought along for the day.

Be Prepared to Power Your RV

Unlike camping, many tailgate locations do not offer typical RV hookups. If you think of your RV tailgating party like a mini boondocking adventure, you’ll be well-prepared for the day. This means thinking ahead if you plan to utilize the electrical amenities in your RV. Charging your batteries, taking advantage of solar power, or bringing along a generator if necessary are all great ways to make sure your RV has the power needed to pull off a successful RV tailgating experience. It can even be a “dry run” for you if you’ve been thinking about a boondocking camping trip but haven’t tried it yet.

Buy an RV with an Outdoor Kitchen

While you can enjoy an RV tailgating party with any type of kitchen, an outdoor kitchen can really make a difference in your tailgating experience. RVs with outdoor kitchens generally have everything you need to cook and grill your food, store cold drinks and wash your hands frequently – all without ever having to step foot inside your RV! This means whoever is the grill master or head chef won’t be stuck inside the RV while everyone else is outside. You’ll have plenty of time outside to enjoy the event and not miss any of the action.

Clean Up Before You Go

Although RV tailgating is not camping, it is important to treat a public space with respect, just like you would at a traditional campsite. So remember to follow camping etiquette and leave your area as nice as it was when you arrived.

It is important to bring trash bags with you so you are able to keep the area clean as you tailgate. This will ensure that end-of-party cleanup will be much quicker. Make sure to do a thorough inspection before you drive off. Walk all around the area to make certain that no signs you were there are left behind!

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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