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RV Remodeling Projects Add Convenience, Value to RVs

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Feb 08, 2012

The winter months are a good time for RV remodeling projects. Even small remodeling projects can add value to your RV when you decide to sell your rig; but the primary reason to engage in RV remodeling projects is to improve the comfort and convenience of your motorhome or travel trailer while you are using it. There are two ways to go when remodeling your RV. You can have the work done by a professional RV remodeler or, if you’re handy, you can do the work yourself.

If you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Do some online research about the RV remodeling project you plan to tackle and be honest in your assessment of your skills. A poorly executed remodeling project will not only detract from your enjoyment of your motorhome, it can decrease the value of your RV. That said, there are many online sites and books that provide step-by-step instructions for common RV remodeling projects.

Choose RV remodeling projects that fit your lifestyle. Something that catches your eye at an RV show may not be practical for everyday RV life. Put remodeling projects and project materials to the following tests:

– Is it durable?

– Will it be easy to maintain?

– Will it be easy to use?

– Does it offer flexibility?

Next time: Tips for planning RV modeling projects

 

RVers Heading to Super Bowl for Ultimate Tailgate Party

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Feb 03, 2012

The tailgating has already started in Indianapolis as people gear up for the Sunday night kickoff of Super Bowl 46. The Super Bowl is the most watched television event of the year — and the only one where people stay tuned for the commercials. Last year 111 million Americans tuned in to watch the ultimate gridiron classic; and 7 out of 10 Americans are expected to be glued to their flatscreens this year. Many of those flatscreens will be in motorhomes as legions of RVers join the 300,000 fans gathering in Indy to celebrate America’s national pastime and participate in biggest tailgate party of the season.

Demand for RV parking spaces at the Super Bowl has increased so rapidly in recent years that this year the NFL has designated an additional two massive parking lot complexes exclusively for RV use. Of course, it will cost you. Premium RV parking in NFL lots within easy walking distance of the stadium and dozens of scheduled tailgate parties will set you back $900. And that’s on top your $2,000 (and up) Super Bowl tickets. If you don’t mind stretching your legs, you can cut your parking fees in half. RV parking at the municipal center costs just $500.

But the cost of parking is of little consequence to RVing football fans. Being part of the biggest football tailgate party of the year is worth the price of admission!

Tune In to Internet TV Network Just for RVers

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 25, 2012

Launched early last year, RVNN.TV is the first internet television network devoted exclusively to the RV world and the RV lifestyle. A just-announced partnership with Roku, maker of the top-selling internet TV set-top box, is expected to expand the network’s reach to more than 3 million new viewers. Roku customers will now be able to enjoy the RV network’s full line of RV programs on their flat-screen TVs via high-speed internet. If you’re a member of the RV Nation, RVNN.TV is definitely worth a look.

The all-RV content on RVNN.TV offers viewers an interesting and varied mix of programs on every aspect of the RV life, including news reports on the RV industry, information on new RV models and features, reviews of new RV accessories, do-it-yourself tips, updates on RV technology, RV travel destinations and the RV lifestyle. On RVNN.TV viewers will find more than a dozen programs on a wide variety of subjects of interest to RV owners, RV dealers, RV shoppers and people who are curious about the RV lifestyle.

Among the programs currently offered on RVNN.TV are shows on geocaching, practical RV cooking tips, traveling with pets, RV gadgets, do-it-yourself RV maintenance and remodeling tips, video walk-throughs of new RV models, communications technology for RVers, information on RV volunteering and workamping, and much more. Tune in and see for yourself!

Make Your RV Merry and Bright for the Holidays

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Dec 23, 2011

Happy Holidays from all of us at RVT.com. 

No matter where your RV travels lead you this holiday,
safe journeys and happy trails!

RV owners and RV campgrounds pull out all the stops during the holidays. RV resorts and campgrounds sparkle with Christmas lights. Holiday potlucks bring RVers together and put RV travelers in the holiday mood. The sound of carols lingers on the air. Motorhomes are strung with colored lights. Santa and his sleigh fly across travel trailer rooftops. Icicle lights drip from RV awnings, and colorful wreaths decorate doorways.

Indoors, limited display space can make decorating your RV for the holidays a challenge; but there are many simple, inexpensive ways to make your RV look festive for the holidays. If your RV needs an infusion of holiday spirit, try these suggestions. (Tip: Use painter’s tape or Command hooks to hang decorations. They remove easily without damaging surfaces.)

– Fill your RV with the sounds and scents of Christmas. Set your Christmas playlist for continuous repeat and light a few cinnamon or gingerbread-scented candles.

– Display swags of artificial garland around the door or above the sofa.

– Decorate a small tabletop tree.

– Hang Christmas stockings from kitchen cupboards.

– Edge the ceiling with Christmas lights.

– Decorate windows with cling-on snowflakes.

– Trade-in everyday table linens for holiday-themed placemats and napkins.

– Toss a Christmas-themed throw over the sofa.

– Display Christmas hand towels in the bathroom.

– Fill a clear bowl with candy canes.

More Holiday Gift Ideas for RVers

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Dec 02, 2011

Looking for gift ideas for the RVers on your holiday shopping list? You’ll find lots of great RV gifts at the RVT.com discount store. Continuing our previous post, here are some more great gifts for RV owners:

>  If you’re planning to sell your current RV and upgrade to a newer or bigger RV this winter, ask Santa to put a Nikon Coolpix digital camera or Flip UltraHD Video Camera under the tree. Perfect for taking RV photos and filming a video walk-through of your rig when you list your RV for sale on RVT.com; both cameras are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for capturing memories while you’re RVing.

> Quality RV covers protect your RV from damage when you’re not on the road. A “must-have” for every RV owner.

> New Air Portable Ice Maker with soft-touch controls is an attractive, energy-efficient workhorse with no-drip technology that makes up to 35 pounds of ice per day.

> Camco RV Olympian Propane Camp Fire features realistic ”logs” that mimic the natural look and cozy ambience of wood campfires. Safe for use even when ground fire restrictions are in force, it connects to a standard LP gas cylinder.

> Magellan Pro RoadMate GPS Navigator is the perfect “co-pilot” for RV travelers. Designed to meet the needs of RVers, the RoadMate takes your rig’s height, width, length and weight into consideration when mapping routes. It comes pre-loaded with point-of-interest and RV campground info.

Holiday Gift Ideas for RV Owners

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Nov 30, 2011

From the practical to the sublime and everywhere in between, you’ll find plenty of great gifts on RVT.com for the RV owners on your holiday shopping list. Check out our Discount RV Store for bargains on RV wash and wax supplies, for sale signs and cameras, RV covers and RV accessories. For links to more great RV gifts, click on RV Accessories in the left sidebar on the RVT.com home page.

Here are just a few of the RV holiday gifts you’ll find in RVT.com’s online discount store:

> Camco RV wash brush with adjustable handle makes washing your RV a breeze. Handle extends from 43 to 71 inches, allowing you to reach across the roof of your RV effortlessly or wash the side from top to bottom without a ladder. A built-in on-off switch controls and conserves water use. The 11-inch wide brush head makes short work of RV cleaning.

> B.E.S.T. complete RV cleaning kit contains all the quality B.E.S.T. products you need to detail your RV and keep it looking show room sharp. The kit includes one-step wash and wax; awning, carpet and upholstery cleaner; bug-off bug and grime remover; and black streak remover and degreaser. B.E.S.T. products are eco-friendly and completely biodegradable.

> Camco extra-large, rectangular, 5-gallon wash bucket is 18 inches wide to accommodate even the longest cleaning brush. The bucket is collapsible for easy RV storage and comes with carry handles.

Next time: More RV gift ideas

 

Recession Boosts Interest in RV Travel and Lifestyle

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Oct 07, 2011

The popularity of TLC’s hit television show Extreme Couponing is a sign of the times. Driven by the recession, extended job loss, tight credit and the ongoing financial crisis, America appears to be entering an age of austerity; or so the doomsayers would tell us. But while consumer spending has decreased for the first time since the early 1940s when World War II forced strict rationing of everything from butter and sugar to metal and paper, Americans haven’t snapped their wallets completely shut. We’re still spending; we’re just being more careful about how we spend our hard-earned money.

According to an interesting article on changing American spending habits that was published in the October 10, 2011 issue of Time magazine, we’re spending less on foreign travel and more on seeing America. We’re eating out less, but spending more on fresh ingredients for home-cooked meals. We’re spending less on tickets to amusements parks, sporting events and museums and more on camping, outdoor equipment and bicycles. The bottom line is that we’re looking for better value from every dollar we spend, and we’re placing a higher value on homegrown fun like RV travel and RV camping.

This is an excellent time to buy an RV or sell your current RV and upgrade to a more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly RV. Recreational vehicles offer inexpensive travel, nearly no-cost entertainment and affordable living. If you’re shopping for high value at a low cost, buying an RV online is an excellent investment.

Tips for Green RVing

Posted by Ashley Gannon on Sep 26, 2011

RVers have always been eco-conscious. Living and camping in the outdoors, RV campers have a special appreciation for our planet’s natural beauty and the responsibility we have to preserve it for future generations. Many RV campgrounds provide recycling bins and practice green campsite management. Here are some things you can do to go green when you RV:

– Follow recommended tune-up, maintenance and oil change schedules to keep your RV motorhome or tow vehicle running at peak efficiency. You’ll reduce vehicle emissions and conserve energy — and save money at the pump!

– Only use marked RV campsites and designated fire pits. Don’t toss plastic, foil or metal into the fire; recycle them.

– Minimize your use of disposable products. Make iced tea or lemonade instead of drinking canned soda. Instead of paper cups, buy reusable washable plastic cups, a different color for each family member. Substitute bandanas for napkins, and use sponges and washcloths instead of paper towels to wipe up spills.

– Purchase nontoxic tank additives and cleaning supplies for use in your RV and use biodegradable toilet paper.

– Use campground recycling centers. While traveling, use plastic buckets or paper bags to make a simple onboard recycling center for separating recyclables between campground stops.

– Dispose of trash in designated containers or carry home with you.

– Clean up after yourself at the campground shower house and dump station. Always pick up your campsite before leaving so it’s ready for the next camper.

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