Going Unhooked: Give Dry Camping a Try
Wednesday April, 30th 2014 16:08:03
For those who have not tried it yet, ever thought about giving dry camping a shot?
It means going to a place where there is no electricity, water or sewer hookups and living exclusively off your RV’s internal utilities.
Preparing for a trip where you’ll be dry camping requires a different approach and set of questions before you heading out. If you are new to RVing and leaning more towards dry camping in more remote locations versus full-service campgrounds, it is important to know how well the RV you are shopping is equipped to accommodate your needs. Along with researching online, talking to an experienced RV sales consultant is highly recommended.
Since you will not have an endless power or water supply, or sewage connection, conservation is the key to dry camping. Things, like turning lights on only when they are needed and not running water wastefully down the drain, are a couple of good dry camping habits. Here’s a few more:
Learn how much your RV’s fresh water tank can hold and consider bringing a separate supply of drinking water
Be crystal clear on your RV’s waste water (black) tank capacity and educate the family on the importance of taking short showers or excessive toilet flushing. Many folks go by the old rule to leave #1 in the bowl and flush when there is a #2.
Understand how many hours you will get from a full battery and what it will or will not power. For example, say goodbye to the luxury of an air conditioner and microwave. Most RVs can only power 12 volt appliances when working solely off a battery.
Along with hot water and cook tops or grills, many RVs are equipped with dual-power refrigerators. Therefore, you need to know how long your propane tanks will last.
Solar panel battery chargers are becoming more prevalent in the camping community. They can recharge an RV battery during the day when lights and other electric appliance are not being used. Converters can also be purchased that will allow you to use fans, radios and charge cell phones.
One of the best trains of thought you can have when packing for a dry camping trip is not to bring unnecessary electrical gadgets. Bring board games, flashlights with extra batteries, a camping lantern, and Tiki torches. With limited refrigeration and the convenience of microwave cooking, it’s also good practice to think accordingly when stocking your grocery and food supply.
Resident RV Expert Randy Murray delivers on a crucial RV question via the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel, “What is the importance of slide toppers (aka slideout awnings)?”
When it comes to protecting the vitality and value of your RV, slideout seals found around the slide are the lifeline to the health and well-being of your camper. As Randy explains, if you compromise or damage those seals then you risk water potentially penetrating into the camper provoking damage over time.
Randy presents a prime example of just how well slide toppers can defend your camper after a weekend at the campground. Sprinkling a box full of debris on the slides to simulate a weekend of buildup, you can clearly see that everything rolls off as the slides are brought in.
A highly-affordable investment, slide toppers can save RV owners thousands of dollars in repairs! For just a few extra dollars a month, their installation can be built right into your new RV payment plan.
Determining a Camper’s Insulation R-Value
Tuesday, December 3rd 2013 21:10:37
RV Lifestyle Consultant Randy Murray unfolds the mystery of the R-Value in relation to how well a camper is insulated on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.
When shopping for a new camper, the salesperson will usually sling around R-Values like they’re the next best thing since the black tank flush. The only problem is that these values hold little meaning to you other than the bigger the number the better the insulation.
R-Value is a measurement of thermal resistance. There is a scale and calculations surrounding R-Value, but as Randy points out, you can take a much less technical approach to determine how well an RV is insulated:
1. Look for visible proof of sound insulation construction practices such as a sealed underbelly, finished storage compartments, and the use thermal foil beneath the carpet in slideouts.
2. Request a breakaway view of the RV you are shopping. This allows you to see where and what type of insulating materials are used throughout the coach. Quite a few manufacturers provide breakaway views in their brochures and promotional materials. A salesperson that is on the ball can get you this information plus be at your service to point out all of the insulation features found in any camper that is on your buying radar.
3. Hints of a good R-Value is a camper with a published temperature rating. Nowadays, most campers come with a thermal package (i.e. “Arctic Package”). Manufacturers relate these packages with a degree rating (some are even third-party certified). Note here that while manufacturers push how well these coaches perform in cold weather, it is also a good indicator that they are equally effective keeping interiors cool in hot weather.
Video Transcript | How Do I Determine a Camper’s Insulation R-Value?
Randy: Hey guys Randy with Petes RV TV here today, another quick tip segment for you. Today Im going to talk about R-values and what they do for your camper and pretty much what they are. So an R-value is a way we measure our insulation value in the unit. You know R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance so how quickly heat passes through whatever we are trying to block it with pretty much. So in the RV world our values are often exploded, so they, they say that they are a lot better than they actually are.
So a really great thing to do if you want to educate yourself best on the product that you are purchasing is ask to see a breakdown of the unit. See where the insulation is in the unit. Some of our manufactures will supply us with things like this. This is actually a floor for a big horn this is a laminated floor, and this is a very well insulated floor. This is the roof of the same big horn unit; its a laminated roof.
Its going to take a while for heat to pass through that so this has got a pretty good R-value in it. Also in the RV world we are passing were adding things like this here foil wrap here to a floor, under a floor, which also creates some thermal protection for us as well. And that will add and stack a little bit of an R-value.
When we get in to our less expensive units our aluminum sided campers and things like that, they are going to have a little less R-value in it than we are going to see on say like a fiberglass sided camper just because of the insulation they are using, the thickness of the walls. A little bit less expensive unit were apt to see a little less insulation. Insulation is a little bit expensive. So another great way that you can find out how well a unit is insulated is some manufactures will put a degree rating on the unit.
You know, everybody will say oh my walls are a R11 and my floors are R27, what have you. What is that camper good down to? What has it been tested at? Not everybody does this but some of the big manufactures will do this when you look at like some of the Cougars. Theyre tested down to 20 degrees and some of these guys are even going a little bit further than [02:00] that when we get up into the Montanas and the big horns.
Were seeing a zero degree rated unit with the furnace on, so grab a brochure or go to a website or go to our website, petesrv.com. Weve got all our product on there with brochures and pdfs so you can see the breakdowns. On this Cougar here, if Josh will pan in on it, we can see that they have showed us how they have put the insulation in the roof and into the floor systems and things like that.
That way we can see what kind of insulation we are getting in the rig, if its going to work in our particular application. People are using these a lot further in the fall now, A lot earlier in the spring. Camp grounds are opening up a little bit more so here is another great example. Bullet from Keystones has actually done a great breakdown and shows us how they insulate their walls and their floors systems. So educate yourself on what you are getting and if its an important thing for you make sure that you know what you are talking about and your sales guy knows what you are talking about.
If you have any questions you can always give us a call. Wed be happy to educate you on it and talk about those degree ratings and how you are going to be using the unit, and if its not the perfect insulated unit for you, how you can achieve to use it in the circumstance that you want to use it and if youre going to be trying to use it in a little colder weather as well.
Another thing that people dont think about with R-values too is warm weather. When we have an air conditioner on inside and its really hot outside the R-values are going to help keep us cool as well. So if youre in a climate that has a little bit warmer and your down in the southwest or something like that, where we see lot longer heat days for more portion of the summer the R-values are going to be very important for you as well, too.
So make sure you know about R-values, make sure you know what you are getting, if you have any questions at all feel free to contact us. Check out the information. We try to provide as much as we can for you on our web site, also on our Facebook page as well.
So there it is in a nut shell, R-values. Thanks for watching Petes RV with Randy today.
RV Winterization To Do List
Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 20:37:56
RV Lifestyle Consultant Randy Murray neatly ties together his series of winterization videos with a short introduction on preparing your camper for cold weather storage.
The primary areas he touches on:
1. Water System – Use non-toxic anti-freeze
2. Spot Sealing – Inspect and treat all exterior joints and seams
3. Awning – Clean and dry before storing
4. Battery – Disconnect and store indoors
5. Tires – Inspect, clean, torque lug nuts, and using tire covers a sound decision
6. Refrigerator – Clean with disinfectant and prop door open during storage
7. Rodent Control – Inspect for openings and treat with dauber screens & Mouse Free
8. RV Cover – Regular tarps do not breathe or provide a snug fit.
Please remember that Randy’s demonstrations cover general RV winterization tasks. All campers come equipped differently, so be sure to consult with your owner’s manual.
LED Awning Lights | Petes RV Parts Store Spotlight
Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 21:55:56
LED awning lights are one of the newest additions to the Pete’s RV parts line-up. This exciting new product provides a new way to light up your campsite and decorate your awning. The lights come in 2 different sets, one being white and the other is a 16 color multi-functional kit. Also these LEDs are rated for 50,000 hours of life and are waterproof!
The cool thing about these LED lights is that they come in a 16 ft roll and may be cut to accommodate most lengths of awnings. On the back of the lights is a adhesive tape which makes the application of the lights very easy. The multiple functions of the 16 color kit include strobe and fade functions which add to the value of the kit. You can also change the brightness of the lights from the wireless remote which allows you to set the mood for any occasion.
Along with the website, Pete’s RV Parts & Accessories Store has locations in Indiana and Vermont. We carry Trailer and Fifth Wheel Hitches, Cleaners, Sanitation and Water Treatments, Covers, Awnings, Leveling Jacks, Marshmallow Skewers, String Lights and other fun stuff for camping!
Our extensive inventory of RV parts and accessories includes such reputable brands as Equal-i-zer, Reese, Best, Adco and Camco.
Keystone RV’s Sprinter Sees Market Share Growth
Tuesday June 18th 2013 18:12:14
We can vouch for Sprinter’s reported growth shared in a recent news press release published by RV Business. Over the years, we’ve sent many, many happy customers off of our lots with an new Sprinter travel trailer or Copper Canyon fifth wheel. This year is no exception. Across the board, they did a fantastic job with the updated interior woodwork and flooring. Floorplan-wise, the 316BIK island kitchen travel trailer and 333FWFLS front living room fifth wheel get top nod this year. Keep up the good work Sprinter!
Combined retail market share for Keystone RV Co.s Sprinter has grown by 19% this year with fifth-wheel market share climbing 62%, according to the March report by Statistical Surveys Inc. According to a press release, Sprinters fifth-wheel gain is the strongest of any Top 20 brand in the marketplace.
Product Manager Josh Miller credits Sprinter dealers for the brands incredible results., noting, As Keystones very first brand, we have had the privilege of building strong relationships over the course of 17 years with many of our dealers. Their feedback and support have been truly amazing. They have given generously of their time in conveying to us the importance of our Camping Made Easy message as well as what they feel we need to do to keep Sprinter strong into the future.
Adds Miller, Based on retail sales numbers and what we hear from our dealers, we feel very positive about where the Sprinter line is today and our ability to sustain success for years to come.
Keystone senior management is also confident about Sprinters ongoing success. The brand will continue to evolve and improve, noted Keystone General Manager Ryan Juday, who served as a Sprinter district sales manager when he began his career with Keystone over 10 years ago. The Sprinter of today is an unbelievable value in the market. The most recent Stat Surveys numbers prove this. Josh and our team have been hard at work and will roll out some unbelievable new Sprinters at Open House this fall.
Check out what’s new with Sprinter travel trailers for 2014!
Mouse & Rodent-Proofing Your Camper
Friday, March 1st, 2013 20:03:07
Service Writer and resident RV expert Randy Murray educates viewers on an effective solution for keeping mice and rodents out of your camper or motorhome. Setting traps and scattering dryer sheets when not in use does not prevent these critters from getting into the coach.
While making their way into an RV, mice and rodents can create thousands of dollars in damage to wiring, tubing, and other vulnerable materials found in the undercarriage and sidewalls.
Mouse Free is a non-toxic formula that stops the entry of mice into your RV. It keeps them and other pests from entering through the small holes and cavities on the underside of your motorhome or trailer.
As Randy explains, Mouse Free contains natural oils like peppermint that acts as a repellent to rodents’ keen sense of smell (and primary means of navigation). These fragrances are much stronger and retain their potency longer than dryer sheets or balsam repellents.
Mouse Free is available at the Pete’s RV Parts and Accessories Store at all locations and online.
The makers of Mouse Free recommend it be applied annually with a compression sprayer. One gallon of Mouse Free treats up to a 24 foot RV. If you prefer not to go the do-it-yourself route, an authorized dealer such as Pete’s RV offers an affordable application service that can be performed during winterization or regular maintenance visits
Selecting the Right Generator for Your Camper Thursday August 9th, 2012 20:56:09
Service Writer and resident RV expert Randy Murray provides a “Eureka!” moment for those unfamiliar on how to pair up the right-sized generator with their RV.
Through his explanation of “Watts Law” (P [watts] = I [amps] x E [volts]) and breaking down the power requirements to run appliances such as the television, microwave, air conditioner and/or hot water heater, you immediately gain a better understanding on what you need to shop for in a generator.† This enlightenment empowers you to select a generator–most importantly–based on power output rather than features, price, or worse yet, guessing!
Here are a few key takeaways from Randy’s demonstration:
Consider how you will balance the use of the generator with propane for a dual-powered refrigerator and/or hot water heater
If you are running the generator through the power convertor, know that a portion of the wattage output will be dedicated to recharging the RV battery
If you want to power your appliances and run the A/C for long periods of time, plan on buying a generator with high-wattage output
Investigate features, making sure they meet your needs–especially the starter (EZ-pull, electric, chokeless, etc.)
Cheaper is not better! Shop for a generator based on ease-of-use, durability and reliability
Generators and hundreds of electrical parts and accessories like the examples shown below are available at the Pete’s RV Parts Store.
Feel free to contact Pete’s RV with further questions regarding camper generator selection and best use practices.
Pete’s RV Center is an exceptional dealership group serving the United States and Canada since 1952. With multiple locations, Pete’s RV provides sales, service, parts, accessories, and education to our community of RVers all across North America.
Pete’s RV Business Manager Wins Ninth Straight EasyCare Award Monday June 25th, 2012 19:01:28
Pete’s RV Center Business Manager, Kyle Williams (pictured at left with Pete’s RV EasyCare Representative and General Manager Chad Shepard) was recently presented with his ninth consecutive Circle of Honor Award for excellence in providing clients with extended vehicle warranties.
As Kyle explains, “Winning this award year after year never gets old. Not only is it an honor, but also an incredibly good indicator that I’m doing my job educating our clients on the benefits of carrying extended coverage on their new or used RVs.”
For nearly a decade, Kyle has ranked in the nation’s top fifty administrators of EasyCare’s Vehicle Extended Service Contracts–fourteenth overall in 2011 and number one for RV warranties six out of the last nine years.
EasyCare is administered by Automobile Protection Corporation (APCO). They are members of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA). EasyCare’s RV Extended Service Contracts provide comprehensive coverage on new and used fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers and motorhomes.
Pete’s RV Center is an exceptional dealership group serving the United States and Canada since 1952. With multiple locations, Pete’s RV provides sales, service, parts, accessories, and education to our community of RVers all across North America.
Although power awnings are as easy as the touch of a button to open and close, owners still need to ensure they are extended with enough clearance to avoid door tops and branches, and pitched correctly to minimize wear and tear.† Randy demonstrates this segment with a Keystone Springdale 293RKS travel trailer.
There’s a little more skill involved when opening a manual awning, but Randy provides step by step instruction on everything from releasing the travel locks to adjusting the valances. Randy demonstrates this segment with a Keystone Vantage 32QBS travel trailer.
Feel free to Contact Pete’s RVwith further questions regarding care, parts and accessories.
Pete’s RV Center is an exceptional dealership group serving the United States and Canada since 1952. With multiple locations, Pete’s RV provides sales, service, parts, accessories, and education to our community of RVers all across North America.
Mouse Free is a non-toxic formula that stops the entry of mice into your RV. It keeps them and other pests from entering through the small holes and cavities on the underside of your motorhome or trailer.
For nearly a decade, Kyle has ranked in the nation’s top fifty administrators of EasyCare’s Vehicle Extended Service Contracts–fourteenth overall in 2011 and number one for RV warranties six out of the last nine years.
