Accessorizing Your RV :
TIM: What kind of accessories can I get to make my RV-ing easier and more enjoyable?
AL: Many people ask me that and first of all, I highly recommend a good quality sewer hose. There are excellent kits available that provide a heavier vinyl hose, and include many of the commonly needed fittings that make connecting to park hookups a breeze.
I also recommend that you always keep a separate, potable water-rated hose for filling your fresh water tank. Potable water hoses have a special lining that prevents taste contamination as well as inhibiting bacterial growth. A 5/8 inch diameter hose is best for good water flow.
TIM: I’ve seen some 5th wheel trailers with a tripod support under the hitch. What does this do?
AL: A fifth wheel tripod is a great idea for several reasons. It supports the nose of the trailer, giving the unit more stability in the upper room area, which makes it more comfortable for everyone.
TIM: I love my RV and want to keep it looking great for years. Any tips?
AL: You need to care for your RV essentially the same way you care for your car or truck. There are excellent products available to protect the finish and keep it shining and they’re very easy to use as well.
Another question I’m often asked is, “should I cover my RV with a tarp for the winter?” The answer is, absolutely not. Tarps can flap in the wind and chafe the surface of the RV but more importantly, they can trap moisture against the surface of the RV causing condensation and mildew. Remember that even if the rain isn’t going through the tarp, it is creating a source of moisture underneath the unit.
This is why it is so important that a cover you put on your RV can breathe, allowing water vapor to escape. There are excellent custom fitted covers available that will give you years of protection from the weather as well as UV, tree sap and other “airborne hazards”.
TIM: My unit has a rubber roof, does it require special care?
AL: The rubber roof on your RV can be compared to your own skin. It needs proper care for a long life.
Twice a year you should thoroughly clean your rubber roof with a product designed to remove soil and accumulated chalking. After the roof is clean apply a specialized rubber roof treatment to protect from UV damage and keep the surface from chalking excessively. The plus side to taking regular care of your rubber roof is that you will see less black streaking on the sides of the unit!
TIM: Do I need to do anything special before I park my RV for the season?
AL: The number one enemy of your RV during the winter months is humidity. Excess moisture inside the RV will condense on surfaces and lead to mold and mildew damage and smells.
First, when you’re ready to put your RV to bed for the winter, do a really thorough cleaning. Mildew forms on dust and dirt particles so cleaning is critical. Wipe down all hard surfaces with a mild vinegar/water solution. Vacuum upholstery and carpets and remove bedding, pillows, etc. Be sure to remove all food products to avoid tempting bugs or mice.
Clean your refrigerator out completely, wipe down with vinegar/water solution and leave the doors slightly ajar to allow air circulation. A “No Mold” fridge door holder will do this very well and it’s also nice to leave a natural source freshener in the refrigerator to absorb any food odors.
You can deal with the moisture issue in two ways. First, if you have 110V power available, your best choice would be a small fan/heater device placed in a central area on the floor. These use very little power, not much more than a light bulb, and keep the air slightly warmed and moving inside the unit, preventing condensation.
If you do not have power available where you store your RV, you can remove excess humidity from the air by putting out one or more “passive” dehumidifiers. These use a calcium salt to absorb moisture into a container. You will need to replace the salt crystals about once a month to keep the humidity levels under control. I highly recommend that you place these containers inside an ice cream bucket or plastic pail to avoid spillage. It’s important to remember not to pour the solution down your RV drain as it is corrosive to your piping.
TIM: We’ve had so many great family times this year, I wish the RV season would never end!
AL: It’s so easy to extend your fun through the fall season. All you need to make the cool evenings perfect is a cup of hot cocoa, perhaps with a little rum for Mom and Dad, and a cozy propane firepit in front of you RV to create lots of wonderful family memories. Come on in and check out the different models we have at Arbutus RV and get set for some warm and toasty evenings.
TIM: Wow, Al, that’s a great idea — and I’ll bet we’d really enjoy entertaining our friends around one of those firepits on the patio at home too!
Drop in, call or email us if you have any questions –
The coffee is always on. Have fun RVing!
CALL ANY OF THE FINE SERVICE REPS AT ARBUTUS RV
Marianne in Sidney at 655-1119 or toll-free 1-888-272-8888
Rolf in Mill Bay at 743-3800 or toll-free 1-800-665-5581
Dwayne or Rick in Nanaimo at 245-0282 or toll-free 1-877-245-0282
Paul or Doug in Courtenay at 337-2174 or toll-free 1-866-330-2174
