A Christmas Wish List for RV'ers

With Christmas right around the corner, we have five great suggestions for last-minute shoppers with no clue what to buy for their RV'ing friend, co-worker or family member.

RV GPS Navigation System
Specifically designed for RVs, this GPS Navigation System (with Rand McNally lifetime maps) allows you to select the type of unit you are driving/towing and takes into account propane restrictions and even whether or not you prefer to make right-hand or left-hand turns. It can receive Weather-Dynamic weather data, giving you "current and forecasted information for your current location, destination and anywhere along your route". This unit also has a fuel log, allowing you to track your fuel purchases including where you bought it, how many gallons you bought and total cost. It can also organize this information by date or state.



Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Power inverters convert DC power from a battery to the AC power used for things like appliances, tools, electronics, and lights. Unlike modified sine wave inverters (MSWI), pure sine wave inverters (PSWI) create cleaner, quieter power that is almost the same as the electricity you would get from a utility provider. Tools and electronic devices that are difficult (if not impossible) to power on a MSWI will more than likely work on a PSWI. While PSWIs are a bit more costly than MSWI, you will get better results with it. Both MSWIs and PSWIs are available in multiple power grades (we have highlighted the 2000 watt model on both).



Digital Compass
w/ Temperature & Volt Meter
This item, though small in size, provides several highly useful features in one - a temperature gauge that gives both inside and outside temperatures, a digital compass and a built-in volt meter. It also has a LED indicator that will warn you of any black-ice road conditions.



RV Travel Guide
The Good Sam RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory combines over 16,000 park listings with more than 1,900 Good Sam discount locations and various trip routes with destination recommendations. In addition, this guide provides basic maintenance tips, coupons and a lot more! It is one of the few (if not the only) book that caters specifically to RV'ers.



LED Light Fixture for Small Spaces
Perfect for lighting small spaces (such as closets and cabinets), these light fixtures use LED light which draws less power than conventional halogen lights. They are available in several sizes and are typically low profile for a more sleek, compact design.



There are plenty of other great gift ideas for the avid RV'er, such as patio mats, space-saving collapsible kitchenware, back-up sensors and satellite signal finders. Whatever the item, RV'ers are sure to love an item that enhances their camping experience!

Green RV'ing - Ways to Make Your RV More Environmentally Friendly

When you go RV'ing it's all about getting back to nature; taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily city or suburban life.  As you imagine where you will go, perhaps you think of snow-capped mountains far off in the distance with clear, unbelievably reflective lakes in the foreground.  Maybe you think of a grassy area, thick with trees.  Whatever your dream getaway entails, your desire remains the same:  You want to get away from noise, crowds, car exhaust, bills, phone calls, etc.  

We're willing to bet that as much as you love RV'ing and the outdoors, you also love finding ways to be as 'green' (environmentally conscious) about your adventures as you can, keeping nature beautiful for future generations.  With a few changes here and there, you can make your RV more environmentally friendly.

Solar Power
Solar power kits and panels allow RV'ers to harness the power of the sun for heating small amounts of water and for cooking.  They are available in varying sizes and power capacities.  Price varies accordingly.  In addition, there are adapters that allow campers to use solar power to charge their electronic devices (such as cell phones, laptops and camera batteries in case you can't completely disconnect from civilization).

Changing Lights
Lighting in RV's tends to come from standard halogen bulbs.  You can reduce your electric usage by up to 75% by simply switching to power-saving bulbs or using LED lights.  The bonus with LED lighting is that there is no heat produced, unlike other types of lighting.

Water Conservation

One of the best ways to save water during an RV excursion is to upgrade from a standard shower head to a shower head with an on/off feature.  This allows you to stop the flow of water when soaping up or shampooing, greatly reducing the amount of water used and letting you enjoy a bit longer of a shower!  Another type of shower head, the Airfusion, uses a mixture of air and water to create a mist that allows you to take 20% of your water consumption without giving up your water pressure!

Eco-Friendly Waste Products
Unless you go with a composting toilet (which may be more trouble than it's worth unless you are full-time RV'ers!) you will need to use products to keep waste under control.  One of the products we recommend (and yes, there are others) is Pure Power Waste Digester which is chemical-free, safe to use in all septic systems, and harmless to children and pets.  Pure Power, combined with Softness 2-Ply RV toilet paper (which is made to break down easily) keep your holding tanks in good condition and have a much lower impact on the environment than other products

Using these few tips, you can reduce your effect on the great outdoors and save yourself some money on electricity and propane in the meantime!  Nothing tops being environmentally green while keeping monetary green in your wallet!

Meet the Wolf Pup - The Little Camper That Can

Wolf Pup Travel Trailer - Model 16FB

At first glance, the Wolf Pup travel trailer by Cherokee doesn't seem like much.  With one unit around 17ft in length, three around 20 ft. in length and one around 24 ft. in length one might wonder why anyone would get a unit so small when they could just go with a larger unit.  

While it is true that the Wolf Pup is small in size, it definitely serves a purpose!  Before the Wolf Pup, folks looking into camping without the ability to tow with a truck were fairly stuck to folding campers.  The Wolf Pup allows them to upgrade to an enclosed trailer (no canvas!) that offers many of the same amenities available in a full-size travel trailer without having to upgrade their tow vehicle as well.  

The Wolf Pup, depending on model, offers the following features:

• A comfortable sleeping area that can consist of one of the following:
• A twin-bunk area, sleeping up to 2 people
• A queen bed, sleeping up to 2 people
• A twin-over-double bunk area, sleeping up to 3 people
• A booth dinette that converts into a bed (approximately full-size), sleeping up to 2 people.


• A kitchen/dining area that consists of a booth dinette and appliances as follows:
• Mini-Refrigerator
• Cook-top
• Microwave
• Sink


• A bathroom area with a toilet and a tub/shower area.


• A 20,000 BTU furnace and a wall-mounted air conditioner for climate control.

A Peek Inside the 16FB

(NOTE: The 17RP has a much different floor plan than other models due to the fact that it is the only Wolf Pup unit that is also a toy hauler!)

So, if you are a person looking to upgrade from your folding camper or to downgrade from a family-sized camper to one that is 'just right' for you, this is the unit you've been looking for!

Recreational Vehicles 101 - Types of Campers, Part II

We've introduced you to the types of campers that you drive from one location to another.  Now we will introduce you to the types that are towed - pop-ups, hybrid expandables, travel trailers, sport utility RVs, and fifth wheels.

Pop-Up Camper (a.k.a. "folding camper")
These units are typically the least expensive type of camper available (barring spectacular sales, of course!).  Considering the economical price, you do get a fairly good bang for your buck.  They are lightweight, which means they can usually be towed something as small as an SUV.  Newer models come with cook-tops, mini-fridges, a small sink and booth dinettes.  As their name suggests, the sleeping areas are canvas-covered pop-outs at the front and rear of the unit.  Pop-Ups are the closest thing to tent camping, providing a bit more protection from the elements.  For the novice camper, a pop-up is one of the best ways to get into and learn about camping first hand.

Travel Trailer

Perhaps the most widely used type of camper there is, conventional travel trailers offer all the comforts of home in an average sized package.  These units typically run from between 25 ft in length to 33 ft. in length (give or take a few feet).  Travel trailers offer a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area, dining area and living

room/entertainment area and offer a wide variety of floor plans.  They also usually (but not always) have slide outs to expand the living space.  These units are towed by trucks 9 times out of 10.  There is the occasional smaller travel trailer that can be pulled by a larger SUV, but it's always best to check with your salesperson regarding the towing capacity of your vehicle to maintain safe towing!

Hybrid Expandable
These units take the best of both the pop-up camper and travel trailer and combine them in one unit.  The main body of the hybrid is used to provide the same amenities as a travel trailer - a normal sized refrigerator, cook-top, microwave, dining area, entertainment/living area.  Because the sleeping areas pop out as they do
in a folding camper, space is saved that would ordinarily be used for a bedroom space.  This also makes these units lighter to tow,  making it possible to be towed by a larger SUV, depending on the weight of the unit.

Sport Utility RV (a.k.a. "SURV" or "toy hauler")
SURVs provide a living space with all of the same amenities of a travel trailer, but they come with an extra storage area that allows the unit to carry 4-wheelers, motorcycles and similar "big boy/girl toys".  The back of a toy hauler can be lowered and forms a ramp which allows the loading of the additional vehicle(s).  Some units have slide outs which expand the living space of the RV, and some items (like the table area) can be folded up to make more space in the storage area.  Because these units can carry extra weight, it is very important to confirm what type of vehicle would be needed to tow it.

Fifth Wheel
The fifth wheel camper is one of the most (if not THE most) luxurious towable units availabe.  These units almost always have slide outs to expand the already spacious living area.  Fifth wheels have the same amenities as travel trailers - kitchen areas (with cook tops, ovens, microwaves, and full size refrigerators), dining areas, bedroom(s), living rooms and entertainment centers, often with fire places and at least one flat screen TV included in the deal.  Newer models have AM/FM/CD stereo systems with iPod/MP3 player hook-ups.  To tow these units, a truck is required as the front end of the fifth wheel sits over the bed of a truck and their weight alone makes it so that only a decent sized truck could carry the weight.

With any of these types of campers, as always, check with your salesperson to verify the towing capacity of your vehicle and compare it to the tow weight of the camper you're interested in.  Don't let price deter you - most dealerships (ours included) accept trade-ins (which lower the cost of the unit you upgrade/downgrade to) and financing is available.  Make sure you get a unit that you fall in love with, just as you would with a car or a house.

If any of our readers have any questions about types of campers, you can always send us an e-mail using the contact form to the left or you can message us on Facebook by liking our page (that link is ALSO to the left). 

Recreational Vehicles 101 - Types of Campers, Part I

You have decided that it is time for you to reconnect with nature.  The idea of sleeping on the ground with nothing but a thin layer of cloth between you and the elements (and large animals) does not appeal to you, however.  You've decided that an RV is the right thing for you, but you're not sure what the difference is between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel.  Don't worry!  We will introduce you to the different types of recreational vehicles available!

Class A Motorhome

The class A motorhome is, to put it in the most basic of terms, an RV in the shape of a bus.  They are typically very roomy, featuring all of the comforts of home - kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, entertainment center, and even central air/heat.  Most have at least one slide-out wall to make an area more spacious, and have a more than adequate amount of storage space both in the camper and in external compartments.  It is also possible to tow a vehicle or trailer (to haul a boat, 4-wheeler, golf cart or whatever it is that you'd like to bring with you) with a class A unit. 

Class B Motorhome

What RV Will Be Best For Me?

Being the savvy shopper that you are, you know that the best time to go shopping for an RV is between the months of November and January.  Camping season is over and "clearance prices" are in effect.  You've already committed to buying a camper.  Now you need to figure out what type of camper would fit your needs best.  By answering the following questions, you should be able to zero in on your perfect unit.

• What will you be towing your unit with?

• By determining how much weight your vehicle can pull, you can narrow down the type of camper you should consider buying.  First, find out what the towing capacity of your vehicle is (this should be in the owner's manual).  Second, take away approximately 10-15% from that number (many towing capacities were calculated without taking passengers, equipment, etc. into consideration).  Finally, subtract the additional weight of whatever you are bringing with you (food, propane, hitch weight, etc.).  The remaining number is what your vehicle can safely tow.  (This is just a guideline - one of our salespeople can give you more precise information about staying safely within your towing capacity).   
• How many people would you be camping with?
• If you will be camping alone (or with one other person) you may prefer to stick to a smaller unit.  Of course, if you intend to camp with the whole family, a unit with bunks would better suit your needs.
• What amenities do you want your camper to have?
• Are you looking for something that does what you need it to do or are you looking for a unit with all of the bells and whistles?  Basic campers will have the necessities - standard appliances, bed, bath, radio, etc.  On the flip-side, there are campers that have a ton of extras, such as a skylight in the shower, a glass shower enclosure, an outside shower, an outside grill.  Some even have fireplaces.
• New or Used?  What is your price range?
• If you're looking to stay under a certain amount, consider looking at used campers.  Many times, campers are taken in on a trade and they are in great condition.  You can save money on a unit that is as good as new simply because it was "pre-enjoyed".  When setting your price range, leave room to move and remember that financing is available - you do not have to come in with thousands in your pocket to buy a unit outright. What a lot of RV shoppers do not know, is that the interest on an RV loan is actually tax deductible as "home mortgage interest".  (Check out more information on tax deductible interest here). 

Being able to answer the questions above will be extremely helpful when you head out to your RV dealership.  They are some of the same questions that any good salesperson will ask you.  If a salesperson does not at least ask you what your towing capacity is, be wary - that's one of the most important things to consider in your purchase and directly affects your ability to tow a camper safely!

Cold Weather Camping

Cold weather doesn't frighten you.  You're not afraid of a little bit (or even a lot) of snow.  The challenge that winter brings to camping thrills you.  You'll use your camper all year long, without going south to warmer weather, and nothing is going to stop you!  We like your style.  Of course, if you want to avoid becoming an iced RV'er, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe and having fun.

One thing to consider when RVing during the winter is where you'll be doing it.  Will the temperatures remain above freezing for the duration of your trip?  Or will they drop below freezing?  If the destination you're choosing runs the risk of freezing and sub-freezing temperatures, you'll want to make sure you are prepared.  Keep your holding tanks, pipes and lines from freezing by using heaters specifically designed for them.  Our online parts store sells a few of these items (search for: "pipe heaters" and/or "holding tank heaters"). 

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of keeping your RV heated using your propane stores or a generator versus paying for a full hook-up at a campground.  The difference in cost between these two options is minimal at best so, unless you're looking for a real Survivor-esque adventure, why not choose a campground?  The extra amenities you'll have access to, such as TV and WiFi, would make any slightly higher cost well worth the investment.  Always call ahead to make sure the campground you choose is open before heading there!  

If you will be going to an area known for heavier snowfall and icy conditions, or a mountainous area with steeper inclines, make sure to have chains for your RV tires (just like you would for a truck or car).  Some places even require chains during winter camping, so have them on hand just in case. 

We've had campers recommend heated mattress pads and heated blankets (low amp draw).  Some have also suggested space heaters and using sleeping bags made for cold weather as blankets.  Thermal shirts and pants, extra socks and extra blankets will help keep you warm as well.  Advice to follow can vary depending upon where you're actually going, so research the area you're going to before heading out.  You'll give yourself a much better idea of what items are must-haves and what items are completely unnecessary.

With the right amount of preparedness, camping during the winter can be just as much fun as camping during warmer times of the year, so don't let a little bit of cold weather keep you indoors! 

Types of RV Inspections

Just like any other vehicle, RVs need to be inspected on a yearly basis.  What most people don't realize is that there are numerous inspections that can (and need to) be done on an RV at least twice a year. 

There is, of course, the mandatory yearly state inspection.  During this inspection the brakes (including the emergency brake), tires, drums, wheel bearings and outside lights (marker lights, brake lights, turn lights, etc.) are checked to ensure they are all operational.  If any of these things are not working as they should be, they will need to be repaired before an inspection sticker can be issued.

In addition to the state inspection, there is the sealant inspection which is, perhaps, one of the most important inspections done on an RV.  Water damage to an RV is one of the number one service issues faced by RV owners and it is not usually an easy nor cheap repair.  Manufacturers recommend that you perform a sealant inspection every 90 days to ensure that there are no water leaks.  Silicone products should not be used at all - they do not bond with the material on the camper and will peel right off.  With rubber roofs, self-leveling lap sealants are recommended.

A third inspection that is done on RVs is the appliance inspection.  This inspection is done to ensure that your refrigerator and water heater are functioning on both gas and electric.  The furnace and air conditioning units are also checked to confirm they are working properly.

The best time of year to do this is mid-autumn to early spring, when your unit is not being used.  If you decide to wait until early spring to do your inspection, MAKE SURE YOU DO SO AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS BEFORE YOU PLAN TO START CAMPING again for the year.  That way, if there are any issues that need to be taken care of, they can be fixed before you take your camper on the road and before they interfere with your plans!

If you have questions regarding what type of inspections you should have done on your camper, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call!  We're always happy to help you keep your camper in tip-top condition!

Winterize Your RV Before It's Too Late

Winter is only six weeks away.  That means it is time to start getting ready to fight the ice, snow and freezing temperatures; to dig out the snow blower, stock up on salt for your walkway and take the sweaters and coats out of storage. 

What many people overlook is the task of winterizing their RV.  While winterization may seem unimportant, the old adage holds true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

During the winter, as temperatures drop to (or below) freezing, any fluid left in your RV lines and pipes can freeze and thaw repeatedly, leading to their stretching or even breaking open.  Come the spring, when you're ready to set out for your first camping trip, you may find your excursion delayed by time-consuming and costly repairs.

Here at Susquehanna Valley RV, we don't just sell campers - we care about making sure our customers are able to enjoy theirs year-round.  We have knowledgeable service technicians on hand to winterize your RV for you.  Our service and parts representatives can also answer any questions you might have about winterizing your RV yourself, from what tools you'll need to the best products to use.

Let us help you get your RV ready for winter - and keep it ready for spring!  Contact us to schedule your winterization appointment today!