Top 5 RV Interior Lights for Quiet Time Readers

Are you one of those campers that likes to hunker down inside of the RV with a good book once the campground’s nightly quiet time begins? If so, you may be interested to know that our task lighting needs change as we age. In our early years, a flashlight or small lantern may prove to be the perfect reading light. However, once we reach our senior years, its best to swap out that flashlight or lantern with great RV interior lights. With that in mind, here are five that would be ideal for a late night read:

#1: Gustafson Satin Nickel Reading Light

First on our list is Gustafson’s Satin Nickel Reading Light. Its sleek design and adjustability are just two of the features that make it ideal for finishing one’s favorite page-turner. The 6-1/8” long and 3-1/4” wide light operates on 12 volts and requires a single 1383 bulb. You can also purchase the light with a satin nickel finish. For the best results, consider mounting the RV interior light on the side of your bed below eye level or above the headboard. Then simply adjust the light’s extension as needed.

#2: Gustafson Directional Reading Light

The second RV interior light to make our list is also manufactured by Gustafson Lighting. However, this one is a low-profile, directional reading light that requires an 1139 bulb. Thus, it is best used with an overhead mount. We should also mention that it comes with a choice of two finishes, black and satin nickel.

#3: Gustafson Ceiling Light

Keeping with the Gustafson Lighting brand, the third product on our list is a brass halogen ceiling light. Although it is designed to be installed as either a flush or recessed mount, we’d suggest opting to go with the recessed option. That way, you won’t have to worry about head space issues in compact sleeping quarters. Each light fixture comes with a 10-watt halogen bulb.

#4: Ming’s Mark LED Tube Light

The fourth RV interior light that would be suitable for a late night read is manufactured by Ming’s Mark. It is a LED tube light that is 6” wide, 19.7” long and a modest 1.42” high. The light is capable of generating 3x200 lumens and requires 8 to 30v DC.

#5: Progressive Dynamics Dome Light

The fifth and final RV interior light that you may want to consider purchasing is created by Progressive Dynamics. It is a low-profile, high-intensity, double incandescent light outfitted with a convenient slide switch. Because it is so bright, you may want to consider mounting it in a single bunk or another area that is less likely to disturb others.

For more information about these RV interior lights and others, please contact us at (866) 332-7881.

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On The Fence About Getting RV Surge Protection?

As an RV'er you spend a lot of time deciding what goes into your motorhome or camper.  You choose whether the 32" or 27" flat screen gets to travel along and if the microwave or toaster oven makes more sense for the trip.  You even decide if your husband or wife can come along :-)

So why allow someone else to have control over the electricity entering your RV?  
One of the risks of any campground is the quality of electricity provided.  There are many different factors that can influence the power flow including how many other RVs are plugged in, weather conditions, old wiring and more.  With surge protection, you have the ability to control the quality of electricity coming into your RV.

So What Exactly Does A Surge Protector Do?
Surge protectors will offer different features depending on what you are looking for but at the very basic level, they prevent voltage spikes from damaging your equipment.  A voltage spike is a very fast, short duration of electrical current or voltage to the electrical system.  Poorly maintained campground power outlets, lightning strikes or a mis-wired power pedestals can all cause uneven power flow to your RV.
Many upgraded surge protectors will also offer over/under voltage protection which is important in saving your equipment.  For example, on a hot day when everybody has their air conditioning on, the voltage can drop dangerously low and result in a brown out.  Anything above or below the UL standard of 102 to 132 volts is potentially harmful.  

What Should I Look For When Buying A Surge Protector?
The choice of features and different protection options will depend on what makes sense for your RV, the campgrounds you go to and your own personal taste.  Here are a few of the many features offered:

• Portable or Hardwire:  Would you rather have your surge protector built into your RV or would you rather plug it in every time?
• Protection Rating:  This will be measured in Joules, which is a unit for energy.  The higher the number, the bigger the spike it can safely handle.
• Unit Size:  Here you are looking at Amp rating which corresponds to the type of power when plugging in your RV.

Hereis a list of the RV surge protectors that we offer.  We hope you liked our guide!  If you have further questions, comments or need help making a purchase, please let us know!

At RVupgrades.com, we know RV Surge Protection, and can help you choose exactly the right one for your RV.  Feel free to contact us any time for more information.

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Reasons to Consider a Portable Water Softener for your RV

You may have considered the benefits of a water softener for your home, but have you thought about how a portable water softener in your RV could be beneficial? Having soft water in your motor home is just as important as it is at your primary residence, and here a few reasons to consider purchasing one.

When you're traveling in your RV, you can never be certain where your water supply is coming from.

According to a study by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, approximately 85% of the country suffers from hard water problems. The hardest water is found in parts of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas and southern California. If you happen to be visiting one of the many locations with hard water, you will have to deal with this fact when washing dishes, bathing or doing laundry. As a result, you could notice that your clothes are dingy or dishes have spots on them.

Hard water may also not be as pleasant to drink. When traveling during the summer months, it's especially important to stay well hydrated; however, having water that doesn't taste good makes this task unpleasant. An alternative could be to purchase bottled water, but you can't really be sure where it originated from either. In the long run, having a portable RV water softener can ensure you won't have to worry about being able to stay hydrated when temperatures escalate.

The plumbing inside your RV needs to be in tip-top shape in order for you to enjoy traveling. Just as mineral deposits can get into your pipes at home, they can also wreak havoc on the ones in your RV. They could also clog your dishwasher, water heater and shower-head as well. Replacing these items can sometimes be expensive, but repairs can often be avoided by adding a water softener ahead of time.

Here at RVupgrades.com, we are familiar with the different types of RV water softeners available, and can help you choose exactly the right one for your vehicle. Feel free to contact us any time for more information.

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5 RV Accessories Gift Basket Ideas for the Holidays

The pre-holiday season rush is now officially upon us. Before you know it, people will be enjoying everything from Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas presents. Speaking of Christmas presents, have you given any thought as to which ones would be perfect for your fellow camping enthusiasts? If not, you may want to wrap up one of the following RV Accessories:



Fundex Games Gift Basket

For the fun loving folks on your list, why not create a Fundex games gift basket? The company manufactures a variety of games that you could choose from including Professional Double Nine Dominoes and When Pigs Fly. Once you select the games, be sure to add some edible goodies to the gift basket too. That way, your friends will have something to snack on while they play the games.





Picnic & Wine Gift Baskets
If your friends aren't into fun and games, a Picnic Time basket may prove to be more apropos. Picnic Time’s collection of baskets runs the gamut. So you should be able to find one that suits your friends’ style. One that may do the trick is the Highlander Picnic Basket for four. It contains everything needed to enjoy a leisurely repast.







Thrill of the Grill Gift Basket
Do you have die-hard grilling enthusiasts on your list too? Well why not create a thrill of the grill gift basket? Great items to place in the basket are stainless steel BBQ tool sets, BBQ serving platters, bratwurst-hot dog roasters and kebab skewers. You may even want to throw in a bottle of barbecue sauce too.






Dog Gone It
Are some of your friends pet lovers as well? If so, a dog gone it gift basket should make them smile. Fill the basket with items like Valterra Spill Proof Pet Water Dish, Bling Blinkers, Travel Pet Dishes, dog treats and Clean Machine’s Magic Pet Hair Remover. They’ll undoubtedly appreciate them all.





Gift Cards & Certificates
Finally, you could always opt to surprise them with a gift card or gift certificate to our RVupgrades store. If you do decide to purchase the certificates, consider attaching them to a RV die cast collectible. It would make a great impact and give the recipient something to add to their collection.



For a closer look at these RV accessories and other gift ideas, please contact us.

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Best Fall Camping & RV Accessories

RV season is starting to slow down, but that doesn't mean you have to pack everything up quite yet. There are many regions throughout the country that are currently experiencing great whether that's perfect for spending time outdoors including camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. If you're taking your RV out for a trip this autumn, there are a few great accessories that will make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

Deluxe Cooking Grill Kit

With cooler weather, campfires become a necessity. Skip a separate grill and bring a campfire grill. The Deluxe Cooking Grill Kit from Tring is a simple two piece design that allows you to easily utilize the campfire for both cooking and warmth. The 24" plated grill gives you plenty of room for cooking up whatever you're craving!

Dimplex Plug-In Fireplace

So not every night is going to have perfect weather, and starting a campfire might not be an option. Add a cozy element to the interior of your RV with an electric fireplace from Dimplex. This fireplace isn't just for show either—it has a built in heater that will keep your RV warm on col autumn nights.

Bike Travel Cover

If you're the active type you'll want to keep your gear safe from the fall elements. A bike rack cover will ensure your bikes don't experience the adverse effects of cold and wet weather. This cover is great whether your bikes are on the rack or you just need to quickly cover them up before a fall storm.

Kelty Hiking Poles

Exploring the land outside of your campsite is much more enjoyable in the cool autumn climate. Kelty Hiking Poles help improve balance, save your knees, and control your speed as you head out on an adventure. With an adjustable height, they are perfect for any hiker.

RVUpgrades.com supplies RV accessories that make your road and camping trips more enjoyable. Browse our store to see our complete selection or follow us on Facebook for the latest news, promotions, and RV posts.

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Covering Your RV During Winter or Summer Storage

So we are closing in on winter and your wondering if you should purchase an RV cover for your motorhome or trailer.   This is a huge topic on RV forums everywhere right about now and the answers are endless.  But here are a few things to consider as you make that decision.

RV covers are not as easy to install and remove as say a car cover would be.  So if you live in an area where you have the potential to get the RV out many times during the winter months it is something to be aware of.  Also it's a good idea to cover a clean RV and if that wont be possible after use it may not be wise to re-install on a dirty RV.  These covers will move around in the wind and the fabric rubbing on a dirty side wall can cause scratching.

Many people after a long camping season tend to forget about their camper once it has been winterized and

may not even step foot in it until spring.  An RV cover can be very helpful in keeping snow and ice melt during the winter from finding it's way into gaps or cracks in caulking and seams, then re-freezing eventually causing a leak. This could be a major problem for those RV'ers who do not do spot checks throughout the winter finding they now have some kind of water damage.  Although RV covers are generally not water proof they do have the ability to repel water giving some protection from possible water damage. Even with a cover, winter has a way of damaging an RV that is neglected and it is important to do periodic inspections to make sure your cover has not leaked and that excess snowfall is removed.

On the other end of the spectrum sunlight will deteriorate rubber and plastic parts of a camper. This includes the roof, roof seams, moldings, vents, window seams and tires. This results in more frequent maintenance and can also lead to leaks and an RV cover can definitely protect your motorhome or trailer from this type of damage.

Covers are available for every type of RV and are selected by your camper or motorhomes length and the area you live in.  Adco is a leader in the manufacturer of RV covers and has designed their Tyvek brand of cover for extreme sun and heat or snow and rain.  The Aquashed brand is a lighter weight cover that will resist moisture as well as UV rays.  Recently Camco has introduced their new lineup of RV covers which mimic the Adco brand with the Ultrashield RV cover for extreme locations and lower end Ultraguard RV cover.  All of these covers are available for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup and truck campers.  If you cover the RV it's a good idea to cover the tires which will prevent them from checking and cracking prolonging the life of the tire.

An RV cover can be a great investment in keeping your motorhome or camper looking good and protected during those periods when it will be unused.  RVupgrades carries covers for all makes and models of RV and can assist you with obtaining the correct cover for your RV.

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Tailgating Essentials Checklist

If you're anything like millions of other Americans, there's a good chance you've been spending your Saturdays and Sundays watching football on TV in your living room or a sports bar. As an RV owner, however, you have a rolling tailgating machine that is perfect for going and seeing the action live. In a previous post, we covered the best college football tailgating spots, but once you get to the stadium, you're going to need a few essentials to make the day a great tailgating experience. Check out our list of tailgating essentials so you can have the best party in the lot!

Furniture

Seating is a must for any tailgate. You'll likely be on your feet a lot through the game and it's no secret that stadium seating isn’t the most comfortable. Take a load off feet before the game with outdoor seating. One of our favorites is the Coronado Series Recliner which is the next best thing to a La-Z-Boy. If you're planning on serving food, you'll also need an outdoor table or two to display your spread.

Other items to include: radio or sound system, outdoor TV, sunblock, bugspray, an awning or canopy

Cooking Equipment & Accessories

Speaking of food, what's a tailgate without a grill? Whether it's a simple economy grill or a top-of-the-line Kuuma Stow N Go, every tailgate needs a grill to feed the party. With plenty of portable grill options, there is a grill that will be perfect for your RV and tailgate party.

Other items to remember: fuel for your grill, matches or a lighter, disposable plastic ware, garbage bags, aluminum foil, pot holders

Games

Playing a few tailgating games will help you get in the competitive spirit before the main event. Some of the most popular yard games include horse shoes and cornhole, mostly because they're easily played with beverage in hand. A fun alternative these games is washer toss, which incorporates elements of both games and uses washers in place of horseshoes or bean bags.

Coolers

The weather might be cooling down, but it won't be cold enough to keep your drinks cold for another couple months. Investing in a quality cooler will last you for years, and with collapsible cooler options, they won't even take up a lot of space in your RV. Of course, it's also important to keep certain foods cool throughout the day, so make sure your cooler has enough space for everything!

Other items to remember: ice, bottle opener, koozies (can coolers), beverages

Can you think of anything else that should be included on our tailgate checklist? Let us know in the comments what you can't live without when you're tailgating!

RVUpgrades.com carries a wide range of RV accessories and supplies, including everything you need for tailgating or setting up camp. Visit our store for our complete selection of RV supplies, accessories, and parts.

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