Top Destinations for Winter Snowbirds

Not everyone chooses to put an RV into storage during the winter months. Many people turn into “snowbirds”, heading to warmer destinations in their RVs to wait out the winter. If you’re interested in winter travel, here are a few top destinations we recommend.

Mesa, Arizona

Located in southwestern Arizona near the Mexican border, Mesa temperatures average from in the 40s
at night to the 60s during the day. Mesa is also home to several golf courses, and contains nearly 2,300 acres of parks and green spaces. The Good Sam Club lists several RV parks in Mesa as being ideal for snowbirds, including Mesa Spirit RV Resort, Apache Wells RV Resort, Arizona Cowboy RV Park, and Eagle View RV Resort.

Mission, Texas

Like Mesa, Arizona, Mission, Texas is also located in close proximity to the U.S./Mexican border. People often flock here to participate in bird watching, as the World Birding Center is also located here. Temperatures here are relatively mild during the winter months, with daytime temperatures often reaching in the 60s and 70s. Good Sam recommends staying at Bentsen Grove Resort or Bentsen Palm Village Resort.

Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers is located along the Gulf of Mexico in south-central Florida. This town is popular for its beaches, which are somewhat less crowded to visit during the winter months. There are also a number of parks and farmer’s markets to visit as well. Daytime highs average somewhere in the mid 70s, while nighttime lows are typically in the high 50s. According to the Good Sam Club, an excellent RV spot to spend the winter in is Woodsmoke Camping Resort.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

This town is also located along the Gulf of Mexico. Average winter temperatures range from the high
40s at night to low 60s during the day. The town has plenty of scenic attractions, including a zoo, craft farm and several golf courses. Boating and fishing are popular year round activities here as well. An excellent place to stay in Gulf Shores is Bella Terra RV Resort.

No matter where your winter travels take you, we are sure to have all the gear you need to make your trip as pleasurable as possible. Check our website or contact us today to find a great selection of merchandise at affordable prices.

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Featuring The Best Eternabond RV Leak Repair Products

As you contemplate the upcoming RV season, possibly deciding what to include in your storage bays for emergency repairs, be sure to include Eternabond RV Leak Repair Tape.  As many of us road warriors know, there is nothing worse than being out on the road with a leaky roof. Having the right tools for the job can make your trip unforgettable - in a good way.

Best Leak Repair Products and Basic Uses

• Eternabond As-2-50 AlumiBond: This extra tough 2" X 50" roll can repair leaking roofs in a jiffy. It offers 4 mils of aluminum with UV replant that can be painted the color of your choice. The backing is so durable, it has been proven to withstand UV abuse for over 16 years. The patented backing material includes an integrated primer which forms a nearly indestructible, permanent, water tight seal to metal surfaces. AlumiBond is Abrasive and corrosion resistant. Basic uses include: roof repair, siding repair, ductwork repair, drain pipe repair, boat repair, and canoe repair.
• Eternabond RSW-2-50 RoofSeal White: Much like the AlumiBond, RoofSeal uses patented technology to ensure years of use and abuse. It can be used with various RV roof types, such as EPDM, TPO, hypalon, most PVC, modified and all metal. The elongation factor exceeds standards at 700%, making it able to expand and contract for ensured durability in any environment. 
• Eternabond UVW-4-5CS Micro Sealant Leak Repair Kit: This leak repair kit uses a one-step repair process that will have your RV dry in no time. Using patented adhesive technology found in all Eternabond products, you can rest assured leaks repaired with this kit won't return.

For more great RV accessories and products, be sure to visit RV Upgrades.com. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you have about outfitting your RV with the highest quality parts and accessories on the market. Please contact us for more information.

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A Day at the RV Show

Each year we make the pilgrimage to an RV show, mainly the Cleveland RV Super Show which is held the second week of January.  It comes along at the perfect time, almost the mid point of winter and as cabin fever is just starting to set in.  You can really tell how the industry is doing by the number of RV's the dealers bring as well as the attendance.  I am thinking 2014 is going to be a big year.  The place was packed with more people and RV's than I have seen in the past 13 years we have attended.

The show for us has never been about looking for that perfect new RV.  Although I will admit, it probably has gotten the "I need a new RV" itch started.  But more times than not we meet friends who may have that itch and help pursued them that they need a new RV for the upcoming season.  With the increase in RV's to look at we have noticed fewer and fewer aftermarket RV product suppliers at the show.  I am thinking that most people don't want to carry around that new camping chair or they figure they can find it cheaper online.  RVupgrades does not attend the shows at this time because we see more value in improving our online store, warehouse facility, products offered and stock levels.

The thing I think about most at the RV show is all of the "new to RV'ing" buyers who get caught up with the interior layout and pretty couch colors and never even look into the structural aspects of the RV.  From ill handling motorhomes to inadequate tow vehicles new buyers are many times in for a rude awakening when they leave the dealership with that new RV.  I know because I was once one of those new buyers.  I think most newbies associate RV's to cars and feel that they will be able to drive or tow their new RV off the lot and not come back for service for many years.  And that a motorhome will handle like Mom's minivan and a trailer only requires a hitch on the back of SUV or truck to tow safely.

It was funny, we spotted the salesperson who had sold us a Class C motorhome a few years back and I told him how bad it handled and how we got tossed around on a trip out west.   He said "oh yeah those class C's are terrible to drive, I would have never done that trip in one."  Of course he would have never said that while we where purchasing it, but he knew it.  It almost surprises me why the whole industry hasn't folded with so many disillusioned RV buyers.  The only thing I can think of is that the hobby is so great that many overcome that initial shock of new RV ownership and learn to repair, maintain and improve their RV so it can be used as it was intended.  I know that was my experience.

Come to think of it, maybe the RV industry actually has it all figured out.  Maybe they realize that if you have to work really hard on your RV, that you will be so worn out you will have to have it to go and relax in. :-)

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Camper Parts and Supplies you'll need for your Winter RV Emergency Kit

You’re probably already aware of the fact that you need to pack an emergency kit whenever you are traveling during the winter. When that travel involves an RV, you’ll need a few extra items that wouldn't be necessary if you were traveling by automobile. Here are some camper parts and supplies that should be included in your winter RV emergency kit in order to ensure you are prepared for any situation that arises.

Basic Necessities

Your emergency kit should contain some of the basic items that would be needed in your car. A few of these things include:

• Drinking water
• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Warning triangles/flares
• Fully charged cell phone
• Lighter or Waterproof matches
• Blankets and extra clothing
• Kitty litter or sand for traction
• Folding shovel

RV Repair Items
You’ll also need some extra items on hand in order to make performing simple repairs on your recreational vehicle easy to do. A few things you should have readily available include:

• Wheel chocks
• Hose repair kit with tape
• Emergency tire repair kit
• Jumper cables
• Duct and electrical tape
• Extra fuses
• High lift jack
• Tow chain or strap

Although not required, you may want to have some additional items on hand just in case you find yourself needing an extended stay at an RV park while waiting on road conditions to clear up a bit. For example, you could find pie irons and hot dog forks to be extremely useful in the event you need to cook over an open fire. In fact, a portable fire ring could come in handy as well, since many locations may not have them out in the off season. Having a few lanterns and some board games on hand can help you pass the time while you are waiting on the snow to clear.

Here at the RVupgrade Store, we have everything you’ll need to make winter traveling a breeze. To see the selection of items we carry, visit us at rvupgradestore.com or contact us.

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RV Accessories: A Look at the Jobar Pancake Batter Dispenser

One of the joys of camping is waking up to a hearty breakfast that can be enjoyed around a campfire or from the comfy confines of your RV. If you agree with us, you may want to pick up a Jobar Pancake Batter Dispenser. It can make getting everyone off to a great breakfast quick and easy.

The Jobar Pancake Batter Dispenser is drip-less, trigger fed and just the right size for single hand use. It also holds four cups of pancake batter at a time. So if you use 2 ounces of mix per pancake, you should be able to serve roughly four to five people at a time. The other great thing about the Jobar Pancake Batter Dispenser is that it can hold more than just pancake batter. We know of people that use it to make breakfast muffins, waffles, crepes, appetizers and snack cakes.

If you want to simplify your mornings even more, consider making the pancakes up ahead of time and freezing them. It’s easy enough to do with the right RV accessories. Once the pancakes are initially made, let them cool down. Then grab some wax paper, aluminum foil, paper towels and resealable freezer bags. Place one cool pancake on top of a sheet of wax paper. Next, top it with another sheet of wax paper. It will help to keep the individual pancakes from sticking to one another. Continue the procedure until you've stacked four pancakes. That should be enough for one person.

From there, wrap the pancake stack in aluminum foil followed by paper towels. The paper towels will help to keep any moisture away from the stacks of pancakes. Afterward, slide the wrapped stack of pancakes into an airtight freezer bag and store them in your ice chest, built-in or portable compressor freezer/refrigerator.

When you are ready to make breakfast, reheat the pancakes in your RV’s oven or microwave. You could also warm them over a campfire. If you are worried about the pancakes drying out in the process, try reheating them with the aid of a Progressive International Steamer Basket or Jobar Microwave Steamer. The moisture from the steam should do the trick.

For more information about the pancake batter dispenser and other RV accessories that will make your mornings go smoother, please contact us at (866) 332-7881.

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Great Motorhome Accessories for Cold Weather Road Trips

Right about this time of year, many of us tend to come down with a case of cabin fever. On a high note, it’s not incurable. All you need to do is set your sights on a warm destination and grab the following motorhome accessories:

Two-Way Radios with NOAA Channels

Two-way radios with NOAA channels, like the Microtalk FRS/GMRS, can really give winter campers a piece of mind. They feature phenomenal reception, battery-saving options and the ability to keep on top of changing road conditions. Pair it with a state-of-the-art, RV GPS system and you should be good to go.

Engine/Tank Monitoring Systems
Engine and tank monitoring systems can also make your winter trips less stressful. Two top brands to consider in that regard are Silverleaf and Seelevel. Silverleaf manufactures engine monitoring systems and Seelevel produces tank monitoring systems. Between the two, they’ll ensure that you know precisely what’s going on with your motorhome’s most important components at all times.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems/Portable Compressors
Speaking of system monitoring, it’s a well known fact that tire pressure fluctuates due to temperature changes. So you may want to invest in a tire pressure monitoring system, portable compressors and JR Products Snow/Mud Grip Mats. That way, you can stay on top of your motorhome’s tire issues too.

Battery MINDers/Booster Cables
A motorhome’s battery can also act up in cold weather. Therefore, it’s always a great idea to store road flares, a battery MINDer and booster cables in your RV as well. One of our favorites is the BatteryMINDer Model 2012-AGM. It works perfectly in cold weather and does more than just charge the battery.

Portable Generators/Heaters
Last on our list are portable generators and heaters. They are great to have if the campground that you’re visiting loses power. Of course they could be used at rest stops, parking lots and other areas too. Some of the portable generators and heaters are designed for outdoor use. Others are best left inside of the motorhome.

To ask questions and find out more about these winter approved, motorhome accessories, please contact us. Our motorhome accessories experts may be reached online or by calling (866) 332-7881.

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RV Accessory Review: Rand McNally TripMaker RV GPS

Product Overview: The Rand McNally 7" RV GPS has been designed specifically for RV'ers and their larger motorhomes and campers. The RV easy routing begins with award winning navigation from Rand McNally which includes legal (propane, RV allowed) routes, along with parkway and boulevard weight and height restrictions. This can be tailored for the specific type of RV you are using. The TripMaker RVND 7720 is packed with all of the information you need to have an enjoyable and safe trip in your RV, including campgrounds, parks, RV service locations, travel centers and suggested road trips! The display is a huge 7.0" TFT High Definition Widescreen.

Product Review: Initially, I had a love hate relationship with this GPS. I generally plug in a new device and try to use it before reading the instructions.  It generally works with many of my past GPS's, but with this unit and all of it's features, I should have read the manual first.  I got myself into a number of bad situations with routing because I had not carefully setup the RV options.  When I first received the GPS I had put the wrong height in and found myself confronted with a 10' railroad bridge in Jamestown, Ny, with a 12' 6" tall RV.  After avoiding that disaster and updating the height setting, I still seem to be directed on roads that made no sense.  I later figured out that due to the high weight rating of the RV, it took me on roads that may have been legal, but where not meant for my RV.  I lowered this rating and the routes became much more accurate and many times matched google maps directions.  It was about that time that I decided I better read the whole manual to ensure I wasn't missing some other feature or setting.

We have now put over 15,000 miles on the Tripmaker since my initial issues, mostly self induced, and what I really enjoy are all of the RV related points of interest this GPS has to offer. From the huge number of campgrounds to rest areas and travel plazas, having this information at your finger tips is a great help.    We used this unit on a 4 day trip with no idea how far we would get each day, but no problem with the Tripmaker, as we got close to ending our day we could quickly hit the campground search along our route, found a good fit and stopped for the night.  Not a huge feat since most GPS systems have campgrounds preloaded, but out of all of the units we have used including Tom Tom, Garmin & Magellan this unit seems to have every campground in existence. Campgrounds are broken into types including state, commercial and KOA's for even faster location.  Multi-stop trips are also a breeze with a dedicated section for these types of adventures.  Usually I will bring the unit in the house and add all of our destinations from the comfort of my recliner a few days prior to taking off.

The size of the screen and the big navigation buttons are nice when your changing screens and the road is not perfectly smooth.  This is by far the most sturdy window mount we have ever had with a GPS, even on hot days it never lost grip and is always super sturdy.  Since this is for RV'ers they probably should have included an adhesive disc for Class A motorhome owners that cannot mount a GPS to the windshield.

Overall we are really happy with the features, size and ease of use of this RV GPS.  For more information on the Rand McNally 7720 LM Tripmaker RV GPS Click Here

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