Four Awesome Custom Motorhomes

Anyone who owns an RV takes road tripping seriously, but there are some that take it to the next level with decked out custom RVs. From restored classic campers to souped-up rolling yachts, there is an RV out there that will make just about any RV owner jealous. Almost every day we get posts on our Facebook page about cool custom RVs from around the United States and the world, so we thought we would share a few of those and some others that have caught our eye over the years.

Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van

One of our Facebook fans, Ron Tanner, recently posted a picture of his customized camper van and we really like the idea for a compact camper that can easily get from place to place. The camper is made from a Mercedes Sprinter and features just about anything you could need in a camper including a bed, sink, and toilet.

Volkner Mobil Performance

On the other end of the spectrum is Volkner—a German custom RV manufacturer and the Performance VIP model is one of the more unique models we’ve seen. With a patented middle garage that can fit a car up to 16 feet long (such as a Mercedes SLK), the Volkner is a luxury RV that will make yacht owners jealous. The interior rivals 5 star hotels and the vehicle is so impressive it was actually featured on Top Gear.

Terra Wind Amphibious RV

Speaking of yachts, the Terra Wind Amphibious RV can handle boating just as well as driving. This RV is perfect for getting the most out of a camping trip to the lake and manufacturer Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International offers a wide variety of customizations including the entire interior from floor plans to furniture to entertainment systems and even dashboard controls and instruments.

Steve McQueen’s 1952 Chevy 3800 Camper

In an article about cool vehicles, it’s hard to leave one out that was owned by Steve McQueen. His 1952 camper, which was recently auctioned off in July, is made from a Chevrolet 3800 series pickup truck and includes a custom aluminum camper. The camper is nicknamed “Dust Tite” and includes a bed, cabinets, drawers, and a diamond plated bumper.

What other cool custom campers have you seen? Leave a comment or post on our Facebook wall with your favorites!

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A KOA Camping Weekend

Harpers Ferry, WV

Recently we visited Harpers Ferry, WV and stayed at the Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA. Just the term "KOA" uttered in a RV forum can conjure up a debate that can go on for days. "They are to expensive", "it's not camping" and "sites are to small" will be just a few of the complaints you may read. On the other side of the fence you normally get that "they are good for an overnight layover" or "you know what your going to get".  One thing you cannot debate is that KOA campgrounds are not going away and I have seen the franchise continue to grow over the years. There is a consistency in services you will find at every KOA even though the actual campground itself may differ drastically.

When we arrived at the Harpers Ferry KOA we where greeted by an employee in a guard house. They

RV lined up to check in

check to see if your name is on a list and then tell you to move on to the main parking lot located at the bottom of the hill. There must be a reason for having this person there, but I am not sure what it is. We found that they are only there during the day and there is no gate so they are not keeping non KOA campers out during off hours. During our time there an elderly women was manning the post and she always waved and had a big smile which was nice. I don't recall any of the other KOA's we have visited having a greeter, so this was a bit different.

One of the wider pull through site

Since Harpers Ferry is a tourist destination with it's historic Civil War lineage, this KOA is quite busy on the weekends, actually really busy.  The full hookup pull through section were we stayed was extremely tight and there was no way we could actually pull through the site we where on.  Actually, only very small RV's could pull through without unhooking towed vehicles or special maneuvering of their trailer.  I would imagine this KOA gets very low marks for advertising pull through sites that really cannot not be used in that manner.  One thing I like about KOA's is the recent addition of deluxe campsites.  They usually have a nice patio, maybe outdoor furniture and are quite large.  These are good for that occasional camping weekend when you may have visitors or your looking for a relaxing weekend out of the grass and dirt.  The Harpers Ferry KOA looks like they made an attempt to add these to the section we where in, but it went horribly wrong.  The sites are very unlevel as where the stamped concrete pads which had a pretty steep grade in them. In other sections of the campground the site where every bit as cramped and some even more so, but I will say the place was packed (literally) so people must not mind all that much. I know what we do is not considered camping, but I think most RV'ers are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and would also like a little space to do it in.  Unfortunately in my experience, KOA campgrounds are not the place that you will find this and this one is no exception.

Plenty to do for the family

Outside of the feeling like a sardine and the Wifi not working, this KOA was not all bad.  It had a very well stocked RV accessory store, movie theater, huge pool, mini golf, tons of toys for the kids to play on, a wine & coffee shop and even a small Civil War museum. They also had a large number cabins and I could not believe how many tenters. The staff was super friendly and I found myself up bright and early for a couple of free pancakes that they served every morning.  The place was also very clean and well maintained.

Maybe those RV forum discussion are not to far off in their arguments for and against KOA camping.  And I would say this place fit that criteria. Small sites, but good service and facilities.

Oh and since they don't tell you, there is an amazing 2 to 3 mile hike (you can make it shorter if needed) right out the back of the campground into the National Park.  There are some restored cannons in the field along with the Murphy Farm which was a strategic battle location for the Confederate Army and some great views of the Shenandoah river valley.

Shenandoah River from the Murphy Farm trail overlook

RVUpgradeStore.com is the best place online to buy RV accessories including camping supplies and motorhome parts. Visit the store for the complete selection of RV accessories & supplies.

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Hold Up, Step Up and Cover Up!

When you take delivery of your new RV, there will be quite a few things that you will considering to improve your ownership experience. The list goes on for quite some length however I would like to focus attention on; "What's the first thing you are going touch before you are able to get into your RV?" The simple answer is, your entry steps.

We all have 1 of two types of steps, powered or manual. I have a triple step unit that's automatic. When I open the door there's a magnetic switch that calls for the step motor to activate and it pushes the steps out. When you close the door the magnetic switch latches and this activates the motor to rotate backwards which pulls and raises the stairs. Like me, you will have a manual switch that will turn the stairs off so that you can close the door without the stairs coming in. This is important after your parked. On my rig the step motor is a unit adapted from an automotive power window application. Over the many years of ownership, I have had structural problems with the stairs as it will in time break a weld up on the frame from constantly being leveraged when you
step on the stair. Yet another point of failure are the rivets that hold the folding frame together and allows the mechanism to pivot and operate.

The solution I found and apply is a "Step Stabilizer" or "Step Saver." As soon as the steps come out the step

Adjustable RV Step Stabilizer

stabilizer goes under the stair. This device offers 2 benefits, it supports the stairs at its maximum point of leverage and it takes the vertical movement you will feel as a mushiness out of the stair. I will try to position the stabilizer just to the left of center since we both lead with our left foot. We all have found terrain features to be different from one place to another and although the stabilizer is adjustable, you may need a "jack pad" to raise the stabilizer if it's too short. If for some reason the stabilizer is too long, I will simply build up as many stack-able jack pads as I need to take up the space.

Presto-O-Fit Step Covers

Your RV steps are probably just like mine, flat black and bare metal. In order to dress up your stairs, improve traction and provide a method to wipe your feet, I obtained the Prest-O-Fit Wraparound +Plus RV Step Rug 20" Wide I have 3 steps so I purchased 3 "Wraparound Rugs" The rugs fit perfectly and they are provided with a double row of eyelets and a pair of springs. The rug is wrapped around the step and using the springs, they are stretched to the first available hole and that's all there is to installing the rug. Once completed, it dresses up your stairs quite nicely. Although the carpet is available in 8 different colors, I went with the black.  

Safety Step Folding RV Entry Step

Finishing up, if your bottom stair is too high off the ground for any reason you can always option to get a "Safety Step." I know that my wife does not like to have too high of a step so a device like a safety step make all the difference. The safety step folds practically flat and it doesn't take up much room in storage.
Thanks for reading!  Mike P

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Top 5 College Football Schools for Tailgating

College football season is upon us and with it massive tailgate parties before and after the games. No vehicle is better equipped for serious tailgating more than an RV. When you have your own electricity and appliances on hand (not to mention a private bathroom), tailgating with an RV brings the football experience to the next level.

Of course there’s tailgating in the NFL, but college football is entirely different animal. With some schools boasting tailgating crowds that exceed the capacity of their stadiums, college football has professional fans. Check out our list of the top 5 tailgating schools and be sure to let us know where your favorite spot is in the comments.

5. Michigan

Michigan is one of the most storied college football programs in the country and the tailgating scene isn’t much different. With a stadium that seats more people than the population of Ann Arbor itself, tailgating for a Michigan game is one of the more intense college football experiences.

4. Texas

If there are two things that Texas takes seriously, it’s football and barbecue. Roaming through the Texas tailgating scene, you’ll see plenty of oversized barbecue grills serving up everything from brisket to sausage to ribs. Add in the fact Austin is one of most lively cities in the country, and you’re sure to have a great time both before and after the game.

3. Auburn

If there’s one place you want to tailgate with your RV, it’s Auburn. Auburn invented marathon tailgating—fans show up as much as 2 days before kickoff to start the festivities, blatantly breaking the rules outlined on the Auburn Athletics website for tailgating. In fact, the rules were instituted because of the marathon tailgating parties.

2. Wisconsin

If you like beer, you’ll like tailgating in Wisconsin. With over 85 breweries in the state, Wisconsin tailgates often feature a beer menu that rivals most bars. With the temperatures dropping low during the latter half of the season, you’ll certainly need a few beers and maybe a brat and some cheese to stay warm.

1. Ole Miss

Ole Miss tailgating revolves around “The Grove”—a 10 acre plot of land in the middle of the University of Mississippi’s campus that gets its name from the oak, magnolia, and elm trees throughout the area. With shady areas to protect you from the southern heat and enough room for as many as 25,000 fans, the Grove is second to none.

RVUpgrades.com supplies a wide range of tailgating supplies for your next college football tailgating experience. Check out our camping supplies section for the full selection of grills, furniture, and accessories for tailgating.

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Product Comparison: Flow-Pur RV Pro vs. On The Go RV Water Softener

When you're on the road, it's likely you won't always be getting your water from the best of sources. Hard water is common in RV parks and camping sites, and to keep your appliances working correctly and keep water residue off of your sinks, toilet, and shower, you will need a quality water softener.

Two brands stand out when it comes to RV water softeners: Flow-Pur and On The Go. Both of these brands make quality softeners, but they have their differences. Today we'll look at two similar models from each and compare the features.

Flow-Pur RV Pro 10,000

The Flow-Pur RV Pro is rated at 10,000 grains, which means the unit can hold 10,000 mineral grains before you need to regenerate the unit. This is a fairly high capacity for mobile water softeners, so if you are in areas that have particular hard water, or if you are traveling with a family (and therefore using more water), you may want to consider a high grain capacity water softener.

The Flow-Pur 10,000 includes testing strips, hose adapters, and is ready to use straight out of the box. Hoses are not included with the Flow-Pur water softener, but the manufacturer recommends using two 4-foot hoses for the inlet and outlet valves of the system.

On The Go RV Water Softener

The On The Go Standard RV Water Softener is rated at 8,000 grains, giving it slightly less capacity than the Flow-Pur model. This could potentially mean you will have to regenerate more often, but again, that depends on the hardness of your water and how much water you are using. This unit is also slightly smaller than the Flow-Pur model, so if you don't need the extra capacity, and space in your RV is at a premium, this unit is the way to go. Finally, the smaller capacity means the unit takes less time to regenerate.

Included with the On The Go Softener is an extra hose that can be used for the inlet or outlet connection, test strips for testing the hardness of your water, and hose adapters to connect the unit to standard hoses. The unit is also ready to use out of the box; there is no need to add extra resin or salt.

RVUpgradeStore.com is the best place online to buy RV accessories including water softeners and water pumps. Visit their store for the complete selection of RV accessories & supplies.

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Blue Ox Towing System For Towed Vehicles

So you finally took the plunge and purchased that motorhome you have always dreamed about, but what do you do once you get to your destination.  You don't want to have to unhook the motorhome and store everything away to see the area sites in the RV.  So towing a vehicle with your motorhome is the next logical step in RV'ing and having the right setup makes all the difference in how well that experience goes.

There are basically three options to get this done, use a tow dolly, tow the vehicle on a trailer or tow the vehicle 4 wheels down. There are pros and cons to each method and we could spend a lot of time debating this, but for the sake of argument and the length of this article, lets say you have determined 4 wheels down is the right choice for your towing needs.

There are currently three main players in the tow bar & baseplate market those being Demco, Roadmaster and Blue Ox. We have personally towed more miles with the Blue Ox setup and like the ease of use their towing system has although all three have proven to be very reliable.  So where do you start and what is needed?

Towed Vehicle Selection - First you must determine what vehicle you will be towing and whether it can be towed 4 wheels down.  Not every vehicle can be towed this way and it is very important to check with the manufacturer to confirm that it can. As a reference here is the new vehicle 2013 Dinghy Guide to help you get started.  Next you will need to ensure that a baseplate (see below for details on base plates) is available for vehicle.  We have a complete listing of Blue Ox baseplates by make, model & year. It also important to consider the weight of the vehicle and the towing capacity of the RV.  To many times RV'ers think that because the RV is big it should be able to tow any size vehicle.  What's not considered is the hitch rating and as well as the tow rating of the motorhome.  These are all spec's that should be carefully analyzed before even attempting to tow a vehicle.

• If you own a vehicle that you have found cannot be towed 4 wheels down all is not lost, there is still a chance that a transmission lube pump or drive shaft disconnect system can be used to make the dinghy towable.  Check with Remco Towing for their application information.  
• If you do not have a vehicle yet, the most common vehicles that are towed are Jeep, Ford, Saturn and Honda. Check with the 2013 Dinghy Guide to help get you started on your search.

Equipment needed to tow - Now that you have your towed vehicle we can review the products you need to get you towing.

Blue Ox Baseplate With Removable Tabs

• Baseplates - The baseplate (also known as a mounting bracket) is mounted to the frame of your towed vehicle and connects your towed vehicle to a tow bar. Blue Ox baseplates are manufactured to fit a specific vehicle and feature removable tabs which make the base plate almost undetectable. See our complete listing of Blue Ox baseplates.
• Blue Ox baseplates come with all of the hardware required along with step by step installation instructions.  With a standard set of tools this is generally an afternoon DIY project or if needed many auto repair facilities will install a baseplate at the going labor rate.

Blue Ox Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar

• Towbars - The tow bar connects the motorhome to the towed vehicle.  Blue Ox manufacturers three different types of tow bars; 
• Receiver mounted self aligning tow bar (also known as motorhome mounted tow bar) - installs into the receiver of the the motorhome and when not in use can be folded and remains with the motorhome.  The arms on all of these tow bars are adjustable so hooking up is made easy for a single person to attach the tow bar to the baseplate on uneven terrain.  Current Blue Ox models include the Aventa LX (10,000 lb rated), Aladdin (7500 lb rated) & Alpha (6,000 lb rated).
• Hitch mounted self aligning tow bar (also known as towed vehicle mounted tow bar) - connects to a ball mounted or pintle hitch and folds on the tow vehicle when not in use.  The arms on these tow bar are adjustable for hooking up although this tow bar is a little more difficult to setup with one person than the receiver mounted tow bar.  Current Blue Ox models include Acclaim (6500 lb rated), Allure (10,000 lb rated), Torrent (40,000 lb rated), Triton (80,000 lb rated) & Triumph (120,000 lb rated)
• Hitch mounted rigid A-frame tow bar is perfect for the budget minded RV'er or someone who will only be towing a few times a year.  These towbars are much harder to connect and may require the baseplate to have a specific tab distance since they are rigid.  Current Blue Ox models include the Adventurer (5,000 lb rated) and Ambassador (5,000 lb rated, tab with must be 24")

Blue Ox Patriot Braking System

• Braking Systems - This is a device that applies the brakes in the towed vehicle when you are applying the brakes in the motorhome.  Most people when they start out towing don't believe they need a braking system.  The motorhome is big it can easily stop itself and a car behind it.  And generally this is true, but how much time and distance this can happen is the real factor.  With enough notice most motorhomes can stop most towed vehicles, but it is the emergency stops that causes the problem. Your motorhome cannot stop in the same distance with that additional weight back there and in many cases that stopping distance is increased considerably. And then we have the legal aspect, all states have a towing law with most requiring a supplemental braking system when towing over 2500 lbs. And an even scarier situation would be a brake away, where the towed vehicle became detached from the motorhome.  With a braking system the included brake away safety device would apply the brakes on the car immediately.  Blue Ox offers a few different types of braking systems:
• Portable Braking System - This is easily installed and removed from the vehicle when ever needed and utilizes a decelerometer to actuate the brakes proportionally with the stopping of the motorhome.  An air or electric cylinder is attached to the brake pedal and depresses the pedal as braking is needed.  This is a good choice when you maybe using multiple tow vehicles or change vehicles frequently.  The downside is that it take a little more setup time than a permanently installed system and it has to be stored when not in use.  The Blue Ox Patriot Braking System is the only model they have in this category of braking systems.
• Momentum Braking Receivers - These are the simplest of all braking systems and  use the forward momentum of your towed vehicle to pull a cable that is attached to the towed vehicles brake pedal. Blue Ox currently offers the Universal AutoStop & AutoStop for Aladdin/Alpha towbars
• To see some of the other option in braking systems that Blue Ox doesn't cover click here.

Blue Ox Towing Accessories

• Towing Accessories - As with anything as involved as towing a vehicle behind your motorhome, there are many add on items that maybe needed to complete the job or just make it a whole lot easier.
• Taillight Wiring Kits & Cables - Your towed vehicles taillights must be working to be towed so there are a number of solutions from adding additional bulbs to the taillights or tapping into the vehicle wiring and adding blocking diodes.  Since your Blue Ox Baseplate comes with a mount for a taillight receptacle, it can be utilized with a coiled cable that attaches to the motorhome 7 way trailer connection.  This allows for quick and easy connection to the towed vehicles lighting.  
• Towed Vehicle Protectors - Use these shields to protect your towed vehicle from flying rocks, debris, oil, mud, tar, dirt and other items kicked up by your Motor Home.  These devices deflect road debris away preventing chips and dings to your towed vehicle.
• Tow Bar Accessories - Items such as safety cables, tow bar locks, tow bar covers, adapters and repair parts.

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Eternabond Microsealant Tape for RV Roof Repair

RV'ers understand the frustration that can accompany leak repair. Regardless of the type of roof your RV EternaBond leak repair tape is a revolutionary product that is designed for immediate and permanent RV roof leak repair. Easy to use, a single application of the product is enough to create an instant waterproof repair regardless of the material in which the RV roof is constructed, including the traditionally difficult-to-repair roofs like EPDM, TPO, Hypalon, Fiberglass and Aluminum.

RV Roof damage due to inferior leak repair products

has, over time the effects of exposure to the environment, expansion and contraction, acid rain and snow cause a number of problems that could lead to leaks and costly repairs.

EternaBond is made up of a technologically advanced family of sealants called MicroSealant. All EternaBond tapes are made using advanced MicroSealant Technology which is a unique combination of resins and rubbers, infused with a built in primer.  EternaBond features one of the most aggressive adhesives currently available, yet EternaBond is environmentally friendly. It is literally used the same way a roll of tape would be. There are a number of variations of the product depending on the desired color or type of leak repair that is being done. Nevertheless, the process is the same: cut off what is needed, remove the release liner and apply directly to the area where the leak is believed to be located.   EternaBond tape is pressure activated so it must be rubbed or roll aggressively.

Because Eternabond has an integrated primer, the surface area simply needs to be as clean and as dry as Eternabond AlumiBond and Eternabond RoofSeal both have specially designed UV protecting backing material so there is no need for additional treatment products. More over, these tapes have an elongation capacity of 500 to 800 percent, so they will expand and contract with the roof and are almost impossible to thermally shock. EternaBond roof repair tapes can be installed in temperature ranges from -20°F up to well over 150°F. They also have a life expectancy of 18 to 35 years, and a shelf life of at least 5 years.

Eternabond RoofSeal

possible for optimum leak repair results.

Why deal with the hassle caused by using less permanent repair solutions such as lapp sealants when you can use the simple and efficient Eternabond products? Not only is it easy to use, but when you take into account its impressive durability, it is a much cheaper option in the long run. You have made a hefty investment in your RV and relying on inferior products is not a good option. Let Eternabond ensure you stay leak free.

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