RV Accessories that are Perfect for Keeping Camping Chefs Organized

It’s no secret that whether you’re cooking inside of your RV or outside over an open flame, herbs and spices are needed to make a meal complete. So today, we wanted to talk about a few RV accessories designed to keep the chef in the family well organized.

One of the most convenient RV accessories to incorporate into a kitchen is Spice Clips. As you might have guessed, they are ideal for keeping your RV spice collection in order. What we really like about this organizing system is the attachment system. The clips get affixed to the inside of your motorhome using 3M tape instead of nails or screws. So you don’t have to worry about permanently marring your motorhome’s interior in the name of organization. The 3M tape is very effective when it comes to holding the clips in place as well, we've had ours up for two years now and they are still perfectly in place.

We also love the fact that these can be cut down in to individual holders or any other configuration you may need.  Each clip set can hold 12 standard jars of spices at a time, which should be enough to prepare most campground cuisine. Seasoned culinary kings and queens of the road, however, may want to add another set or two. That way, they can prepare more exotic dishes on a whim

If your RV’s cabinets feature glass or otherwise see-thru facing, you may want to go with the Stayzz Kitchen/Bath Utility instead. It’s made of lightweight, self-adhesive, removable foam that’s designed to sit inside of a cabinet as opposed to hanging on a door or wall. This foam holder is capable of holding 11 spice containers that range in size from 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Of course all of those motorhome accessories are well and good if you are cooking indoors. So at this point you may be ready to ask “What’s an outdoor chef supposed to do?” In our experience, for that situation, you may want to consider buying a Camco Table Caddy, a see-thru container or a small,portable tote. The table caddy is large enough to hold the simple things such as salt, pepper and sugar. The portable totes and containers will clearly be able to handle much more than that. To learn more about these organizing rv accessories, please check the store or contact us at (866) 332-7881.

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Camping Trailer Accessories: A Look at Camco’s Little Red Portable Campfire

Nowadays, many state parks and federal lands have rules that prohibit ground level or in-ground fires. Some areas also have strict restrictions on which fuel sources may be used to create camp fires. That said, it never hurts to have a backup plan in place. One camping trailer accessory that can effectively serve as a backup is the Camco Little Red Portable Campfire.

The Camco Little Red Portable Campfire does not run on firewood or charcoal. So there is no need to worry about firewood restrictions or ash residue disposal. It’s a self-contained beauty that runs on regular LP gas cylinders and features ceramic logs instead. The unit comes with a 9.5” ring burner, 11.25” fire tray, carrying handle and an 8’ propane hose for attachment purposes.

What we like about the Little Red, besides its self-contained portability, is the BTU output and adjustable flame. It makes achieving the right amount of light and heat very easy. The unit may be feasibly paired with other camping trailer accessories like a freestanding, metal, campfire grill or a couple of Rome Pie Irons. The campfire grill has a stake that is driven into the ground and allows for easy height adjustment. The Rome Pie Irons are compact and keep your Little Red Campfire from getting grease or melted cheese dripped onto the logs.

If you do decide to try and cook something over the portable campfire, remember that propane can leave black marks onto the bottom of metal pans. So you’ll want to try and remove them right away or use old cookware. Sometimes submerging the stained pans into a boiling hot, 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water will help to remove the stains. Commercial cleaners might be of use in such instances too. 

To learn more about camping trailer accessories like the Camco Little Red Portable Campfire, please contact us at (866) 332-7881.

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RV Accessories: A Closer Look at the Blue Ox Motorcycle Carrier I

Blue Ox Motorcycle Carrier I

Your RV is a means to embark on adventurous travels on the open roads of America. For some of us, being able to hop on our motorcycle to see the scenic sights makes for an an amazing and memorable journey. Here at RVupgrades we understand bringing your bike with your while you travel can be tough without the proper equipment, and the thought of leaving your motorcycle at home can be frustrating.

This is why we offer RV accessories perfect for the motorhome and motorcycle aficionado.  This month we are featuring the Blue Ox Motorcycle Carrier. A sturdy motorcycle carrier capable of being installed on to your motorhome quickly and easily, which is a big plus when it comes to the thought of bringing your bike along on the adventure.

This unique carrier allows you to bring your bike along for the journey and still have the ability to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. This is accomplished by welding the two included receivers to the frame of your motorhome and using the included receiver extension in your 2" receiver hitch. Blue Ox powder-coats the carrier effectively preventing rust and corrosion. The durable frame construction is guaranteed to not interfere with vehicle towing equipment and will fit most motorcycles due to the fully adjustable tire stop.

The Blue Ox Motorcycle Carrier I weighs approximately 130 lbs and is easily removed if the need should arise. The included tie down brackets and six inch wide tire rail will ensure your bike's safe and stable transport. Since the weight limit exceeds 900 lbs, you should have no trouble towing a cruiser-style or sport motorcycle.  

For more information on the Blue Ox Motorcycle Carrier or other RV accessories, please visit RV Upgrades.com. We proudly provide RV owners with the highest quality products and service for all your motorhome needs.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding our products.

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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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