Category: RV Tips & Tricks

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Get Your RV Ready for Your Summer Getaways

RV service must be performed every year to ensure that your RV is summer and camping ready. As spring is in full bloom and with summer peeking around the corner, you know it is time to get that RV camping ready. 

Camping in your RV around Edmonton is a great way to explore the wilderness and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. So have a look at some of the most needed Spring RV service checks that you should perform before the camping season is in full force. Contact us to get your RV ready.

Start your Spring RV service with this checklist: 

Batteries 

Have the RV batteries checked to ensure that they are in proper working order. How well those batteries are working is dependent on how you stored them for the winter. Ensure that they are ready to take over powering your RV.  

Water Systems 

You probably did this as part of your de-winterization, but you should run the water until it is free of anti-freeze, and all the pipes have been checked for damage. Make sure water tanks are full and ready to be used safely. 

Appliances 

Your appliances have been sitting all winter long without being used. Now is the time to clean them up and start them up to be sure they are going to work. Clean out the fridge and plug it in. Start the stove to make sure it is ready for cooking summer camp foods. As part of your RV service, check your LP gas cylinders.  

Safety 

Test all the safety items in your RV to be sure they are working efficiently. You want to check and replace all batteries for your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors. Furthermore, make sure your filters are changed in heating and air conditioning units. Safety is essential, so making sure that your detectors are working is vital.  

Seals 

You may have already done this as part of your de-winterization as well, but all seals and seams of your RV should be checked. You don’t want to be camping in the middle of nowhere and end up with water dripping inside, wreaking havoc on all the vital components of your RV. As part of your RV service, you should have all your seals and seams checked. Re-caulk anything that needs to be sealed better and fixed.  

Visit the Experts 

Having your RV service done for the summer months is essential to ensuring your camping is fun and relaxing. However, there are some services you need to have checked by professionals to make sure they are safe and secure. Your LP gas components are one that, if damaged, you want to have checked by a professional.  

Getting your RV service done right may require additional help. That is why you should come see us at the Edmonton RV to help you get your RV summer camping ready! 

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Time to De-Winterize Your RV for Summer

As the ice and snow thaw around Edmonton, it is time to consider getting your RV ready for camping season. As the weather starts warming up it is time to get RV service done to prepare it for when you will be using it every free moment you have. Contact us to learn more.  

Our Checklist

There are some proper steps to take to help you de-winterize and perform RV service in a way that will ensure you don’t miss anything vital. Therefore, check out these de-winterizing tips to get your RV summer ready.  

  1. Hook up all the water pipes and run the water in your coach until the water starts to run clear, and all anti-freeze is gone. 
  2. Once you have run the water through all the water sources, turn the bypass until it’s in normal mode so that your RV hot water tank can fill up. Make sure to keep a hot water tape open to expel all the air, and a steady stream of water flows through.  
  3. As part of your RV service, make sure to fill the freshwater tank. Have a look through your entire cabin and follow all the water lines to check for damage.  
  4. Once the hot water tank is full, you can cycle it through 120VAV and with propane fuel.  
  5. Next, check your lights to verify that they are all in good working order. At the same time, you can check all fluid levels in the engine before starting it up.  
  6. Check all the seals on the windows, doors, skylights, etc. As part of good RV service, you need to be sure that all the seals are secure, and that water and wind won’t get through. 
  7. Since you are going to be traveling with your RV, you want to make sure the tires don’t have excessive wear and that they are holding the proper air pressure. 
  8. Slideouts need to be opened and closed to ensure the jacks and leveling systems are in proper order. Check that the hydraulic fluid is topped up as well.  
  9. Though not as important as the rest, you should also take this time to check the awning and ensure that it is not damaged. 

The best way to ensure your RV is ready for summer camping around Edmonton is by making sure all your de-winterizing RV service is done. There are more components than you may think to your RV that should be checked and serviced before you hit the woods.  

Visit the Pros! 

When looking to get your RV service done, if you want or need a professional opinion, come and see us at Edmonton RV. We have all the parts needed to help you service your RV for a fun and productive camping season. 

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Common RV Repairs You Should Be Ready For

Going out in your RV around Edmonton is one of the highlights of the summer. However, nothing is worse than experiencing problems and needing to get RV repairs done in the height of the camping season. However, your RV needing repairs is common, and they need to be taken care of quickly and efficiently. Contact us for your RV repair needs.

What you need to keep the fun going is to be aware of common RV repairs you need to be prepared for throughout the camping season. Here are some common repairs that you should be ready for.

Tires 

Your tires are going to a blowout or end up with a flat at some point in the time you own your RV. It is essential to your RV, and your peace of mind, that you check your tires often for wear and tear. Furthermore, since flats can’t always be prevented, having a spare tire and a repair kit on hand is a good idea.

Brakes

Just like any other vehicle, you are going to experience occasional issues with the brakes. Having your brake system checked before hitting the open road is always a good idea. Replace brake pads, rotors and any other necessary parts that are starting to wear down.

Plumbing

Your RV is a home away from home. Therefore, like a home, you are going to experience plumbing issues. However, since your plumbing in an RV is on a much smaller scale than that of a home, you need to be prepared for issues with the pipes. Replace rubber seals and valves when they are starting to experience problems.

Leaks

Your window or roof may start to leak. Since the roof and the windows are designed to be lighter than any other home, they don’t always hold up when damage occurs. As part of your RV repairs, be sure to check that the seals are strong, and no debris on the roof has caused damage.

Waterline

As one of the most common RV repairs, you need to be prepared for the water line to burst or the pump to break. Emptying your water tanks and properly storing your RV when not in use can help avoid these issues.

Mistakes

You are a human being, and that means you are going to make mistakes. Some of the most common RV repairs that need to do are a direct result of human error. When packing up your RV, make sure to take your time and be methodical. Takedown the awning before traveling, disconnect hoses and make sure all sliding rooms are in traveling condition before leaving a campsite.

Trust the Professionals

Repairs are going to happen; you aren’t sure when and where. Being prepared for common RV issues is the best chance you have to avoid major repairs in the future. However, if you find that you need RV repairs, see us at Edmonton RV. We are happy to help evaluate any potential issues or get your RV the service it needs.

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Things to Know Before Starting Your RV Awning Repair

During the hot summer months, an awning is a feature for your RV to have. A little shade could mean a huge difference to your comfort levels when it comes to hot misery or semi-cool comfort. However, with the summer months comes the tendency to get some surprisingly powerful summer storms that can wreak havoc on your awning. Therefore, you may find yourself in need of RV awning repair. Contact us for RV parts

If circumstances arise that require you to need RV awning repair, then there are a few things you should know that can help you get your RV awning back to functioning order.

Take a proactive approach

To help prevent major RV awning repair from being needed, you should always take a proactive approach. Addressing issues immediately can save you some major time and money when it comes to your awning. Check it over at the beginning of the season and look for any minor tears or holes that could be in the fabric.

Repair small holes yourself

Small tears or holes can easily lead to larger issues when a gust of wind or heavy rain pounds away at them. Therefore, it’s a good idea to go down to Edmonton RV and pick up some RV awning repair tape that is clear and can help seal any small hole or tears before they become larger. If the tear is too large for awning tape, you can get some fabric in the same color as your awning to repair it with.

Before you begin a DIY RV awning repair

Before you lay down some fabric glue or add some awning tape to your awning, you want to wash it thoroughly. You don’t want any dirt or small debris getting trapped under the adhesive, which can compromise the integrity of your awning.

RV awning repair

To apply any type of adhesive to your awning, you need to be careful to push out any trapped bubbles, especially under the tape. If you apply tape and find that it is in the wrong spot, just leave it and apply new tape because of its never a good idea to try and reposition it. Make sure to tape on both sides of the tear.

Fabric repairs are a bit trickier. You want to apply glue on both sides of the tear or hole and gently lay the fabric down methodically. Trapped air bubbles can interfere with the integrity of your awning as well as be unappealing visually.

Let Us Help

No matter what type of RV awning repair you need, come see us at Edmonton RV. We can help you assess your awning and help you make the right decision so that you have a happy and safe camping season. Come see us today!

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RV Parts and Accessories You’ll Need For this Upcoming RV Season

The RV season is upon you, and you are starting to consider getting things ready for hitting the road. You want to enjoy the camping seasons without any hazards. That is why you need to stock up on the right RV parts and accessories you will need throughout the camping season so that you aren’t stuck without something you need when you need it.

No matter how attentive you are in making sure you are prepared for camping, there is always something that either doesn’t make a list or get forgotten about. If you are wondering what RV parts and accessories you are going to need, then we are here to help you.

Don’t go camping without stocking up on these essential RV parts and accessories.

  1. Emergency kit – Camping is an enjoyable and adventurous way to enjoy a vacation. However, there are things that you can encounter in the wilderness that can have a serious impact on your RV experience. Therefore, be prepared for injury or illness and any emergency by making sure your emergency kit and first aid kit are stocked full. Your kit should include bandages, disinfectant ointments, common over the counter medications for various issues, road flares, and road triangles in case you break down. It’s also a good idea to have a thermal blanket because no matter how warm summer is, Edmonton nights can be brutal.
  2. Household items – You don’t want to be stuck outdoors without essentials like dish soap or laundry detergent. The wilderness near Edmonton and surrounding areas can be dense and come with a vast array of terrain. Therefore, you are going to get your clothes dirty and need to wash them quickly. Laundry detergent is always good to have. Dish soap is needed for ensuring you’re properly clean your dishes as well.
  3. Toilet Paper – If you think that this is something you won’t forget, you will. Everyone at some point who goes camping forgets that toilet paper is a must-have. Make sure to keep some on hand.
  4. Spray Lubricant – among the RV parts and accessories you should have, include spray lubricant. Having this lubricant on hand is vital to making sure that things keep running smoothly on your RV. From unsticking your slide-outs to keeping the floor from squeaking, this part is essential.
  5. Sealant – RVing is fun and brings you out of your everyday life. However, the Edmonton area nights are cold, the wind can be brutal, and rain will make that much worse. Therefore, have a sealant on hand. Keeping sealant helps ensure the integrity of your RV in many ways. Don’t let a cold draft keep you from being comfortable, or a little water runs havoc inside your RV.

Stock Up!

Before you go RVing this season, make sure to stock up on all the essential RV parts and accessories. If you aren’t sure what to bring, come down and see us at Edmonton RV. We are happy to help make sure you are prepared.

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RV Accessories Essential for Your Winter Camping Trip

The best part of owning an RV is that you can go camping any time of the year. Even in Edmonton winters, you can take your rig out and enjoy the wilderness. However, with everything snowed over, there are some RV parts and accessories you are going to want to have for your winter camping trip.

Stay safe when winter camping by having these essential RV parts and accessories on-hand when you head out.

Heat

Space heaters are a great way to stay warm during an Edmonton winter camping trip. One that plugs into a power outlet is cost-effective versus a propane heater. Depending on your RV size, you want to be sure to have the right number of heaters to keep the space toasty.

Condensation

Since condensation is always a winter culprit, you want to have a window or vent that can stay open. Condensation will cause mold and residue to build up that can be hard to clean.

Pipes

Getting a heated water hose is a good idea. Additionally, you are going to want to insulate all your pipes to keep them from freezing over. Having heating pads is also a good thing for keeping tanks from freezing.

Winter Emergency Kit

Emergency kits come in all types; a winter kit will have a heating blanket and other necessary equipment should you end up stranded in sub-zero temperatures. If you already have one, be sure that it is stocked up appropriately.

Clothing

Having extra clothes, blankets, boots, and jackets with you is always a good idea when winter camping around Edmonton. It is better to have too many extra clothes than not enough. Especially since the weather can turn nasty fast.

Air Pump

Some tires don’t fare well in the cold weather. Therefore, if you are going camping for longer than a couple of days, a good air pump for your RV tires is a must-have. Cold weather tends to lessen your tire pressure when immobile for extended periods.

Extra Insulation

There are many parts on your RV that you may have missed when insulating it to handle the winter. Therefore, as part of your RV parts and accessories, you want to have some extra insulation to get the areas you may have missed.

Activities

Even though many of the campsites around Edmonton still provide plenty of fun things to do when winter camping, you may want to have a few extra things to do. Therefore, bring your snowshoes, skis, and ice-fishing gear with you. Furthermore, you may want to have board games, a deck of cards, and books with you as well.

Hit the Road

Going winter camping can be a lot of fun as long as you are safe. Therefore, you want to be sure you have all the RV parts and accessories you are going to need to have a joyous winter vacation. Here at Edmonton RV, we have everything you could need to make your winter camping successful.

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Winter RV Trip? Be Prepared!

Just because winter has come and the days are shorter doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your RV. The winter landscape is peaceful, and the RV camps are generally quiet, so it’s a good time to head out for some much-needed relaxation. However, there are some RV services you are going to want to perform before you go.

What Should You Do?

Once you make the decision to go winter camping in your RV, be sure to perform your winter RV service before you head out.

  • Check all the windows that they are sealed appropriately and re-seal with caulking where it’s needed.
  • Use insulation boards to help keep the cold air from freezing water pipes, insulate tanks, and your floor.
  • Empty all your water tanks before heading out. You should add some RV specific anti-freeze to your tanks to protect the dump valves from icing over.
  • Insulate all your pipes and maybe consider a pipe heater and tank heaters so that sub-zero weather doesn’t freeze either.
  • Wrap up your entire sewer hose in insulation tape to prevent ice from building up.
  • If your RV has a freshwater hose, consider buying a heated water hose to avoid freezing or bursting.
  • Any exterior water pumps should have a small space heater to keep them toasty warm.
  • Add insulation curtains to your RV interior windows to keep cold drafts out.
  • All vents that are located on the roof, including skylights, should be re-caulked and fitted with vent cushions.
  • When the temperatures are extremely low in the winter nights, you want to ensure that two of the three refrigerator vents are blocked with duct tape. Additionally, if you choose to set a space heater in the tank space, make sure it isn’t near anything flammable.
  • Be sure to test out your furnace before going winter camping around Edmonton. You don’t want to be stuck without heat.
  • Consider additional heat sources if you feel that your current heat sources aren’t enough.

What Should You Bring?

Additional items are also a good thing to consider when going camping in the cold of winter. Other things you should have on hand are:

  • Chains for your tires
  • Extra clothing and blankets
  • Drinking water that is in a heated space.
  • A blow dryer should you need to defrost pipes.
  • Emergency items in the event that you get stuck.
  • Extra food
  • Charging panels that are solar-powered.
  • A generator might be a good idea
  • A shovel should you need to dig yourself out of deep snow.
  • A GPS that is designed specifically for emergencies.

Be Prepared!

When preparing to go camping in the winter, make sure your RV service is done correctly. To be sure that everything is in good order, have us at Edmonton RV check things over for you. Our professionals will ensure that your RV is winter camping ready.

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Get Your RV Set for Winter

Getting your RV Service done so that your RV is set for Winter is essential to you enjoying next camping season. There are a few things that must be done to winterize your RV so that it continues to work in proper order for you to go camping around Edmonton when the weather warms up again.

Get Out Your Checklist

Have a look at this RV service checklist so that you keep your RV running optimally and prevent undue stress on yourself when you open your RV up again next summer.

  • Be sure to turn off the refrigerator and clean it out. Leave the doors open so that it can air out.
  • Clean your RV oven and leave the door slightly ajar.
  • Remove all the batteries that are a dry cell from your clocks, smoke detector, gas detector, and so forth.
  • All food should be taken out of your RV, even if they are non-perishable.
  • Clean the awning and allow it to dry. Roll it up and place it in the locked position.
  • Install bag covers on all your RVs outside vents to prevent insects from coming in and nesting.
  • Lubricate all moving parts with a silicone spray to keep them from seizing.
  • Make sure your air conditioner has new filters in place.
  • Cover your air conditioner using an appropriate cover and not a plastic bag.
  • Check all the windows and ensure that they are all closed and locked. You may want to leave one roof vent, and one sheltered window open a slight crack to help keep air flowing and that dreaded musty smell out.
  • Lubricate all moving parts including hinges with WD 40. You may also want to lubricate the locks as well.
  • Close all the curtains throughout your RV to prevent the sun from damaging and discoloring carpets and upholstery.
  • Lower the antennas that are used for the radio or your television.
  • Get vent covers for the outside vents.
  • Check the underside of your RV and make sure any places rodents can get in is appropriately sealed.
  • Open up all your cabinet doors and drawers and leave them open throughout the winter.
  • As you perform your RV service for the winter, remember to check the tire air pressure.
  • If you have a higher-end RV and it comes with appliances such as a washer and dryer or dishwasher, you want to check what the manufacturer suggests you do to winterize them.
  • Throughout the winter you want to check for snow accumulation on the roof and remove it. Another good idea is to install a support for the roof to help with the weight of the snow brought on by Edmonton winters.

Make Sure You’re All Set

There are many things you should make sure to look into before closing your RV off for the winter season. When you are ready to get your RV service done for the winter, see us at Edmonton RV. We can help you get your RV winter ready so that you enjoy years of RV fun.

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Common RV Repairs You Should Consider in the Winter

Going Rving around Edmonton is a lot of fun, unless that fun gets interrupted because something went wrong. There are some common types of issues that most RVs will experience at least once by the second year of owning it or for sure by the 8th year.

When you are looking for RV repairs Edmonton, you want to be sure you know what type of problem you are encountering. Since prevention is better than looking for someone to do RV repairs in Edmonton, you want to know what you should look out for in terms of potential issues. Here are some common RV issues that you may encounter that you can have looked at during the winter so as not to ruin your summer fun.

Engine Troubles

You will, at some point, encounter engine issues. Therefore, you want to be sure that you get preventative maintenance checks done regularly. Check things like your coolant, filters, and fuel lines. When getting RV repair Edmonton, you might want to check spark plugs, brake pads, and other cables for any damage.

Batteries

One of the most common issues is the battery dies. While your RV is packed away for the winter, have the battery checked and get a new one if necessary.

Electrical Issues

You get ambitious with your “toys” and end up overloading your power supplies. Therefore, you want to check what works and what doesn’t when it comes to power. The appliances included in your RV are designed for the power your RV has. You need to be careful about extra things like hairdryers and coffee makers.

Exterior Damage

You are going camping around Edmonton with your RV. Therefore, you are surely going to encounter something that will cause damage to the outside of your RV. Have a look around over the winter and fix any exterior damage before camping season starts up again.

Tires

When looking for RV repairs to have done, you want to have your tires checked also. Tires withstand a lot of weight and wear. Therefore, you want to make sure that they are holding strong. Check for cracks, leaks, and wear on the treads. Change out your tires before the camping season begins again so that you aren’t delayed by a blown tire.

Come See Us!

When possible, you want to avoid any issues that could arise with your RV. Therefore, during the winter months, get your RV repairs done. Winter is always a good time to have preventative repairs done so that you can enjoy the summer months without any major issues putting your fun on hold. You want the right people who are knowledgeable about RVs to do your winter repairs. Come down to Edmonton RV, we know what we are doing, and we will make sure your RV is ready to hit the roads when summer comes back.

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Which Fabric is Right for Your Awning?

Whether you are just purchasing your first RV or sprucing up your existing one, you want to make sure to get the right awning for your needs. When it comes to RV awning repair, there are different types of fabric you can choose from before you go camping around Edmonton.

Picking the right fabric for your RV awning repair is crucial to providing you dependability and reliability. Therefore, you want to be careful in your choice.

RV Fabrics

There are two main types of RV fabrics you can choose from for your RV. There are Vinyl Fabrics and Acrylic Fabrics.

Vinyl Fabric

Vinyl fabric comes in a 4-ply fabric. Each layer serves a purpose that is needed for total protection.

  1. Clear vinyl on the top that will protect your awning from any scratches or color fading.
  2. The second is the painted layer, which adds color.
  3. The next layer is polyester scrim that adds strength and stability to your awning.
  4. The final layer is a plain vinyl layer that can be colored or not.

All vinyl fabrics you can get in Edmonton is designed with Weatherguard. When you go for your RV awning repair, you want to be sure to check which kind of Weatherguard is offered.

Acrylic Fabric

This type of fabric is a woven cloth that allows for air circulation. Acrylic is strong and dependable as it can withstand the sun, rain, ice, and snow. You will even have protection against dust, high winds or bugs. One good thing about Acrylic is that the airflow provides a cooling sensation when under your awning.

With Acrylic fabrics, you want to have some sort of Weatherguard with it. There are various types you can choose from that will help keep the elements from interrupting your camping experience. However, it is important to note that though Acrylic awnings are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. Therefore, to stay dry, don’t touch the bottom of your awning when its raining.

Be Confident In Your RV

No matter if you are just starting out with a new RV or getting your RV awning repair done, you want to be sure that you choose the right awning fabric to meet your needs. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of fabrics so that you can be sure that the one you choose will be the right one. You also want to think about what color you would like your awning to be. Finally, be sure to find out about the types of Weatherguard offered.

Get Help from the Professionals

When you need professionals to help you with your RV awning repair, come down to Edmonton RV, we are pleased to help you go through your options and choose the right awning fabric in the right color for your RV.