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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.

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Common RV Parts and Accessories You May Want to Stock Up on this Summer

As you get ready to head out for a weekend of RVing, you may be checking things off your list that you need to bring. However, there are still some RV parts and accessories you may not have thought to add to your checklist.

When camping around Edmonton, you want to be sure that you have all the essentials with you. Some parts and accessories that should be acquired might not have made your list. Have a look.

RV Accessories

No matter if you are RVing around Edmonton or going further away, you want to put safety first. That’s why you should have a First Aid Kit or Emergency Kit on hand at all times. You also want to be sure that it is fully stocked.

If you are environmentally conscious, chances are you aren’t eating off of paper plates each evening with plastic cutlery. Therefore, you want to make sure you have a good supply of dish soap on hand for washing those dirty dishes. Although having some plastic cutlery and paper plates on hand isn’t a bad idea.

As with dishes, you want to make sure you have laundry detergent to wash your clothes. If you are camping for a weekend or a week, it is a good idea to have something you can use to wash clothes with. You never know when a tumble in the mud can ruin clothes you needed for camping.

RV Parts

You want to make sure you RV is always running smoothly. A good quality RV lubricant spray is going to be an essential item that you want to have in your RV at all times.

If you are a seasoned veteran on the RV scene, then you know that leaks can happen and they are terrible to get. Therefore, a good sealant is also something you are going to want to make sure you have with you at all times. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t hurt to keep spare sealants on hand.

To enjoy a comfortable and clean stay in your RV, you want to have a tank treatment with you. A tank treatment is a concoction of special chemicals that will help break down waste and toilet paper to keep your RV bathroom running properly. Additionally, it helps eliminate odor, which can be a huge problem in a small space.

Other Items

A few other items to have on your checklist:

  • Your personal toiletries. Items like shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, and toothpaste are things you are going to want to keep in your RV.
  • Toilet paper is important to keep stocked. You can purchase a good, rapidly dissolving toilet paper that is ideal for RV bathrooms.

Time to Relax

Heading out camping is a great way to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Don’t let missed items take away from the joy of the wilderness.

When looking for RV parts and accessories, be sure to come down to Edmonton RV, we have what you need!

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RV Parts and Accessories that You Didn’t Know You Needed

So, you think you’re ready to hit the road this summer? You may want to look at your list before you go – here are a few RV parts and accessories you don’t want to leave home without:

Drinking Water Hose

Invest in a good quality hose that is BPA-free and can withstand both hot and cold weather. Most are simple to hook up and can provide you and your family with great tasting, fresh, safe drinking water. When it comes to RV parts and accessories, this needs to be first on your list!

Leveling Blocks

These are essential, and you’ll need to purchase blocks that can withstand the weight of your RV. Make sure they have a solid bottom to prevent them from sinking into the ground. We carry a vast selection of blocks to suit your needs.

Collapsible Kitchen Accessories

Your RV parts and accessories list wouldn’t be complete without some kitchen gadgets! Collapsible kitchen accessories like mixing bowls and colanders will help you make a gourmet meal, and if you’re short on storage space, they don’t take up too much room. We carry a selection of colours and kitchen gadgets you won’t want to be without.

Solar Battery

A solar battery can be a lifesaver if you’re camping where electricity is nowhere to be found. These can help you enjoy the best that nature has to offer, while still giving you the conveniences of home. How cool is that? We carry a variety of solar batteries, panels and chargers that you won’t want to leave home without. You may even get camp off the beaten path!

Table Fan

When the heat and sun get to be too much, you’ll want a fan to help keep things cool, especially if you’re inside cooking. We have just what you need to keep you cool, so add this to your RV parts and accessories treasure chest.

Go ahead, add these to your RV parts and accessories list and you can be sure to have an exciting adventure with family and friends. Take a look at our games, camping chairs, awning lights, and anything else you may need to make your home away from home feel cozy this season! Visit us today for all your RV parts and accessories needs.

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What Types of RV Service Can You DIY While Out on the Road?

No matter what kind of RV you have, or how ‘new’ it is, you’ll need to consider RV service at some point. As a smart RV owner, you know you need to have your RV inspected before you go; but what if something happens when on the road? The key to a great vacation is knowing what to do when the unexpected happens. Here are some DIY tips on RV service you can do yourself while on your travels:

Tires

A flat tire is by far the most common issue that comes up, both for regular vehicles and RVs. Luckily, changing a tire isn’t a difficult chore, as long as you have the right tools. Make sure you check your spare tire before hitting the road, and stop in today for any tire repair tools you may need.

Broken or Cracked Windows

You probably won’t have any spare windows on hand, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a temporary fix in place to hold until you get home. We carry a selection of tapes and glues that will prevent a cracked window from spreading. If the window is broken, you’ll have to board it up and secure it until it can be replaced by a professional RV service technician.

Awning Repair

Tears are quite common, particularly for older awnings. Tape may secure the tear and make your awning usable until you can get it properly fixed by an RV service tech. Be sure to secure your awning during rough weather, always put it down before moving (even if it’s just a campsite over), and keep it dry during storage.

Broken Rooftop Vents

Age and weather will take its toll on your rooftop vents and eventually these will need to be replaced. Your RV service tech can recommend a quality replacement, but until then you may need to either cover it or take it off completely. If you take it off, you’ll need to replace it asap, before the next rain storm, to prevent serious damage to your RV, and avoid a costly RV service.

Things will come up that you don’t expect while you’re on the road – that’s just life; but being prepared will make a big difference in how you handle these challenges. Call us today to talk with an RV service technician and stock up on what you need to be prepared on the road.

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Can You Perform an RV Awning Repair by Yourself?

Can you perform an RV awning repair by yourself? The short answer is – probably. The real question is – should you? That question is a little harder to answer. It really depends on the extent to the repairs that need to be done. Here are some things to consider before trying any repairs yourself:

Are You the DIY Type?

Do you often fix things yourself around the house, or on your car? Do you change your own oil on your car, fix minor plumbing leaks in the bathroom, or build shelves for the laundry room? If so, then you may be just the right person to your own RV awning repair. If you can’t tell the difference between a hammer and a wrench, well, then you may want to get repairs done by a professional. Of course, small tears can happen at any time, and for a quick fix, you’ll want to keep RV awning repair tape on hand, just until you can get the repair done properly. We have a selection of tape and other repair kits that you shouldn’t leave home without!

Making Your Awning Last

Your awning is an integral part of your overall camping experience. It can protect you from the sweltering heat, short but intense rain storms and too much exposure from the sun. That’s why it’s important to take care of it and make it last as long as possible. Here are a few tips:

  • Always secure your awning to protect it from winds and harsh weather conditions
  • Inspect it regularly to make sure there are no tears
  • Clean it regularly with vinyl spray to help prevent mildew
  • When setting it up, put one side lower so water runs off easily
  • Make sure your awing is dry before long-term storage
  • Fix any repairs before storing your RV

Professional RV Awning Repair Is Your Best Option

Whether you’re the handyman around your house, or you don’t know a fuse from a circuit breaker, getting an RV awning repair professional to help is probably the best choice. Spending money for a repair is better than paying someone to fix your mistakes. In the long run, it just makes sense. Call us today for all your RV awning repair needs. Our technicians will help keep your awning in great shape for years to come.

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Here Are a Few Minor or Major RV Repairs to Make Before Hitting the Road

You might be ready to hit the road this spring – but is your RV? Before you pack up, it’s important to make sure that all your RV repairs have been completed; especially the ones you’ve been putting off since last season! You may think a problem is just a minor one, but once you’re on the road that minor nuisance may become a major one. You’ll not only ruin your trip, you’ll break the bank! That’s why we pride ourselves on great service that won’t break your pocketbook. We’ll make sure your RV repairs are done right the first time, so you can have peace of mind on the road. Here are a few things to check on your RV before you head out.

Minor RV Repairs:

  • Awnings: Make sure your awning works and that there are no holes, tears, or scratches in it. Even the smallest hole can become a big one quickly, so get it fixed asap.
  • Pop-ups/Slide-outs: Test these to make sure they work properly, both to set up and close. If not, you’ll have less sleeping room inside the camper, which can make for a cranky crew!
  • Windows: Check for chips and cracks on all your windows. As with awnings, even minor chips can become big ones in a hurry. Our RV repairs experts can help you see clearly again!

Major RV Repairs:

  • Electrical Systems: Test your electrical systems to make sure everything is in good working order. This includes electrical outlets, your generator, and your furnace. If you have the slightest concern, contact us right away.
  • Plumbing/Water Systems: Your hot water heater, water faucets and even your refrigerator need to be tested before you go.

Need help with testing all of your RV’s components? We’re here for you! Give us a call, our RV repairs experts can inspect your systems and advise you on what needs work and what is in good working order.