Friday, April 27, 2012

Don't let this cost you money!

Hello again RVer's! DON’T LET THIS COST YOU MONEY! Extended service plans and factory warranties are great when you have an RV because they cover costs when something major goes wrong that is covered by these. However many of us void them by not doing the proper maintenance. Make sure to keep up regular maintenance especially on the roof by checking seals, keeping it clean and using the proper UV protection to prevent cracking. Also you want to make sure that your tire pressure is always at proper inflation so that if these are covered as well you never have a problem with a claim on them because under/over inflation of tires will cause a claim to be denied. Remember proper maintenance and tire pressure will help you avoid your warranty or service plan being voided. Happy Camping!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

XtraRide Extended Service plan for your RV or Motorhome

I can get you an Extended Service plan for your RV whether you bought your RV with us or not and even if it is used! You should consider an extended service plan for you RV not only to protect your investment but your pocketbook as well. Did you know that XtraRide is the only company that is endorsed by the RVDA? There are several companies that offer extended service plans that are members of the RVDA but XtraRide has the Exclusive endorsement. Whether your unit is new or used, you can still get an extended service plan. We offer deductibles from $50 to $200 and XtraRide covers more components than any other service plan, like the nuts and bolts that aren’t usually covered by other companies. XtraRide offers additional benefits as well, such as emergency roadside assistance with sign and drive coverage 24/7 anywhere in the USA (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada. Tow coverage for your unit and tow vehicle are also included. While you are on vacation in your RV, both your unit and your tow vehicle are covered for towing up to $1,000 as long as it is a mechanical breakdown. There’s also Travel expense coverage, Service call coverage, Food Spoilage, Fuel/L.P gas coverage, Manufacturer’s deductible coverage, pet benefit, air fare allowance, concierge services and 24/7 RV tech assistance. When we sell an XtraRide service plan they are all Platinum service plans that include the optional Tire and Wheel program. That covers road hazards and you can use it to get your tire fixed or replaced without making your personal insurance premium go up. If you’re looking for a service plan whether you bought your unit from us or not we can get you one that will cover more than any other company offers and for a longer period of time. Call Laci at 903-469-3071 for more information and I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or get you a free quote. Here the link to the brochure for a little further reading on what is covered! https://www.ficafe.protective.com/ficafeForms/marketingMaterials/xtridettbrochure.pdf Happy camping!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

RV Checklist

Hello again Rver's! There are so many things to do before you go on your RV vacation. To help get things in order here is a checklist of things to do before hitting the road to make sure your RV is in good working order: 1) If it's been awhile since you've used your RV, plug it in and make sure that all your electrical components are in good working order. 2) Make sure that your LP bottles are full 3) Check you LP detector to make sure it is in working order. 4) Make sure that all you appliances (stove, furnace, A/C, Refrigerator, water heater) are working properly. 5) Make sure all water lines and water fill hoses are in good working order and have no leaks. 6) Make sure the holding tanks are clean and sanitized. Also make sure to add holding tank chemical (or what you choose to use for this purpose) are put into the tanks. 7) Check Tire and spare tire pressure. 8) Check all external lights to make sure they are working properly. 9) Check your brake system. 10) Make sure all outdoor accessories are secure. 11) Make sure your battery is charged properly charged. 12) Pack up the rest of your gear and family and Happy camping!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Slide Out Care

Hey RVers! To help aide your slide outs operating smoothly and to help prevent leaks inspect them on a regular basis. Keep them clean and spray slide out seal conditioner and UV protectant to keep them soft and plyable and in good condition!

Here is a link for a good RV slide out conditioner and UV protectant in one that is inexpensive and effective http://www.shoprvparts.com/product.do?no=12719F

Remeber if you have any questions we are here to help! Happy Camping!

Friday, April 20, 2012

RV Water System

Hello RVer's! Having a reliable source of useable water is essential to fully enjoying your RV. The following are a few tips to help keep your system running clean and trouble free:

1) Us a white "drinking water" supply hose. These hoses are rated drinking water safe and won't add that plastic garden hose taste to your water.

  2) Always use a wter pressure regulator. Your RV water system is a low to moderate pressure system. Unexpected high water pressure can cause damage to water lines, faucets, and connections.

3) Consider using an in-line or coach water filter. Using a filter can not only improve your waters taste but can also help prevent build up of minerals, sediment and rust in your hot water heater, faucets and lines.

4) Flush you water hose with a little running water before hooking up to your unit to prevent bugs or debris from entering your water check valve and system.

5)Inspect and if neccessary replace your water heater anode rod at least once a year.

6) Sanitize your portable water holding tank before use especially if your unit has been stored for a length of time.

7) Drain and winterize your water lines, water heater, and storage tanks before storing your unit through the winter.

Try these tips and keep your water system trouble free!

Happy Camping!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Flying Insect Screens

Hello RVers! Spring is Here and so are all the flying insects and birds that come with it! As much as we love the birds they can cause damage to our investments! Wasps, Mud Daubers, Birds and rodents find any place suitable to build nests. Sometimes that place is the vents and openings in our RV's and that can cause serious damage and interfere with air flow in and out of your furnace or other RV components. To prevent this from happening make a small investment in a Flying Insect Screen for those openings and vents that are accessable to those little critters. They are relatively inexpensive and can save you big bucks down the road. If you're looking to buy them online go to this link and see what's available http://www.shoprvparts.com/search.do?q=Flying+Insect+Screen Happy camping!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Managing Waste Water Tanks

Hello RVer's!
Managing your waste water tanks can be a task that very few enjoy. Here's a few simple steps to follow to help keep them in good shape and prevent stop ups.

1) Keep you black water tank valve closed during use to allow enough water build up for proper evacutaion, this will help prevent stop ups.

2) Generally it's good practice to dump the black water tank before the grey water tank. Before dumping the black water tank allow the grey water tank to fill partially with water so that you can use the grey water to flush out your sewer hose after dumping the black water tank.

As always, Happy Camping!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Battery Care

Hello Campers!
Keeping you Battery maintained is something that can save you headache and time while on the road. To extend the life of your battery there’s a few simple steps that you can follow:
1)
Maintain Water Level. If your battery has removable vent caps, you should regularly check the water level and add water when it is low. If full-timing or if you leave your RV hooked up to electricity the contentious charge cycle of your convertor can accelerate fluid loss in your battery. Check your battery at least every 60 days under these conditions.
2)
Keep Terminals Clean. Visually inspect the terminals and cables at least once a year, especially in hot temperatures, for signs of corrosion. If dirty or corroded, clean the connections with a scraper and wire brush. This will ensure a good connection and proper starting.
3)
Keep Case Clean. Keep the top of the battery clean of heavy dirt and oil with a cloth dampened by ammonia or a 50/50 solution of baking soda and water. Then rinse with clear water and allow to thoroughly dry.
4)
Keep Battery Charged. If your RV is not used weekly, it may be necessary to charge your battery before use. Lack of use is hard on a battery. Any unused battery, regardless of its chemistry, will self-discharge over time and, if allowed to remain discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and battery failure. The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage temperature. So, it's important to keep your battery charged.

These steps save you the headache of being somewhere without the use of your batteries and saves you money from having to replace them prematurely.

As Always Happy Camping!!!!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Tire Saftey

Hello RVers! Tire safety is something that we never really think about. It should come as a natural part of our daily travels but there are a lot of us that don't think much on it. Few things can ruin a vacation as fast as a blown out tire. It can leave you stranded as well as be costly and dangerous. Overloading, under inflation, under use and long term exposure to the sun and weather can all lead to premature tire failure. These few tips can greatly extend the life of your tires as well as your pocketbook and peace of mind.

1. Check tire pressure periodically. You should keep your tires at proper inflation both while in storage and on the road.

2. Protect your tires from sun and weather. Use tire covers on your tires if storing for long periods outdoors.

3. Apply UV protectant on your tires every few months if they are uncovered.

4. Know what your trailer weighs when loaded. Do not EXCEED your manufacturers GVWR rating.

5. Use your RV- The rubber in your tires loses it's elastisity if stored and not used of long periods of time.
 

If you have any questions about what the PSI should be always consult a professional. Give us a call at 903-469-3071 or visit our website at www.welcomebackrv.com to email us. We'll be happy to help with any questions you may have.

 Happy Camping!

Friday, March 30, 2012

RV slideouts

Tip of the day: Having trouble getting your slides to go out? RV Slide out systems require 12 Volt DC electricity from your RV Batteries to operate so check the voltage of your battery and charge if/as needed BEFORE any troubleshooting. If there is no response when you operate the slide out switch, check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. It could be in the ‘house’ fuse/breaker panel, around the battery compartment or in the power line at the motor. Happy Camping!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Rubber Roofs

Hey Campers! Though most of us know this, don't forget to check your rubber roof. Though they are durable and carry a long term guarantee the still need maintenanc. Check caulk, apply UV protection and clean it periodically to keep it in the best condition. This little tip comes from the owner. Though you don't have to clean them regularly, cleaning it periodically will keep it in better shape. Rubber roofs are great but can still devolop a leak if not cared for properly. As always, Happy trails!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Maxx Air Vents

Good Morning RVer's! Those of us that are new to RVing are always looking for ways to make RVing more enjoyable and easier. A little tip that I got from our parts manager is; to avoid your 14X14 vents from becoming weather deteriorated is to put a Max Air cover over them to keep your RV vented. In any kind of weather these will do just that while also preventing rain from coming in during inclement weather. No one wants a stuffy RV especially on a hot, rainy summer day. So keeping those vents open while also keeping the elements out is always a good thing. They are relativly inexpensive but also saves you money in the long run since you'll have to reaplace those 14X14 vents less often by protecting and also allowing your self more fresh air by being able to keep them open and the fresh air is the reason we go on these RV trips so lets maximize the air flow why don't we? If you're reading this and wondering where to get one of these you can either come see us in person at 4453 State highway 31 E Athens, Texas 75752 or click this link http://www.shoprvparts.com/search.do?q=maxx+air+cover and purchase it online and have it shipped to your door step! Hope your all enjoying your spring vacations and as always we're here to answer any of your questions! Happy Trails!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Preventing leaks in your RV!

Most new RVers aren't aware of the little things that they can do to prevent leaks and water damage that can cost big $$$$! The best tip that I have gotten thus far from our parts manager here at Welcome Back RV is to take a little step and always check sealents on you RV's roof around the vents and seams for cracks and shrinkage. This will prevent leaks and possibly save you money in the long run! Questions are always welcome and I will do my best to get you an answer to any RV question you may have! It might take a while so please be patient but I will get back to you! If all else fails, call us! We're here to answer any questions you may have! You can look us up online or in the phone book!www.welcomebackrv.com