RV Traveling News

Atwood-Suburban RV Water Heaters

2010-10-02T05:40:00.001-07:00

There are two main manufacturers of RV water heaters, Atwood and Suburban with the majority of RV water heaters and motor home water heaters being either one or the other. The RVs, which do not come with one of these water heaters, are typically in the higher priced range for motor homes which use instantaneous water heaters or some variety of engine assist water heater.

For those units that do have the Suburban water heater, you will typically find them with tanks ranging from 4 to 6 gallons with standard-mount doors. One of the main benefits of the Suburban RV water heater is their longer performance life primarily due to the two protective parts and systems, one of which is the anode rod that almost neutralizes the aggressive water action on the metal tank. The other protective element is the porcelain lining made of a corrosion resistant material to prevent the heated water from drastically harming your RV heating unit. Suburban Water Heaters are offered with a three-year warranty, but to prolong the unit life, proper maintenance is recommended.

The second brand and equally as good as the Suburban is the Atwood Water Heater. This style of water heater features a patented through-tube combustion chamber which utilizes the pilot flame to help maintain water temperature thus preventing heat energy loss. Atwood units are very lightweight and compact which allows them to fit into spaces as small as 121/2" x 16" allowing all controls to be accessible from the front for easy servicing. A large number of Atwood Water Heaters feature a heat exchange system that allows the water from the vehicles engine to be piped to the water heater and then returned to the engines cooling system as cool fresh water. For units that have this option the water in the heater storage tank is first heated by the waste heat from the engine while driving so you will use far less LP gas. The Atwood high-performance models deliver about 27% more hot water than standard water heaters. The mix of both gas and electric provides an increased recovery rate of 50% over the standard gas heater.

For both Suburban and Atwood units which are gas, they use either pilot light or direct spark ignition. RV Water heaters with ignition system with direct spark ignition are best in areas that typically see a large amount of bad weather so you can control the water heater and heating process with a remote switch from inside of the RV. For units that are equipped with pilot lights there is reignitor which keeps you from having to relight the pilot when it is extinguished or when the gas supply is turned off.

The RV’s and Motor homes that are equipped with the 6 to 16 gallon size of Suburban water heater are fast recovery units with 12,000 BTU gas input and provide as much as10.2 gallons per hour recovery and with a specially designed insulation jacket, more heat remains used and less heat loss. By utilizing both an electric heating element and gas burner at the same time it is possible to achieve an even faster recovery rate.

Since they are small in size, Suburban RV water heaters can be installed very easily and are convenient to use, operate and maintain. Even if you have an RV heating unit from other manufacturer installed it can be replaced and with Suburban accessories the installation is a snap.

Atwood Water Heaters

2010-08-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Over the past 30 years Atwood has been designing and manufacturing water heaters for motor homes, trailers and many types of recreational vehicles. Atwood got it start by using the special techniques for the marine industry and quickly saw the application for use in the RV industry and has since become the leader in this market. Atwood is the largest manufacturer of specialized water heaters for recreation vehicles and marine use worldwide, with a great many years of experience building lightweight, reliable products for difficult mobile conditions.

Atwood Water Heaters come in a variety of models including electric, liquid propane-fueled and combination gas/electric units. Although Atwood water heaters are not tankless, the design of their tanks and the unit that contains the heat exchanger allows the water heater to operate in much the same way as many compact tankless units. Because of this, Atwood water heaters give you a wide selection when deciding on a fuel type based on each customers RV needs.

The design and functionality of the Atwood water heaters insure that water is heated quickly and efficiently and the patented design makes sure that they deliver every possible ounce of usable hot water from the tank. Atwood’s proven reliability as a leader in manufacturing water heaters gives every customer the assurance and satisfaction they want. Each one of the electric water heaters manufactured by Atwood comes fully equipped with a high quality incalloy heating element. This revolutionary designed allows each Atwood Water Heater to operate even when the tank accidently runs dry.

Atwood Water Heaters are built with efficiency in mind. One way Atwood proves this is with the development of efficient heat exchangers that quickly heat water when under power. Atwood has focused on developing each component for the maximum efficiency based on the capacity of each unit. Because of this each heat exchanger is specifically designed for the water heater's capacity resulting in the least amount ot time to heat up. Atwood Water heater heat exchangers use double tube construction that helps to prevent the possibility of containments entering the fresh water system.

The outer construction developed for every Atwood water heater is designed from corrosion resistant materials and is designed to stand even the harshest of environments that customers may choose to take their recreational vehicles into. Atwood has placed special attention to even the smallest of details including the edges and corners to assure the greatest safety. Even things such as the cubic shape and lightweight aluminum-alloy tank were considered when determining the greater flexibility when using water heaters with the vast number of RV floor plans.
Atwood Water Heaters are a favorite among RVers because with most models they can heat up in less than 30 minutes creating a generous amount of water to make everyone’s trip on the road an enjoyable one. When designing their units, Atwood takes all mobile hot water needs into consideration and as a result has produced a full line of products to suit every RV model and customer tastes.

If you are looking to replace an old or worn out water heater or are simply wanting something more efficient, you first need to start by consider what your hot water needs are. Think about the size of the tank that will you currently have and whether the new Atwood model you have chosen will fit in your recreational vehicle without hindering movement. Even though every Atwood water heater tank is designed to be space saving, like any other water heater, if filled to capacity new units can easily add between 70 and 200 pounds to your trailer or motor home.

Although size is an important factor, the next most important item to consider is the fuel type based on the current capabilities of your RV or trailer. As previously stated, Atwood Water Heaters are made to run on 120-volt electricity, liquid propane or a combination of the two. One feature when considering a gas unit is its standing pilot light which helps to maintain a constant temperature for added fuel efficiency. If you are considering a model that uses liquid propane or the combination gas/electric you must remember that they require a minimum input of 8,800 or 10,000 BTU depending size. As an example, with a gas-fired unit that has a 10-gallon water heater with 10,000 BTU inputs will produce a maximum of 8.4 gallons of hot water per hour. The units that are a combo of gas and electric feature the simultaneous use of the gas burner as well as the electric heating element. When they are used together it is possible for an 8,800 BTU unit with a 1,500-Watt element to generate as much as 13.5 gallons per hour. With the new Atwood 10-gallon exothermal gas/electric combo water heater, customers have seen as much as 50% more hot water than the standard electric unit.

Every Atwood water heater is designed to be lightweight, easy to install or replace and serviceable by any reputable RV dealer. The addition of fiberglass insulation around the interior of the storage tank helps to keep hot water ho continuously. The fact that they have reviewed so many manufacturer designs when designing their units insures the maximum possible space-saving when you incorporate any unit into the layout of your recreational vehicle. With decades of experience and thousands of units sold, Atwood is positioned to remain number one in the design and manufacture of compact water heating units and specialty water heaters serving both the RV and marine markets.

RV Water Heater Anode Rods

2010-07-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

If you have a RV water heater it is likely you have an anode rod in the inner tank. This little critter is probably the most unknown friend to most campers that there is. The anode rod in your water heater is a part in the water heater that makes the inner tank last longer.

Have you ever heard the expression “the sacrificial lamb”? This is what the water heater anode rod is. It sacrifices itself so that the inner tank of your water heater can last an extreme amount of time longer than had it not been in there. I was in Florida once and a RV Repair Facility / RV Parts Store had an entire wall of inner tanks for water heaters. I asked why they had so many and this began my education on the all important water heater anode rod.

They explained that the water there had minerals in it that just played havoc on the inner tanks. It ate into the aluminum tanks and created pin holes which of course caused the inner tanks to leak, especially while the tank was under pressure. While this area was severe, almost all areas have water that will cause this. The culprits are usually high contents of iron and or sulphates.

The answer to some degree is the anode rod, which, depending on your water heater most likely will be about three quarters of an inch in diameter and four and a half to nine and a half inches long. Some are made from aluminum or magnesium. It is most likely threaded in the beginning with a hex head on the end and the remainder being smooth. The anode rod acts kind of like a magnet. It attracts the minerals that eat into the lining of a tank and causes them to eat into the rod instead.

Since many campers don’t even realize they have one, it is our hope that this article will be informative enough that it will inspire action to check this baby at least once a year. It is an easy replacement and actually quite inexpensive, especially if you do it yourself. The part is probably only ten to thirteen dollars and can be removed and replaced in less than twenty minutes.

To do this simply turn off the rv water heater and wait until all water in the tank is cooled and has no risk of being hot enough to burn you. Lift the pop off safety valve up to release pressure and to allow air into the tank and then simply unscrew the anode rod. The water will drain quite quickly. It will even drain faster by opening a couple of faucets inside the coach. When the water has drained out of the water heater just screw the new anode rod back into the opening. The most commonly used tool is a one and one sixteenth thin wall socket.

One might ask how they would know if the anode rod needs to be replaced. You can do this by removing the anode rod as explained in the previous paragraph and when you remove it just look and see how damaged it is. It is my opinion that if it is has been sacrificed more than half of its original size to go ahead and replace it. If however, budget is a constraint, you can put it back in and just check it again a little later down the road and replace when you think it has nothing else to give. Just remember that it is a lot cheaper and easier to replace an anode rod than an inner tank. Always keep in mind how much of an integral part the rod plays in extending the life of your inner tank.

Just as a little additional information the huge majority or RV water heaters are produced under two brand names. The Atwood and the Suburban brands. The Suburban RV water heater is the only one to have an anode rod as a standard part. The Atwood brand of RV water heaters have an aluminum tank where the Suburban has a steel tank but it is porcelain lined.

If you have any questions on parts for your RV water heater or any other RV Parts or RV Accessories you can find the internet a great place or resource for additional information and can contact one of the many RV Parts Dealers online or you can also contact your local RV Dealership or RV Repair.

Camper Toilets - What is the Fix?

2010-07-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

The toilet that you have in your camper makes a big difference in the cost of repair, even if you do not realize it. Some campers think that repairing a toilet is cheaper than replacing it. If you are the “Do it yourself” type camper that may be the true, however this article will help to educate the rest of us in order for you to make a well informed decision.

The Thetford and Sealand toilets both have parts that are easily obtained, at least for most models I should say. It is most likely that you have a Thetford rv toilet in your camper since the Thetford Aqua Magic Four has been installed in the largest number of RV’s by far. I have found that if you are not a do it yourselfer it is for sure in most cases less expensive to replace the toilet rather than repair it. There are some simple repairs that make it possible to repair it for less than replacing it, but you should consider however, that if it is an older toilet that future repairs are quite probable. With that in mind you still might want to consider replacing rather than repairing.

If you do in fact choose to replace it, there is a good chance that you have an Aqua Magic IV which is no longer produced and has been replaced with the new Aqua Magic V. If you are replacing your toilet and have the Thetford Aqua Magic IV, there are other options such as the Thetford Aqua Magic Style Plus or Thetford Bravura Toilet as well as choices from the Sealand line of toilets. You will have to choose whether you want a hand or foot flush, and whether you want to stay with plastic or upgrade to china. You will also have the choice of adding a water saver. Regardless of which choice you make you will most likely be happy with the quality and dependability of any product available.

I have seen do it yourselfers replace a toilet and not replace the floor flange. This is silly. While you have the toilet removed it only makes sense to replace the floor flange and in most cases, when you purchase a new toilet, it will come with a new floor flange. Be careful when reconnecting your water line so as not to strip the threads. This is a common mistake and will lead to a lot more work that is unnecessary. Thetford also makes a great line of RV Porta Potties.

Make sure that you take the time to check out your options and find the RV toilet that is right for you. To some people, it might just be a toilet. However, if you plan on doing some serious RVing, it will be an important decision to make. I suggest you check with your local RV Dealer or shop online with one of the many RV Parts Dealer stores. Do your homework either way. Your local dealer will almost always be your best source of information and help. However, if you are shopping online, if that online store is a good one, they will be accessible either by phone or e-mail during normal business hours.

RV Hardware for Beginners

2010-07-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

When I first started camping it was frustrating to explain what I needed when it came to repair or replacement of my RV hardware because here were so many things that fall into the category of RV Hardware. So I am going to try and help the new camper (like me a few years ago) to understand some of the different terminologies. I am not going to go into all of them in this particular article, but focus mostly on the interior hardware. In this explanation I will discuss RV hardware normally found in the hardware section in most RV catalogs beginning with RV Cabinet Hardware.

Cabinet Hardware-RV cabinet hardware would be cabinet latches, positive latches, push latches, and bunk latches.

RV Cabinet Latches- Latches usually requires touching, pulling, or pushing, but usually has one moving part.

RV Cabinet Catches --Again these require pushing or pulling but will have more moving parts. There are also many more catches than latches. Most of them are commonly known as barrel catches, roller catches, magnetic catches, bulldog catches, and concealed roller catches. These are primarily to keep the cabinet door closed while in travel.
RV Cabinet Hinges – These are pretty self-explanatory, however, there different types of hinges. In addition to finishes such as brass hinges, antique finished hinges, stainless steel, and/or brushed nickel, there are hinges that are free swinging, self-closing and self supporting.

RV Cabinet Door Struts -- Cabinet door struts are mostly spring-loaded arms that keep the cabinet door raised when you open it, so that you don't have to hold the door up as you are trying to remove or place articles in the cabinet. These struts are most commonly found on doors that raise horizontally. They're very popular because they are user-friendly, at least most of the time.

Cabinet Drawer Hardware -- Cabinet door hardware is pretty much limited to drawer slides sockets, drawer bumpers, drawer slide kits. The slides in sockets are available in plastic and metal. It’s important to remember that if you are purchasing parts for cabinet drawers you will usually need to know if it is for the left or the right side.

RV Window Hardware is the next segment and covers quite a few part numbers and part types due to the variety and quantity of window cranks with differing sizes and shapes. There are a number of RV manufacturers that supply window covering hardware, but for the most part window covering hardware can be purchased through your local RV dealership or from an online RV Parts Dealer store. The parts I am referring to are snaps, hooks, blind quieter’s, curtain tracks, snap tape, curtain hold-down's, and curtains themselves.

RV Bed/ Door Gas Props -- Gas props are used mainly for doors, bed lifts and compartment doors. Gas props when replaced need to be replaced with the correct one. This is important because they need to match the length, pounds that they will hold, and the height that they will extend to. Using the wrong prop can cause damage and injury to both the RV and yourself. Make sure if you need help in this area to ask for it. Often times if you're replacing a gas prop you will need to replace the brackets as well. When securing them to the surface and you use the same holes, make sure not to strip it out even though you want it to be held tightly in place.

RV Compartment Door Hardware -- This type of hardware can be frustrating. RV baggage door catches and latches can be found in different shapes and sizes. While the reality is there are only a few types, there are many styles. RV baggage door catches can have either squared or rounded ends and come in white, kind of white (called colonial white), beige, black, and chrome colors as well as stainless steel. The circumference of most RV compartment doors or RV baggage doors, which ever you decide to call them, is almost always the same but the length usually comes in four sizes. They also have two different ways to secure the baggage doors, keyed meaning you can lock them, or thumb blocks, which secures the door, but does not lock them.

RV Entry Door Hardware - Entry door hardware consists of grab handles, and entry door holders. Grab handles are mounted on the side of the door and helps one enter the RV more safely. Door holders are used to hold the door open securely. RV door holders come in different lengths, angles, colors, and styles. When replacing a RV door holder, it is easy to take off and put on, and also easy to identify what you have.

I think this is enough information for this article. I will cover some other RV hardware in future articles. They will be talking about awning hardware, window awning hardware, RV door locks, and other related RV hardware.

Big Changes in Shurflo RV Water Pumps

2010-06-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

If you have been around the RV life style for very long it does not matter if you have a Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, Motorhome, or Camper, you probably have heard of Shurflo water pumps. They go back a long way and the same is true if you have been around the marine industry. As for reputation, there is not another company out there that produces RV water pumps that is as respected as the Shurflo RV water pump producers. While many people have heard that big change in Shurflo Water pumps is coming, I am here to tell you that the change is already here. While the Shurflo model 2088 water pump has long been the standard, it has to make room for the next generation. It has been long over due, and with all the changes in RV design with larger and more significant selections and options, and with the concerns of many customers having been heard, the Shurflo RV water pump 2088 should have been replaced a lot earlier. Though it has been a tried and true performer- the time has come for a new family member.

It is exciting to see the all new series of RV water pumps come to the market. The next generation RV water pump is called the Revolution. And whew- a revolution it is. This all new model pumps three gallons per minute and up provides up to fifty five pounds of pressure per square inch. It has a unique single piece diaphragm with an internal by pass that will for sure extend the life of the pump. It does not rapid cycle like the old 2088 model and it is much quieter making these all great improvements and what we believe will surely please almost any RV and Camper enthusiast.

If you ever need to have your Shurflo water pump repaired, you might first consider upgrading to the Revolution. It is a definite replacement for the 2088 and if you consider the cost of the repair, upgrading to this next generation of pumps may well be worth the extra cost. In my mind it is worth the money to upgrade even if it doesn't need repaired.

Shurflo manufacturing has been meeting the needs of the RV and marine industry in the area of twelve volt RV water pumps for a long time and in my opinion has done it well. With this next generation of pumps I feel confident that Shurflo will hold on to its vast market share in the RV industry as well as its market share in the marine water pump arena.

Shurflo RV water pumps can easily be found at almost any reputable RV dealer, RV Parts Store, or online with many RV Parts Dealers. If you are buying on the internet make sure you get the right model the first time to make sure your savings are not lost on return fees. Contact your local dealer or call the internet store if you have any question about getting the right RV water pump for your rig.

RV Water Heater Selection

2010-06-27T04:29:00.001-07:00

If you are like most of us campers you truly count on your water heater in your rv. Having an RV is a great luxury that many people enjoy for a variety of reasons. However, it is also something that involves a lot of responsibility and maintenance so that you can enjoy your RVing experience without the frustration of having no hot water. If you need an RV water heater replacement you can replace it with the same one, but you can upgrade if you so choose.

Whether you have a Suburban RV water heater or Atwood RV water heater, you can find all the models and also repair parts online or at your local RV dealer. If you have a six gallon heater you will probably want to stay with that capacity, but can pick one to replace it with that also has a direct spark ignition, electric (120v ) option or both. You don't necessarily have to stay with the same brand, but you will want to check the rough opening to make sure the one you pick will fit if you are upgrading. You will want to decide if you want one that has an aluminum tank with an anode rod or one with a glass tank. You will find these easily as you do your homework. There are two brands that dominate the RV market. They are the Suburban Water heater and the Atwood water heater. They both are very reputable and have readily available repair parts and great customer support.

Your RV needs to be in good working order, and that includes having a high quality, functional water heater so that you can take showers or use hot water whenever you might need it. Whether you're taking a trip for the long haul or just going away for the weekend, having a functional RV is going to make the experience much more enjoyable for everyone. One of the best tips I could give you to make sure that this is the case is to test it before you leave on your trip. While this will not guarantee that it will work when you get there or that it won't become inoperable while you are using it, I feel confident that it will for sure give you much greater odds for a great trip.

As I said earlier you can find both water heater replacements and repair parts for Suburban and Atwood at most RV dealerships and online RV stores. If you shop online make sure that they have a phone number prominently displayed and a "Contact Us" tab or an "ask a question" tab so if you need help you can get it. I hope this has been of some help in your quest to fix or replace your RV water heater. Here is a list of both brands most popular models.

Here are some of the most common and or popular model numbers in both Atwood RV water heaters and Suburban RV water heaters:

Suburban SW6P
Suburban SW6DE
Suburban SW10D
Suburban SW10DE
Atwood RV water heaters
Atwood G6A-7
Atwood G6A8E
Atwood GCH6AA
Atwood GCH10A-4E

RV Vent Lids and RV Replacement Lids

2010-06-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

When you want to keep your camper or RV looking like new for as long as possible, checking your vent lids and replacing them when needed is not only a great idea, but also a great investment for your RV. Over time, RV vents and lids can crack, warp, and become worn with age because of the elements, especially the direct sunlight. Whether it is rain, sun, or snow, all types of weather can wear on your RV and you need to make sure that you can take steps to keep things in good working order. Keeping a vent lid in good repair can save you thousands of dollars in repairs or trade in value. Some times vents have small cracks and you don’t know it. This is the worst kind of damage, because you don’t know it needs to be fixed until it is too late.

RV Vent Lids are made with many different kinds of products, but polypropylene is the most popular. They are ultra violet-stabilized to provide a longer life than many other vent lids, and they often come pre-assembled for a quick and easy installation. The mounting hardware is galvanized steel and rust-resistant and you can find a variety of them to suit your RV when it comes to size, style, and more. You can choose from many different models to get the exact look that you want or just invest in the one that is most efficient or that will be the most durable over time.

Buying a vent lid can be confusing, but if you look online at most online stores you will find a large variety of styles and brands to suit even the most discriminating tastes. One of the more popular brands, Camco has four that will cover a huge majority of replacement RV vent lids. They have a total of eight, with four that are impact resistant and four more that are unbreakable. This really helps you get past the numerous vent lids that are available and makes it a lot less confusing. Although the standard is typically white, you do have the option for smoke color as well. You just need to find the ones that fit your particular RV and make sure that you choose the style, brand and color that you like best. Camco RV and Maxxair RV vent lids are the most popular brands available. You will also want to think about how much you want to spend, because there are a variety of prices available depending on the ones you choose.

All of these are readily available at most major RV dealerships or at one of the convenient online RV Parts Dealer websites. If you do choose to shop online make sure it has a phone number in plain sight and a tab that says "contact us", or "ask a question". Most reputable dealers will provide multiple ways to contact them and this is usually an indication you are dealing with a store that cares about your satisfaction. You want to make sure to get the right product the first time so when you crawl up on the roof to replace you won’t find out it is the wrong one. You will then have the hassle of returning to the store or internet to start all over again.

Atwood RV Water Heaters

2010-06-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

If you are an avid camper, it is most probable that you rely a great deal on the water heater in your recreational vehicle. Having an RV can be enjoyable for numerous reasons whether it is tailgating, traveling, or just simply camping. No matter how you might use your RV, maintenance is always required and the best kind is preventive maintenance. It needs to done by you or by an RV service center that has a qualified RV technician on staff so that you might enjoy your trip without the hassle of not having the water heated when you are ready to do dishes and more importantly, when you get ready to shower. When it comes time to consider replacing your RV water heater, you can always replace it with the same type, but just remember that in most cases you do have other options to consider.

Atwood RV water heaters mainly come in two different sizes, the six and ten gallon capacities. The main variation is whether it uses a pilot unit or a direct spark ignition. Most campers like to have their RV water heater to light from the inside of the camper. This requires the DSI ( direct spark ignition) instead of the pilot model. While this is a nice feature, it does cost more, but it is a cost that most find worth it for the convenience. Atwood makes a pilot model, a DSI model, and a gas/electric with DSI. If you have an Atwood six gallon RV water heater you will probably want to stay with that capacity, but can you do have the option to pick one to replace it with that also has a direct spark ignition, electric (120v ) option or both. You don't necessarily have to stay with the same brand, but you will want to check the rough opening to make sure the one you pick will fit if you have made the decision to move forward with an upgrade. Atwood water heaters have a great reputation in the RV industry and have readily available repair parts and great customer support.

Your RV needs to be in good working order, and that includes having a high quality, functional water heater so that you can take showers or use hot water whenever you might need it. Whether you're taking a trip for the long haul or just going away for the weekend, having a functional RV is going to make the experience much more enjoyable for everyone. One of the best tips I could give you is to make sure that you test your unit before you leave on your trip. This will provide you the confidence that it will work when you get there and that it won't become inoperable while you are using it. By doing these few simple steps I feel confident that your next trip will be a great one.

Here are some of the most common and or popular model numbers for Atwood RV Water Heaters:

Atwood G6A-7 -- 6 gallon pilot
Atwood G6A8E --6 gallon direct spark ignition
Atwood GCH6AA 6 gallon gas/electric- direct spark ignition
Atwood GCH10A- 10 gallon gas/electric direct spark ignition

I hope this helps in your water heater selection.

Suburban RV Water Heater

2010-06-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Most people rely on the water heater in their recreational vehicle. Having a camper is a luxury for numerous reasons. Maintenance however, is needed on your RV on a regular basis and you will benefit if you do preventive maintenance. It can be performed by you or by a recreational vehicle dealership. You will enjoy a trip for sure without the hassle of having no hot water when you are ready to take a shower or do the dishes for your wife. If you need to replace a Suburban RV water heater you can change it with the same model, or you can upgrade it if you have one of the more basic Suburban RV water heaters.

Suburban RV water heaters for the most part come in six and ten gallon capacities. The main variation is if it is has a pilot light or an electronic ignition. Most people like to have the ability to have their RV water heater light with a flip of a switch from the inside of the camper. This requires the water heater to have a direct spark lighter instead of a standing pilot light. While the DSI is nice, it is a little more expensive. Suburban makes a model with a standing pilot, and a DSI model, and also a gas/electric with DSI. If you have a Suburban RV water heater with a six gallon six gallon tank you probably want to stay with that size, but you might want to pick one to exchange it with that has a DSI option, or the electric (120v ) option or maybe splurge and get both. You don't have to stay with the exact brand, but you need to check the opening size to make sure the one you pick will fit if you are splurging and making the leap to get a nicer one. Suburban RV water heaters are very dependable and you can get repair parts easily.

Your camper should always have a water heater that is working properly so that you can take showers or use hot water whenever you might need it and not be in trouble with a "I told you to fix it". Whether you're taking a trip for the long haul or just going away for the weekend, having a functional RV is going to make the experience much more enjoyable for everyone. One of the best tips I could give you is to make sure to test it before you leave on your trip. While this will not guarantee that it will work when you get there or that it won't become inoperable while you are using it, I feel confident that it will for sure give you much greater odds for a great trip.

Here are some of Suburban’s most common models:

SW6P -- -- this Suburban is a pilot water heater
SW6D -- --- this Suburban is a direct spark ignition water heater
SW6DE ---- this Suburban is a 6 gallon gas/electric with direct spark ignition
SW10D ---- this Suburban is a direct spark
SW10DE-- this Suburban is a 10 gallon gas/electric direct spark ignition

The Hardware Section in an RV Catalog Or Online Store

2010-06-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

There are far too many things lumped in one pile considered to be RV hardware. There are almost unlimited amounts of items called RV hardware. There is hardware for awnings on the side of the RV and another type of hardware for awnings that cover windows and slide outs. RV hardware in a catalog more likely contains items such as cabinet hardware and window hardware. Here a few of the things you might find if you looked in the catalog.
Hardware for cabinets in an RV such as different types of catches and latches not only for cabinets but also for bunks. Then it will have all the different types of hinges and cabinet door struts. In that section you will find in another group, hardware for RV drawers which are very limited. Items such as slides, guides and kits.
In the RV hardware section, but a different grouping you will find window hardware which consist mostly of operators and knobs. There are a tremendous amount of these but if your RV is relatively new it is easier to find the ones you have. It will be separated but this is where you find all the drapery and curtain hardware. To me this a bear but companies such as RV Design have narrowed it down to the most commonly used items which makes it much easier. Things like hooks, snaps, curtain tape, and so on.
Locks and twist knobs for your baggage doors look like there are a lot of them and there is, but only because of the lengths of the threaded part and whether it is lockable or not.
Locks for your entry doors are in the hardware section and they are usually black, white, and chrome. If you have a travel trailer or a 5th wheel they are easily found, but motorhomes are a little more difficult.
Gas props for cabinet doors and bed lifts are there also and again RV Designs brand of hardware has come out with a chart that simplifies this for easier identification.
Awning hardware will not be in that section but will be found in the awning section by itself. There only two real players are far as having the majority of the market and they are A&E and Carefree of Colorado.

Bike Racks for an RV

2010-06-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

If you're taking an RV trip and you need to bring bikes along, you're not going to want to waste valuable space by putting them inside of your RV or camper. However, if you want to make sure that your bikes are safe while in transit, you should consider RV bike racks to help you carry and store your bikes. You can find a variety of bike carriers and racks to choose from, including different brands of bike racks, bumper mount bicycle racks, and more. There is so much out there to choose from that it can often feel overwhelming. However, if you simply take the time to check out your options, you'll have no trouble finding what you need.

Take the time to consider all the different RV bike racks that you can find. There are plenty of options for all sizes and types of RVs, and it's up to you to choose what works best. Ask yourself a few questions when it comes to choosing the right one, including:

-How many bikes are you going to take?
-What quality is the rack?
-Can you get to them easily?
-Do you have a unique bike style that needs a special rack?
-What do you want to spend?

There are a few different types of bike racks available to choose from, including bumper mount bicycle racks, hitch-mount, and bike carriers that mount in different ways. You need to think about the size and type of your RV, and the questions listed above, to see which one is right for you.

Take the time to do your home work before you make your selection and make sure it fits your needs. Whether you need to haul one, two, or four you can be sure that there is a rack that will fit your needs and your budget. You just need to figure out what you need and how much you want to spend at the least.

Lastly, make sure it will not void a warranty on your camper if in fact it is still under warranty!

RV Categories

2010-06-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a lot of confusion when using the word RV and what it describes. It is my hope that this simple little article will help in understanding all that the letters RV encapsulate.

First RV is short for Recreational Vehicle.and is generally used to refer to a mobile vehicle equipped with living space and amenities often times found in a home. The majority of recreational vehicle will normally include some combination of a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom and a living room. For many, the term RV represents a motorhome, but while that is true it also covers other types of recreational vehicles. The main categories would be Motorhomes which covers Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, B+ motor homes, and even a couple of other areas such as the toy hauler motor homes, B class motor homes, and Super C's. Then there are the Towable categories which represents travel trailers, hybrid travel trailers, toy hauler travel trailers, v-front travel trailers, work and play travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy hauler fifth wheels, low profile fifth wheels, mid-profile fifth wheels, high profile fifth wheels, entry level fifth wheels, luxury fifth wheels, and fold campers also called pop up campers.

For most people who opt to go the route of purchasing an RV their main reasons are to give them more freedom to enjoy everything from brief leisure activities such as vacations and camping, to full-time living in trailer parks. As you can tell the letters RV covers a huge arena of products of which I named above. When you add brands and niches to all of the above it becomes a giant. It is hard to understand and even harder to make a decision on what to purchase. Questions like what type would work best for me? What size would work best? What is the difference between the brands? Do I have the right tow vehicle? I know I want a towable type but should I get a travel trailer or a fifth wheel? Should I get a bunkhouse camper or a mom and pop style? Should I buy a Sandpiper Fifth wheel by Forest River Inc or a Wyoming Fifth wheel by Coachmen? Should I buy a wildwood travel trailer by Forest River Inc or an Autumn Ridge by Starcraft RV?

These are all great questions and we are writing articles almost everyday to add to our article directory. The decision on what type of RV to purchase rests entirely with the individual. Yet to help make that decision here are some things to consider. Do I want to drive my RV or pull it with a tow vehicle? Is it going to be set permanently? If so definitely a Lodge park trailer would best fit this need. One of the best tips I could give is to visit a RV dealer and sit down with a sales consultant and talk your needs through with them or visit a RV dealers’ web site and look through the product and then e-mail them with questions.

I wish you the best in all your RV adventures. Happy Camping!

Wildwood Travel Trailers

2010-06-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about taking a road trip and seeing the country, while camping all the way, you need to have a look at Wildwood Travel Trailers by Forest River. For many people who dream of getting out on the open road and wheeling around the country can become reality. For quality and convenience and the amenities they offer we feel they can't be beat. With a wide range of floor plans, including bunkhouse campers, the options are endless. Take a look at what they offer and configure one to meet your needs and you could be out on the road traveling safely in comfort and style in no time.

Wildwood Travel Trailers provide RV owners with the assurance that their particular trailer is built from the best available components from the wheels up. They are engineered and manufactured to the most exacting and stringent standards. No matter which version you choose, you can rest assured there will be years and years of worry free traveling ahead for you and your family. All of their floor plans are designed with your comfort in mind using the highest quality materials regardless of which floor plan you choose.

As a prominent player in the RV industry, Wildwood travel trailers pack a great deal of quality and convenience into every model. From the ground up, every model is designed on the basis of quality because to compete we realize that our customers have come to expect the finest components and the best design and engineering from our products. For people with specific taste, Wildwood travel trailers deliver one of the widest varieties of floor plans that are built to the standards that have made Wildwood one of the most popular recreational vehicles on the market today.

For those people who opt to go camping in one the many Wildwood Travel Trailers available today, they will find that it is just like staying in a hotel. And for many, they find that it is even better because you can choose from any location from around the country, many with a water view! With the large spacious interiors, the whole family can stretch out and enjoy camping time in comfort. With such a large selection of floor plans to choose from, there is a layout for everyone. Each floor plan allows you to choose from many configurations that will fit almost every camping style. If you need a little private space away from the kids, consider going for one of the bunkhouse travel trailers for some extra room.

For most people the idea of getting away on a nice long camping trip sounds like a dream but with Wildwood by your side it doesn't have to be a dream! Just pick one of the many available models at your RV dealer and they will your dream come true. So get started with making your dreams come true and be on your way to more fun than you can imagine. Pick an RV dealer you feel comfortable with and sit down with them to discuss your specific needs. This will help make your selection and camping experience more likely to be what you wanted it to be.

Don't forget to ask about the additional things you will need for the camper and also to make sure you have the right tow vehicle. Having the right tow vehicle (if you are going to tow it) is one of the most important factors when choosing your RV. Best wishes and happy camping.

Wisconsin RV Storage in Burlington

2010-03-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Before you hit the road this summer and take your next big RV trip, you need to know that everything on your RV is working. Burlington RV and Wisconsin RV Storage with their onsite experts make it much simpler for their customers to keep their RVs ready to roll. Burlington RV offers RV storage with reasonable access, and peace of mind thanks to their fully-fenced, well-lit storage facility and 24-hour video surveillance. Customers have the ability to access their RVs at any time, day or night, and they can rest assured that their stored RVs are safe.

Serving RV owners in customers in Sturtevant Wisconsin, Illinois and surrounding areas, Burlington RV Storage provides superior service that goes beyond necessity and adds luxury. Because of the harsh Wisconsin climate, our RV storage is designed to help protect your investment with an enclosed facility that helps to protect from the elements.

Burlington RV Storage is always offering specials on RV storage that allows new customers to get the best value around on all your RV and trailer storage needs. To take advantage of what we have to offer, contact Burlington RV now.

To learn more about Burlington RV Storage, which also offers many other storage solutions, call 888-783-2645 to schedule your free tour.

Wisconsin RV Storage - Safety - Satisfaction

2010-02-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

Recreational vehicles are investments in the good times that you spend with family and friends. You want RV parking and RV storage where you know that your investment is safe, secure and fully accessible when you’re ready to go. You have a lot invested in your RV. Don't let the weather, vandals, or pests ruin your fun. Are you concerned about neighborhood covenants that are keeping you parking that recreational vehicle at home? Do you have city ordinances that won’t allow parking your RV on the street or in your driveway? No need to fight the neighborhood and you’ll really appreciate having your driveway back. There are so many great RV storage facilities available that it is easy to find one that’s just right for your needs.

When choosing a place to store your RV make sure that your Motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel or other towable is stored in a professionally managed RV storage facility. You need to also address cost, monthly or annual contracts, access hours to get into your RV, whether the site provides insurance of any kind while on their lot, taxes, security, and access to a manager or onsite person when needed. If you aren’t sure how long you might want to store that RV, you may want to look for one that offers month to month payment terms. By going month to month, you only pay for the storage you need when you need it.

Some Wisconsin RV storage lots provide "winterization", battery charging, cleaning, period courtesy checks, etc. You need to consider issues like weather protection, insurance, and accessibility. If you are storing your RV in a cold climate for the winter you will find winterize your RV helpful as well. Many RV Storage locations facilities are usually fully equipped with a dump station and water station making RV storage and trailer parking between trips easy and worry-free.

Other things to consider when evaluating storage locations are whether the storage is indoors or out. Are the driveways and doors wide enough for your motor home? Do they have dump stations? Is there water and electrical available? Do they offer any additional services for your RV such as oil changes and washes? All of these will have an effect on the price so be sure to take them into consideration.

Inside RV storage verses outside – When considering this factor, outside storage is typically cheaper; otherwise if you can afford it store the RV inside, especially if you can do it in a controlled temperature environment. Inside facilities should provide air-conditioning in the hot climates and heat for colder climates. When storing your RV inside usually eliminates the need for an expensive RV cover, tire covers, winterizing which takes a lot of time and planning although RV cover can be great when considering dust and dirt over a few months time., keeps animals and most bugs out, prevents all weather related damage like high winds, sun, and hail and rain, aging. They also tend to be more secure than outside RV storage places.