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At East Coast Campers, we pride ourselves on providing the information and resources that all soon-to-be RV owners need to make the best decision for their individual needs, budget, and preferences. In this article, we’ll review the 10 things that all new RV owners should know before they hit the road. For more information or to explore our current inventory of models available in Frankford, please contact us or visit our website today!

Buying vs. Renting An RV

In the RV purchasing process, the first step that all potential owners should take is determining whether a permanent buy or a temporary rental is best suited for their needs. Buying an RV is certainly more economical of an investment that pays for itself in just a few years of regular use, but renting has its advantages too in that it allows new drivers to get a feel for a certain travel trailer or park model before they commit to any considerable costs. 

At East Coast Campers, we offer a variety of financing options for buyers, from payment installment plans to unbeatable discounts on used models. We want you to love what you buy at our RV dealership, which is why we never compromise our assistance services for new customers.

Work with a professional or a trusted local dealer

You wouldn’t buy a regular car without first consulting some kind of expert, whether it’s a friend who fixes up vehicles in their free time or it’s an experienced salesman at your nearest dealership. The same is true for RVs, whether purchased or leased. If you’re a beginner to the world of recreational vehicles, be sure to speak with a representative from East Coast Campers to ensure you’re getting the best information possible from a competent and knowledgeable professional. We’ve been in the industry for decades, so if you need insight as to what may be the best course of action for your RV acquisition, we’ve got you covered.

Perform independent research

If you’re truly interested in owning or renting an RV, you’ll be better prepared for what’s to come if you research the product details of models you like. There are many different categories of recreational vehicles available, from high-mileage destination trailers to vehicle-attachable travel trailers. East Coast Campers includes detailed information on all of its units, from compact classes like the 2020 Crossroads RV Zinger Lite all the way to the hearty list of facts and figures that accompany a Forest River Sandpiper model. When it comes to finding the perfect RV for your lifestyle and travel companions, whether they’re friends or family, the more you know about your model, the better equipped you’ll be to take care of it and enjoy it for years to come.

Always do a pre-drive inspection

Before you take off in your RV, you’ll want to inspect all elements and areas of the vehicle prior to hitting the pavement. Make a habit of doing this, as just a single part or attachment out of place could cause major structural issues or accidents. You don’t need to know every detail and idiosyncrasy of your RV unit, however, since there are affordable and accommodating inspection services available at East Coast Campers. We even offer parts replacement if necessary. To learn more about our expertise in preliminary and ongoing maintenance, check out our Service & Parts pages online.

Reach your destination at the right time

If you’ve ever tried to set up a tent in the dark, you likely made concerted efforts afterward to avoid encountering the same situation in the future. When driving an RV, getting to your campsite or destination during the daylight hours is especially important, not only for ensuring an easier setup, but also for preventing unwanted hassle and stress in the case that anything should go wrong.

Assess your awning

No driver wants to encounter an issue like a flat tire while en route to a destination. The same goes for the awning on your RV. Before driving anywhere, you’ll always want to inspect this area of your vehicle to make sure that there’s no possibility of the structure unfurling while you’re in motion. East Coast Campers recommends that all recreational vehicles with awnings include secure, durable locks as well. 

Know your tire date codes

If you’re not sure about the date of your most recent RV tire installation, you should check its product codes to get an idea. Like many standard cars, an RV needs to have its tires replaced about every 5 to 7 years; of course, this guideline varies depending on frequency of use and cumulative mileage. Regardless of how new your tires may look, worn tread isn’t always easy to spot with the naked eye, so be sure that you’ve received a thorough inspection and tire pressure adjustment before starting a journey with your vehicle.

Keep tools in tow

You never know when something may go wrong with an RV, so even if a breakdown or structural repair is unlikely, it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Be sure that your RV always has a well-stocked tool box somewhere in its interior. Include wrenches, nails, screws, nuts, bolts, wrenches, an air pump, and any other handheld gadgets you think may come in handy.

Lighten your load

It’s often easier said than done, but packing lightly is a critical aspect of optimizing your RV travel and performance. If you don’t need an object or a bulky clothing item on your trip, don’t bring it — simple as that. Lightening the overall load of an RV rig is not only a great way to prevent clutter and cramped quarters, but it improves your fuel efficiency and saves you money on gas expenses. 

Map it out

Identifying the route you plan to take with your new recreational vehicle may be more convenient on a smartphone, but a backup map of your end destination is a useful and reliable way to ensure that directions are always available — even when wi-fi or cell phone battery energy isn’t. 

Become A New RV Owner In Delaware Today!

Now that you’ve read about the essentials of owning an RV when you come from a beginner-level background, you’re likely ready to take next steps and get in touch with a local dealer. If you live in the greater Frankford area, East Coast Campers is the team to trust with all your needs, questions, and concerns regarding any and all kinds of RVs. From toy haulers to super-light travel trailers, there’s a recreational vehicle for every Delaware resident to enjoy. With summer in full swing and gas prices low, there’s never been a better time to pursue your dreams of RV ownership. Contact our team of camper & RV specialists today to explore options and inventory models that will suit your personal preferences and exceed your expectations!

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After reading this blog, you’ll be better equipped to start comparing models of motorhomes from a camper dealer near you. For a wide selection of RVs both new and used, check out our extensive inventory at East Coast Campers & More today! We’re located in Frankford but serve clients throughout the greater Delaware region, and we can even come to you to service your RV within a 50-mile radius.

Class A RVs

The largest motorhomes may come with steeper price tags, but given their maximized functionality and extensive specs, there’s really no better way to go than with a Class A RV. Most class A RVs will range in length from 20 to 45 feet, so even though they’re not always the easiest vehicles to park, their considerable size makes it all worthwhile. 

This category of recreational rig is perfect for long-term travel, from cross-country roadtrips to out-of-state snowbirding sessions. In our experience at East Coast Campers, we find that this variety is often recommended for big families or groups that need more storage and living space. To get a better idea of what a Class A RV looks like and what it features, check out this model selection guide from RVing Planet!

Class B RVs

Despite what the name may imply, there’s nothing average about most Class B RVs. This class of motorhome is an excellent choice for campers who plan to spend lots of time outside, so we recommend them for outdoor enthusiasts with a moderate need for rider and storage capacity. A great example we offer here at East Coast Campers is the 2018 Palomino Columbus Fifth Wheel F298RL. Compared to a Class A RV, these “sleeper vans” don’t have as much interior room, but they’re much easier to drive and navigate through steep, narrow, and unpaved terrain. Once you’ve got your tent and camping supplies all packed up, all that’s left to do is buy the right Class B. Check out our affordable and customizable assortment of used RVs and campers online now, or get a better feel by test driving your favorites when you visit us in Frankford today!

Class C RVs

Last but not least in our breakdown of RV types is the Class C. As the most affordable and fuel-efficient of the three primary categories, we tend to see the most requests for this kind of motorhome, which generally ranges from 20 to 33 feet in length. A sort of hybrid of its camper counterparts, the Class C RV offers all the comfort and amenities of a Class A rig with the compact size and navigation capabilities of a Class B traveler. Whether you’re traveling as a duo with your spouse or best friend, or you want the whole family to tag along, a Class C RV may be right for you. As an initial reference point to begin comparing options, take a look at our collection of Crossroads RV Zinger Lite models!

Next Steps: Compare RVs, Travel Trailers, & Campers Near You

Now that you know the difference between the three main classes of motorhomes, you’re well on your way to making a smart decision on the RV you ultimately buy. For a vast variety of recreational travel solutions, look no further than our inventory at East Coast Campers. Contact us in Frankford today or browse our RVs, trailers and campers online now!

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If you have an RV or are considering one, perhaps solar panels have crossed your mind or come up in conversation.

As a family-owned and operated business, we strive to teach our kids the importance of caring for our environment. The RV lifestyle is a great way to connect with mother nature and we want to protect it for future generations.

Having a smaller carbon footprint is a fantastic reason to get solar power. Long term savings and cost-effective energy production are great reasons to go with solar energy. We enjoy the option of being able to unplug for boondocking expeditions too!

At East Coast Campers and More, most of our RVs are already solar prepped. The term “solar power prepped” means your RV has either the wiring or the wiring and the ports installed to easily add solar panels.

There are a few things to consider when you’re getting ready to purchase and install a solar panel system. Keep in mind you should always consult with a professional when you’re dealing with electrical equipment.

What are the Main Components of a Solar Panel System?

Solar Panels

There are two main types of solar panels to consider.

Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline.

There’s a big debate as to which of these is better than the other.

The main difference is how they are manufactured, but due to advances in technology, they are becoming more and more interchangeable.

In most areas, monocrystalline is more efficient for the same amount of space and handles temperature and shade much more efficiently. (Note: NO solar panel works well in shade, the differences are very minor in how monocrystalline and polycrystalline handle shade.)

At the end of the day, monocrystalline is the better option, but the difference isn’t enough to warrant keeping you up at night.

Charge Controller

The charge controller regulates the power input to the battery down to around 12-15 volts.

There are two kinds of controllers.

PWM – Pulse Width Modulation and MPPT – Maximum Power Point Tracking.

PWM is older technology, is much less efficient and other than being inexpensive, and it is pretty much a waste of your time according to the experts.

MPPT is a new technology, more efficient, and has more processing power.

Talk to the maintenance department at East Coast Campers and More today to find out which one is right for you.

The Battery

There are several types of batteries that you can use with your solar panel system, the most common types being Lithium and AGM batteries.

If you can afford it, lithium batteries are much better quality, provide more power for the same size battery, and will give you more bang for your buck in the long run.

With your battery, you’ll need an Inverter/Charger combo and a battery monitor.

Look Into Going Solar

Going green is highly recommended for anyone interested in energy savings and getting off the grid. These days you will see many RVs taking advantage of using the sun’s natural energy.

If you need more information or have any questions about your solar panel requirements just give us a call. Our service technicians would be happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you.

East Coast Campers and More is a Delaware RV Dealership.  Call us today at (844) 876-0872.

This article was written by Kristi Durham.

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When shopping for anything big or small, you have the choice to buy from a huge corporation or to buy from a local, family-owned business.

Buying from a family-owned business has so many advantages, but above all, is the personalized service you will get each time you walk through the doors.

A family who lives and works in your community knows your struggles, likely knows your family, and spends more time helping you because they know how important it is to keep as much of your hard-earned money in your pocket as possible.

Here are 5 reasons to shop with a family-owned RV business like East Coast Campers and More.

We Pick the Best Inventory Based on What We Would Buy for Our Own Family

The owner of East Coast Campers and more, Michael Moutzalias, had former careers in real estate sales and car sales, so he has a unique understanding of what customers need in a home and in an automobile.

Each product is hand-picked based on factors such as comfort, quality, affordability, and whether or not he would put his own family in that particular RV.

If it doesn’t pass the family test, he will not partner with that company.

We Understand You Are a Person and Not Just a Sale

Each customer has a story, a family, goals, and a dream for their life.  When dealing with a family-owned RV dealer, you are treated like a person and not just a number on a page at the end of the day.

At a family-owned RV dealer like East Coast Campers and More, we get to know you before we recommend a solution so we can be sure you will be happy with it in the long term.

It’s not just about making a sale and sending you on your way.

It’s about making sure you are in the exact right RV, or getting the exact right product or service for your needs and being confident that you will trust and rely on us in the future.

We partner with you to make sure you get what you and your family needs.

We Believe in our Staff and Feel Like They Are Family

As a family-owned business, we had the luxury of handpicking our service technicians.

They are some of the best in the business!

They understand that each customer is unique and important, so they take care of you like they would their own families.

You Are Dealing With Someone Who Has Been Where You Are

Michael spent many years camping and understands the significance of the memories that are being made on each trip.

Since he grew up in Delaware, he knows the climate well and what sort of equipment is needed to handle local camping, but since he’s traveled, he knows what to expect in other climates as well.

When You Support Family-Owned Businesses, They Will Support You

When you shop with a family run business, you are getting compassion, caring, and the ability to put themselves in your shoes.  They have no quotas to meet and no board of directors making impersonal decisions about sales.

All they have is their family and your family!  And their mission is to help both become a thriving happy family.

East Coast Campers and More is a family-owned Delaware RV Dealer that specializes in RV parts, sales, and service to enhance your RV camping experience.

Call us today to see how our family can help your family.

Author: Kristi Durham.

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So, you’re ready to buy an RV, but you aren’t sure if you should buy new or used.

A new RV is lovely, with its new car smell, and shiny new finishes, but buying new is not always the best way to go.

Many RVers opt for a used RV because there are so many benefits when compared to buying new.  It often comes down to how much bang for your buck there is in a used RV.

You can get a lot more RV for your money when considering used instead of new.

Why You Should Consider Buying a Used RV

Buying a used RV is obviously the most budget-friendly way to get your family into a camper.  We’ve all heard it before; a new vehicle depreciates the moment it leaves the Dealer’s lot.

If you drove your RV off the lot and immediately sold it, there would be a significant difference between what you paid and how much you make when you sell it.

This is not the case if you buy used.  A used RV holds its value because it already depreciated in someone else’s hands.

The biggest benefit is that it has a proven track record. The previous owner has already worked out all the inconvenient kinks and broken it in for you.

One of the former owners may even have opted for upgrades when it was new. Bonus!

Benefits of a Used RV or Camper

Go ahead and spend the money you saved buying your used RV and go on more vacations or customize the interior to your taste.

If you bought a new house, you would probably change some of the finishes, so why not do the same thing in a used RV, your home away from home.

What Should I Look for in a Used RV?

Make sure you are happy with it.

Just like a used home, there will be a few things that you may decide to compromise on, or you could have changed after you buy it, like the color of the upholstery.

But make sure you have a list of your deal breakers.  These are the things you will not budge on, regardless of how good the salesman is.

Always do a thorough walk through to make sure the beds are big enough, the bathroom and showers are a size you are comfortable with.  Be sure there is enough storage space for everything you need.

You definitely don’t want to feel like a squished sardine in your new-to-you RV.

Ask a lot of questions. You’ll want to be sure you know as much as you can about the RV before you make that final decision.

Buy Your RV From the Right Dealer

There’s always the risk you will buy a money pit with any RV. At East Coast Campers and More, we put every RV, new or used, through a rigorous and thorough quality check before putting it up for sale.

When asking yourself “What should I look for in a used RV?” The first answer should be a great dealership that will guide you through the process!

No RV is put up for sale unless we consider it good enough that we would buy it ourselves and put our own family it in.

In some cases, we also offer extended warranties through CornerStone United to provide you with some peace of mind on your outdoor adventures.

We may be able to offer financing as well. Come in and ask us about it!

East Coast Campers and More is a family owned Delaware RV Dealer that specializes in RV parts, sales, and service to enhance your RV camping experience.

This post was written by Kristi Durham.

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