Used Rv For Sale Archives - East Coast Campers and More

10 Things All New RV Owners Should Know

VGravenor — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 01:38:46 +0000

When you’re new to the world of RVs, the initial processes of getting started can seem a bit overwhelming. From choosing your RV dealer to considering what you hope to get out of RV travel, breaking into this area of auto ownership is much more involved than many beginners realize.

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!

The post 10 Things All New RV Owners Should Know appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

How To Get Your Travel Trailer Ready For Summer

VGravenor — Sun, 31 May 2020 04:37:34 +0000

Summer is the perfect time of year to get the family together and pile up the RV for an adventurous road trip. If your travel trailer wasn’t sufficiently de-winterized in the spring, however, it may not be as ready to hit the road as you are. This can lead to unwanted mechanical issues and insulation problems — which you definitely don’t want in the middle of a heat wave!

Fortunately, you can prepare your RV for any vacation, long or short, by following the preparation guidelines in this article. For more information on seasonal RV maintenance, repairs, and parts, please visit East Coast Campers online and schedule an appointment today!

Complete Summer Prep Checklist For Your Travel Trailer or RV

RV Batteries
Water Tanks & Plumbing Fixtures
RV Appliances
Tire Pressure
Engine and Fluid Levels
Insulation
Safety Measures

RV Batteries: Check and Charge

If you don’t know much about the maintenance services that go into your travel trailer’s upkeep, RV battery inspection is an essential but relatively easy place to begin if you have the right equipment. Even if you didn’t use your travel trailer much during the previous year, you’ll need to get this task done, as RV battery energy dwindles at a rate of 10% when not in use.

To check your battery capacity, you’ll need to be familiar with the kind of battery your travel trailer has. For instance, your model may have two 12-volt batteries or a series of 6-volt batteries arranged in parallel rows. You’ll also need to have a multimeter on hand. This device measures voltages in both AC and DC, and although some more advanced designs can give you additional features, you’ll be perfectly equipped to check battery capacity with a unit in the $20-30 range. Follow manufacturer guidelines for operation and reference your RV owner’s handbook for details on how to interpret the multimeter results.

If you don’t have a multimeter on hand and don’t want to go through the hassle of ordering or purchasing one, let the pros at East Coast Campers do it for you. Our Service & Parts specialists can even come to your Delaware campsite if you encounter problems on your next summer road trip!

Water Tanks & Plumbing Fixtures: Look For Leaks

Prior to the start of last spring, you likely dewinterized your RV or travel trailer. But if you forgot to do this or think your pipes could benefit from some additional TLC, it’s never a bad idea to perform an assessment of your plumbing fixtures. This process can be time-consuming and technical for the average owner, but it’s a fantastic investment that will save you dividends on repairs and parts in the future.

The best place to start is with your water tank. If you used antifreeze last spring or winter, flush the unit with purified or potable water. Drain and repeat the process until water runs clear. After this, check for leaks. Look around all water-carrying appliances and fixtures, like the kitchen sink, shower, and toilet. If you notice the slightest dribble or drop, you’ll want to get that fixed right away. As for the other plumbing fixtures in your travel trailer, these will vary from model to model and any glaring leaks or structural issues will likely require a parts replacement.

Whether it’s a water tank repair or a plumbing replacement, you have the best likelihood of eliminating the issue when you get the job done by a professional mechanic. You can find affordable and convenient services this summer from our team in Frankford!

RV Appliances: Propane & Electric Evaluation

Nearly all travel trailer models use some form of propane or electrical system to provide energy to their appliances. From the stovetop to the lamp in your bunkhouse bedroom, maintaining the proper flow of energy to RV appliances is critical. The procedures that go into an RV appliance assessment include tests for leaks, gas pressure readouts, and comparisons of your trailer’s performance with manufacturer and industry standards.

Your summer maintenance checks will be different depending on the kind of travel trailer you have, how long you’ve had it, and the listed expiration dates on your propane tanks. To take care of all these tasks, it’s best to do so in a spacious area like a campground or RV park. If you have any issues with your appliances, be sure to contact East Coast Campers for professional advice and local service solutions.

RV Tires: Air Pressure & Alignment

The variety of tire manufacturers is vast and variable, especially those that are produced for large RVs, campers, and travel trailers! Warranty guarantees are subject to range from 5 to 10 years, but regardless of what your tire company claims, annual maintenance (at the very least) is a must-have for your RV’s wellbeing.

You’ll check your RV tire quality with an air pressure reading, since vehicles in storage lose pressure when not in operation. Your owner’s manual should instruct you on the proper PSI. Once this is done, give your tires a thorough look-over for wear and tear, cracks, and signs of damage. Proper tire maintenance can prevent your RV from experiencing an unwanted and inconvenient blow out, so make sure these checks are taken care of before you leave for your summer vacation.

Engine and Fluid Levels: Restock and Restore

The engine in your travel trailer — or any vehicle, for that matter — can only function at its best when all associated fluids are stocked in the right amounts and with the right products. The fluids you’ll likely need to check, replenish, and/or replace include engine coolant, oil, windshield washer, brake fluid, and several others. The amounts of restocking you need to do will be indicated by the gauges in your travel trailer. Unless you understand the functions and intricacies of these engine fluids, you’ll save the most time and money by having an RV repair expert perform a quick diagnostic.

Insulation

Even if you think your travel trailer’s HVAC system is performing the way it should, that doesn’t necessarily mean your RV was manufactured with energy-efficiency and optimal insulation in mind. When you’re getting ready to hit the road, whether it’s for a cross-country adventure or a camping getaway in a neighboring state, the last thing you want to deal with is an RV interior that’s too hot. Not only is a hot interior space uncomfortable, but it can lead to more serious issues like overheated parts — and overheating of your travel trailer’s occupants!

You can assess the quality of your RV insulation by taking a look at its seams and seals. Any cracks, gaps, or peeling parts are a strong sign that you’re losing cool air and energy efficiency, which will cost you money and physical comfort year-round. To find out which RV sealant is right for thermal control of your travel trailer, consult a parts and service representative at our Delaware repair center.

Safety Measures: Be Prepared For All Situations

The remainder of your summer preparation for your travel trailer will involve assessing any safety devices or precautionary measures in your vehicle. Just like any home, your RV needs to have a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, and propane leak detectors. If you’re missing one or more of these, or if one is out of battery, it’s the perfect time to schedule a maintenance session with one of our seasoned professionals at East Coast Campers & More.

Is Your Travel Trailer Ready For Summer?

If you’ve completed all 7 items on this summer prep checklist, then your travel trailer may be ready to go for your next adventure! But skipping just one or two of these essential maintenance processes is a risky decision that almost always leads to transportation issues and avoidable repairs or parts replacements. Regular servicing of your travel trailer (or any RV you own) is the best way to ensure you keep your ride in good condition and prevent hassle that could easily have been avoided.

To make sure your summer vacation goes off without a hitch, get in touch with East Coast Campers & More in Frankford. Whether it’s a simple tire pressure adjustment or a full-scale insulation replacement, we have the skill and industry expertise to get the job done better than any other RV company in Delaware. Have a safe and memorable summer by taking advantage of our travel trailer services today!

The post How To Get Your Travel Trailer Ready For Summer appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.