RV & Camping News

News from around the campfire.

– A 35-year-old travel trailer yielded up some secrets to its new owners. In a small black box, hidden away inside the trailer, were military medals belonging to a man dead since 2001. Evidently, Dr. Edwin Harrison, the sixth president of Georgia Tech, hid the medals inside sometime before his death. After the trailer changed hands, new owners found the box and went on a “treasure hunt” to find the owner. They recently turned over the box and its contents to Harrison’s son in Cobb County, Georgia.

– Authorities tell WKBN a Youngstown man has died after being burned by a fire that was sparked by a space heater at Green Acres Lake Park in Diamond, Ohio.

– To help out Canadian farmers in tight times, some local and federal laws encourage “agri-tourism,” wherein farmers can allow folks to camp on their property and get a sense of living on the land. But the mayor of Kelowna, British Columbia, says he figures at least half the “farmers” in his area are frauds, operating what he calls “year around trailer courts.”

– For the ninth consecutive year, Camping World RV Sales was announced as America’s No. 1 seller of tow-able and motorized RVs for 2013 by Statistical Surveys. Camping World RV dealerships amassed 47 individual dealer awards for being the top-in-class in their respective states. Due to having the largest amount of sales locations.

– BOGO (buy one, get one) offers abound, and Kentucky State Parks are joining in. Buy one night of camping in April or May, get the second night free, Sunday through Thursday. Use the promo code “SPRING14” on the state parks’ Internet reservation system.

 

~News From The Weird~

– Make my day? A campground manager in West, Texas, had his own Clint Eastwood moment when he found three folks who appeared to be planning to steal LP cylinders from rigs in his campground. The manager brandished a shotgun and ultimately discharged it, hitting one. Not too bright to argue with an armed man — but it figures — one of the would-be burglars was named Looney.

BANTAM, Conn. :  A man charged for accidentally setting a camper ablaze while horsing around with friends led state police right to his stash of marijuana plants, according to Register Citizen.  A state trooper investigating a trailer fire at the home of 18-year-old Christopher Jacquier and his mother, discovered several potted marijuana plants. Register Citizen explains 13 plants, or nearly a pound of marijuana, were seized from the property, along with rolling papers, a small baggy of marijuana, an electronic scale, a pipe with burnt residue and a water bong.  Jacquier told authorities investigating a fire he accidentally set a trailer ablaze while burning scrap wood. He told authorities he asked his mother for permission to burn the trailer, but she wouldn’t let him, Register Citizen reports.

–  A man was jailed Monday after he led police on a wild chase through Placer County, Fla. that ended with several trailers damaged, according to KCRA.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Department told KCRA the man downed a large number of prescription pills in a suicide attempt, then drove off. The man was drinking beers as deputies followed him.  The chase ended in an RV park in Colfax. The driver smashed into several trailers, causing significant damage, KCRA reports.

Special thanks to CampingPA.com for supplying these great tidbits of RVing news…

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

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Open Range RV dicontinues the Rolling Thunder Toy Hauler 5th wheel camper

Put out to Pasture; the Rolling Thunder by Open Range RV

Open Range RV dicontinues the Rolling Thunder Toy Hauler 5th wheel camper

The Rolling Thunder Toy Hauler by Open Range RV has been put out to pasture.

I would like to inform my readers of the end of a great run.  At the time of this blog posting, the Open Range Rolling Thunder Toy Hauler product line is no more. The Rolling Thunder, with its stampeding herd of horses logo, has been put out to pasture by the Shipshewana, Indiana RV manufacturer.  The Rolling Thunder has been part of Open Range RV’s stable for about two and a half years.  Slow sales and subtle shifts of interest by RV consumers were believed to be several of the determining factors in the discontinuation of the toy hauler product line.

The Rolling Thunder was introduced to the public in 2009 as a toy hauler designed to be more comfy and utilitarian in design than its competition.  The Rolling Thunder was the fifth wheel toy hauler that was ‘not on steroids’ as owner Randy Graber noted.  The Rolling Thunder product line did not feature over the top interior designs in decor or graphics, but gave the owner of the toy hauler more comforts of home.  The four season unit was light weight by industry standards.  As of the time of writing this, there has been no news of a replacement toy hauler product from the manufacturer.

Here at Lerch RV, we currently have one Rolling Thunder H345 MPR left in inventory, having sold over twenty-five Rolling Thunders in previous years.  Come visit our Milroy, Pennsylvania location and see why we are the largest Open Range dealership in the commonwealth.  And maybe you will leave here with a great deal on a great trailer.

Happy Trails Rolling Thunder…

Open Range RV's Rolling Thunder toy hauler out to pasture

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Save $$$ in 2012…Go RVing!

Travelers save when they go RVing!

A study prepared for RVIA by PKF Consulting USA found a family of four that owns an RV can take an RV trip for 23 percent to 59 percent less than other types of vacations. For a couple traveling by RV, savings were 11 percent to 46 percent. Even after accounting for factors such as RV ownership costs and fuel prices, the study confirms that RV vacations offer greater savings than vacations taken by car or airline and requiring hotel/rental stays and restaurant meals.

PKF analyzed vacation costs to nine popular destinations for a family of four and a party of two adults and included different types of RVs and varying vacation durations. It also analyzed how theoretical increases in fuel prices could affect vacation travel costs.

RV vacations proved more economical than the other vacations, regardless of trip duration,  distance, or vacation region,  said PKF vice president Kannan Sankaran. “While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, they are not significant enough to materially affect the outcome of our analysis.” So fuel costs are not really a factor to most family vacations.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

The perfect gifts for the RVer/Camper in your family.

RV Christmas Tree Lot @ Lerch RV, Keystone RV, Open Range RV

Tis' the Season...

Christmas seems to come faster every year. If you are like me, then you probably wait until the last minute to find gifts for your friends and loved ones. It can be hard trying to pick out that special present for those who mean so much to you. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the RV enthusiast that you know, you may not know what to get. There are many great gift ideas to make RVing easier and more fun for RV owners and passengers alike.

One of the things that you have to take into consideration when buying gifts for an RVer is space. RVs may have more room than other vehicles, but in terms of living space, being economical is key. One great gift for the avid reader would be an e-book such as a Kindle, Nook or maybe a new Kindle Fire. These devices will free up a lot of storage space currently being used up by books, many of which are read once and then never touched again. Less flashy things, like portable meal trays, are a great way to open up more room for someone who is living in an RV. One of the best gifts that you could give an RVer is the gift of more living space, so you may want to look for items that will take up little space or allow more space to be used.

Another great part of RVing is being outdoors. Making life better while at a campsite is a great way to make an RVer happy on Christmas morning. Outdoor furniture such as chairs, tables, and even outdoor recliners will make living outdoors a lot easier. Outdoor carpets/area rugs for under the awning are always a hot seller too.  If you are looking to get a gift for the chef in the family, kitchen utensils and appliances are always a hit. Just look for items that will take up minimal space and open up possibilities in the kitchen.

There are many great products and possibilities out there for RV owners, so be sure to start your shopping now, because Christmas is just around the corner. Be sure to visit your Pennsylvania RV dealer for all your RV Christmas needs.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Winter RVing can be warm and cozy. Here is how…

Winter RVing can be fun.

Skirting can help keep cold air at bay.

The air is starting to get colder, the temperature is dropping and you may find yourself shivering in your RV or trailer. Even if you have chosen to go to a warmer area for the season, there may still be nights that are a bit nippy. It seems the climate has been unsettling with temperature variations all over the nation. However the most effective way to keep the heat inside of your rig is to have high grade insulation installed throughout it. Unfortunately, that can be a costly solution that could also keep your RV in the shop for a long period of time. There are other great tricks and products you can use to keep the cold outside this winter.

One of the most important things that you can do is checking your RV seals for leaks. If you have cold air coming into your RV then it will always be cold and you could be running your furnace too hard for little effect. Check your roof, windows, and doors to make sure that there is no cold air getting into your RV. If you do find little leaks or holes, then be sure to use a silicone sealant of caulk to stop the problem. It is common for air to come in from under the door. There are products out there that are designed to slip onto your door and seal off the interior.

If you have a hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, then you may want to purchase an area rug or loose carpeting. This will help keep cold air coming through the floor and it will also hold heat better. Be sure that you keep your blinds closed, and use your curtains if you have them. The cold temperature of the glass can start to take out the heat in your rig, leaving you feeling like an ice cube. Another great product to purchase is a roof vent pillow. This item is inserted to the RV roof vent and is usually made of foam or some other type of insulator. This keeps cool air from being conveyed through your closed roof vent.

If you plan on living in your RV this winter, then you should be sure that your RV is ready to handle the cold. No one wants to go camping with Jack Frost, so make sure you keep him at bay. For great winterizing service and solutions be sure to visit Lerch RV.

Stay warm on those cold RV nights

With the weather starting to get colder, and the days shorter, you are probably experiencing a bit of a chill at night now. This is also the time of year where you are still RVing in cooler climates before either heading south for the winter or storing your RV until next season. Staying warm and comfortable in your RV is a key to have a great trip this time of year. No one likes sleepless nights shivering the whole time, so how should you stay warm? The easy answer is your RV furnace, but you may be out at a camp site when that breaks down, so what are you back up options?
"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

The two most popular choices are heating strips and portable heaters. Like all things, there are pros and cons that go with both, and it is more of a preferential choice. Let’s look at portable heaters first. The great thing about these are that they do a good job heating a small space. At night, shut the door to your room and turn one of these on and you will stay warm through out the night. They are also quiet, which is key to falling asleep. The problem with them is that they tend to break down easily over time. If you buy one you can expect to buy another after a few years. Also, there is always to risk of fire with these heaters, due to the exposed heating coils. If you use one, be sure to put it in a safe place out of contact with combustibles.

Another option is a heating strip. A heating strip is installed in the air conditioner and it is a 1500 watt heater. This option is good because it is generally more reliable than the portable heater, and it doesn’t take up any extra space in the RV. The not so great part about them is that you have to run your A/C fan through the night, and it doesn’t heat your rig nearly as well as the portable heater. You won’t freeze to death with one, but you won’t be toasty.

If all else fails, keep extra quilts and blankets in your RV and bundle up for warmth. If you are looking for a new RV ta stay warm in, be sure to come into Lerch RV.

The World’s Most Expensive Motorcoach New on the Market: the eleMMent Palazzo

Austrian company Marchi Mobile has constructed a spaced-age, luxury motor-mansion on wheels, the eleMMent Palazzo. This 2-level aerodynamic design gets 13 miles per gallon, helping to achieve a 20% increase in fuel efficiency of motor-homes. The body was designed by Luigi Colani, a German industrial designer.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Palazzo with ladder lift

This motorcoach is high class all the way with each being custom designed for the owner’s personal wishes, needs and style. Each eleMMent comes with a convenient lift ladder entry, a living room/lounge, a master bedroom, a kitchen and two bathrooms (one located each floor).

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Living Room/Lounge area

With a living space of 215 square feet, the living area slide-outs double the size, making it 430 square feet. The bedroom comes with a 40 inch TV and a master bathroom with a rainfall shower and a separate toilet.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Master Bedroom

There is also a working fireplace, hardwood floors, skylights, a programmed central control remote, luxurious decorations, height-adjustable seating, mobile Internet, streaming video surveillance and satellite TV. The eleMMent also has a glow-in-the-dark finish to improve night safety.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Master Bathroom

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

Sky Lounge and Bar

The Palazzo comes with a Sky Lounge (20 square meters) that rises from the top of the motor-home with a press of a button. The sky lounge comes with heated floors and a bar.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Exterior with Sky Lounge extended up

The eleMMent Palazzo has a top speed of 93 mph and a 510 bhp engine. Despite being over 40 feet long and having 20 tons (44,000 pounds) of weight, this motorhome gets 13 miles per gallon and reduces fuel consumption of up to 20% because of the aerodynamic design.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

eleMMent Driver's Cab, or should we say 'Cockpit'

This huge motor-coach does need a special driver with a HGV license (heavy-goods vehicle license – required mostly in the UK and Europe). The coach is equipped with a driver’s cab that has a bunk bed in it.

The most luxurious, modernized motor-coach is on sale now for only $1.9 million pounds ($2.9 million), making it the most expensive motor-home on the market in the world right now!

No if only we could afford this peace of luxury. However if you are looking for something to fit your family budget, give Lerch RV a call. We strive to make buying easy!

Safe travels and Happy RVing!

Pennsylvania, Lerch RV has you covered this winter…

Lots of RVers like to head south for the winter, but that isn’t an option for some of us. While there are still a few good weekends left for camping this year, if you are one of those late season campers. However most of our customers probably already have winterized their campers by now.  If you are able to store your RV in a covered garage or storage center, then there is not a lot that you have to do to protect your RV from the elements.  Those of us who use an RV cover to keep our RV safe while not in use know there is more that goes into getting your cover on properly than simply throwing it over your rig.

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

A good cover can make a difference.

The first thing that you should do before putting your cover on is wash your RV. Dirt, grease, and any bugs left on your RV’s exterior can set in and ruin your rig’s paint and body. Give it a good wash and dry it completely before you put your cover on. If you have anything with sharp corners on your roof, such as antennas or solar panels, remove them. If not, cover them with towels or blankets so the sharp edges won’t rip your cover.

The biggest challenge of getting your RV covered is getting over the top. Instead of using a ladder and your hands, tie a rope to one side of your cover and pull it over on the other side. If you do choose to use a ladder, be very careful. Falls and accidents are quite common. And if you get onto the roof to center everything, watch your step. You may not be able to see air vents or other oft spots on the roof.

Letting your RV hibernate for the winter may be a necessity, but be sure to use a quality cover to make sure that it is safe when not in use. If you are looking for a good quality cover, just ask us for help in finding the right one. If you are looking for a new RV in Pennsylvania, then just stop by Lerch RV!

Have you ever thought about owning a Campground or RV Park?

As RV owners, we travel to campgrounds and RV Parks often. We usually stay a few days…or longer, if we are full-timers…and then go on our way. We almost always have an opinion of the place before we leave, but have we ever thought about owning one of these places?

"Keystone RV" "Lerch RV" RV "PA RV Dealer" camper camping campers "tag along" "tow behind" "bunk model" "bunk house camper" "RV lifestyle" glamping caravan "Go RVing" RVing "new camper sale" "camper dealer" "new camper" "RV dealer" "PA RV Dealership" towing "used campers" "weekend fun" "family fun" "recreational vehicle" recreation "summer fun" "keystone rv company" "glamping" "fith wheel" "5th wheel camper" "travel trailer" "Open Range RV"

Here is an opportunity to explore this option a bit further. The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has an upcoming conference in late November in Savannah, Georgia.

‘Where Outdoor Hospitality Meets Southern Hospitality’ is the theme for the 2011 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) to be held November 30 to December 2. There will also be some pre-convention events in the days leading up to Nov. 30.

This all takes place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa and Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

The educational programs have been revised to include all types of the outdoor hospitality industry. Here are some of the educational program key areas of focus:

  • Business Management
  • Business Technology
  • Employee Training and Motivation
  • The Latest in Green Technology
  • Marketing and Public Relations
The Westin has even discounted their rates for attendees. If you need more information, go to the ARVC website.
This looks to be a great opportunity to learn more about the outdoor hospitality industry, regardless of whether you want to own a RV Park, or just work in one!

The 2011 Mifflin County Farm-City, City Award Winner is….Lerch RV

Ed Lerch; owner of Lerch RV and camper sales accepts his farm city award

Ed Lerch accepts an award from the PA State Senate.


Lerch RV
owner Ed Lerch and his family recently won the city portion of the 2011 Mifflin County Farm-City Award.  Mr. Lerch has grown his travel trailer and fifth wheel business from very humble origins.  Over thirty-four years ago, he opened Seven Mountain Truck Caps and Lerch’s Arco gas station. Then in 1978 Ed changed the name of his business to the now well-known Lerch RV. Then in 1980 Lerch RV moved to a bigger dealership location, west of Lewistown near the entrance to the Mifflin County Industrial Park, along Route 522/22.  With this move, the business became a full service RV dealership selling travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motor-homes,  discontinuing the sales of truck caps and gasoline. Ed continued the growth of his RV business through the 1980’s and 90’s. In the early part of the 90’s Lerch RVeven developed and built a small handful of customized travel trailers.

PA Senate Citation recognizing Lerch RV.

PA Senate Citation recognizing Lerch RV.

After 20 years of doing business at the location west of Lewistown and after the successful completion of the existing four lanes of Route 322, Lerch RV moved to the present location it now occupies in Milroy, PA. The new location offered the business room to grow. With larger service bays and a larger parts store, the new building has enabled the business to become one of the largest RV dealerships in Pennsylvania. The inventory the dealership now has to offer at the current location is built by the largest, most reputable manufacturers in the RV industry; the Keystone RV Company and the Open Range Company. Along with offering a large selection of pre-owned pop ups, fifth wheels, travel trailers and the occasional used motor home.

2011 Mifflin County Farm City Award Winners

2011 Mifflin County Farm City Award Winners

Lerch RV attracts customers from all over the state of Pennsylvania, and many from even further away. The Lerch Family is the perfect example of what an award-winning family business is all about. With the inclusion of Mr. Lerch’s daughters and son in-laws working at the dealership along side of the owner. Our congratulations to the family…

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!