Stay warm on those cold RV nights

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Lerch RV

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?

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.

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

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Lerch RV

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?

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!

‘Steps’ to a safer RVing experience.

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Lerch RV

One of the pieces on your RV that you probably don’t think much about and that you use all the time, is the steps that are at the entrance of your camper. The bad part is that since these aren’t given much attention, problems can occur that can be very dangerous to you and your fellow campers. Whether it’s stability issues, traction or corrosion of the actual steps, all these things can have a serious impact on you if you do not take care and check them periodically.

Typical type of static steps found on most travel trailer and fifth wheel campers.

There are generally two different kinds of steps that come on RVs, electric steps which fold down when the door is opened, which are typically found on Motor-Homes. And static steps that either stay down or are pulled down by hand, which are normally found on travel trailers and fifth wheels. Let’s look at the problems that can occur with mechanical steps. One of the most basic problems is that the sensor or motor will stop working, leaving you walking out expecting to find a step where there is none. While you may able to stop your fall, you may fall out and injure your ankle or foot. So be sure to look down and make sure your step is where it should be. Another problem is exposed or frayed wires. Unfortunately, there was a death this year when a young RVer was wet and barefoot, and when he stepped on his metal step that had exposed wires, he was electrocuted to death. Be sure to exam your steps and all wiring to insure that they are all working as they should. This should be done at a time when you already have to have your rig looked at, such as during your annual state inspection.

One of the biggest problems with non-electric steps, or static steps is that they are not built as strong, making the step a weaker. After years of sun UV damage, water, and road grime, they can weaken and suddenly break off. If you are an older RVer, this puts you at risk for encountering hip problems or hard falls. Just be sure that every few months you check your steps by pushing them with your hands, or have another person put pressure on them, while you are looking at the step for any cracks that may be appearing.

For both types of steps you should have taken preventive maintenance into mind, spraying the pivot points of both types of steps with WD40 or a dry type of silicon lubricate, will keep those points working easily. The traction strips on some steps wear down with use, these can be easily replace with stick on strips found at most home improvement stores or a spray on form of traction paint. One other thing you can do to help prevent corrosion, is to hit your steps with a coat of spray paint once a year, this will also help with curb appeal as well.

While working on steps isn’t the most glamorous chore for an RVer, it is essential to your safety and the safety of those utilizing your camper with you.

If you suspect your steps are in need of repair or replacement. Be sure to ask our qualified service department about having those RV steps fixed the next time you are visiting Lerch RV.

RV Winterizing tips and hints… (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Take a Camera Safari on your next RV trip…

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Lerch RV

stickman with camera at lerch rv

Passing the time while on the road can become hard after eight hours of driving across the country. While you probably have plenty of plans to make your next trip fun and activity filled once you reach your destination, you may not know how to keep yourself and everyone on board stimulated until you get there. Well there is a new craze that many RVers and road trippers are doing to help those miles go by a bit more quickly. It’s called Digital Camera Safari, and it is sure to keep your eyes searching for the next great snap shot to add to your collection.

The idea is simple enough, find some of the most unusual and funny sights, people, animals, and places along your route and take a picture of it. At the end of the trip, compare your photos with the rest of your passengers and see who got some of the best shots while on the road. They can be funny, beautiful, or just plain odd, but a Camera Safari will not only help you pass the time, but it will also help create great memories of time on the road that you can save and share with everyone who asks what you saw when you went on your last RV adventure.

rv dinner, family enjoying rving

So what are some of the things that would make great Safari catches? It can be anything from a beautiful sunset, animals wearing costumes, tourist oddities (such as the largest ball of string in the world), or excessive lawn decorations. Anything that you think will only be seen once while traveling across the country. At the end of your trip, you can share the photos with your other passengers and award the person who got the funniest, most beautiful, or most odd picture during the trip.

Finding new and inventive ways to keep your family engaged while traveling can get tough, but this is a way to get everyone talking with their eyes peeled for the next great picture. If you’re looking for a new RV, then be sure to come into Lerch RV. We will gladly help you find the one that will suit your families needs, no matter what they are.

RVing, it it for you? Sure it is…. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
Bring more fun along with you. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

RVing, is it for you? Sure it is….

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Lerch RV

Camping is a communal activity that brings people together. You never realize how many RVs are on the road until you start to think about buying one, then you notice how popular of an activity it is. Campgrounds are full now days with families taking time to connect. You may be thinking about getting your first RV, but think that you won’t be able to connect with other RVers on the road and at the camp site. The generally impression that people get when they think about RV owners are older retirees that are spending their golden years on the road. While many RVers, especially full timers, may fall into this category, you may be surprised at who the average RV owner.

A study of RV owners found out that the average age of an owner is 49, married, and makes an average yearly income of sixty-eight thousand dollars. This is far from the retiree who has cashed in their big 401k or pension to buy a large motor-coach. The average buyer is purchasing a tow behind camper, either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. The number of RV owners between the ages of 34 and 49 is growing rapidly every year. While this fact may not seem important to you, RVing is a great way to connect with like-minded people. That is not to say that you shouldn’t make friends with everyone, but it is easier to make new friends who are like yourself.

The age numbers dip further if you take into account all of the people who rent their RV for a trip instead of owning one. While you may expect to go to an RV park or campground not be able to fit in with everyone else, you will find that people of all ages, income levels, and races love the activity. So don’t be afraid to buy an RV because you think that you won’t fit in, it’s for everybody!

So when you are ready to hit the road and see this beautiful country of ours, please contact your Central PA RV Dealership and allow us to help you find the perfect RV.

Woodall’s comes out of the book and into your Iphone (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
A new breed of RVer walks amongst us (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Bring more fun along with you.

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Lerch RV

RVing allows you to go out across the country and bring all the comfort and necessities of home with you. While you may have room for a lot of your things in your RV, you probably have more things that you would like to take on the road with you. This is especially true if you own an ATV, golf cart, motorcycle, or any other small vehicle that you want to enjoy at your next camp site. Even if you don’t own one of these things, you may simply want more room for lounging or simply extra storage to give you more living room in your RV. Well, one way to achieve this is to get a toy hauler.

Toy haulers were originally built to help carry motorcycles, ATV’s, and your other “toys.” While you can still get a lot of functionality out of using a toy hauler this way, many new toy haulers are designed to be extra living or dining rooms, as well as holding an extra bed for anyone else you want to bring with you on your RV adventure. Toy haulers are a great way to get more out of your RV without having to upgrade to a whole new rig. A toy hauler can act like adding a new room or wing to your house. Most people like to have a multipurpose room at home. A toy hauler is the answer to this room in the RVing world.

If you are looking to do more on your future camping trips, then a toy hauler is a great way to allow you to bring more things along with you, giving you more possibilities on the road. If you’re a biker who wants to go to Sturgis, but doesn’t want to stay in a crowded motel, simply load in your hog and camp a few miles outside of town and ride your bike to the Buffalo Chip each day. If you are looking for new ATV paths, go out and find them quickly and easily. Toy haulers allow you to bring your favorite hobby, no matter how big or small, on the road with you.If you have questions about toy haulers or are looking for a new RV to tow them with, then be sure to stop by your central PA RV Dealer.

A few tips to keep Ants from Invading your RV…

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Lerch RV

Ants marching toward Lerch RV, how to keep ants from invading your RV/Camper...

When you are RVing at a campground or boon docking in the wilderness, you are susceptible to all kinds of insects and animals.

Ants are one of the more aggravating creatures to invade a RV, fortunately they are easy to get rid of. RV Travel shares this advice for us.

We woke up in our RV one fine morning with an upset cat. A large, black, moving column of ants, working its way across the RV from a crack near the entry door, across the flooring, up the wall cabinet, and into the kitchen sink. Hundreds of the little buggers, all intent on carrying away whatever it is that struck their fancy.

ANTS ARE CLEVER CREATURES – they send out scouts who scurry about the territory, looking for suitable food and water sources. If one crawls up your RV tire, water hose or power cable and eventually finds something inside your rig, he or she leaves a little smell trail of pheromones. Your proboscis won’t pick up on it, but to the ants, it’s an irresistible essence that must be followed — by hundreds of the scout’s fellows.

For whatever reason, ants won’t cross a line of bleach-containing scouring powder. Maybe it kills the pheromone trail, maybe it burns their little feet, we don’t know.

In any event, get out the Comet and shake a good border around everything of your rig that touches the ground: Tires, landing gear, stabilizers, cords, and hoses. This is better than spraying insecticide on these utilities, because the powdered cleanser will simply shake off, not stick to your hands, nor cause grief for pets and kids.

Of course, if the rains fall you may need to renew your magic circle, but while the powder’s out, the ants are gone.

This is a pretty easy fix. I wish it was this easy to repel other bugs or animals like, say, bears!

No, bears are nothing to laugh at. Now you should be equipped with some ant knowledge and some “bear” knowledge.

What more do you need? A new RV you say? We can equip you with that too!

Traveling with kids an adventure, so be ready for anything… (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)
A new breed of RVer walks amongst us (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

RV life and us, and the people along the way, Thank You

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Lerch RV

I recently came across this post on a blog called “Why RV?” I found the article to be interesting and wanted to share it with my readers. I think it really describes the join and kindness that goes hand in hand with the RVing lifestyle. Where else can you throw a huge group of people from all walks of life into boxes and put them side by side, and everyone still has a great weekend. If you have any experiences to share please comment below. And as usual Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Although we are only 6 years into our camping life, we have met some wonderful people and had some great times. And also have spent lots of money we didn’t have, too. We are on our 3rd RV already, and looking for our 4th. We see older ones that are being used that shows the love people have for their Rv’s. Some of these RV’s look better than brand new high-end diesel pushers. There are a lot of people out there that are perfectly fine with what they have. There are those that live full-time in their RV’s.
Those that have seasonal sites.
Those that just use theirs on weekends.
Those that use it weekends and a family vacation here and there. (This is the group we fall into.)
I respect all and every RVer, or do we call them/us campers. Is there a difference? Some people will say the only camping is tent camping. Well, my back can’t take tent camping anymore. So, I prefer to do my “camping”in an RV.

The people Along The Way

RVers, or campers, are just about the friendliest group of people you will meet. If there is a newbie in the campground, rest assured, help is only a fire ring away.
Even if your dog lifts his leg on a fellow camper, there’s a good chance even the victim will get a good laugh over it. Yes, Our Bull Mastiff did this to our neighbor 1 weekend..
But I think the most interesting, and friendliest couple we ever met while camping, was a couple we met during our first year of camping. the husband was retired, and his wife was a school teacher who was retiring either that year or the next. That would make it 05 or 06. I think they were from St Louis. Missouri.
It went down something like this. We pulled in to Sun Valley campground near Morgantown, Pa on Friday. There was a Bounder Motor home already next to us. Later I noticed a small grill on the picnic table. The grill was smoking for hours. I told Kim that maybe they went away and forgot about it. No worries, if they weren’t planning on eating, then I would have handled that. Boy did that smell great. Found out later it was 2 HUGE steaks, he was cooking slow.
Anyway, eventually, a tall thin man with dirty gray hair and beard emerged. Grabbed his food, said hello, and went back in to enjoy their meal.
Later, him and his wife, a shorter woman, with long dark hair, came out and introduced themselves. Now, here’s a coupe in their mid 60’s, and we are in our mid 30’s at the time. We talked for hours. They told us about their travels, about Silver Dollar City, about their kids, and that they were on their way to their daughter’s house in Philly.
The man, I’m terrible with names, sorry, And I talked for hours while Kim and his wife also conversed.
This couple touched our lives, and they have no clue. They made us realize just what RVing is all about. Here’s a retired couple, from halfway across the country, and for a weekend, they are our neighbors. Our closest friends. Then, all of a sudden, that is the last you ever know of them. The memory remains. And what is RVing and camping all about. Making memories.

So, if anyone runs into an African-American couple, now around 70, from Missouri, he was tall with greyish hair and beard, she was short, with long dark hair, and a retired school teacher, driving a 1996 Bounder in great shape. PLEASE tell them, their weekend friends from Sun Valley Campground in PA in 2005 said hello!

Thank You.

Happy Camping Everyone
Check out Camping Pa and follow me and other members on the forums.

Woodall’s comes out of the book and into your Iphone (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Camping Made Easy has never included so much RV storage!

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Lerch RV

Improved Copper Canyon 5th wheel floor plans for Fall 2011

The 273FWRET and 292FWBHS just got a whole lot better. These models will now feature a wardrobe slide in the bedroom. Camping Made Easy has never included so much storage! Built upon the foundation of Keystone’s first product line, Copper Canyon by Sprinter “Makes Camping Easy” by combining luxury and value in one beautiful fifth wheel. And with a variety of floor plans ranging from rear living room models, side aisle models, and bunk house models, you can select the Copper Canyon that is just right for the way you live.

Copper Canyon 292 FW BHS by Keystone RV Company at Lerch RV

Copper Canyon 273 FWRET by Keystone RV at Lerch RV

Copper Canyon 273 FWRET by Keystone RV available at Lerch RV

Each of these exciting fifth wheel campers are equipped with these great standard features:

Copper Canyon Standard Features

Exterior Features

One touch electric awning
Lockable, radius baggage doors
Rear bumper storage
Easy opening triple entry step
E-Z Lube™ axles
Exterior grab handle for entry assistance
Tough guard painted skirt metal
Patio light with switch
Rain gutters and spouts
Two 30 LBS LP bottles with automatic change-over
Roto-cast seamless holding tanks
Keystone Original space maker 50 gallon fresh water system.
30′ 30 Amp power cord
Spray port with hot and cold water
Exterior BBQ hook-up
Electric front jacks
Radial Tires
Outside speakers
Docking station
Light at termination points

Interior Features

13,500 BTU ducted air conditioner with “Quick Cool”
30 amp electrical distribution panel
12 Volt, 55 amp converter
30,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace with thermostat
Water heater bypass for easy winterization
Residential cabinet hardware
Large picture window at the dinette
6′ 3″ interior slide room height
12 volt slide room lights for dry camping
Home Theater Surround Sound® system
In floor ducted heat
Central monitoring system for all tanks and battery
Full extension ball bearing drawer guides
Residential slide out pantry

Living Room Features

Cable TV hook-up with antenna and signal booster
Satellite prep
High grade carpeting with pad
Residential fabric-covered valances
Angled overhead storage in the slide room
Home theater DVD / CD /AM /FM / MP3
Air bed sofa
32″ LCD HDTV

Bath Features

Large vanity sink
Porcelain foot flush toilet
Residential medicine cabinet with mirror
ABS one piece tub surround
Skylight over tub
Retractable clothes line in the shower/tub
Reinforced tub support
Attic fan
GFI receipts in the bathroom

Kitchen Features

6 gallon gas and electric DSI auto ignition water heater
3 burner high output gas range
Deep 60/40 residential sink
Full extension ball bearing drawer guides
Metal high arched faucet
Lighted range hood with exhaust fan
Microwave with carousel
17″ oven
Reversible dinette seat cushions
Double door refrigerator
Overhead cabinets above the sink
Two oversized pots and pan drawers
Dream Dinette

Bedroom Features

Cable TV hook-up
High grade carpeting with pad
Under bed storage with gas struts
Color matched bedspread
Bedroom reading lights
Electrical Outlets near the bed
Dream Collection Mattress
Headboard niche with puck lighting

“Customer First” Safety Package

Tinted safety glass windows
Dual hitch safety chains
Manual override for the slide rooms
Fire extinguisher
Smoke detector
Carbon monoxide detector
Egress windows
LP gas leak detector
Break away safety brake
4 wheel electric brakes
Hitch light
Door side and off door side clearance lights
Security light

“Camping Made Easy” Package

Laminated aluminum framed sidewalls
Enclosed underbelly
Exterior speakers
E-Z Lube® axles
Overhead slide room cabinets
Skylight in the shower
Six gallon gas / electric DSI water heater
Microwave
Oven
Easy find light switches
13.5 ducted air conditioner
DVD home theater system with Surround Sound®

Popular Options

Spare tire
10 gallon water heater (Some models)
Upgraded 15,000 BTU air conditioner
Free standing dinette with four chairs
Extra large refrigerator
Six panel refrigerator front
Rear Ladder
Ceiling fan with light (High profile FW)
Wire and frame for second A/C
50 Amp service (Some Models)

If you are looking for a great fifth wheel, that is dependable and built by an RV industry leading manufacturer. Look no further than the Copper Canyon by Keystone RV. Available at Pennsylvania’s largest RV dealer, Lerch RV. Give us a call at 800-722-1236. Remember just as Copper Canyon makes Camping Easy, Lerch RV makes Buying Easy!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Sprinter travel trailers by Keystone RV (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

Woodall’s comes out of the book and into your Iphone

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Lerch RV

Woodalls Logo

If you are familiar with Woodall’s RV directories then you know how handy they can be. But the main problem that comes with having a printed directory is the trouble of getting the information you need in an instant. That’s where their new iPhone app can come in handy. Woodall’s has created a new app for all of you iPhone owners out there that gives the great information that you trust, all in the convenience of an easy to use phone application. If you are looking for the most up to date information on camp grounds, routes, and other necessary information, then this is a must have app for you.

Woodalls Campground Application Screen Shot Woodalls Campground Directory App screen shot

Here is more information right from Woodalls website about this exciting new helpful application for the RVer:

Woodall’s, a Camping World company and the leading brand in campground directories, today announced the launch of RV & Camping Copilot, the most comprehensive campground mobile application available for iPhone and iPad. The free app provides RVers and outdoor enthusiasts instant and convenient access to more than 12,000 private and public campgrounds and RV parks in the United States and Canada, plus Mexico.

Woodall’s RV & Camping Copilot can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and provides complete campground information, including amenities, services, types of campsites, on-site recreation and identifies many camping discounts offered at parks. Private campgrounds also include Woodall’s 5W/5W Rating System, which is the most trusted consumer campground rating.

“Woodall’s RV & Camping Copilot is a groundbreaking mobile application that provides RVers and family campers access to campground information from the comfort of home or their home on the road,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World. “This mobile app is the first of its kind, and we are pleased to lead the industry into the mobile space. But more importantly, we are thrilled to offer this app to camping enthusiasts for free.”

The Woodall’s mobile application interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. It will offer the ability to search campgrounds by city, state/province, nearest location or by campground name in an easy one-click search format. Users will also have the ability to view photos, take virtual tours and indicate their favorite campgrounds as well as share them on Facebook, Twitter or email to a friend. More than 1,000 popular attractions, in addition to Camping World retail locations, are accessible on the application. The Woodall’s RV & Camping Copilot App supports the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad and requires the IOS 3.0 system or higher.

If you need to find a campground while you are on the road, this App is for you. Just another way to stay connected and informed while on the road via your smart phone. However if you wish to still have the campground directory in the original version, you can pick up the Woodall’s Campground Directory Book at your Central PA RV Dealership, Lerch RV. We also carry a selection of Regional Woodall’s Directories as well.