Pennsylvania RVers, how do you keep your clothes clean?

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Lerch RV

When taking weekend trips, it is easy to pack enough clean clothing to last throughout the experience. Week or month-long forays into the wilderness or over the roads are a different story. Many RV fans simply stop at a laundry mat or dry cleaner along the way, but this will not work if you want to spend a few weeks camping without heading back to town. It is even harder to rely on laundry mats when you are boondocking. Here are three simple ways to keep your clothes clean during an extended stay in your new RV Pennsylvania.

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Photo courtesy of Vince Fonseca

1. Washing By Hand

Before electric washing machines and automatic dryers were invented, all clothing had to be washed by hand. You can use your RV’s bathtub, kitchen sink or a washtub for this process. A bathtub lets you wash a larger load at once than a small tub, and will drain and fill quickly. Purchase a hand agitator, a small tool that resembles a vented plunger, from a non-electric supply company. Some laundry detergent, hot water and a little pumping with the agitator and you have a clean batch of clothes.

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2. Campground Facilities

If you choose to camp in RV parks or well-established state campgrounds, you may have laundry facilities available. Keep in mind the etiquette common to a laundry mat when using these facilities. Don’t leave a load of clothes in the washer all day while you hike or swim, even if there are multiple machines available. This also speeds up drying over hand washing, where you must hang clothes on a line and hope for a few days without rain.

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3. Small Washing Machines

The growing popularity of RV living has led to the development of small washing machines that fit on the counter of your new home. Crank washers are round containers that hold just a few articles of clothing. You pour in the right amount of water and detergent, and crank the handle. Your clothing takes just a few minutes to get clean. Electric washers and dual-purpose devices that also dry can fit into large coaches. Be sure to look for units designed to run off a 110 volt outlet, and consider the drain on your batteries.

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If your current RV is too small to fit a washing machine or tub into, visit Lerch RV. We are Pennsylvania’s largest travel trailer dealer.

Pennsylvania RV owners keep your RV properly sealed.

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Lerch RV

On your RV regardless if you own a tow-able unit or a motorized one, sealants perform a very important function by keeping water from getting into places it should not get into. When manufacturers build RVs, they incorporate many different types of sealants, including butyl/putty, black butyl-encapsulated foam, silicone (clear and colored), roof sealant and foam to the places that need it. However, over time, these sealants may become damaged by ultraviolet exposure, air pollution, freezing temperatures and exposure to other elements. That is why it is important to inspect, maintain or reseal your RV. Failure to properly maintain or re-seal your RV may result in serious water damage to the roof and other parts of the RV. For most RV owners, failure to maintain proper seals disqualifies your unit from coverage under the most Limited Warranties.

To ensure that you are properly maintaining and re-sealing your unit, here are a few things you or your dealer’s service team should do:

Visually inspect all seals and sealants, a minimum of every six months. Make sure to check the roof and all four sides of the RV including all moldings, doors, vents and exterior attachments. A quick walk around the RV before leaving may help prevent potential problems during trips and vacations. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way, especially when compared to the high cost of repairs. Another great time to have your RV looked over is during your annual state vehicle inspection(if your state requires your RV to be annually inspected).

Have the sealant replaced if you notice any cracks, peeling, voids, gaps, breaks, looseness or any sign of physical deterioration. Re-seal at least one time each year as preventative maintenance.
Always use the same type of sealant that was removed. Your dealer service or parts manager can help you obtain the correct sealant(s).

If you do find water inside of your RV, be sure to immediately have your local central Pennsylvania dealer check for the source of the leak. If the leak is not fixed, it may result in serious damage to your RV, which may not be warrant-able.

A small amount of time now, can save you a large expensive headache later!

Keystone Montana 3665 RE fifth wheel for sale in Pennsylvania.

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Lerch RV

Are you looking for North America’s #1 selling fifth wheel RV? Look no further, the Keystone Montana is the one. North America’s #1 Selling Fifth Wheel for ten consecutive years. The right inspiration leads you to achieve greatness whether you are vacationing, adventuring or just relaxing. The Keystone Montana fifth wheel RV enables you to achieve all three at the same time. To do this, the Keystone RV company has designed the Montana fifth wheel to provide you with enduring pleasure over the long haul and in every aspect of the RV ownership experience. Montana builds RVs that inspire the RVing Lifestyle.

You can have a new 2011 Montana 3665 RE, four season fifth wheel camper for only $49,950. This rear entertainment fifth wheel provides you with four season comfort and style. Complete with Montana’s Hickory Package, Value Package, Moving to Montana Package, and Arctic Insulation Package. The Montana 3665 RE is a quad slide-out fifth wheel that can sleep up to four people.

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2011 Montana 3665 RE Floor-plan

You are sure to enjoy camping in your new 2011 Montana 3665 RE. Be sure to give Pennsylvania’s largest Keystone RV dealership a call at 800-722-1236 to take advantage of low RV prices.

2011 Keystone Montana 3665 RE fifth wheel camper at Pennsylvania RV Dealer: Lerch RV

2011 Keystone Montana 3665 RE Exterior

Interior Living Area of the 2011 Keystone Montana 3665 RE

Kitchen on the 2011 Montana 3665 RE

Available at your central Pennsylvania RV dealer. We have many floor-plans of Montana’s available, but this 2011 Montana 3665 RE is at an exciting low price of $49,950. Be sure to take advantage of this low price and make this new 2011 Montana 3665 RE your new RV today!

Top ten reasons to retire to an RV in Pennsylvania

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Lerch RV

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Retire to the RV lifestyle

Retirement is the time for a simpler life and the chance to do things you didn’t have time for when working. Living the RV lifestyle in retirement has several advantages. Here are ten of the most thought of…

Ten reasons to retire to an RV;

Live your retirement dreams. Are there places you’ve wanted to visit but never took the time or perhaps didn’t have the money to do so? Now you can travel at your leisure and visit all those places. Whether it’s visiting national parks, following the Oregon Trail, playing at amusement parks or getting your fill of country western music, it’s all there for you
Take your house with you:Instead of having to pack and unpack and hassle with airports or schlepping luggage in and out of motels, everything is there. Some RVs come with air or pillow-top mattresses, or you can add your own. Instead of sleeping on a lumpy mattress or too hard one night, then too soft the next, enjoy your own. Your bathroom is clean and you can relax at night on your comfortable sofa or La-Z-Boy recliner.
Zero yard work and cleaning house is a breeze: With only a couple of hundred square feet to clean, cleaning house takes just a few minutes. There is no lawn to mow or yard to maintain.
Stay active: Most experts agree that staying active prolongs and improves quality of life. Living in an RV provides many ways to stay active physically and mentally. When traveling, you have to stay engaged with life!
Live less expensively: An RV is much less expensive to maintain than a house. Nightly campground fees are normally less than property tax and maintenance expenses on a stick house. Many expenses in the RV lifestyle can be controlled so you can cut back in a budget category when needed.
Meet new people and make new friends:RVers are very friendly people. Opportunities are constant to meet new people. Get involved with an RV club or at an RV resort and find a whole new community. Working or volunteering as you travel is another way to meet people and make friends.
One house, many views:When you get tired of one view, move on to the next. RVing is the ideal way to snow bird. Go where it is cool in the summer and where it is warm in the winter. Change your ocean view to a mountain view in a matter of a few hours.
No property taxes: Enjoy home ownership (your RV) without property taxes. Rent an RV space for as long as you want, then move.
Have many new experiences:You can actively have so many new experiences and be part of them rather than experience them vicariously on the boob tube. Stand where Lewis and Clark stood on their Voyage of Discovery. Crew for a hot air balloon at Albuquerque. Kayak among whales in Glacier Bay. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail. Or visit historical monuments; an auto tour at Gettysburg makes you feel like you are part of the Civil War.
Visit friends and relatives: Visiting friends and relatives in an RV makes visiting so much more fun. Even if you are parked in their driveway, you have your own space. Or,stay at a nearby RV park so you are not instant babysitters!

Do you know of any other reasons to retire to the RVing Lifestyle? If so please post them.

This is an excerpt from a list compiled by Jaimie Hall Bruzenak. Jamie is an RV Lifestyle Expert. She has been RVing since 1992.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Pennsylvania RVers get the big AdVANTAGEs.

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Lerch RV

Vantage. The new perspective in camping.

A brand new perspective in camping. Vantage from Keystone combines timeless beauty with modern technology to create a new travel trailer unlike anything on the market today. By utilizing curved,laminated fiberglass side walls and an arched roof, Vantage delivers wide-body livability and comfort in a look that clearly stands apart. And the Vantage interior is also extraordinary, tastefully incorporating contemporary-glazed maple cabinets, two-tone fascia, and an open spaciousness that is uncommon and pleasing. Available in three distinct floor-plans including a quad bunk model.

The Big AdVANTAGEs

Classic, timeless shape that will look good many years from now.
Clean, uncluttered exterior.
Cool tone high gloss gray exterior with black accents(bumper, wheel-well, windows).
Low slung chassis with a shorter overall height (to top of A/C).
Curved side walls, exterior and interior, creating a 101” wide body
Uniform window line (all windows same height and distance off floor), clean appearance.
Large (7″) radius transition from side wall to roof.
Slide-outs that conform to wall curvature – inside and out!
Full front and rear caps. No boxy edges.
Window awning on front cap conceals window, provides exterior storage location.
Recessed LED exterior lighting throughout. Even in bunk area.
Classic round tail lights recessed into cap.
Center stop lamp.
Separate high impact ABS rear bumper with hair-cell finish.
Exterior convenience center on ODS.
Vaulted ceiling with 7’interior height.
Low center of gravity allows for smoother towing.

Contact Pennsylvania’s first Keystone Vantage Dealer today for more information on this remarkable camper. You can reach us at 800-722-1236.

A Few Good Tips for the Pennsylvania RV Newbie

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Lerch RV

New to RVing? We can help. Everybody has to learn the ins and outs of RVing at some time. Hopefully, your mistakes and accidents will be minimal in the beginning.

I thought I would put together some things to think about as you prepare your new RV and yourself, to experience the RVing lifestyle like a pro!

Take care of your black water tank. This is one of the most important things to learn about. If your RV doesn’t have a black water tank sprayer, dump plenty of water down the toilet to clean it out. Add recommended chemicals regularly to ensure that tank material biodegrades properly. Packets are the fastest and easiest to use and require the least storage space; just toss one down the toilet with a gallon of water. Use RV toilet paper; it biodegrades faster.
Make a maintenance checklist. Make a checklist of things to do before and after each RV trip to ensure that you don’t forget any maintenance procedures while you’re learning. Make notes of anything that you need to keep an eye on so that you can check it consistently. You don’t want any surprises while you’re on the road.
Keep fridge and pantry stocked. Keep non-perishable staples on-board all season so you’re ready for spur-of-the-moment getaways. Make sure they are foods that will work together to make a meal. Remember to use food before their expiration date.
Keep clothing, gear on board. Keep a set of toiletries, toothbrushes, clothing, games, leisure gear, pet supplies, etc. on board so that you have minimal packing to do at vacation time.

This is just a very small list to get you started in your quest to become an experienced camper. Did I miss anything you experienced RVers? Please share more tips in the comments below….

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Pennsylvania Eastern Sportsman and Outdoor Show

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Lerch RV

Calling all outdoor sports enthusiasts! The 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, the largest event of its kind in North America is just for you. Join fellow outdoor sports buffs for up to 9 days of testing the latest hunting and fishing products, planning outdoor sport and camping vacations, shopping fishing boats, RVs, SUVs and ATVs, meet your favorite outdoor celebrities, and much more! Test your skills with a variety of outdoor sport-related contests based on skill and talent. Bring your friends and family to join in the many entertainment offerings designed for any and all ages. Don’t miss the best sportsman show on this side of the Mississippi…

Show Hours:

Saturday, February 4	10am – 7pm
Sunday, February 5	10am – 5pm
Monday, February 6	10am – 7pm
Tuesday, February 7	10am – 7pm
Wednesday, February 8	10am – 7pm
Thursday, February 9	10am – 7pm
Friday, February 10	10am – 7pm
Saturday, February 11	10am – 7pm
Sunday, February 12	10am – 5pm

The Harrisburg Farm Show Complex offers 60 acres of convenient parking. Parking at the Farm Show Complex lot and at the nearby H.A.C.C. parking lot (available only on weekends) is $8.00. Complimentary continuous shuttle bus service is provided between the complex and off-site lots. Signage on major roads around the show will direct drivers to parking lots on Elmerton Avenue. Free Parking is also available at Bass Pro Shops.

Kids Day: February 11,2012

Mark your calendars for Kids Day 2012 – Don’t miss the fun! Bring your family and join us for a day full of special events and activities geared specifically for children and families. Help us get the youth involved in the great outdoor sports of hunting, fishing and wildlife preservation. Your children are the future of these great sports…Pass On The Tradition!

Visit Pennsylvania’s largest travel trailer dealership, Lerch RV at booth 1271, right outside the exciting Archery Hall.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

RVing is a great way to Support our National Parks

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Lerch RV

It’s about time to start talking about your 2012 RV travel plans. If you plan on staying at some of the more popular national parks, you may want to go ahead and make your reservations now. Please consider adding in some more visits to the national parks in 2012. They could use your patronage now.

Having already grown accustomed to a dwindling budget in recent years, the National Park Service is now facing the prospect of a decade of across-the-board cuts starting at nearly 8 percent in 2013.

What this could mean is shorter seasons at some national parks, staff reductions, deferred infrastructure maintenance, campground closings and reduced amenities.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) released a report stating that in fiscal year 2011 the National Park Service had funding reduced by $140 million, including $11.5 million for operations. Since 2002, the report states, the agency’s discretionary budget has decreased from $3 billion to $2.6 billion in today’s dollars.

The organization’s report arrives at a time when the nation is mired in debate over how to trim the federal government’s deficit. The Budget Control Act of 2011, enacted in August, calls for cutting the deficit by roughly $900 billion through caps on discretionary spending beginning in 2012 and ending in 2021. Those spending caps will affect the national park system.

So, even though the nation park system is a tiny part of the federal budget, they will almost certainly be affected. Please do what you can to support our national parks. Plan a RV tour of your favorite parks for 2012!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Pennsylvania RVers Boost Phone and Internet Range with an Antenna

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Lerch RV

I came across this great post about external antennas for your RV or trailer. I would guess that 99% of all RVers travel with a cell phone to keep in touch, plus they have a laptop computer to get travel info and email. That’s all great and good as long as you stay in the city where the reception is good. But RVers usually don’t spend their vacations in cities, they like to explore the great outdoors in their RVs and trailers. Unfortunately, there may be times when you have to sacrifice the modern-day amenities of mobile phones and internet connections. However, if you get a long-range antenna, that possibility can be reduced.

This omnidirectional antenna is a good antenna for maximizing your reach when you’re in the middle of nowhere!
Here’s one RVer’s method: This gentleman mounted a roof-mount style satellite dish base on the top of his motor-home, using the appropriate sealant to prevent water leakage. But instead of topping the mount with a satellite dish, he used U-bolts to mount a omnidirectional/tri-band cellular antenna. This one covers frequency ranges for both his cell phone and his wireless broadband/internet card.

He routed the connection cable from the antenna, down through the rig’s gray water holding tank vent line. Inside the rig he bored a hole into the vent line (where it was accessible from in the living area), routed the cable out of the vent line, and then used a sealant to both “keep the stink out,” and to act as a protective grommet to prevent friction between the vent pipe and the antenna coax. The whole shooting match plugs into either the cell phone, or into a jack in his broadband card. If your card doesn’t have a jack for an antenna, there are inductive couplers that attach to broadband cards, allowing you to rig them to an external antenna.

Once on location, it’s a simple job to climb up the RV’s roof access ladder, lift the satellite dish mount into its “working” position, then turn the antenna around to point to the nearest cellular site. With a 24dB gain, this setup will bring signal roaring in that might otherwise be lost in space.[RV Tech Tips]

Take the time this winter to add some accessories like this to your RV. Then in the spring you’ll have some new RV toys to play with!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Lerch RV Internet Access..How it works

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Lerch RV

When customers come through our doors, one of the first questions we always ask, is what’s on your must-have list for a new RV? It turns out that when people are considering purchasing an RV in Pennsylvania, internet access is appearing more frequently near the top of those lists. RVing provides singles and families alike an opportunity to explore the open road, enjoy parks, experience all sorts of outdoor adventures. One might argue that having internet access along said journeys will only enhance the experience, and perhaps make traveling more efficient.

Dial-Up, DSL, Cable, WiFi, Wireless (Cellular)

In the past, the most reliable way for campers to enjoy – and I use that term loosely – internet access was to plug-in to a dial-up modem at a campsite. This of course had it’s disadvantages as not all sites had access, or they offered extremely slow speeds in locations on the grounds that required trekking to a main office or some other site not necessarily close to where you were parked.

In some instances, campgrounds offer phone and cable connections at individual sites to RVers. Campers generally have to activate these connections by calling the phone or cable company in that area. For the RVer who is having an extended stay, this can be a good means of high-speed RV internet access via broadband or DSL connections. For the visitor on the move who only spends a couple of days or weeks in a given spot, this is usually not an effective means for internet access on the road.

WiFi is a major improvement and allows RVers the ability to enjoy the luxuries of the internet in the comfort of their own RV. Most laptop computers come equipped with built-in 802.11 capability suitable for RV internet access via WiFi. More and more parks are installing WiFi networks creating hotspots much like those found in airports, coffee shops, and restaurants all over the country. While the speeds are much improved over dial-up, access may not be available in all areas on a campground and many campgrounds also charge fees for use.

Many full-time RVers are looking for 24/7 access to the internet if possible. Most major cellular companies offer wireless access via smart phones that can be used to surf the web and check email. These cellular connections can also be used as a wireless modem and many providers also offer wireless air cards that are connected to the computer to tap into the network.

If internet access is near the top of your list of RV needs, consider these items:

What type of access do you need, intermittent or 24/7?

Does your laptop or computer have the capability to access the internet wirelessly?

Does the campground offer WiFi service and if so, is it available on the entire grounds or just a designated area? Are there any fees associated with using the campgrounds WiFi?

Does your cell phone provider offer wireless service or cards that can keep you connected, regardless of where your RV vacations take you?

Now that we’ve covered internet, what else is on your list when looking for a New or Used RV Pennsylvania?

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

RVing is Easy at Lerch RV

Experience the RV Lifestyle with us!

Tag Archives: RV service

Pennsylvania RVers, how do you keep your clothes clean?

Pennsylvania RV owners keep your RV properly sealed.

Keystone Montana 3665 RE fifth wheel for sale in Pennsylvania.

Top ten reasons to retire to an RV in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania RVers get the big AdVANTAGEs.

Vantage. The new perspective in camping.

A Few Good Tips for the Pennsylvania RV Newbie

Pennsylvania Eastern Sportsman and Outdoor Show

RVing is a great way to Support our National Parks

Pennsylvania RVers Boost Phone and Internet Range with an Antenna

Lerch RV Internet Access..How it works

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Vantage. The new perspective in camping.

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