Tag Archives: Travel and Tourism

Turn, Turn, Turn. The Open Range Light story.

Posted on by

I am still amazed when I recall what I witnessed the day when our first 2012 Open Range Light LF297 was picked up by its new owner. When it was time for the customer to leave we put the truck, which happened to be a Ford F150 Super Crew with a 5.5′ bed, and the trailer through a series of turning radius tests. The distance from the front cap of the fifth wheel and the rear cap of the pick up is substantial enough to allow true 90 degree turning. Take a look at Lerch RV’s YouTube video depicting that radius testing. Keep in mind that the Open Range Light is truly a half ton tow-able fifth wheel. And with the innovative front camp design and hitch pin placement, you can tow this beauty with just a standard fifth wheel hitch installed in your tow vehicle. No need for a sliding fifth wheel hitch (slider) or any other special modifications need to be made.

The Light is another great innovative idea from the Open Range RV company. The Light product line includes the above  pictured LF297RLS, LF289RES and the LF305BHS (bunk model with outside kitchen). There is also a travel trailer in the mix as well, the LT252FLR. So if you are driving a half ton tow vehicle and are looking for a truly unique fifth wheel to camp in, look no further than the Open Range Light. And if you happen to have a 5.5′ short bed truck and want a fifth wheel camper, the Light is especially for you! You can have full size fifth wheel fun in a half ton tow-able package, without missing anything.  All the features that you require in an exciting package.

The Open Range Light fifth wheel campers and travel trailers are available at Pennsylvania’s largest Open Range RV Dealer, Lerch RV. Located in Milroy, which is one hour west of Harrisburg and thirty minutes southeast of State College, the home of Penn State University. For more information on the Open Range Light, please contact us.

Advertisement

A few tips to keep Ants from Invading your RV…

Posted on by

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!

Related articles

More RV and Camping Safety Tips

Posted on by

You may read about RV and camper safety a lot when you’re surfing the internet or picking up the latest Trailer Life magazine. Personally I think you can never learn too much or think too often when it comes to RV safety. And as with anything else in life, practice what you read and preach.  To many times safety is placed on the back burner of our thought process when it comes to hitching up the wagon and hitting the road.  Many of my previous posts have been about RV and camping safety.  I can not stress how import this subject matter is.  So once again here are some more RV safety tips to think about….

"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"Propane:

Never paint the tank a dark color. It can absorb the sun’s rays and can cause it to overheat and explode.

  • Don’t travel with the stove, oven or heater burners lit.
  • Never refuel while any propane appliance or engine is running.
  • If you have an older propane tank, make sure it has an overfill protection device.
  • Install a propane gas detector.

Create a step-by-step checklist!!

Before you drive:

  • Make sure bay doors are closed and latched.
  • Double-check tow bar and safety cables.
  • Disconnect all power, TV, phone, water and sewer lines.
  • Retract jacks, steps, and awnings.
  • Look under the rig for signs of fluid leaks.
  • Check oil, transmission and coolant levels.
  • Check air brakes, parking brake and tow brakes.
  • Inspect tire inflation pressure and tread wear.
  • Make sure smoke and propane leak detectors are working.

Practice S.A.F.E Cornering:

RVers must compensate for the extra weight, height and length of their vehicles when cornering. Practice S.A.F.E. cornering:

  • Slowly approach the turn. It’s much easier to speed up in the corner than have to brake.
  • Arc the turn, careful to not arc the first swing in the opposite direction, confusing drivers behind as to where you really intend to go.
  • Finish the turn completely. Drivers make a common mistake when they straighten before the back-end of the vehicle has cleared the pivot point.
  • Experience is key. The best way to become a good RV driver is practice, practice, practice.[GMAC Insurance]

There are some good tidbits that I think you can print out and keep in your RV to refer back to every once in a while. That is if you like. I truly hope you have enjoyed some of these safety tips! That way next time you hit the road you will know that you and your family are good to go!

Have a great weekend adventure, run by on your way back so we can hear all about it.  And, if there is anything we can do to help, let us know!!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Related articles

Traveling with kids an adventure, so be ready for anything…

Posted on by

This article was forwarded to me by a friend in the RV business. It is by Judy Jackson from the Edmonton Journal is quite informative.  So to all of those who have children and RV, read on…
RVing with kids at Lerch RV

RVing with kids, including full-time RVing, is becoming increasingly popular, and over the last decade the trend in RV production has been toward accommodating the needs of active baby boomer retirees, retirees traveling with kids and families.

Today’s RVs are designed with frugality in mind, built for comfort, accommodating of bicycles and kayaks and sports gear – particularly desirable things when you are traveling with kids.

The physical aspect of the RV for traveling with kids is well taken care of, but what about traveling with the kids themselves?

Most kids absolutely love the idea of traveling and adventuring in an RV. For some however, the mobile RV lifestyle is not a good fit at all – they just don’t handle the changes, uncertainty and leaving the security of what’s familiar, including friends and family.

Whether they’re excited or reluctant, with these few tips you can just about guarantee a pleasant time RVing with kids.

Enjoy the adventure

Yes, there will be problems, challenges, and unexpected things. Instead of getting upset, angry or dismayed, learn to change your perspective and enjoy the adventure of it all.

Have fun

What are you there for? Fun. If you aren’t having fun you may as well go home. Look for the fun. Do the out of the ordinary. Don’t be afraid to have fun, get dirty, tired, hot, scared.

See things through your kids’ eyes

Kids look at things very differently from adults. Put yourself in their place. Talk to them. Ask them. Listen to them.

Let them make decisions

Let them choose activities, routines, travel routes, what’s for supper, or even what not to do. Involve them.

Use teamwork

Let you kids be part of making and breaking camp. Teach them how to direct the driver in parking the RV. Have them help with dumping and other maintenance procedures. Show them how to plot a course and navigate. Work together on tasks and problem-solving.

Get rid of things that need upkeep

Pack and prepare things ahead of time so that things will run smoothly.

And remember, the adjustment period never ends. There are always new things, changes, kids grow, new interests and circumstances to accommodate.

It’s an adventure, so enjoy. For more on RVing with kids, check out Full-time Families . Or if you need help in finding that family friendly camper, please contact your central PA RV dealer, Lerch RV.

Related articles

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

Posted on by

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.

Related articles

Camping Made Easy has never included so much RV storage!

Posted on by

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 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!

Related articles

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

Posted on by

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 ShotWoodalls 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.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Related articles

A blast from the past in the RVing lifestyle.

Posted on by

It’s easy to expect a lot from today’s RVs.

Internet connections, flat screen televisions, pillow top mattresses, and porcelain toilets may seem like a must to you now.  That’s what makes it so much fun to see where RVing came from.  I am still amazed every year when the latest and greatest designs come out from the leading RV manufactures.  It is easy to forget that there was a time when having a trailer with electricity was a big deal and some thought border-line insane.  Well, allow us take a look way back to the year 1937.  The country was in the middle of the Great Depression, and that meant that more and more people were taking to a life on the road to find the American Dream.

The YouTube clip below is a great way at appreciating all the hard work and ingenuity that has gone into designing and making everything that goes into RVs today.

So next time you are out driving and you get mad that you have no cell phone signal, just be thankful that you have a cell phone in the first place.  If you want to see what new technology is packed into the RVs of today or see what is going to be the RV of the future, then be sure to come to Lerch RV.  We have been selling the latest and greatest campers for over 34 years.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

A new breed of RVer walks amongst us

Posted on by
glamping in America

Are you Glamper?

The Urban Dictionary defines Glamping in more than a few ways, however I believe this definition best fits:
Glamping: (verb)  Glamorous camping. Satisfying your craving for the outdoors and your penchant for a good meal, nice glass of wine, and a comfortable bed. (No stinky sleeping bags on the hard ground and freeze-dried food for me. If it’s not a Glamping trip, count me out.)

Camping used to be known as “roughing it.” Of course, with the rise of the RV, it became a little less rough and a little more luxury.  Well, a lot of people who wouldn’t call themselves “outdoorsy” have finally come across the greatness that is RVing, and in fact, new camp grounds are opening up to give them the least rough camping experience possible.  This is called glamping, which is short form for glamorous camping.  There are websites and destination campgrounds on several continents that have sprung up to cater to the ‘glampers’.  Tenting has become luxurious with the introduction of upscale wall tents and yurts. These luxurious canvas cabins are not for the die-hard outdoors-man.

GO Glamping!

Now this is tenting...

So if you are trying to convince that one person in your family holding out against the idea of going camping, you may show them how glamorous is can be.  While you may enjoy a more traditional camping experience, it’s always great news to know that the RV community is always growing.  If you do not want to spend over $200 a night per person on some of these upscale canvas palaces. Stop by Pennsylvania’s largest travel trailer dealer and allow us to help you find your perfect camper.  Lerch RV has been making camping and buying easy for over 34 years.  If you are looking for the upscale or the entry-level RV, Lerch RV can help you.  So give our low pressure sales team a call at 800-722-1236.
Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Related articles

A unique fifth wheel floor plan, the 2008 North Shore 320 TS.

Posted on by
2008 North Shore 320 TS by Dutchmen RV at Lerch RV

A very unique step up kitchen slide-out.

Chart a new course to that perfect place this year with this pre-owned North Shore fifth wheel.  Whether it’s somewhere brand new or a favorite vacation spot you venture to each year, let a  North Shore fifth wheel take you there.  With its distinctive styling and premium features you’ll find each North Shore to be the ideal setup when you are on the road.  This 2008 North Shore 320 TS has very distinctive floor plan.  The step up slide-out kitchen makes this used fifth wheel stand out amongst our other pre-owned fifth wheel inventory.

2008 North Shore by Dutchmen RV at Lerch RV

Loaded with great interior features that include a Roof Mounted TV Antenna w/ Booster, Microwave, 3 Burner Range w/ Oven and High Output Burner, Range Cover, Double Bowl Kitchen Sink w/ High Rise Faucet, Gas/Electric Double Door Norcold 8 cubic foot Refrigerator, Roof Mounted Ducted AC, Auto Ignition Ducted Furnace, Ceiling Fan, Power Roof Vent in Bath, Bathroom Skylight, Glass Shower Enclosure w/ Tub Surround, Foot Pedal Flush Porcelain Toilet, CO Detector, LPG Leak Detector, Smoke Detector, Under Bed Storage, Hardwood Linoleum Flooring, Pleated Woven Shades, Fireplace, Hide a Bed Sofa, Large Countertop in Kitchen Area.

2008 North Shore by Dutchmen RV at Lerch RV

Exterior Features include Fiberglass Exterior, Aluminum Framed Sidewall Construction, Low Maintenance Rubber Roof, Manual A&E Awning, Front Power Landing Legs, Rear Stabilizer Jacks, Over Sized Storage Compartment, Enclosed Underbelly, Enclosed and Heated Holding Tanks, Black Water Tank Flush, Dual 30 lb LP Tanks, Auxiliary Battery, Cable TV Hook-up, Phone Jack, Outside Spigot, Exterior ‘Scare’ Security Light, Roof Ladder, 10 Gallon DSI Water Heater, XL Entry Assist Handle.

This trade in is a must see. Very clean and very well maintained by the previous owner.

2008 North Shore 320 TS Specs:

Dry Weight: 9,482 lbs
Slide-Outs: 3
Sleeps up to: 4 people
Interior Color: Country Beige

Sale Price: $26,770

If you are interested in seeing this 2008 North Shore 320 TS by Dutchmen RV, give your central Pennsylvania RV Dealer a call at 800-722-1236.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!