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!

Buying a used or new RV in Pennsylvania

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Lerch RV

Whether you purchase a used RV or travel trailer in Pennsylvania from an individual or a central Pennsylvania RV dealer, there are certain things you should check before making the transaction. Usually, a dealership,like Lerch RV will repair the RV or travel trailer, if needed, before selling it, so a used travel trailer or a used central Pennsylvania RV dealer is a better option.

If you are buying a trailer from a private individual, make sure everything works.If the travel trailer or RV comes with a generator, start the generator to ensure it works. Let it run for at least 10 minutes. While the generator is running, check the interior. Turn on the lights. Start the refrigerator if it has the option to run on electric. Check the microwave. Check the faucets to make sure the handles, the shower handle and the drain plugs all work. There may not be water in the tank, but you want to ensure that the handles are not stripped. Some drain plugs have a handle on the spigot or the faucet — these are the things you need to check.

Make sure the toilet operates properly. The flush and rinse sliders — if you have that type of toilet — should operate without sticking, and they should not be loose.

If the travel trailer or fifth wheel RV has an air conditioning unit, turn the air conditioning on to make sure it works. If the heat uses gas, you may not be able to check the heat unless there is gas in the tanks. The same goes for the stove.

Once you are happy that everything works on generator, plug the RV into an outlet if possible. Check to see if everything works with the RV or travel trailer plugged in.

Check in all cabinets for roof leaks. Roof check around the vents for signs of leakage. In most cases, a dealership will repair the leak and fix the water spots on the ceiling, but they may not fix the water spot in the overhead cabinets. Check under the RV or travel trailer to ensure that the floor is not rotting out if it is wood. A lot of older campers were made completely of wood, which tends to rot, especially at the wheel wells. Check the tires. Make sure they have decent tread on them and that the tires do not look dry-rotted.

If you are purchasing a motorized RV, check all the fluids. The radiator should have antifreeze and water and it should be clean. Antifreeze could be green or orange, depending on the type used in that motor. Check the oil. The oil should look clean. Check the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid should be pink. If it is brown or smells bad — transmission fluid has a distinct smell when it is new, and smells pretty nasty when there is something wrong — there could be a problem with the transmission. Check the brake fluid.

Start the RV and take it for a test drive. Make sure the RV shifts correctly. If it has an automatic transmission and shift fine on its own, check it further by manually shifting it through the gears. At a stop, put it in first gear. Move forward. As the rpm raises, shift it into second, than third. You should hear or feel the shifts. If the RV has a tachometer, the tach should drop when you shift the transmission.

When you get back to the dealer or individual that you are buying the RV from, check the oil and transmission fluid again. The oil should still look clean and should not have a frothy look to it. If the oil looks frothy — almost like someone poured milk into the oil — the RV could have a head gasket problem. The transmission fluid should still be pink. Check around all of the hoses and make sure nothing is leaking.

If the RV engine runs smoothly and the fluids look good — and the price is right — you may have just found yourself your next great adventure.

Gas Prices do not Deter RV Campers (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

2011 Keystone Sprinter 297 RET-Save money PA

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Lerch RV

Are you looking for a new RV in Pennsylvania? Are you looking for a great balance of storage, living space and sleeping capacity? And are you looking for a great price on your new RV?

Stop looking, the 2011 Keystone Sprinter 297 RET is what you have been searching for. The Sprinter 297 RET was designed with the intention of providing the average camper with plenty of storage space, sleeping capacity and living space. The Sprinter 297 RET can sleep up to eight people comfortably. As well as store plenty of food and supplies for a good week-long camping trip. And if you happen to be plagued by bad weather, you will have no worried about spending a rainy day inside this wide open RV. Introduced as Keystone RV’s first product line in 1996, Sprinter’s goals were simple – Take the suggestions of our customers and make them the origin and foundation of the Sprinter design. As a result of these efforts, Sprinter offers you its proudest distinction between other brands – a product designed specifically to “MAKE CAMPING EASY.”

The Sprinter 297 RET reflects Keystone RV’s efforts to make your camping weekend as easy and enjoyable as ever. The Sprinter 297 features a fully enclosed and heated under-belly, an adjustable power A&E awning, motion detector porch light, day/night privacy shades, a home theater system with LCD TV, and dual air mattress sleeper sofas, among other great features. A full one year manufacturer warranty. However the best feature of this exciting travel trailer just might be the price; $22,200. That is a savings of over $3,000. Come see how Pennsylvania’s largest Keystone Sprinter dealership “Makes Buying Easy”!

Blue-Ox Motorcycle Carrier

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Lerch RV

The Over-Bilt Sport-Loader provides a simple and effective method of
hauling a motorcycle while also providing the ability to tow a trailer,
camper, or travel trailer. The motorcycle will ride approximately
one inch off the bed of the pickup, providing a stable base for the ride.

To load, attach the channel extensions to the rear of the loader and
secure with the pin. Run the cradle to the base of the Sport-Loader
and roll the front tire of the motorcycle into the cradle, tighten the
bracket against the tire and strap the motorcycle to the cradle for
further stability while loading. The rear tire of the motorcycle will
track in the channel as the motorcycle is pulled into the bed of the
pickup.

As the motorcycle is pulled up the channel, the unit pivots on a
tube attached between the tailgate mounting posts, lowering the
motorcycle to the bed of the pickup. When the motorcycle’s tire
reaches the front of the pickup box,the motorcycle is fully loaded
and ready to be strapped in for travel.The channel extensions are
secured in the bed of the pickup when not in use.

One person loading and unloading
Stable base for cycle (approximately .1” off the bed)
Removable ramp extensions store in pickup bed
Extension available for over-height pickups (SC9010)
Optional stand for changing oil or working on your bike (SC9012)
Additional Cargo Buckle (SC9011)
Cross tube required (see Blue Ox Application Guide)
No modifications to the pickup box or wiring required.

P/N:
SC3000, 8′ Long Box
SC3001, 6′ Short Box

***Pivot Tube Sold Separately***

For more information see: Blue Ox.com

Gas Prices do not Deter RV Campers

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Lerch RV

The sky is the limit when it comes to amenities you’ll find in motor-homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels these days. Every thing from leather couches, washers and dryers, and even heated tile flooring, but with those things comes a big price tag, especially on a motorized RV. Then when you get it home there’s the cost to fill up the gas tank on the RV, which can run as much as $300 or less for a tow vehicle. However this not stopping campers from heading out to their favorite spots.

“We go with a group of 15 other couples and we have the schedule all planned out for the third weekend each month, we go somewhere for our weekend camp-out,” said Louise Frank, an RV owner.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association RV sales in 2011 were up 4.1 percent nationwide, and people at the QCAA RV Expo say the threat of high gas prices won’t stop them from buying and using their campers. “It’s just a budget thing, if you’re going to make the trip it’s just like any other vacation, you set the money aside and you go,” said Chad Misfeldt, an RV shopper. “It’s something that you work for because that’s something you enjoy to do.”

The cost has however changed some aspects of how RV owners travel.”We just don’t use it to travel very much, we keep it at the lake and travel there in the summer.” Frank says they also budget differently during trips, like camping during the week when rates are cheaper, or cutting back on other expenses. “We still love to do our camping so we cut others ways, we may not go out to eat as much while we’re home,” said Frank. “Even when we’re camping we go out for lunch instead of supper.”

Many are parking their campers on permanent campgrounds sites, or are opting to purchase a smaller lighter weight. Going smaller and lighter weight pays for itself in fuel economy. Although the majority of RV owners know that by going small, you are going to have to sacrifice room. Whether that is storage room, living space or sleeping space. The majority of RVs being build nowadays are pushing the envelope in design and comfort. On the upside of the fuel situation, many automotive manufacturers are giving the consumer more towing payload with greater emphasis on fuel mileage.

The vast majority of RV consumers view their camping trips as a time to bond with the family and say eight miles to the gallon is a small price to pay for building memories that will last a lifetime.

2012 York RV Show, March 9-11. (rvingiseasyatlerchrv.com)

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.

Join us at the Allegheny Mountain RV Dealer Association RV Show

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Lerch RV

Come join Pennsylvania’s largest travel trailer dealership the weekend of February 23-26, 2012 at the annual Allegheny Mountains RV Dealers Association PA RV Show. Outdoor and camping lovers will have the chance to see the latest in RV’s this weekend. The Allegheny Mountains RV Dealers Association Show brings multiple dealers together for the huge four-day event at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This exciting RV show will enable our customers to view some of the latest and greatest RV floor-plans by industry leading manufacturers; Open Range RV and Keystone RV Companies. We look forward to seeing everyone who comes out and visits us. For more information on this great Pennsylvania RV show, please call our Sales Team 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 Easy at Lerch RV

Making memories, one campsite at a time.

Tag Archives: Travel trailer

Pennsylvania RV owners keep your RV properly sealed.

Buying a used or new RV in Pennsylvania

2011 Keystone Sprinter 297 RET-Save money PA

Are you looking for a new RV in Pennsylvania? Are you looking for a great balance of storage, living space and sleeping capacity? And are you looking for a great price on your new RV?

Blue-Ox Motorcycle Carrier

Gas Prices do not Deter RV Campers

Top ten reasons to retire to an RV in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania RVers get the big AdVANTAGEs.

Vantage. The new perspective in camping.

Join us at the Allegheny Mountain RV Dealer Association RV Show

A Few Good Tips for the Pennsylvania RV Newbie

Pennsylvania Eastern Sportsman and Outdoor Show

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