Tips – Banner RV

Camping Mosquito Must Knows.

May 14, 2024November 13, 2024bannerrv

You can always expect a few things in life: once the warm weather arrives, so do the mosquitos.

The last thing you want to deal with while trying to enjoy the great outdoors is being swarmed by little blood suckers or pinchers. When you’re looking for a mosquito repellent for camping, you’ll want to consider how to keep them off of you and out of the RV. Fortunately, there’s a variety of ways to ward them off.

Repellants — One of the most common ways to keep the mosquitos from biting is to use repellent. Usually, in a spray, lotion, or wipe, repellents are effective thanks to DEET, which is the main ingredient. You’ll have to reapply as they wear off, especially if you’re active or swimming, but overall it does assist with keeping the mosquitos the mosquitos will away from you as long as you wear them.

Natural repellants — some folks are not fans of the common mosquito repellents; the DEET can irritate the skin, cause allergies and don’t smell that great. Fortunately for them, essential oils and other natural products provide a repellent. It’s better to spray the oil concoction rather than rub it directly onto your skin, but making your own repellent with thyme, eucalyptus, sage, lemongrass, rosemary, citronella, clove, or mint will keep the mosquitos at bay.

If you can handle the smell of it, you can try putting white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on your clothes, around the RV door and windows, and around the campsite. The pungent odour will provide a barrier against the mosquitos.

Smoke — Whether it’s the smoke from the campfire or the smoke from candles, you’ll still repel the mosquitos away from you. Outside of fire bans, this option is an easy enough solution to help repel mosquitos in another direction. Lighting citronella candles or some tiki torches; will provide enough smoke to also aid in your comfort of enjoying the outdoors without being pestered.

Clothing — You can buy special clothing with mosquito repellent woven into the fibre. It’s odourless, and the idea is that you won’t even notice it. However, it can become costly, so an alternative to purchasing specific clothing is to ensure you are covered thoroughly. It’s natural to want to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts in the summer, but all that exposed skin is just a buffet to mosquitos. Wearing long sleeves and long pants during peak mosquito season will save your skin.

Bug zappers — This is the less glamorous option, however it works. Bug zappers typically use light to draw insects in, leading them to an untimely demise by a shock of electricity. UV bug traps are growing in popularity and are proving effective with mosquitos. Additionally more recently, Thermcelle Mosquito Repellents have been popular, providing a dome like feature through its technology. While there are mixed reviews on its effectiveness, it may just be worth it for you sanity.

Netting — When you’re ready to sleep but don’t want to have that awful high-pitched buzzing in your ear, hanging mosquito netting around your bed in the RV can provide you with the rest you require. The fine weave is too tiny for mosquitos to get through, so you’ll have a blissfully bug-free sleep.

Campsite — Choosing the right campsite and area is also important when considering mosquito season. Mosquitos congregate (and reproduce) in standing water, including ponds and lakes. You may have to walk a little further to get to the water, but if you choose a site that’s further back from the water’s edge, you’ll have fewer mosquitos bothering you.

No matter what method you choose, Make sure to do some investigating on which product will work best for you. You can also find insect reports for many areas that will tell you if specific insect populations are higher, lower, or at normal levels.

Ultimately, having a bug-free camping experience is likely unrealistic; however, to provide you and your family with an enjoyable time outside without the nuisance of buzzing, it is essential to be prepared. It is nice to be able to jump into your RV knowing you have been proactive about clearing the mosquitos and having a safe place to hide from the pests. There are quite a few options that may suit you.

Are you ready to finally up your camping game and invest in an RV to ensure an enjoyable camping experience away from the mosquitos? We have got you covered. At Vernon Recreational Products, we can get you into the RV that best suits your needs. Call us at 1-833-293-3402 or visit us on-site, and we’ll do everything we can to prepare you for your summer camping adventure! Call today!

Can You Use Your RV in The Winter.

April 16, 2024November 13, 2024bannerrv

Winter means RV season is over, right?

Wrong! So very wrong! The joy of RV camping is that you have a proper shelter that you take with you, so there’s no reason not to use your RV in winter!

Okay, it’s not quite the same as RVing in the summer. We will admit that. But it’s still an incredible experience you won’t get if you only RV in warm weather. So, before winterizing your rig for storage, let us tell you why you should hold off on it this year.

Why go winter RVing

It’s true: winter RVing isn’t as popular as summer RVing. But that can work to your advantage. There is something so satisfying about winter camping. The adventure and thrill it brings can create a different environment for your RV lifestyle that you didn’t know you were missing. The serenity that the winter brings while out in the wilderness is spectacular, and more people could benefit from getting away from the hustle and bustle of life during the cooler months. Snow-covered trees, pristine trails, untouched frozen lakes, and warm crackling fires are a recipe for some great R & R. With the right equipment, it might be your favourite time to camp.

There are plenty of perks for cold weather camping, including getting the first pick of prime spots at your favourite campgrounds. Those same campgrounds will be less crowded than they are when the weather is warm, and there may be certain activities that you can only do in the winter.

Plenty of campgrounds keep certain hiking trails prepared for snow in the off-season and ready to use. So, as long as you’ve got thick socks, a pair of warm boots and maybe some snow shoes, you can still go out and enjoy a walk in nature. Other parks and sites will groom trails specifically for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which can be in areas that aren’t as accessible in the summer, like on a lake.

Many ski hills have campgrounds adjacent to the hill, which is considerably more affordable than getting a hotel room or renting a condo—you might have to travel a little farther. Still, you’ll be able to return to your home on wheels and have a lovely, quiet, relaxing evening after a full day on the slopes.

If you’re ready for the adventure of RVing in the winter, there are a few things you’ll want to do beforehand.

What you need for winter RVing

First things first, you will need an RV that is a four-season model, not just a three-season one. A four-season RV will be able to withstand the below-freezing temperatures, but you can also do some work to further insulate your RV from the cold.

Putting plastic film over the RV windows will block the heat from getting out and is a relatively quick project. If you plan to be parked for a while, skirting around the RV’s bottom will keep the wind from blowing underneath the rig and protect it from getting chilly from the ground up. You can also lay down some thick rugs in the RV to add further insulation from the cold floors.

You’ll want to be prepared for any emergency when camping in the cold, so make sure you’ve got a good quality shovel in your rig, along with a portable heater, a good flashlight or lantern with extra batteries, some cat litter for traction in case you get stuck, and tire chains should any roads get too treacherous. You may also want an extra propane tank on hand just in case your regular one stops working in the middle of the night. It doesn’t hurt to carry dry firewood with you; you never know what will be available once you arrive, and it is better to be prepared.

When packing your bag, you’ll want a different assortment of clothes. Layers are your best friend when cold weather camping, so along with thick sweaters, bring moisture-wicking underclothes and thicker middle layers like fleece or wool sweaters. You’ll also need plenty of good warm socks, winter boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and a coat rated for the temperature predicted while on your trip.

Make it extra cozy within the RV with heavy blankets or sleeping bags, soft throw blankets, and flannel sheets. A warm, comfy interior will improve your winter RV experience.

If you’re ready to hit the road and do some cold-weather camping, we can help you prepare your rig to handle the winter chill. Whether you need more insulation or necessary equipment to make your winter getaway unforgettable, we can make it happen. Call today at 1-833-293-3402 or visit us in person!

We look forward to seeing you!

Camping Preparation For Unpredictable Weather.

May 5, 2023November 13, 2024bannerrv

Preping for Unpredictable Weather When Camping

It has felt like an extra long winter, and with the long weekend approaching, many of us are all set and ready to get our camp on. You have your site booked, friends who co-camp with you are reviewing the checklist, and you’re double-checking the weather every other day.

Camping in May can be hit or miss regarding weather; if you are a seasoned RVer, you know all too well what it’s like to experience all kinds of weather and get stuck in the rain.

Most who have experienced a rainy weekend are well prepared; they know what equipment they wish they had last time and will not be caught without it on round two. Others are concerned about all types of weather but hoping to make the best of it no matter how the weather roulette lands; they just can’t wait to be out in the RV.

Camping with kids during this time of year is another kind of camping. There’s no risk when you’re playing roulette with the weather, and it’s just you and your partner you have to worry about. A few extra hours spent inside reading a book or curled up playing a card game while parked in the great outdoors is its special kind of serenity.

Those with children don’t have that same luxury, especially if they are still young.

If you plan to take the RV out on the weekends this time of year, in camping preparation there are a few things to remember when packing up the rig.

As mentioned, the weather is unpredictable. Bring all the raincoats, pants, boots and hats. Muddy Buddies are ideal for little ones who want to puddle jump. Be sure to bring warm layers and lots of them. Things will inevitably get wet if you’re caught in the rain, and there’s nothing quite like being damp and cold and wishing for dry clothes.
Get outside. Even if the weather isn’t ideal, bundle up, take a walk, hike, pack the kids in their carrier or wagon and make it an adventure. Despite the weather, getting everyone out of the RV will help burn off the energy and create long-lasting memories in the fresh air. Don’t get cooped up; it’s a recipe for disaster, adults and children alike.
Hopefully your RV has an awning, and even so bringing extra tarps and rope can help create a larger dry space. Hanging tarps from the surrounding trees provides an extended outdoor space to gather with friends, eat dinner outside and even have a fire.
Don’t cancel the trip just because of the changed weather. Some of the best trips are made out of not ideal circumstances. You’d be surprised by the creative activities children and adults can find when stuck inside an RV during a downpour. Stock your cupboards with new colouring books, fresh crayons, and activity kits; bring the knitting needles, your favourite games or even a puzzle.
Have an ATV, UTV or Dirt Bike? This is the perfect time of year to get out and get a little dirty. If you have the means to travel with your all-terrain vehicle, you won’t regret it. With the chill still in the Spring air, hitting up some nearby trails with your pals can provide you with a different kind of camping experience. While the water and beaches warm up, think about packing up the kids and finding some trails worth exploring. There’s nothing quite like the need for speed.

Take your camping adventure with optimism; we have all found ourselves caught in all types of weather; however, the weather changes and it can also surprise you. If it does become unbearable, remember you can always pack up and go home early.

During your next trip, reevaluate whether or not your RV is big enough for you and your crew. Having space for everyone to enjoy their personal space and activities can affect the success of a trip. Many new RV models offer separate bunks for children, including a designated play space. We offer models that provide a variety of layouts to accommodate the number in your family, along with a couch under a bunk, a tv space separate from the main area or even an additional washroom.

RVs are built now with you in mind. Keep your trip easy, even if you get caught in the rain. Drop by the lot and see for yourself; the new models offer upgrades you didn’t even know you were missing.

Tips for taking your RV out of storage.

April 28, 2023November 13, 2024bannerrv

Well, camping enthusiasts, we did it; we made it through another winter! The snow is starting to feel like a distant memory, and the days are getting longer and longer. You know what that means?

It’s time to get the RV out of storage!

Unless you’re a winter RVer (kudos to you if you are!), you’ve probably been dreaming of warmer weather and returning to nature. Where you can feel the rumble of the open road beneath your feet, and you’re amped to get back to the great outdoors.

Not so fast, though! Before you start planning your first spring camping trip, there are a few things you need to do to get your rig ready for the road post RV storage.

CHARGE UP THE BATTERIES

Depending on whether your RV had indoor storage or outdoor RV storage will determine a lot about the battery. If your RV was stored outdoors how cold it was over the winter and how long the RV has sat idle, will determine if your battery will need a little boost. Whether you removed the battery or left it under the hood, check the charge and determine if you can give it a boost or outright replace it.

While checking the vehicle batteries, check any other batteries in your RV, such as the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or flashlights.

READY THE WATER SYSTEM

Hopefully, you flushed the water system and filled it with antifreeze before you put the rig away for the winter. Now’s the time to drain the antifreeze, so you’re not drinking it in your water. Take the water heater off bypass mode and hook the RV to a freshwater source. Pump clean water through the system, opening all the faucets and letting the water run until it’s clear.

Once complete, it’s time to sanitize the system. Add one cup of bleach for every 60 gallons of water, and continue pumping water through the system. Once you can detect the scent of bleach, turn off the valves and let it sit for at least 12 hours. Finally, run fresh water through the system again until the bleach is gone.

CHECK THE TIRES

Fluctuating cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your tires. The frigid air can cause the tire to shift and deflate, and you won’t get very far on flat tires. Determine the proper air pressure for your tires by checking the user manual and ensuring they’re filled.

Take this time to inspect your tires. Take a good look at the treads of your tires. If they’re starting to wear down a lot, now would be a good time to look into replacing them.

FILL THE PROPANE

Take the propane tank to get filled, hook it up, and test the systems that use it. Look for any cracks in the valves and leaks in the hoses. You can check by spraying the area with soapy water and checking for any bubbles.

Test all the propane appliances by letting them run through a few cycles, ensuring they all work. You don’t want anything to stop working during your trip.

Additionally, it is recommend to check and top up all areas of your RV that are low or that you drained before the winter season. As a reminder;

Transmission
Power steering
Engine oil
Brake fluid
Coolant
Windshield washer fluid

LOOK FOR DAMAGE

When taking your trailer from storage it is essential to check around the doors and windows and see if the weather stripping is still holding up. If it’s looking a little worn down, or any caulking is starting to lift, replace it or repair it. Often the colder temperatures can take a beating on areas we would least expect.

Despite locking up your RV and putting a cover or tarp over it, there’s a chance some critters saw it and thought it’d be a great place to hide from the cold. Look for evidence of rodents inside the RV and block any holes they may have made. It may be necessary to set up a few traps or to spray for insects that found a new home over the winter months.

READY TO HIT THE ROAD?

We always hope that bringing your RV out of storage is seamless; we also want you out on the open road and enjoying the next greatest adventure. If there is anything you are concerned about, have questions or want a second opinion, be sure to swing by our shop. We at Vernon Recreation Products can help you confidently get back on the road. Call us at 1-833-293-3402 or visit us on-site, and we’ll do everything we can to prepare you for the spring camping season! Call today!