Archive for the 'Accessories' Category

Top 10 Accessories for Your Motor Home

October 3rd, 2011

rv awning

No motor home is really complete without adding some extras. Searching motor home accessories and parts may prove to be a tedious task especially if you don’t know where to search.

There are so many dealers and manufacturers that offer automotive supplies and various types of automotive accessories. And most of them have web sites which you can conveniently search online.

By shopping online you are going to be amazed by the many categories and brands that are available. You can buy audio and video systems, electrical, electronic, exterior, exhaust, suspension, steering parts, and other accessories. You may also find some special tool items for your motor home needs, such as pressure washers, air compressors, tire gauges, and even repair kits for damaged fan belts. The interior accessories are usually what most motor home owners purchase, and the online possibilities are virtually endless. Shopping online is more economical since most online dealers offer affordable prices compared to those offered by local auto parts dealers.

Among the benefits of online shopping is the fact that some online automotive dealers that provide customers with free catalogs that are simply emailed to you or placed as inserts on their free newsletter mailings. Online shopping has made purchasing an easy and convenient endeavor.

Here are ten great online motor-home shopping aids:

1. Add-A-Room

There are actually three types of add-a-room accessories which motor home owners may choose from, and these are as follows: standard add-a-room, add-a-room LTD, and the designer add-a-room. The standard add-a-room is an economically priced, one-piece lightweight vinyl room which allows you to enjoy the outdoors without the bugs. It also outperforms all other rooms on the market, and boasts completely reversible, sewn-in privacy panels that can be held down during windy or rainy days with Velcro fasteners. The add-a-room LTD is considered to be the premier room on the market today. Enjoying the outdoors with the comforts of home is great, coupled with the fact that it can turn your awning into a spacious private room. You may also roll the privacy panels for fresh air or roll them down for complete privacy. Equipped with plenty of storage space, the designer add-a-room is perfect for matching your patio awning and RV. It provides cool bug-free comfort for entertaining, sleeping or just enjoying the scenery.

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2. Interior Sun Control

There are four types of interior sun control to suit various needs. The first ones are the smart visor and power smart visor which are ideal for large windshields. The second one is the slide visor and power slide visor which is best for large side windows. The third one is the vent shade, which is perfect for blocking out the blinding rays of the sun and the fourth one is the skylight shade which is used to block out the light.

3. RV Window Covers

RV window covers are consists of three types: the windshield cover, window cover, and sunshades. The windshield cover protects the coach while giving you the pleasure of having a full view of the outdoors. It also blocks 94% of the sun’s heat and glare. You can enjoy a shaded, cool, more comfortable environment and run your air conditioner much less. The window covers cool down the temperature inside your stored RV and protect the interior from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This equipment is also perfect for covering large windows of your RV. The sunshades are used to beat the heat and are usually placed on rear windows to prevent the interior of the RV from heating up like an oven.

4. Thin-lite awning roller light

It’s a 12volt, bright bug-free awning light. The 32” light fixture is shatter-proof and also water resistant and is designed to provide a minimum of 3000 hours of light.

5. Undercover storage skirt

To maximise space away from the elements and prying eyes why not install an undercover storage skirt in the area under your bunks. It attaches to the bottom of your folding camping trailer’s bunk area and when you’re ready to go, packs away into a small storage bag.

6. RV activated taillights and safety cables

7. Stabilizers

These are black aluminum, light weight and easy to stow. These are manually operated screw jacks aid leveling of RV and provide stability.

8. Tow bars

Towing your car behind your motorhome gives you the most freedom when touring as you can park up and then use your car as a runaround. The most popular way to tow your car is via a tow bar, which allows all four wheels of the car to remain on the ground. The main reason for choosing a tow bar is convenience. Once you unhook your car, the tow bar remains on the motorhome or detaches with your car. It saves the hassle of finding somewhere to park a towing trailer.

9. Connector Protector

A protector for your trailer cable is a great way to keep out the dirt, rain and to save it from damage from accidental impacts. They are inexpensive and really easy to use and has the added bonus of allowing you to hang the electrical cable from your trailer up and out of harms way.

10. Gas Detector

A gas detector is usually 12 volts and draws 46 mA. Very simple to operate, a gas detectors is an essential piece of safety kit for your motorhome. They sit there, looking harmless but should you have a gas leak they can save your family’s life. Try the LP Gas Detector Safe-T-Alert.

Jo Williams has an interest in Shopping & Retail and Motor Home Accessories, for more FREE information and articles please visit Motor Home Accessories Resources

Consider yourself at Home

October 3rd, 2011

rv awning

Have you ever considered how amazing it would be to be able to explore other parts of the world exactly on your own terms and in your own time, but without having to forfeit all your home comforts?

Does that sound like a tall order? Well, a motorhome gives you the flexibility and freedom to do exactly this. You take to the open road precisely when the fancy takes you, without having to adhere to someone else’s schedule and to be in a certain place at a certain time. There’s no waiting around at an airport, anxiously wondering if your luggage will actually make it safely to your destination. You can prepare a hot meal or a snack just when you feel like it, and there’s no need to pack and unpack, moving from one expensive hotel to another. Admittedly, we’re all concerned about the cost of fuel escalating at such an alarming rate, but just weigh up the advantages of a motorhome and the savings you’ll make on air tickets, vehicle rental and eating out at pricey restaurants. Motorhomes are reliable and cost-effective to run and are as easy to drive as a commercial van, capable of negotiating even narrow roads without difficulty. Whether you hire a motorhome or buy it outright, there’s no denying that this kind of holiday is becoming more and more popular, even with celebrity chefs, super-models and pop idols! It seems this trend is catching on fast.

Today’s luxurious motorhomes are a far cry from those cramped and uncomfortable caravans that many of us remember from our childhood. They’re stunningly sleek and eye-catching in design, are surprisingly spacious and eminently practical. Most come superbly equipped with all the cooking facilities and mod cons you’ll need, water tanks, refrigerators, heating, air conditioning, roomy showers, WC, plenty of storage space, plush soft furnishings, comfortable sleeping accommodation, television, CD and DVD players, power steering and even onboard ‘sat. nav.’ to ensure that you find your chosen camp site without any problem! And for total peace of mind, it goes without saying that they’re also kitted out with all the latest safety equipment. Some of the larger models even feature luxury washrooms with separate shower rooms, pull-out awnings and garage space (great if you want to take your motor bike with you). Don’t forget, though, that some of these models require you to be over 25 and hold a category C1 licence.

So where would you go, on your motorhome holiday? Europe is a vast continent with so many places to see. But for me, there’d be no contest. I would explore the many different regions of France. I’ve had a love affair with this beautiful country since my first school trip to Paris as a young teenager. Since then, I’ve seen a fair bit of France, but there’s so much more still to explore. High on my list of places to visit would be Brittany, boasting the longest coastline in France, with miles of golden, sandy beaches, fabulous walks and glorious beauty spots, fascinating heritage and – I’m told – amazing food. Then again, perhaps I’d head for the Riviera and the Cote d’Azur and soak in all that wonderful sunshine, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous with their eternal suntans and yachts worth a king’s ransom. Above all, though, I would love to return to the Loire Valley, a magical, gentle region which is known as the ‘Garden of France’ and is an area of exceptional beauty. A favourite location for poets and writers over the centuries, and famous for its architectural heritage and over a thousand chateaux, I can well remember the picturesque towns, lush vineyards, vibrant flowers and undulating verdant hills that adorn its landscape. I can just picture the scene… eating farm fresh produce in the comfort of my motorhome… crisp, freshly baked bread and mouth watering local cheeses, washed down with a delightfully fruity red wine. I can even smell that bread now… mmmm!

Forgive me, I’m getting carried away. And that’s exactly where I’ll be this time next week… carried away in my motorhome, to France! Au revoir!

Awnings For Your Home – An Easy Home Improvement Idea

October 2nd, 2011

retractable awnings

have the advantage of being more than just decoration for your home’s exterior. Before air conditioning came along, people used these canopies on their windows or porches to keep their houses cool and the sunlight out. Today, awnings are used as an effective shade in order to enjoy the outdoors more. They now come in all sorts of styles, designs, and material to blend in with your furniture (or your garden).

The benefits you get from the use of awnings are significant. By using these to keep your home cool indoors, you save on power instead of turning on the air conditioning. They also protect your home from the elements, may it be strong winds, rainfall, snow, or the sun’s harmful rays. By shading your windows, they also allow you to enjoy a greater amount of privacy.

In any case, whether you’re after them for how they would look on your house or for the benefits, awnings are an investment that would last you for the long-term. In this light, how do you know what kind to purchase for your home?

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Starting from the basics, you would first have to consider the logistics. Where will you be placing them? Which parts of your house’s exterior need coverage? Are you willing to sacrifice looks for function if it all comes down to it? It’s good to narrow down what you want so that it’s easier to sift through the many choices you’ll eventually be faced with.

In terms of the material, there are two types available: aluminum and fabric. Aluminum would obviously be able to withstand the elements a whole lot better than fabric. Incredibly durable and low maintenance, you are guaranteed the best possible protection for years to come. Quality aluminum is now engineered to minimize rust and deterioration. Unfortunately your look is limited to modern metallic.

Where aluminum fails in the aesthetic department, fabric succeeds. It has the ability to come in hundreds of designs, shapes, and color that you’re not left wanting for choices. Additionally, fabric is much cheaper. The downside is that it requires more maintenance than aluminum with regards to washing, cleaning, and preventing it from getting dirty. Living in a place where it rains or snows a lot make this a bad choice as fabric will wear down or fade a lot faster. This material is more ideal for drier climates for it to be a good deal.

Aside from fixed awnings, which remain attached to your windows or doors for the long-term, you can also give retractable awnings a shot. These are perfect for those who like entertaining guests in the garden but don’t want a permanent roof in the middle of the yard. It has a built-in mechanism, which retracts the hood with a touch of a button if guests decide that they want a bit of sunshine after all.

 

Motorhomes New Zealand ? Tips For Camping In Comfort

October 1st, 2011

rv awning

There is perhaps no more scenic country on earth for motorhome adventures than New Zealand. A family can easily spend months here exploring the countryside, with its rustic peaks, crystalline lagoons, and pounding surf, all of which can be seen in one day. Motorhomes New Zealand offers the chance to get off the beaten path and go where you want to go, at your own pace. This also has the major benefit of saving you money, because you won’t need to think about paying for accommodations on the road. You will have your own instant home on wheels.

Aside from the economic benefits, there are a few factors to consider to make the most of your time spent camping with motorhomes New Zealand. Although most of these vehicles have full beds inside of them, along with a kitchen and bathroom, the fresh air of the countryside calls to many people to step out there and breathe it in. Most motorhomes also have awnings that can be pulled out to protect campers from moisture, so if you want to set up a tent, you can do so with plenty of comfort. It’s important to remember to bring along enough changes of clothes, towels and blankets in the event that you do get wet.

Other items to bring along when using motorhomes New Zealand include basics of camping such as flashlights, lanterns, an oil or propane stove for outdoor cooking, and plenty of bug spray. Depending on what time of the year you choose to visit New Zealand, the woods could be full of mosquitoes, so you’ll want to try and help ward them off to maximize comfort for everyone in the family. Children in particular can be prone to the effects of biting insects, so ward them off if possible.

Another essential item to bring when embarking on a camping adventure with your motorhomes New Zealand is a good camera, to capture all the fond memories of your time out there in this beautiful countryside. A video camera is even better, if you are with good friends or family and want to remember each moment. For the sake of safety, be sure to bring along a first aid kit and enough emergency water and non-perishable food to keep all passengers well stocked for at least a couple of days, should you find yourself stranded. This is unlikely to happen, however, as New Zealand has a well thought-out infrastructure.

Window Awning Facts

October 1st, 2011

canvas awnings

Window awnings are an eye-catching feature that you may have noticed on homes and commercial buildings in your area. However, awnings are more than an aesthetically pleasing adornment; they are a money saving tool that can add lasting value to your home or business. Here are some facts you may not know about window awnings:

Depending on the image you have in your mind for “window awnings,” you may not be aware that they come in a variety of synthetic fabrics as well as metals including copper and aluminum.

-          Vinyl, Canvas, and other synthetic awnings require more frequent replacement, maintenance and repair. However, the colors and graphics available make these a good choice for businesses seeking to use awnings as an advertising medium.

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-          Aluminum awnings are lightweight and easily installed. They are the cheapest metal for awning construction.

-          Copper awnings are slightly more expensive than aluminum awnings but better able to stand up to the elements and available in a greater variety of styles and sizes. These are often preferred for homes and businesses looking for an elegant, environmentally friendly awning.

Awnings provide shade, reduce energy costs, and can save homeowners and business owners money in several other ways. This makes all awnings environmentally friendly, or “green.” Copper and aluminum awnings are even more friendly to the environment because they do not require frequent replacement and can be made from recycled materials.

Most improvements or additions to a home or business cost money; awnings, however, can potentially save you money over the long run.

-          Awnings have been shown to reduce cooling costs by up to 30%

-          Less fading to carpets and furniture means they last longer

-          Some awnings create a venting system that will dissipate heat for additional savings

While these facts offer some of the most important information about awnings, there are many more reasons why you may be interested in adding an awning to your home or office. Stylish, practical, and eco-friendly, awnings are a great choice for any building!

Splendid Commercial Ambience Lent by Commercial Awnings

September 30th, 2011

retractable awnings

There can be many ways to describe an awning. For some it is an excellent medium to keep off the intense blows of the weather, for others it is an ornamental projection used to make the commercial architecture stand out prominently. An awning can also be used as an icon for a brand and represents it through its design and style. Commercial awnings have become an indispensable trend for commercial architecture.

An awning is generally supported by the building to which it is attached, through a frame or pole. Ideally, an awning is stretched over a lightweight, rigid structure or frame. The fabric is spread over the frame with utmost dexterity to provide shelter to the doors, windows, walkways and decks. The appeal of the shop or store increases manifold with a commercial awning at the entrance or over the windows.

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You can get an awning with self cleaning finish that is, it repels dirt and grease and preserves the glossy finish of the awning for life.

Awnings are eco friendly additions to the commercial settings. They are gaining huge momentum of popularity due to their utility and look. Commercial awnings are available in fabrics such as woven acrylic, vinyl and PVC mesh.

Looking more intently into the benefits of commercial awnings,

* They provide maximum protection from the UV rays
* The unexpected harshness of the weather is also kept at bay
* They are easy to maintain as there is no need to wash and dust them frequently.
* Retractable awnings are used very often used in shops and other commercial architectures. These awnings give the advantage of self storing and portability when retracted.
* Awnings are eco friendly ways to keep the interiors cool and amiable, since they reduce direct heat of the sun.

Hence, awnings can be appealing as well as functional to any commercial setting. They can make your shop prominent even in a crowded marketplace. Awnings and blinds offer visually appealing as well as durable awnings at competitive rates. They have a history of manufacturing and supplying high quality awnings for a very reputed set of clientele. Awnings and blinds have been operating as one of the most prestigious and accomplished businesses. They have to their assistance skilled designers and technicians who have been accomplishing their job of manufacturing and installing high grade commercial awnings with unparalleled flair.

The Essentials That All Campers Should Have

September 29th, 2011

There are basic items that we should always bring with us when we leave the house, “essentials”. The reason they are called essentials, is because they are just that: essential. Simply leaving the house, we usually have a cell phone, keys, and some form of money. As running out to do an errand across town requires specific and necessary items, camping does as well, only each requires different things for different purposes. There are many items you should be acquainted with for the interior and exterior of your camper so that you can plan accordingly.

Interior Camper Accessories:

Insulation is any material used to reduce or resist the flow of energy. Some types of insulators include:

Thermal insulators (reduce the flow of heat)
Electrical insulators (reduce the flow of energy)
Acoustical insulators (reduce the flow of sound)

The Knob is a movable control that is used to change the settings of the controlled instrument (i.e. The automobile used for outdoor camping.)

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Steering wheels are the type of steering control that is used in most modern vehicles. It is part of the steering system controlled via the driver. The rest of the steering system responds to the actions the steering wheel produces.

Storage Units are used for keeping materials brought for outdoor camping. Some basic examples of storage units are cup holder, storage bins, and coolers.

Exterior Camper Accessories:

Awning-A secondary covering attached to the exterior wall. Typically, it is made of canvas or acrylic cloth, which is stretched over a light structure of one of the following: aluminum, iron, steel, or wood. The design ends up something of a truss, space frame, and planar frame.

Tent-A shelter built from material draped over a frame of poles or ropes. Tents can either be attached to the ground with pegs or stakes, or it can be freestanding.

Hubcap-(aka: “mud flaps” or “wheel covers”) A decorative disk on the wheel of an automobile, which covers at least the central section of the tire. Many cars with alloy wheels or styled steel wheels generally use smaller ones, while stamped steel wheels often use full wheel covers to conceal the entire wheel.

Trailer- A vehicle, which is not powered, but instead pulled by a vehicle, which is powered. You can use to store goods and materials. It is weather-resistant and can be used to sleep in.

As a camper, having these accessories indicates that you are well prepared to have a safe, fun camping trip. Experiment with a variety of accessories to find the ones that work best for you. You may find that there is a couple camping accessories that you just cannot live without.

Things to Search for When Buying Awnings On the Web

September 29th, 2011

retractable awnings

If you are searching for new retractable awnings for your house or window awnings to distinguish your commercial building, it just makes sense to get them on the internet: you can shop and compare from the peace of your own home without having go anywhere; you are more likely to get a customized product that is precisely what you thought of with no need for compromise; and because you are not working with a brick and mortar store, there is a good chance that pay less for your awning because of lower overhead costs.

However, not all manufacturers and online merchants are created equal: watch out for those who guarantee rock-bottom prices but are also provididing less than great quality items or add extra hidden costs using back-door methods! Here are 7 specific qualities to look for when purchasing awnings online: here they are…

: Retractable awnings have become an very popular home improvement over the past years. No doubt due to the fact that they are affordable and assist with making outdoor living ares more enjoyable without too much trouble. This growth in popularity has led to an abundance of new manufacturers and vendors with doubtful credentials looking to cash in on the trend. For your security and to ensure that any warranties are genuine, only use with manufacturers who have decades-long records of greatness and dependability.
: Keeping a few bucks is useless if your awning’s hardware cannot hold up under constant use or if fabrics are inadequate and need to be replaced within just a few years. Your awning is an important asset: don’t skip on quality. The website you select should be clear and open about the endurance of every part of its products.
: For your own defense and peace of mind, only work with a purveyor that gives solid warranties on its hardware as well as fabrics.
: A money-back, no questions-asked guarantee should be a given. Most quality merchants will offer a 90-day guarantee.
: The ordering process on the internet should be uncomplicated, user-friendly and intuitive. Search for a site that will let you your awning step-by-step and actually “see” it as you create it so that you will know exactly what your window or door awnings or retractable awnings will look like when they arrive at your door. Having a great variety of fabric colors, patterns and styles to pick choose from is an absolute must. It’s your money: you should get your awning your way.
: Don’t wait all summer for your awning! A great merchant will deliver yours in 7 or fewer business days.
: Saving money is what getting these kinds of products online is all about. You should save hundreds if not thousands of dollars over buying retail!

Awnings of all shapes, sizes and types not only keep your home or work place cooler: they also should look great and add perennial value to your property. Take the time to choose well.

Caring For Metal Awnings

September 28th, 2011

canvas awnings

One of the reasons many people choose metal awnings over canvas or synthetic fabric awnings is that they require less maintenance and have a much longer lifespan. In this way, metal awnings, particularly copper awnings, are an investment in the appearance of your home or place of business. As with any investment, it is important to know how to maintain metal awnings so that they will last as long as possible and maintain their attractive appearance. Here are some tips on caring for your metal awnings:

Heavy snow, significant ice deposits, or strong gusts of wind are part of normal wear and tear on the exterior of a home, which includes your metal awnings. Check the awnings once or twice a year, depending on the weather where you live, to make sure that they are still securely attached to the side of the structure. Spotting this problem early ensures that the awnings won’t become too loose and start moving in severe weather, or worse, fall off. It is also a good idea to check the structure itself for weakened siding or loose mortar as this can weaken the integrity of the awning attachment.

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Another important part of caring for your metal awnings is to check them for dents or bent frames, particularly after severe weather when these problems are most likely to occur. Bending and dents take away from the aesthetic appeal of your awnings, creating an unsightly effect.

Additionally, areas that are bent or dented are at a greater risk for rust because the shape change can affect the sealant that normally prevents rust. A copper awning is not as likely to dent or bend in extreme weather, nor is rust as large of a problem; this is a larger maintenance issue for aluminum awnings and ones made from other metals.

Although metal awnings require minimal maintenance, cleaning them is still a good idea. Remove the debris that has built up since the last time you cleaned them, and then depending on the type of metal the awnings are made from, either pressure wash them or clean them with a mild soap and water solution. Pressure washing can dent awnings made from lighter metals, so check with the installer or another professional before starting. For copper awnings, if you do not want a patina to form, you can wash them with a vinegar and water solution you can make yourself or purchase a copper awning cleaning solution from your local hardware store. While some people love the rich color that result from patina formation, others prefer the shiny copper, so this is a personal choice.

Caring for metal awnings is an easy part of home maintenance; keeping an eye on structural integrity and washing away the dirt and debris once or twice a year will ensure that your awnings last longer and stay attractive for as long as possible.

How Do We Winterize Our Motorhomes?

September 28th, 2011

rv awning

It is time to winterize our rigs again! It may be that all you are concerned with is simply keeping your rig from freezing, or you may want to drive it during the cold winter season. There may be other issues that will need addressing, and now is a good time to get it done.

The modern Class C Motorhome is a very complex piece of equipment. When we think about the issue of how we are going to winterize, we need to consider all of the various subsystems that are involved.

Think about the following items when you are getting ready for the cold and freezing rain, snow, and sleet and prepare them as necessary:

Plumbing: When we winterize, freezing water pipes, valves, and tanks are normally our major concern. Awning: You want to make sure that it is free from debris and clean on both sides. Make sure you put it away dry. Slides: If they use mechanical drive gears, grease them up. If they use a hydrolic system, wipe down the hoses. Treat the various gaskets and seals with a good conditioner so the rubber stays pliable. Motor-generator: If it is dirty, you may want to steam clean the thing. If you are using a natural petroleum product, the oil may need to be changed. It is not a good idea to put your rig away with dirty oil. Dirty oil has acids that harm the engine. RV tires: Clean them, treat them with a product like Aerospace 303, and keep them up off the ground. They should be on a level concrete slab or appropriate-sized pieces of wood (you do not want the tread hanging over the sides). Deep cycle batteries: Make sure they are full of electrolyte and have clean terminals.

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Here are a couple of links that will go into a bit more detail on the above topics…

Who Needs To Winterize? Are you staying put or moving to a warmer climate… or maybe you want to use your rig in a colder climate? Are there critters that will want to make a home in your stored rig? Plus, what needs to be done to keep everything dry and mold free? How Do We Winterize? What do you need to do with your motor-generator, slides, tires, etc? Will they be ready for next spring? Winterize Our Plumbing It’s not a good idea to leave water in your plumbing system. What is the best way to keep everything from freezing?

It seems to me that all of the above items need a basic winterizing process to be performed. If not, you may be faced with some surprises next spring. This is not necessarily a time consuming task, but you will want to get out and look things over.

Remember, preventive maintenance will go a long way toward having a stress free motorhome lifestyle next spring and summer.

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