Have you ever had your RV batteries die or crack apart after being stored during the cold winter season? Have you ever wondered what happened?  Well let’s take a look at why.

Most RV’s have what are called parasitic drains in their electrical systems. These drains come from various electrical components, like carbon . . . → Read More: Why RV batteries can die or split apart during storage]]>

Have you ever had your RV batteries die or crack apart after being stored during the cold winter season? Have you ever wondered what happened?  Well let’s take a look at why.

Most RV’s have what are called parasitic drains in their electrical systems. These drains come from various electrical components, like carbon monoxide and propane detectors, car stereos, circuit boards, LED lights, relays, and so on. Some drains will remain on even if an RV equipped with an OEM battery switch is turned off. This is to maintain memory, in the case of the stereo, and for safety in the case of the detectors.

Where this can become an even bigger problem is in freezing weather. Automotive batteries will freeze if they lose their charge, which can result in their splitting apart. In any case, when they freeze, they are damaged beyond repair.

If you store your RV with the batteries in it, you should make sure that you have the batteries charging. This can be accomplished using shore power, or a solar charging system. The solar charging system should have a high enough charging rate to overcome the parasitic drains on the system.

However if  you don’t intend to use your RV unit for a season, it may be better to remove the batteries from the unit, and store them in a climate controlled area on a shelf up off the floor.

For questions on this and other winterizing questions feel free to call our Service dept at (253)-581-7703

Well unless you plan on packing up and heading to warmer weather you will need . . . → Read More: Is Your RV Ready for the Winter Season?]]> It is that time of the year. The leaves are falling and the temperatures are dropping. Fall time is officially here and winter is following close behind. You know what that means; it is time to winterize your RV.

Well unless you plan on packing up and heading to warmer weather you will need to winterize your RV. You will be glad you did it when you save yourself the costly repairs due to the harsh affects of winter.

Wither you have a Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler or Motor Home Tacoma RV Center’s Service Department can get your RV buttoned up for those winter months.

Click Link http://www.tacomarv.com/service.php to make an Appointment or for any Winterizing questions.

A few weeks ago, we talked . . . → Read More: Good Sam Club Releases Roadside Assistance App]]> The Good Sam RV Club has yet again reminded us why they are the number one RV group to join in America. If you’re already a member, then I’m sure you know just how beneficial this group can be — especially if you use them for RV insurance.

A few weeks ago, we talked about the different options for RV insurance, and I put Good Sam Club at the top of my list for several reasons. Today, I’m going to add another reason — the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) Mobile App. That’s right, Good Sam Club has made it even easier for its members to request service.

The ERS Mobile App his app has it all. It’s GPS enabled, which allows Good Sam to pinpoint your exact location as soon you place a call for help minimizing call time. You can also pre-register your membership vehicle to cut down call time, too. Once you’ve placed a call for service, you’ll see the name of the provider dispatched to assist you and their estimated time of arrival.

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about carrying around your membership card. The app stores a virtual copy for you! I’m telling you Washington, RV roadside assistance has never been this easy. If you need help with downloading instructions (the app is available on both iPhone and Android), you can visit the Good Sam Club website.  If you’re looking for a new or used RV to insure, you can visit us!

Carpet makes for a good insulator no matter . . . → Read More: Laminate or Carpet for Your RV Floor?]]> It is time to replace the flooring in your RV Washington? If it is, you’ve got an important decision to make: laminate or carpet floors? There are ups and downs to both, and in the end, you’ve got to choose whichever option works best for you.

Carpet makes for a good insulator no matter the season and will help reduce energy use by keeping the hot and cold from radiating upward. Carpet also helps reduce noise by cutting down echo and absorbing sounds. Not to mention, it also feels great on your bare feet. On the downside, carpet attracts dirt, dust and more. It’s definitely harder to clean and keep clean especially if you are traveling with pets.

Laminate on the other hand is fairly simple to maintain. It’s also cheaper to purchase and install. There are plenty of different styles to choose from all of which will last you a long time. RVs consist of mainly high traffic areas making laminate an excellent choice. But you’ll have to trade the insulation from the carpet. Laminate doesn’t absorb heat, cold or sound. Another disadvantage is the potential of warping.

As I said before, there is no one right choice. It’s really all up to you, Tacoma RV owners. If you need some help with the decision, you know where to find us.

Let’s start with turning. Your RV is much larger and wider than your car, so you’ll have to make wider turns. . . . → Read More: Master the Driving Basics in Your New RV Washington]]> Switching from driving your standard passenger vehicle to an RV can be a little intimidating the first time. But if you know what to expect, it can make the transition a little smoother.

Let’s start with turning. Your RV is much larger and wider than your car, so you’ll have to make wider turns. I’m sure you’ve seen how 18-wheelers have to make a right turn. Though you won’t have to swing out quite as far, you will need to pull out straight and turn a little bit later than you normally would.

The next thing you should know is how to handle your RV in windy conditions. Again, you’re RV is a lot bigger than your car which means the surface area has at least doubled. Cross winds have a huge effect on RVs. You may notice “wind shadows” when you pass under bridges of past trucks that block the wind. All you have to do is remember to keep the wheels in a straight line. Be sure not to over correct though, or you may lose control.

You’ll need to watch your speed when going downhill. Heavier vehicles tend to pick up speed at a faster rate than cars. Another thing you need to watch out for is animals. Travelling across the states, you’re definitely going to be seeing them. If one should happen to wander into the road, do not swerve to miss it. Hold on tight to the wheel and do your best to keep her straight.

There are many other differences between driving an RV and a car, but the ones mentioned above are most important in my opinion. If you come across any others or have any concerns before hitting the road, please don’t hesitate to ask!

For most of us, our RVs are our most expensive asset next to those of you who also have homes. We insure our lives, our cars and homes so of course RV insurance is a necessity. And in most states, it’s required by law. Since our RV acts as . . . → Read More: Do You Need RV Insurance Tacoma?]]>

Photo Courtesy of MHSRV.com

For most of us, our RVs are our most expensive asset next to those of you who also have homes. We insure our lives, our cars and homes so of course RV insurance is a necessity. And in most states, it’s required by law. Since our RV acts as our home and car, we must insure it to protect ourselves from accidents, fires, and theft.

So now that we know we need insurance, we have to choose a provider. Luckily, there are several insurance companies out there who specialize in RVs. Each one obviously offers something a little different, so you’ll have to figure out which on is the best fit for you.

Gilbert RV Insurance will offer you several different options. They have excellent replacement cost, purchase price and full-time RV coverage. If your RV is totaled, their replacement cost coverage guarantees that you will receive the same model, body and size if your RV is totaled and purchase price coverage will give you the option of being paid in the exact amount you purchased the RV. For those of you full-timers out there, Gilbert provides total coverage with higher liability limits.

Another option is RV America Insurance. This company actually works with six different RV insurance companies to ensure you receive coverage specialized to your needs at the lowest price. They offer coverage on flood, theft, fire, full-timer, total loss and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Lastly, there’s Good Sam VIP RV Insurance. The Good Sam club is very well-known in the RV world and with good reason. On average, their insurance saves each customer $312 per year. They offer emergency roadside service and extended warranties on RVs, as well as comprehensive insurance. They also offer many features including full RV replacement, full timer coverage, permanently attached items coverage, and personal effects coverage.

There are also some car insurance companies out there, like Progressive, who have RV insurance. I’d recommend calling at least three places to get quotes and hear about their different offerings before you make a decision. If you need any help or a new RV to insure you can always come see us.