Posted on Tue, May 15, 2012
Planning to go camping this summer? Be prepared and save now on a new or pre-owned travel trailer, 5th wheel or motorhome from Reines RV Center during our pre-holiday sale! Over 150 RVs in stock are on sale now through May 26th!
If you're looking for an easy-to-tow travel trailer, you'll love Koala travel trailers! With their fiberglass exteriors, they are lightweight for easy towing! During our pre-holiday sale, you can buy a fully equipped 18 foot Koala travel trailer that weighs under 3,000 pounds for only $14,900! This model sleeps 2 to 3 people and comes with A/C, patio awning, AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 stereo system with outside speakers, spare tire, TV antenna, stove, microwave, refrigerator, gas/electric water heater and more! If you prefer a larger trailer, we have Koala's in various sizes up to 32 feet long.
Our most popular small class C motorhome, the Four Winds Class C 23U is on sale now for only $55,000! It has a rear bed, U shaped dinette, club chair, cabover bed, large double door refrigerator, power awning, A/C, large exterior storage compartment, microwave oven, LCD TV, generator, cherry cabinets, 5,000 pound hitch and more! Built on a Ford chassis with a V10 engine, the Four Winds Class C 23U sleeps 5 people comfortably!
Another great buy during our pre-holiday sale is the Hurricane 34T class A motorhome! It sleeps 7 people (children love the bunk beds)! Now on sale for only $87,900, this new motorhome includes 3 slide-out rooms, an electric power patio awning, leather hide-a-bed sofa with air mattress, 2 roof A/Cs, generator, 2 LCD TVs, DVD player, hydraulic leveling jacks, heated holding tanks, outside shower, free standing euro-recliner and much more!
Many more new and pre-owned motorhomes, travel trailers and 5th wheels are on sale now until May 26th!
Great financing at low rates is available! If you have any questions about financing, please contact Ed Milani.
You're always invited to our free cookouts on Saturdays, weather permitting.
We need trades and will pay top dollar for your motorhome or travel trailer. Or, Reines RV Center will pay cash if you have one to sell.
Posted on Sun, May 06, 2012
Find your favorite camping gear, RV parts and accessories, camping toys and convenience items at great low prices now through May 31st at Reines RV Center's Parts Store Spring Savings Sale! And, join us May 18th & 19th for our Open House featuring free samples, raffle prizes and giveaways with a free cookout on May 19th!
Some of the items on sale are:
- Awning mats in bright colors and materials that last. Perfect for relaxing under your RV's awning day or evening.
- Motorhome themed party light sets (see below) that add a festive glow to your outdoor area. Each 8 ft. strand contains 10 lights and end connector to hook strands together. Overload protection, 2 spare bulbs & spare fuse.
- "Tailgater" portable satellite TV antenna and receiver lets you watch TV wherever you are! "Tailgater" model VQ2500 with HD Solo receiver model VIP 211k.
- Big Bobber Floating Cooler holds 12 beverage cans & ice and it floats!
- Sewer hoses with leak-proof system secure connections. Durable and convenient with superior drainage.
- Sewer hose supports (see video) give stability to sewer hoses. Folds to 6" for storage and includes strap kit to hold hose in place.
- Patio chairs bring living room comfort to the great outdoors. Recliners/loungers and directors chairs.
- Play & Freeze Ice Cream Ball (see video). It's a fun way to make delicious, homemade soft-serve ice-cream. Shake, roll & rock it! Fun for the whole family!
- Rainbow Flame Crystals make flames turn to a beautiful panorama of long lasting blue & green colors.
- Aqua-Kem - the #1 selling holding tank deodorant. Designed for RV holding tanks; easy to use; maximum odor control.
- Sleeping bags for a good night's rest in the great outdoors.
Stock up on these and many more camping items now during the Spring Savings Sale! We try to carry what our customers want and need. If there are items you do not find here, ask us. If we can order it, we will.
Posted on Tue, Apr 24, 2012
Tiffin's Phaeton 42LH motorhome, a new floorplan, has just arrived at Reines RV Center! Known for luxury, value, quality and safety, Tiffin now offers even more options in their 42 foot Phaetons! Many of the enhancements are the result of feedback from current Phaeton owners.
In stock at Reines RV Center now, some of the features of the Phaeton 42LH are:
- 3 roof air conditioners
- optional electric fireplace
- optional in-motion satellite dish (provides TV signal while traveling)
- tag axle (provides more stable ride)
- stackable washer / dryer
- 1/2 bath in front & full bath in rear
- solid surface counter tops
- optional gas oven
- 4 slide-out rooms
- residential stainless steel refrigerator with ice-maker
- Ultra leather upholstery
- custom solid wood cabinets doors and drawer fronts
- tankless hot water heater (saves energy and heats instantly)
- optional in-dash stereo / navigation system & satellite ready radio
- central vacuum cleaner
- optional dual control bed or memory foam mattress
- queen or optional king bed
- 400 Cummins engine
- 10,000 lb. capacity trailer hitch (tow car, boat or whatever)
- Freightliner custom chassis
- porcelain tile floor (living area, kitchen, entry landing & bath)
- bedroom ceiling fan
- 7 foot ceilings
- luxurious shower stall with skylight and sliding cover
- kitchen expand-an-island
For more information, contact us at 800-RV KING 2 or reines@reinesrv.com. Or, come in and see the 2012 Phaeton 42LH!
Posted on Fri, Apr 20, 2012
If your RV has been in storage for the winter, this RV spring check list will help you perform basic maintenance necessary to get your RV ready to use. Whether you do the work yourself or have have it done by an RV service facility, proper maintenance is critical to protect your RV from problems and to maintain your warranties.
- De-winterize the water system. Remove all traces of RV antifreeze.
- Sanitize the fresh water storage system.
- Check the water system for leaks.
- Check the operation of all faucets.
- Apply a city water leak test. Test the water pump from the fresh water tank. Inspect sewer hose and seals.
- Put the water heater by-pass in the correct position.
- Check the water heater burner assembly and remove any debris. Check for soot. Clean the pilot orifice or igniter. Replace anode rod if necessary. Inspect and clean the exterior vent screens.
- If the RV has a water filtration system, replace the water filter.
- Inspect the LP tank for rust. Check for proper LP pressure and adjust as necessary. Check the LP system for leaks. Verify the proper two-stage regulator is being used. Secure the LP gas tanks.
- Check appliances for proper operation. Test the refrigerator on all power modes. Inspect the refrigerator compartment area. Clean and adjust the burner, flue and orifice.
- Check the A/C and heating systems for proper operation.
- Clean or replace the A/C filters. Clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
- Check the smoke alarm, LP leak detector, CO alarm and fire extinguishers.
- Check the 12 v and 110v systems to make sure all lights, switches and components are working properly. Check converter output voltage. Check to ensure proper charging of batteries. Test GFCI outlets and verify polarity. Clean and tighten battery terminals and check cable ends and connections.
- Check the generator operation and remote start. Change the oil, replace filters and change spark plug.
- Wash the exterior of the RV.
- Clean and inspect the roof. Inspect roof vents, moldings and other roof components for sealant voids, cracking and peeling.
- Inspect the doors and windows for sealant voids.
- Inspect awning brackets and lubricate moving parts. Inspect the awning fabric and remove any mildew.
- Check the operation of slide-outs and adjust, seal and lube as necessary.
- Inspect and lubricate hitch and couplers.
- Inspect the tires for cracks, dry rot and wear and inflate them to the correct pressure. Check lug nuts and tighten when needed.
- Inspect and repack wheel bearings.
- Check windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.
- Check exterior lights and replace as necessary.
- Check engine fluid levels.
- Check engine oil and change if it wasn't changed with storage.
- Check hydraulic jacks and hydraulic fluid level.
- Check electric steps and lubricate.
- Test the backup camera and monitor.
- Lubricate hinges, locks, drawer guides and toilet sealing valve.
- Open vents and windows to air out the interior.
- Test the monitor panel.
Posted on Thu, Apr 05, 2012
Small motorhomes are more popular than ever for two main reasons: Many baby boomers, who traveled with large towable RVs or sizable motorhomes are downsizing to small motorhomes. They no longer need large RVs for their families and they want the ease and convenience of a small motorhome. And, first time RV buyers often choose small motorhomes because they're as easy to drive as an SUV, which makes people feel more comfortable with their first RV experience.
The Winnebago View (pictured above) also has a Mercedes diesel engine on a Sprinter chassis and gets 17 miles per gallon! It's 24 feet long and sleeps 5 to 6 people. There are two floorplans available in this aerodynamically styled class C motorhome. The interiors feature "multi-functional pieces, user-friendly technology and loads of comfort", says Winnebago.
Also on the Sprinter chassis with a Mercedes diesel engine is the Four Winds Siesta motorhome. It's also 24 feet long, sleeps 6 people and is available in 2 floorplans. Both the Four Winds Siesta and the Winnebago View have slide-out rooms.
The benefits of having a Mercedes diesel engine on a Sprinter chassis are that the motorhome gets excellent fuel economy, it's easy to drive, it's easy to park, and with a short wheel base, it's easy to turn. And, the Mercedes diesel engine is dependable and safe.
The ERA by Winnebago, on a Sprinter chassis with a Mercedes diesel engine, gets 17 to 18 miles per gallon! The ERA is fully self contained, sleeps 2 people and can seat 7 people! Many people enjoy it for traveling with children, who can watch TV, use the bathroom or have a snack while someone is driving. And, when the ERA is parked, with the generator powering the roof air conditioner and the microwave oven, a family can comfortably stop and enjoy a meal. It's also ideal for traveling with an elderly person who may want to rest during the trip.
Small motorhomes with gasoline engines are good options at more moderate price points. Our most popular is the Four Winds Class C 23U (23 feet). With a very functional layout, it sleeps up to 6 people with a rear bed, a U shaped dinette that converts to a bed and a cabover bed.
The 19 foot Four Winds Class C motorhome also has a very functional layout, especially for a motorhome that size. There is a good sized kitchen area across the back. The bathroom features a large stand-up shower. Sleeping areas are the dinette which converts to a bed and the cabover bed. As with all of these small motorhomes, it's easy to drive around town and easy to park.
If you've enjoyed RV camping but your large motorhome or 5th wheel is a little more work than you want, you should consider downsizing to a small motorhome that you might find easier and will use more often!
Posted on Thu, Mar 29, 2012
When dirt and dust from the outdoors find their way inside your RV, or spills need to be cleaned up, you want these chores to be quick, easy and effective. Here's how to keep your RV clean inside. Do, however, follow the manufacturers guidelines for your particular RV.
Floors:
A door mat at the bottom of the steps will help prevent dirt from being tracked inside. You can also keep a small rug just inside the door. It's best not to use rubber backed mats as they may discolor certain flooring materials. You can treat a rug with Super Grip to keep it from slipping. Small carpet samples can be cut to fit entry steps to trap dirt.
A compact, portable vacuum cleaner will not require much storage space and is easy to use, although many RVs come with central vacuum systems. An expanding broom and dustpan, such as Store Mate, are handy and easy to store. You can also use a small whisk broom.
Wood floors shoudn't be wet mopped. They should be kept clean by sweeping or dust mopping them frequently. You can clean them weekly with Easy Clean, a mild cleaner. Vinyl floor covering can be washed regularly with a no-rinse floor cleaner. No soap based detergents or abrasive cleaners should be used. Wipe up spills as soon as possible with a clean, damp, soft cloth.
Carpets are usually treated with stain and fire resistant properties. Besides vacuuming the carpet weekly, you should give it a steam cleaning or shampoo every year. After the steam cleaning or shampoo, you can treat the carpet with a stain protector like 303 Fabric Guard.
Bathrooms:
Don't use bleach or abrasive cleaners in your RV's bathrooms. These products can damage and degrade the surfaces. You can use mild soaps or products made for RVs. RV Power is a multi-purpose citrus cleaner that cleans dirt and grease. Mold Blaster is safe to use on fabrics and hard surfaces. Valterra Toilet Bowl Cleaner is safe to use on porcelain, plastic, steel, tile, vinyl and fiberglass. You can store a squeegee in your shower (hang it on a suction hook) and quickly swipe wet shower doors, walls and floors. If you have a shower curtain, you can remove and wash it according to the instructions. Accordion shower doors can be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar or a multi-purpose RV cleaner. Plexiglas shower doors should be washed with a mild soap and warm water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Kitchens:
Clean the filter element in the range hood of your stove to remove built-up grease. Remove it and swish it around in warm, soapy water. Scrubbing is not recommended as it could damage the screen. Rinse it and dry the filter before replacing it. Clean the stove top frequently with a multi-purpose RV cleaner or mild soap. Remove the stove top plate when necessary and wipe out any crumbs or spills. Clean your sink, counter tops and oven with soapy water or mild cleaner. Never use steel wool. Use a soft, damp cloth or a lambs wool mitt, which is safe for all surfaces in your RV. You can protect counter tops with a cleaner/protectant such as Protect All monthly or as needed.
Cabinets:
Wipe veneer cabinets with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. If the veneer is wood, you can spray Murphy's Oil Soap and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
Solid wood doors and cabinets can be maintained with a cleaner/polish such as Wood Doctor. Spray it on a clean soft cloth and wipe the wood surface going with the grain. Remove the product by wiping with the grain with a soft clean cloth.
Vinyl wrap, used as a facing material on some cabinets, should be cleaned with a quality furniture polish like Pledge or Old English.
Upholstery:
Some fabrics contain fire and stain retardant and light fastness additives which can be damaged if improper cleaning products are used. Some water based cleaning products are not made for use on fabrics and may cause shrinkage or fading. Test any product on a hidden area before using on fabric. Interior fabrics should be vacuumed weekly when the RV is in use and before and after storage. Any stains should be cleaned as soon as possible. For best results, your owner's manual or a professional upholstery cleaner should be consulted.
Vinyl fabrics should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth and mild detergent only. Do not use solvents as they may damage the surface of the vinyl.
If your RV has Ultra Leather, clean it regularly with soap and water. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Lift most stains with an alcohol-based cleaner like Fantastik.
All removable fabrics such as pillow shams, bedspreads, curtains and pillows should be professionally dry cleaned only. Washing them can cause them to shrink and lose their stain and fire resistant properties.
Posted on Tue, Mar 20, 2012
Smartphones and iPads have made a tremendous difference in the RV experience for those who use them. Numerous apps (applications) make traveling in an RV easier and more fun! We are listing some apps that we hope you will enjoy and find beneficial! Although not listed, there are some apps to turn smartphones into flashlights and bug repellents! The following apps are in no particular order.
- OffMaps: Downloads regional maps for offline map access. Great for navigating when there's no data connection or to avoid roaming charges when out of the country. Phone's GPS works without data connection so you can still find where you are on the map.
- AroundMe: Allows you to quickly find nearby points of interest including restaurants, hospitals, parking, theaters and more.
- RoadNinja: Information about 30,000 highway exits throughout the US
- iExit Interstate Exit Guide: What's coming up at exits in real time
- 511 Travel Information or Enternet's traffic apps for different areas in US & Canada. All give real time traffic information
- Yelp: Local businesses and reviews
- HipGeo: Trip journal & social network. Chronicle your trip by typing or recording. View "streams" by others in your vicinity.
- Foodspotting: Restaurant recommendations
- Flixter: Movie and theater locations
- Google Sky Map: Star chart
- Trailhead: Local hiking trails & bike routes
- SmartTraveler: US State Department app for travelers going to other countries. "Know before you go" and locate US embassies / consulates
- The Weather Channel
- Full Screen Weather: Interactive; weather maps / weather tracking tool
- AccuWeather
- MapQuest
- Woodall's RV & Camping Copilot: 12,000 camp sites in North America; ratings, facilities, directions, etc.
- Camp & RV - Tent Camping to RV Parks and Services: Over 18,000 public & private campgrounds in US & Canada; other places of interest
- Overnight Parking Walmart
- Rest: Rest stops; rest areas
- RV Dumps
- Campgrounds
- CampFinder: 14,000 USA parks & campgrounds (public & private)
- HeyTell: Walkie- talkie
- BuddyGuard: Emergency signaler
- Skype: Communicate by phone or video chat over the internet; video conferencing
- Twitter: Send & read posts of up to 140 characters. Can link to articles, photos.
- Facebook: Social networking
Posted on Sun, Feb 26, 2012
RV ownership in the U.S. has never been higher! The number of RV-owning households grew to to 8.9 million in 2011, up from 7.9 million in 2005, meaning that 8.5% of U.S. households now own an RV. "The data indicate that the basic appeal of the RV lifestyle remains as strong as ever. Consumers want to enjoy the same cherished experiences of RVing while staying within new budget constraints", said Dr. Richard Curtin, (RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan) who conducted the survey.
The RV industry is responding to consumers' needs with products offering the sizes, weights, amenities, pricing and floorplans that people want.
39% of RV owners have children under 18 living at home, according to the survey. Many of them have found that the newer, lighter travel trailers offer a great opportunity to enjoy the RV lifestyle with their families. People often already have vehicles, such as SUVs and small pickup trucks, that can tow these trailers. Monthly payments on trailers can be as low as $160 and fuel economy has improved with towing the lightweight trailers. The average age of towable owners has gotten younger, partially due to these factors.
Slide-out rooms, which became available in the 1990s but really took off in the 2000s have impacted almost every style of RV. They started with motorhomes and 5th wheels, but now smaller trailers and even some pop-ups have slide-outs. They give RVs more space without impacting driveability.
RV owners aged 35 - 54 posted the largest gains in RV ownership rates, rising to 11.2% in 2011 from 9% in 2005. Ownership also edged higher among those 55 or older, rising to 9.3% from 8.6% in 2005. A record number of baby boomers are traveling by RV for many reasons. An excellent article is: "Why Is RV Travel So Popular With Baby Boomers?"
The revolution in consumer electronics has also drivin up RV sales. Flat screen TVs don't take up much space and are highly functional for RVs. Satellite TV systems for RVs have made it easy to feel at home in an RV and catch favorite sporting events, movies and shows. Surround sound is available. RV galleys now come with the latest appliances such as glass stove tops and residential size refrigerators.
Today's RVs are built better and are easier to use. Many things are at the push of a button, AC systems have improved, interior decorating has improved, floorplans are better and storage has improved. Experienced RV buyers are more willing to invest in a luxury RV because they're sold on the RV lifestyle.
In the last 10 years, toy haulers (trailers) have become more popular, especially with people transporting bikes, ATVs and other sporting equipment. Motorcycle enthusiasts also travel with their bikes in toy haulers. They have grown in appeal because they are so versatile.
People are finding many uses besides camping for their RVs. RVs are popular for dog and cat shows, horse shows, flea markets, art festivals and traveling with pets. In fact, many people buy RVs specifically to travel with their pets, and most campgrounds allow pets.
Financing an RV has gotten more stable in the last couple of years. Customers who had difficulty with financing a couple of years ago should try again. RV dealers are the best source since they work with multiple lenders to find customers the best rates. Even those who can pay cash may want to finance to get the second home mortgage tax deduction.
People who haven't looked at RVs for a while will be amazed at the innovations and how manufacturers have made RVs so much more livable and drivable!
Posted on Sun, Feb 19, 2012
- Trailers are less expensive, generally, than motorhomes. You can buy a new travel trailer for under $10,000.
- Trailers are less expensive to maintain than motorhomes.
- If you have a tow vehicle, you're halfway there; you only need to buy a trailer.
- Once you park and unhitch the trailer, you have the use of your vehicle.
- If your vehicle is being serviced, you still can camp in the trailer.
- The entire interior of a trailer is usable living space.
- Passengers can't ride in a moving trailer.
- Trailers have to be hitched up and unhitched.
- Trailers have to be hooked up to electricity to use the appliances and air conditioning. Or, you can carry a portable generator.
- Toy hauler trailers have a ramp and storage room for bikes, motorcycles, etc. The ramp can also make the trailer wheelchair accessible.
- The tow vehicle for a large trailer or 5th wheel can be expensive and make the overall cost similar to that of a motorhome.
- Passengers have the use of the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. while traveling, although it's recommended that they be seated with seatbelts fastened. Certain satellite TV dishes provide TV service while a motorhome is being driven.
- Motorhomes have generators, so the appliances and air conditioning can be used without hooking up to electricity.
- Motorhomes are more expensive than travel trailers. New motorhomes can start at less than $50,000.
- A motorhome can tow a car, motorcycle or boat.
- If you're camping in a motorhome and the weather is bad, you don't have to go outside to access the living space.
- If a motorhome has to be repaired, you may have to find other accomodations.
- Motorhomes are more expensive to maintain than travel trailers.
- Some people prefer driving a motorhome over towing a trailer.
Posted on Sun, Feb 12, 2012
Reines RV Center's annual Presidents Day sale is a 4 day opportunity for RV lovers to prepare for the upcoming camping season! Over 150 new and pre-owned motorhomes, travel trailers and 5th wheels on our 10 acre lot are available at low show prices! Interest rates are at their lowest ever, so it's a great time to buy!
We want to make buying an RV easy! If you're looking for your first RV, you may enjoy choosing from our large selection of pre-owned motorhomes, trailers and 5th wheels. Or, choose from some of the country's top brands of new RVs like Winnebago, Tiffin, Keystone, Four Winds, FunFinder, Skyline, Cruiser RV and more. We're looking for trade-ins, and, besides your RV, we'll take cars and trucks in trade, too!
A great motorhome for your family might be a new Four Winds class C for only $49,900! It's fully equipped and sleeps 3 - 4 people. Or a new Nomad travel trailer can be yours for only $8900! It's light enough to be towed by a van or SUV!
Many RV manufacturers are implementing price increases, so by buying from our current inventory, you could save anywhere from $500 to $4000!
During our Presidents Day sale, you'll find many RV parts and accessories on sale, too! Specially priced are power jacks for trailers, which eliminate the need for hand cranking. We've also discounted slide toppers, and we have all sizes in stock. Roll these out atop your slide out rooms to catch leaves, debris, water and snow. Other sale items are vent covers, which allow you to keep roof vents open and not worry about rain soaking your RV or wind damaging the vent top. You'll find many other useful items on sale in our camping store!
If you've thought about buying an RV, the Reines RV Center Presidents Day Sale is a great opportunity to save money and find the best RV for your needs from among a large selection. Our experienced and knowledgeable sales associates can answer your questions and help you find the perfect RV for your family.
The sale is Friday, February 17, Saturday, February 18, Sunday February 19 and Monday, February 20. We are normally closed on Sundays but we will be open Sunday from 11 to 5.
