Tag Archives: Rv

RV Maintenance Checklist for Every Season: Keep Your RV Road-Ready Year-Round

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Regular RV maintenance is the key to avoiding breakdowns, extending your RV’s lifespan, and ensuring safe travels. Use this comprehensive seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your RV in top condition throughout the year.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your RV for the camping season ahead, especially if you’ve had it in winter storage.

Exterior Inspection

Walk around your RV and inspect the roof, sidewalls, and undercarriage for any damage that may have occurred during winter. Check all seals around windows, doors, and roof vents. Our Roof & Sealing collection has everything you need for repairs.

Plumbing System

If you winterized, flush the antifreeze from your system and sanitize your fresh water tank. Check for leaks in all faucets, connections, and the water heater. Replace any worn parts from our Plumbing & Water Systems section.

Electrical System

Test all lights, outlets, and appliances. Check your battery charge and clean terminals. Inspect your power cord for damage. Browse our Electrical & Lighting collection for replacements.

Tires and Wheels

Check tire pressure, inspect for cracks or wear, and verify proper lug nut torque. Don’t forget your spare tire!

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer heat puts extra stress on your RV systems, so regular checks are essential.

Cooling Systems

Clean or replace your air conditioner filters monthly during heavy use. Check refrigerator vents and ensure proper cooling. Find maintenance supplies in our Heating & Cooling collection.

Awning Care

Inspect your awning fabric for tears, clean it regularly, and lubricate moving parts. Check our Awnings & Exterior section for cleaning products and replacement parts.

Holding Tanks

With increased use, monitor your holding tanks closely. Use quality tank treatments to prevent odors and buildup. Shop our Sanitation & Waste collection.

Generator Maintenance

If you have a generator, change the oil, check the air filter, and run it under load monthly to keep it in good condition.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

As camping season winds down, prepare your RV for cooler weather or storage.

Heating System

Test your furnace before you need it. Clean or replace filters and check for proper operation. Our Heating & Cooling products include furnace parts and accessories.

Weatherproofing

Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows. Check all seals and caulking before winter weather arrives.

Appliance Check

Test all appliances including your water heater, stove, and oven. Replace any faulty components from our Appliances & Kitchen collection.

Safety Equipment

Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries and expired equipment. Visit our Emergency & Safety section.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Whether you’re storing your RV or winter camping, proper maintenance is crucial.

For Storage

Follow proper winterization procedures (see our complete winterization guide). Cover your RV if possible and check on it periodically throughout winter.

For Winter Camping

Insulate water lines, use heated hoses, and keep cabinet doors open during freezing temperatures. Stock up on winter camping essentials.

Battery Maintenance

Keep batteries charged during storage or maintain them with a quality battery maintainer. Find battery care products in our Electrical & Lighting collection.

Year-Round Maintenance Tasks

Monthly Tasks

  • Check tire pressure and condition
  • Test all lights and signals
  • Inspect for leaks (water and propane)
  • Clean or replace air filters
  • Check battery water levels (if applicable)

Every Trip

  • Check tire pressure when cold
  • Inspect hitch and safety chains
  • Test brakes and brake controller
  • Verify all lights work
  • Check propane levels

Annual Tasks

  • Professional inspection of roof and seals
  • Wheel bearing inspection and repack
  • Brake inspection and adjustment
  • Water heater anode rod replacement
  • Deep clean and wax exterior

Keep Maintenance Supplies on Hand

Stock your RV with essential maintenance and repair supplies. Our Maintenance & Repair collection has everything you need including sealants, lubricants, cleaners, and tools.

Don’t Forget the Hardware

Keep a well-stocked supply of common fasteners, screws, and hardware for quick repairs. Browse our Hardware & Fasteners collection.

Upgrade While You Maintain

Maintenance time is also a great opportunity to upgrade your RV. Check out our Upgrades & Accessories collection for LED lighting, solar panels, and other improvements.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance might seem like a chore, but it’s far less expensive and stressful than dealing with breakdowns on the road. Create a maintenance log to track what you’ve done and when, and you’ll enjoy worry-free RVing for years to come.

Need parts or supplies for your seasonal maintenance? Browse our complete selection organized by category to find exactly what you need. Happy RVing!

The Next Step

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Friends,

Over the past year I’ve been excited by your interest in owning your own My RV Guy® franchise. Many have different reasons for considering a My RV Guy mobile RV services business. Some have commented they “love the business model’, others are looking to get into mobile repair, and there are more who are just getting burnt out by what they are currently doing. My first Franchisee purchased a My RV Guy franchise to supplement his restaurant trailer business. There is a bit of lag time between building one and selling one, so adding a My RV Guy franchise was just what he needed to keep the money flowing in-between.

I’m reminded of my first job interview with the owner of a large RV dealership years ago. It took a lot of persistence just to get that interview, but there I was. He asked me about money; it was a sales position based mainly on commission. I responded, “Honestly, I’m more concerned about environment than money” knowing that if I’m in the right environment I can’t help but to succeed. I became a top producer and saved enough money to open my first My RV Guy location and have never looked back.

In business we do what we can today, knowing the next step will be revealed to us at the right time. That is how I built my first successful business thirty-four years ago. You see, as we go along new opportunities are revealed to us. We don’t need to see every mile ahead of us to get to our destination. It’s like driving down an unlit highway. Although we can only see about three-hundred feet in front of us, we can travel thousands of miles.

My RV Guy® is a lucrative business with a fantastic lifestyle. Let me know when you are ready. I’d love to have you onboard!

Happy New Year,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy®

Learn More

Now Offering Franchisee’s Financing Through Lendzee

With some basic information from you, our system will pull a “SOFT” credit report that does NOT affect your credit scores or trigger an inquiry. This Credit Score and Income information is then calculated using our affordability program to maximize funding capability and will show us how much you qualify for using multiple different types of funding solutions!

We use this data to arrange, negotiate and close multiple loans, therefore giving you the ability to have multiple options and give you the total amount of funding you need!

A funding Consultant will contact you within 24 business hours to discuss your pre-approval and next steps.

Apply Now

Workamper News on My RV Guy Franchising LLC

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Today I am speaking with an entrepreneur from Rhode Island who has launched an interesting business opportunity for people who love the RV lifestyle and have a knack for problem-solving.

My guest is Ron Ash, the founder of MyRVGuy. It is a growing franchise that provides mobile RV services across the country.

Ron shares how he turned his passion for RVs and business into a thriving enterprise and how others can do the same.

A MyRVGuy franchise is designed for RVers who are mechanically inclined, self-motivated and passionate about helping fellow travelers maintain and repair their rigs.

Whether you RV full-time or do so seasonally, if you’ve ever considered running your own business to support your travel experiences, you will enjoy this interview.

He outlined an interesting business opportunity for tech-minded individuals looking for ways to make money by helping other RVers.

It’s an ideal fit for Workampers or other professionals looking to establish a sustainable income while enjoying the freedom of the road.

Becoming a MyRVGuy franchisee requires an initial investment, which typically falls between $40,000 and $60,000, depending upon equipment you already own.

The initial franchise fee grants business owners access to the MyRVGuy brand, its established reputation and a wealth of other resources.

The fee includes tools and equipment to stock a well-equipped service vehicle with essential tools for diagnosing and repairing RV issues. If you already own a truck and tools, your startup costs may be on the lower end.

MyRVGuy provides a proven business model, including a recognizable brand, online presence, advertising support and customer referrals to help franchisees secure jobs right away.

While prior experience as an RV technician is helpful, it’s not required. MyRVGuy offers ongoing training and access to certifications through industry-recognized programs. Franchisees also enjoy access to manufacturer training, business mentorship and technical guidance to help grow their expertise.

Franchisees can choose their own service areas, meaning they’re not locked into a single location. Whether you prefer working in a fixed territory or traveling from state to state, MyRVGuy offers the flexibility to earn an income wherever you roam.

Franchisees benefit from exclusive partnerships with insurance companies, warranty providers and major RV manufacturers to provide a steady stream of work opportunities.

One of the biggest advantages of owning a MyRVGuy franchise is that it’s a business you can build and sell when you’re ready to retire.

To learn more about this opportunity, visit http://www.myrvguyfranchise.com (http://www.myrvguyfranchise.com) .

Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.

A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.

If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at http://www.workamper.com (http://www.workamper.com) . Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!

That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with the owners of a Colorado wedding venue located on a spacious ranch. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!

Adversity Begets Invention

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When I first started in the RV industry my sales manager had a problem with me from day one. I didn’t get it. My resume was dumbed down to the point that during my interview the owner kept saying, ” We don’t have any driving jobs”, so I’m not sure what the issue was. Anyway, I am a “here’s where we are, so what are we going to do about it” guy. Getting my own leads was the only option.

I developed a lead generation and maintenance plan. I immediately went into data collection mode. Every customer I came across on the lot or over the phone would go into the CRM. All contact information to follow up would be entered. Whenever I was free, I’d market over social media via short one minute video presentations, blogs and email blasts. That’s when the My RV Guy brand was created. Each video started with, “It’s Ron Ash aka My RV Guy. Today I’d like to show you a …” Immediately after I’d post them across social media. I created brand specific platforms on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. I ordered pens with my name, photo, call or text number, and Instagram @myrvguy to give away, because business cards are toilet paper. 😆 I brought in more customers than I could handle, giving away the overflow to the other sales staff. Needless to say, I was a top grosser and producer. I wasn’t just selling RVs, but the customer service associated with buying from me and our dealership.

Exactly one year later that sales manager was bragging about a sales person who he once worked with. He said she sold something like one hundred RVs in a year. I replied, ” I do that in less than three months.” That’s when the harassment stopped and we became the best of friends. I guess he married his first impression of me until then. A story strange and true.

Adversity begets invention. That’s how My RV Guy was born. A few years later the dealership sold to a national change. I could see I wouldn’t be able to offer customers the service they were accustomed to and I saw no profit in that, so I took an inventory and realized I had the power of the My RV Guy brand! I invested in a niche market, mobile RV services and never looked back. Sales doubled in year three over year two. Now we’re Franchising nationwide.

Remember, it’s our choice to be the victim or to be victorious. What will you choose?

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

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SPRING IS A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

Hello Campers,

Life is a series of constant changes which work together to move us forward in every area of our lives. Good and bad experiences give us the tools we’ll need to conquer the next level in what some refer to as the game of life.

Millennials get a bad rap in regards to their approach to life, especially from Boomers and the Gen-Xers, but in many ways, they have the right idea. Life is all about living! What we experience today will bring us to where we need to be tomorrow. It may have just taken us a little longer to figure out what they already understand. Time is our most precious commodity, so spend it wisely.

I learned this decades ago through my mom’s unexpected illness. It doesn’t really matter what you die with. It’s who you live with. Sure, there is a certain amount of planning involved, but all plans are tentative and any illusion of control is exactly that; illusion. The memories we make are all we’ll really keep. It’s what we remember about special times together and what those special people in our lives will remember about us when we are gone.

This is what I want to share with you all today. Don’t get caught up in worrying about what may or may not be tomorrow. The past is gone, the future is not here yet, all we really have is right now. That’s where God lives. So, my wish for you all is to take time with your family and friends, and experience the joy of each day as you relish in every moment right now. Get intentional about creating more memorable memories. In the end, that’s all that counts. Everything else shall pass, but what we instill in the hearts and minds of those we care about will live on forever.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash (CEO & Founder at My RV Guy Franchising LLC)

TECH TALK

Failure to winterize your RV could cause the water in the lines and the pipes to freeze. Once the water freezes, it will expand and crack your pipes, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Most RV enthusiasts know how important it is to properly winterize, but few place a value on proper de-winterization procedures. Decontaminating your water system is one of the most crucial steps of RV spring preparation. When you are on the road, you rely on a clean source of water for cooking, drinking, washing dishes and showering.

Standing drinking water has serious health implications. Bacteria growth is ongoing in stagnant water, with possible serious consequences such as Legionnaires’ disease. We add antifreeze to our water systems to treat water that did not drain. This does not stop the bacteria from contaminating your water system. Bacteria thrives in untreated water. So, RVers are at a higher risk than the rest of the population when it comes to Legionella infections.

De-winterizing involves much more than flushing out the old antifreeze. It is a process of sanitizing the system and protecting your investment, and making sure your water-heater, HVAC, appliances and propane system are in working order. It’s also an opportunity to have your seals checked. Most RVers don’t realize that manufactures recommend inspecting seals every ninety days and making repairs when necessary. Your RV service technician will usually conduct this system check as part of your De-winterization aka Spring Opening to make sure you and your family are ready to Go RVing.

MY RV GUY FRANCHISE PARTNERS

My RV Guy is an owner-operated business that takes pride in being able to provide its customers with a high-quality, honest, and valuable service at competitive prices. Our success is based on a customer-first approach, which will carry forward in our franchise program. Our ideal candidate will also be professional, outgoing, and mechanically inclined.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

We’ll Help You Take The Road Less Traveled.

The owner/operator franchise model involves significant investment of time and lifestyle, which is why we aim to empower motivated franchisees to become profitable entrepreneurs. As a My RV Guy franchisee, we’ll provide every possible tool to help you achieve your business goals.

Comprehensive Training

We designed our dual-phase initial training program to answer all your questions. Our goal is to give our franchise partners a strong foundation for operational success.

Support

  • Operational – My RV Guy will provide ongoing training and support in many areas, including technology and software training, product ordering, customer-service techniques, accounting and administration.
  • Marketing– We’ll utilize our extensive marketing expertise to coordinate the development of advertising materials and SEO/SEM strategies to help franchisees leverage our established brand.
  • Ongoing Research & Development – My RV Guy leadership will continue to research methods and techniques for franchise operations that enhance unit-level profitability.

Off Season On The Pond

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Hello Campers,

Fall weekends on the pond came to mind this morning. As children we stayed outside most of the day. The temperature dropping a few degrees didn’t change that. We’d throw on progressively heavier clothing and enjoy the subtle changes of the off season on Johnson’s Pond.

Most packed up and headed back to the city before this magical time of year began and wouldn’t return until Memorial Day weekend. We were lucky to have our primary residence less than an hour away, so for us that was not the case. Our Camp Ash didn’t suffer from a lack of use.

The air was cool and fresh, and there was a quiet that didn’t exist on a hot summer’s weekend by the water. This was the perfect recipe for expanding a child’s imagination. In those early years I’d build entire ranches with twigs and pine needles. I’d break up tiny branches, stick the twigs in the ground and create corral fences, barns and log cabins. Nature’s toys!

Eventually we’d take in our floating docks by laying them on rollers. That’s about the time I learned about leverage. The boats would get winterized, but we’d still take out the canoe or jon boat until the pond froze over. Once that happened it would be time to skate the pond. That experience went beyond peaceful. When the ice was safe enough, we’d skate the entire cove. I still have vivid memories of my neighbor Vinny losing himself in the present as he made the most of the experience.

Although the days ended sooner and cooler, a roaring fire accompanied by an old song or scary story, and our combined laughter made every hour a bit more valuable. The stars above seemed a lot more abundant too. Maybe it was because our senses became more aware as we were absent of distractions. Whatever the case, I’ll always cherish those special moments together off season on the pond.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

IT’S TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR RV WINTERIZATION

My RV Guy offers an RV winterization service to protect your RV from cold weather damage by draining the water system, blowing out lines, adding RV antifreeze, and preparing vulnerable components for storage. This process prevents pipes from freezing and cracking, ensuring your RV is ready for use in the spring. You can schedule this service through My RV Guy to have their technicians prepare your vehicle for the winter. 

How My RV Guy’s Winterization Service Works

  • Draining the water system:Water is removed from the fresh water tank and hot water heater. 
  • Bypassing the water heater:The water heater is bypassed to prevent antifreeze from filling it, which saves antifreeze and makes the process more effective for the plumbing. 
  • Blowing out lines:Compressed air is used to remove any remaining water from the water lines and pipes. 
  • Adding RV antifreeze:Non-toxic RV antifreeze is pumped through the plumbing system to protect it from freezing. 
  • Protecting vulnerable components:This step helps protect components from the elements, though the exact details can vary by RV and service level. 

Why Winterize Your RV? 

  • Prevent freezing damage:The primary goal is to prevent water from freezing in your RV’s plumbing, which can cause pipes, tanks, and other components to crack and burst.
  • Ensure readiness for spring:A properly winterized RV will be ready to use when warmer weather returns without needing extensive repairs.

How to Schedule Service

You can schedule your RV winterization service directly through My RV Guy. Their website myrvguy.shop provides information on services and how to contact them. 

How Goes The Revolution

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Hello Campers,

How goes the revolution? In a previous blog More Memorable Memories I mentioned how gathering together with family and friends fosters memories that keep. I suggested a “New Year’s Revolution” instead of the traditional resolution. It looks like many are already onboard. With every generation, Americans are moving away from spending on possessions in favor of life experiences. I’d like to think it was something I said. Imagine, 8 in 10 Millennials crave more real world experiences and are putting their money into satisfying their experimental appetite. My “Gen X” group isn’t far behind. Many are selling their homes in favor of simplified lifestyles and expanding experiences via the RV lifestyle. Freedom, excitement, interaction and growth are the driving forces behind this massive shift in the American dream. They’re seeing the sights and enjoying campgrounds with a plethora of events and activities for every palate. So, if you’re sitting around the house having checked your explorer’s spirit at the door, it may be time to start living intentionally. Your next greatest experience may only be a few miles away.

Remember, the things we experience today contribute to how we’ll see ourselves tomorrow.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Historic Town Pound

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by Ron Ash

The historic Glocester Town Pound is a fairly well preserved colonial animal pound in northern Rhode Island. The stone pound was built by Andrew Brown (Chad Brown’s Great-Grandson) in 1748 to confine stray farm animals. It is said to be the oldest surviving pound in the U.S.A. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, this dry wall stone structure was an exploit of colonial engineering.

The Browns initiated a pound system which rescued stray animals, cared for them and charged the animal’s owners a pound keepers fee for holding them. Andrew Brown (1706 to 1783), moving to Glocester in 1730 took on the unofficial role of Glocester’s first Animal Control Officer. The historic town pound can still be seen at Pound Road and Chopmist Hill Road. Brown, his wife Mary and his six children lived about seven hundred yards from the site. Today their property is the home of Mulberry Vineyards.

If you decide to make the trip, you may as well make a day of it. “Wine & History” would make for the perfect day of exploring and enjoying history in the great outdoors.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

The Tree Huggers

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Hello Campers,

Summers on Shady Valley Road were filled with so many wonderful experiences with my siblings and our summertime family of friends. In addition to all the activities on Johnson’s Pond, there were trails to ride, corn fields to explore and lots of trees to climb. One tree in particular was very special to us. It was more than a tree. It was a meeting place we grew to love. So much so that my sisters and I, along with our neighborhood friends saved it from being cut down. After seeing how much the oddly shaped tree meant to us, the municipality compromised by just trimming it a bit.

The reason I bring this up is because of a conversation I had with a new customer recently. We were talking about all the technology included in many of today’s RV’s. Huge mobile homes with private spaces came up in conversation as well. He has a smaller camper, and his family spends most of their time outside as opposed to many who spend so much time inside their larger RVs. Back during our days on the pond or at Carpenter’s Beach Meadows by the sea, we rarely spent anytime indoors. We were always out with our family or friends. Our time was well spent swimming, boating and fishing. Don mentioned playing “Manhunt” and I was reminded of “Kick the Can”. There were the evening campfires that included storytelling and sing-alongs as well.

The joys of our summertime holidays were never about the size of our RV or cottage. It was all about interacting in and with nature. Every experience ignited an organic appreciation of the great outdoors. There were no distractions from the wonders around us. Our faces were not locked onto a screen. We had the unique opportunity to experience a new world if only for a season. That is what saved “our” very special tree.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Know What You Want To Do With Your RV

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Hello Campers,

We are getting closer to the RV show season and will soon be moving into our busiest time of the year. I’ve talked to many show attendees over the last few months and am very excited to see so many new campers anxious to get into the RV lifestyle. So, I’ve decided to touch on a few things that RV newbies need to consider.

Know what you want to do with your RV. Are you interested in traveling from campground to campground? Will you be seeking a seasonal site at a campground? Do you intend on going off the grid? How you answer these questions will dictate which RV will best suit your camping needs.

If you’ll be sampling a plethora of campgrounds, you’ll want an RV that is easy to hookup, setup and maneuver. My advice to clients is to “never purchase more RV than you’ll need.” It’s easy to get a little overzealous during your shopping experience. Remember, bigger is not always better. Smaller RVs are used more often than larger RVs not only because there are more smaller campsites available wherever you go, they’re also easier to tow. You’re going to spend a very small portion of you camping experience inside your RV. When the weather is right, you’ll cook, play and congregate outside. Focus on the goal! We go RVing to bond with our family and to relish in the wonders of the great outdoors, right?

Another option is seasonal campground RVing. Many families choose to go seasonal once they’ve sampled several venues and have fallen in love with a campground that fulfills most of their needs. In this case make sure you speak to campground management about what size camper will work on the available site you’re interested in before making a purchase. You can have your RV delivered, so you may want to purchase one which will maximize the potential of your site. I’ve had two seasonal vacation spots which have blessed me with wonderful memories exploring, enjoying and interacting with my campground family of friends. If you love to socialize, you’ll love the seasonal RV camping experience.

Dry camping, also referred to as boon-docking, is camping in your RV without hookups. No electricity, water or sewer connections. If you yearn to experience nature at it’s fullest, this may be the type of camping for you. It’ll be just you and the serenity of nature. If you are going out for a few days, a light weight RV with an extra battery and a solar panel may be all you’ll need, but if you’ll be gone awhile a generator would be something to consider. In most cases, the experienced camper will just take enough supplies for a couple of days in the wilderness. You’ll want as little noise pollution as possible if you really want to experience the wonders of nature. A small light RV with an off-road package is ideal for this type of camping.

Need more information? Contact me anytime for advice and guidance with anything RV. I’d be glad to help.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy