Every month we will scour the known universe for a few good stories, tips and other items that might be of interest to RVers. Just click on the links to read the complete story at our website.

Stay the night in an Airstream trailer on a rooftop RV park  - Never in a million years would you think seven Airstream trailers would be perched high atop a South Africa hotel to be rented out as RV penthouses.  The collection of 1959-1981-era travel trailers are billed as the world's first penthouse caravan park. . . .

For RVers, L.A. beach is a park place in the sun   - Regular renters mingle with short-time visitors at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey. Sure, there's jet noise and sewage smells -- but where else can you get sand and surf for $40 a night? . . .

Surveys reveal behavior, habits of RV enthusiasts - If you want to know about the habits of RVers, you’ll find it at RVtravel.com , where once a week for five years the editors have surveyed their readers to learn their likes, dislikes and behaviors. . . .

The 7-C's of Camping & RVing - Whether you are visiting a state campground or commercial RV park, the camping etiquette guidelines below are meant to enhance your Camping and RVing experience. . . .

Tips for Installing and Using Solar Panels - Plan on a solar charging system that will replace what you use from your batteries PLUS 10%. That's because anytime energy is transformed there is some loss. . . .

RV Holding Tank & Sewer Hose Tips  - If you RV more than a couple of weeks a year, spend a little extra money for heavy duty sewer hoses. . . .

Christmas on the road mixes old traditions with new adventures  - CARLSBAD — Being home for Christmas is a goal for most people, but "home" for some is the freedom of getting to be on the road again.

SERVICE SEARVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE

Mark Maness, Service Manager, an RVDA - RVIA Master Certified RV Service Technician, will share RV service tips with you each month.  You can contact Mark at 386-462-3039 or 800-541-6439. Here is what he offers up for this first edition.

Click here  to print an in-store coupon for items mentioned in this section.

“I receive numerous phone calls from RVers who report their slide-outs have slowed down and the motor sounds like it’s under great strain. More often than not it’s a friction problem, not a battery or motor problem.

“Friction is your slide-out’s worst enemy. When the slide-out is in motion the sides and top rub against the rubber wiper seal. If the slide top and sides are dirty the friction between the wiper seal and slide may increase, causing both the slide motor to work harder and possibly the clutch to disengage producing a loud clicking sound.

“The simple solution is to lubricate the steel mechanism of your slide with a product like Heavy-Duty Slide-Out Dry Lube by Protect All. This dry lube is an industrial grade rust inhibitor. Then, thoroughly clean the rubber wiper seal and treat it with Slide-Out Rubber Seal Treatment  from Protect All.

“Finally, Also apply a wax or 303 Aerospace Protectant to the sidewalls and top of the slide.

“These easy, preventative measures will reduce friction and noise when operating your RV Slides.

“If your slide has a topper or if physical limitations make these tasks difficult, call and schedule a service visit or complete our online Service Request Form.” 

Each month David Sanders, Parts Manager, will offer up info and ideas regarding parts and accessories that should be of interest to our readers. You can contact David at 386-462-3039 or 800-541-6439. Here are some thoughts for this month.

Click here  to print an in-store coupon for items mentioned in this section.

“Do you have an LP gas oven in your coach? Do you ever use it to cook or is it mainly used to store your pots and pans?

“I ask this because many of the RVers I come in contact with have never used their gas oven, especially if their coach is equipped with a convection microwave oven. Well, here’s a gift idea just in time for Valentine’s Day (or a birthday or anniversary):

“We can replace your unused oven with a VESTA automatic dishwasher from Westland Sales. The VESTA will hold 4 full place settings and uses less than 3 gallons of water.

“Recently, one of our customers, a fulltime RVer, surprised his wife by exchanging their RV oven for a VESTA for her birthday, while she was away. When she returned, she walked into the coach and did not notice the change. But, when she opened a small gift wrapped box and found a small bottle of dishwasher rinse agent she ran to the galley and looked at what she thought was the old oven. After her husband opened the VESTA door she screamed with delight.”

Wayne Borecki, sales manager, will comment each month on items of interest to the new RV buyer as well as existing customers. You can contact Wayne at 386-462-3039 or 800-541-6439.

On behalf of our sales team here at JD Sanders RV Center, I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy new year. We certainly hope that you had an enjoyable holiday season.

While I write this commentary 2008 is drawing to a close. Even so, I can state with a great deal of certainty that this was not one of our best years in sales. But, I can also state that after 38 years in business, we are still making progress. Most importantly, in 2008 we helped numerous first-time RVers buy their first travel trailor, fifth wheel or motorhome; and, we assisted many long-time RVers to upgrade to a coach more in-line with their current lifestyles.

2009 is shaping up to be both an exciting and a challenging year. We represent five first class towable RV brands: Airstream , Trailmanor , Rockwood , Prowler  and Salem . Each brand will offer exciting innovations in both floorplan design and amenities. Visit our website to see our New Inventory , Pre-Owned RVs or to custom order from our New RV Showroom.

Our lineup of easy-to-tow, high quality RVs is what our demanding, informed buyers are looking for and have come to expect from Alachua County’s only RV dealer. Come on down and take a look.

We maintain a calendar of events on our website for the benefit of our past, present and future customers. If you know of upcoming rallies, meetings, fairs, conferences, conventions, parties, school functions, reunions or any other events that you would like to include, send an email to jdsandersrv@gmail.com with the details. We'll post the events.

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