Rick's RV Corner

Some helpful hints when looking forRV Appliance Replacement Parts

RV consumers are sometimes disappointed when shopping for RV appliance replacement parts. Consumers think the RV parts staff should know what appliances are in their RV by the make of their unit. RV's are not like automobiles, every OEM will uses different appliances so unless the RV dealer you visit sells that brand there is no way to tell which appliance is in their unit. When looking for replacement parts for you’re appliances, if you have the manufacturers name and model number for that specific appliance finding replacing parts is a very simple task.

Happy Trails!

Rick

Rick's RV Corner is brought to you by Rick Hargreaves

an employee at Traveland since 2000!

Easy Bake Ahead Pancake Muffins

Easy Bake Ahead Pancake Muffins

Makes about 16-18 muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups pancake mix

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to next 350° 

2. Mix together pancake mix, milk, eggs & 1/2 cup of Maple Syrup

3. Spray muffin tin with nonstick spray or use muffin liners.  Fill 2/3 of the way full. 

4. Add in your mix-ins - 1/2 to 1 TB of mix-ins

5. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean

6. Store in fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for easy heat-up and eat!

Campfire "Pie Iron" Pizza

Campfire "Pie Iron" Pizza

Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup fat-free milk

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl; stir in milk and olive oil until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 10 times. 

Campfire "Pie Iron" Pizza

Divide the pizza dough into rectangles, the size of the full opened Pie Iron.  Spray the inside of the Pie Iron with non-stick spray. Lay the dough the length of the pie iron and fill one side with pizza toppings of your choice.  Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings and close the Pie Iron. Cook over the fire for 5-10 minutes depending on how hot the fire is.  Check the outside of the pizza to be sure that the dough is browning and be sure to rotate the Pie Iron as you cook the pizza.  Pop the pizza out of the iron and enjoy! 

GlowStep Revolution

GlowStep Revolution

Available in our Parts Store!

The GlowStep Revolution is the first and only step system designed for all RV towables that is versatile and flexible to adapt to any type of terrain.

The step entry system is revolutionary for several reasons. Featuring 7 inches of precision elevation adjustment, the GlowStep Revolution has 3 positions of upper adjustment between the RV entry and top step, plus an additional 5 positions of lower adjustment with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. Connecting firmly to ground level regardless of terrain, the GlowStep Revolution achieves optimum configuration in any instance. The easy bolt-on installation fits into the factory step compartment, replacing factory steps.

By connecting the RV to the ground (Earth to RV) the unstable and unsafe diving board feeling associated with factory steps is completely eliminated. With a locking mechanism and quick release lever, the step system for towables easily lowers and raises. In most cases the steps provide a significant improvement in ground clearance while traveling compared to a factory trailer step.

Just like a staircase found in your home, the GlowStep Revolution entry step system is extraordinarily sturdy with a level of stability that is simply unmatched. The self illuminating steps also glow in the dark for up to 10 hours with no batteries needed – just five minutes of light exposure. Made from 100% rust-free aircraft grade aluminum, the trailer steps have SureGrip™ built-in tread that creates a no-slip surface. The step's adjustable features are like planting roots each time you deploy the steps, giving you that feeling of security everywhere your RV takes you. With GlowStep Revolution, you know your family can safely enter your trailer or fifth wheel day or night, rain or shine and worry-free. Best of all, the steps are firmly planted so your unit no longer shakes back and forth with every entry and exit of pets or people.

Torklift International uses a specially engineered hinge assembly unlike any other in the industry. The unique bushing bearing design is used on each side of every hinge point on the steps, preventing the step hinges from coming loose over time. To maximize a lifetime of smooth action and ease of use, the RV steps are assembled carefully by hand and adjusted to precise torque. The bushings act as a bearing surface that can handle significant tension without over-stiffening the step configuration, a common problem found on rusting factory steps. Due to these features, Torklift's GlowStep line of RV steps guarantee longevity, durability and quality.

Unlike other trailer entry steps, the GlowStep Revolution is truly a complete step system. The system is tailored to you with the options of adding the GlowGuide Handrail, SafeStep pet barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment. Available ranging from two to six steps, steps can easily be added and removed so you can take the GlowStep Revolution step entry system with you when you trade in for your next RV. 

GlowStep Revolution comes backed by our Legendary Lifetime Warranty and is proudly made in the USA.

Skillet Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Skillet Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Prep time: 10 min ~ Total time: 40 min ~ Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced or diced
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, or herbes de Provence
• Salt
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 jar marinara sauce, good-quality (14 to 16 oz)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus more if needed
• ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese, plus more if needed
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan, plus more if needed and for serving
• 12 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade or chopped, plus more if needed and for serving

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning and some salt. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Add the onions and garlic to the same skillet and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the broth, then scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen the bits. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the broth reduce. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes, bring to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Turn off the heat and add the drained pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and basil. Add the cooked chicken on top. Toss to combine, then add more of the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan or basil until the sauce is just how you like it. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan and a little basil on top.

Read more at foodnetwork.ca

RV Part of the week - Kar Kaddy SS

Kar Kaddy SS

Not Just a Tow Dolly, it’s a Kar Kaddy.

Demco prides itself by offering a galvanized finish to the Kar Kaddy SS. This prevents rust and paint chips and the galvanized tongue and loading ramps stow away for storage. Just these features alone, set us apart from the competition. There is no need to worry about finish issues and the storage problem is solved. The SS in the logo stands for Space Saver.

Demco introduced the “steerable axle” to the industry in 1982. This is still used today on the Kar Kaddy SS and allows for a tighter 15% turning radius, the tightest in the industry, that tracks directly behind the motor home. The feature provides less sliding and binding of the tires but ultimately the tracking of the unit wins over the competition.

Need more space? Fold it!

• Includes disc brakes.
• Perfect solution for RV parks that are not deep enough to accommodate your motorhome and tow dolly.
• Fully extended- 133 inches long.
• Folded- 67 inches long.
• Hydraulic surge brake system for safe and controlled stopping.
• Chrome wheels with radial tires and dual safety chains.
• Sealed bearing hubs with a 3-year unlimited warranty.
• Less than 100 lbs. tongue weight when loaded, for improved ride and handling of tow vehicles.
• Total towed vehicle weight: 4,700 lbs.
• Axle capacity: 3,500 lbs.
• Towed vehicle tread width: 42” minimum, 76” maximum.
• Galvanized finish.
• eZ-Latch coupler.

- See more at: http://demco-products.com/rv-towing-products/tow-dollies/kar-kaddy-ss/#sthash.ARUwExws.dpuf

KING Jack™ Antenna with Mount & Built-in Signal Meter

KING Jack™ Antenna with Mount & Built-in Signal Meter

RV Part of the week! KING Jack™ Antenna with Mount & Built-in Signal Meter. Simply the best RV over-the-air HDTV antenna available. The KING Jack antenna is simple to install and even simpler to use. Wider Reception Range. Less directional than traditional RV antennas to provide broader reception coverage.  Greatly Improved UHF Reception. Superior reception of UHF signals where over 80% of new DTV channels are broadcast, also offers great reception of remaining VHF channels. Easy to Install. Works with varying roof thicknesses and easily replaces existing antenna. Effortless Antenna Rotation. Easily rotate antenna with two fingers with 360 degree rotation for no dead spots.
Built-in Digital TV Signal Meter. Point the antenna for maximum reception before scanning for channels to simplify setup and eliminate frustration. No Crank Handle. Fixed height requires no cranking up or down. No need to remember to stow antenna before driving away. Compact, Aerodynamic Design. Aerodynamic mount offers superior wind resistance, is 70% smaller and requires less roof space than traditional RV antennas.
Want more info? Come on in to our Parts Department and we'll be happy to help! #tlrv

Traveling Game - Counting Cows!

Road Trip Game - Counting Cows

It's the official start to the camping season, the May long weekend!  Here is a fun travel game that will avoid the "are we there yet" question.  It's fun for the whole family!

Counting Cows

Here's how to play:

Each person counts the cows they see and mark it down on a piece of paper, they get extra points for other animals/objects that you designate before the game starts.  If someone see's something, ie a golf course and calls it out then everyone else looses all their points and has to start over.  The person that has the most points at the end of the trip or the designated time wins :-)

Here is some idea for points:

1. Cows = 1 point each
2. Sheep or Goats (in place of cows) = 1 point each
3. Barn = 5 points
4. Bear = 25 points
5. Deer = 10 points
6. A white horse = other people loose 25 points
7. Golf Course = everyone must start over but the person who spotted the course

Add anything that you know you will see on your road trip to make it fun, set up teams and split it up so each team can only count what's out the window on their side of the vehicle.  

Happy Camping everyone!

RVing with your Dog :-)

RVing with your Dog!

One of the reasons people buy RV's is because they want to take their dog with them wherever they go.  There is nothing better than a pet friendly trip with all the comforts of home, this results in a much happier dogs!  

Here are some things to look for, plan for and tips to make your four legged family member happy on your RV road trip.

1. Dogs are not always allowed in RV parks, hiking trails, beaches or National Parks.
• Research your breaks, sight seeing, overnight stops before you leave so that you can be aware of where pets are welcomed.
2. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, depending on where you are traveling to will depend on what is needed
• Best to discuss this with your Veterinarian before leaving (also a good idea to do a general helath visit before you leave)
• Make sure to pack the vacination certificates
3. Pack all the right gear
• Start by making a list of everything your pet needs and uses on a daily basis
• You can always keep a leash, bowl, toys, etc. in your RV at all times so you don't have to worry about packing them each time
• Always have extra leashes and collars to allow for lost or broken ones and check for leash laws in the campground you are staying (some won't allow long leashes).
• Drinking Water - if your dog has a sensitive tummy this may avoid any upset
• Old towels
• Doggy waste bags, pick up what they leave
• You dogs favorite bed or blanket
4. Make sure your dog has an identification tag on, at all times, with the number you can be reached at while you are traveling
5. Maintain your dogs schedule as close as you can.  This will reduce any anxiety they may feel while away from home
6. A pet first aid kit, although not essential but could be a life saver. This can be easily stored in a plastic container or you can purchase a full kit online. Some things to add are:

• Scissors
• Sterile eye wash
• Tweezers
• Tick remover tool
• Vet wrap
• Gauze & Telfa pads
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wash or wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Latex gloves
• Benadryl - check doses with your Vet before leaving home
7. Respect those around you, not everyone loves our dogs like we do :-)
8. There are a ton of activities that you can enjoy with your dog and ones they will love doing with you while RVing.

HAPPY CAMPING!

RVing Tips to keep your RV in tip top shape

RVing Tips to keep your RV in tip top shape!

An RV requires more maintenance than your average vehicle. After all, it’s also a kitchen, office, bedroom and for many a home. Here are some tips to help protect your investment.

Cover Your Roof

RV roofs are especially susceptible to sun and environmental damage. Unfortunately, we often forget about our roofs because we don’t get up there regularly, which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The best thing you can do to prevent this is store your RV under a steel RV carport or traditional RV cover. If you’re a full-timer, you will want to climb up and clean the roof regularly.

Run Your Generator

Letting your generator sit too long unused could mean replacing it before its time. Gasoline has a shelf life of about 30 days before it starts to break down and corrupt the inside of your generator. It’s recommended that your run your generator once every month at 50% to keep everything flowing smoothly.

Open Your Vents

When your RV is not being used during the summer months, the inside coach can get up to 130 degrees depending on your location. That type of intense heat will cause even the toughest materials to break down and fail over time. Open your vents to let the air in. (But remember to keep the outside vents closed to keep the rain out!)

Lubricate Your Slide-Out Rails

Lubricate your slide-out rails a couple of time a year to stop rust and corrosion. You can find a can lubricate spray specifically designed for this project for under $20. A much cheaper solution than replacing your slide outs down the road.

Prevent leaky seals

To prevent leaky seals, use sealing products made specifically for your RV, as home repair materials do not have the necessary properties to properly protect your RV from weather conditions.

Maintain appliances

The fridge, stove, water and heat systems endure a lot of vibration that can result in gas or water leaks. An annual inspection is a must to prevent large bills in the future.

Exterior Frame

Keep it clean at all times. Apply a little auto wax to all surfaces to keep paint, fiberglass, chrome and decals looking news. Be sure to use proper treatment products, especially on RVs with rubber roofs.

When Storing your RV

Always park on solid, dry ground when storing. It’s also a good idea to leave a gap in your tarp. When covering the unit with a plastic tarp make sure to leave an air gap between the roof and tarp for air circulation. Without this, condensation might cause more damage than rain and snow.

RVing tips brought to you by gorving.ca