Top Accessories to Add to Your Dealership to Boost Sales  

 

Today's RV dealerships face stiff competition. There isn't much wiggle room in the pricing of the vehicles themselves, so what can you do to increase your sales and profits? One option is to add items to your dealership that you can up-sell when you sell a vehicle. From floor mats to kitchen knobs and pulls, these are some of the best products to have in stock at a dealership to increase your sales numbers with add on purchases.

Entertainment System Components

People who RV know how to relax, and a great quality entertainment system is essential to that. One thing you can add to your dealership that can help you up-sell a little is components for an entertainment system. If your rigs don't come equipped with high definition TVs, for instance, you can encourage buyers to upgrade by having HD LED TVs in stock. Don't forget to add some upgraded speakers and surround sound systems as well.

Lighting Upgrades

Another option to add to your dealership to increase your profits is new options for lighting. If the lighting in the RV does not fit the buyer's style, or if the buyer wants to have spare bulbs or fixtures on hand for emergencies, your dealerships can meet that need by stocking lighting supplies. This also gives you the option to offer a measure of customization for your buyers who may want their RV to look unique.

Floor Mats and Decor

Everyone wants to personalize their RV, and one easy way to do so is with floor mats and decor. Add some of these items to your store to add on to your RV sales and drive up your profits. Every RV owner will eventually need an outdoor floor mat to help keep their rig clean, so stock these in your dealership so you can offer one as you close the sale. Indoor decor, like upholstery, can also be beneficial to help you increase your profits and provide a better customer experience.

G391 Keys

RV keys are a must in your dealership, but you can take the offer even further by adding the Global Link G391 Dealer Key. This key system lets you swap out the manufacturer-installed key and lock with a new one by simply exchanging the cylinder. This gives your customer a greater level of security because you can re-key the unit in moments with a new, more secure key. If you're selling rigs with CH751 series keys, you know they have a serious security issue. Offer your customers peace of mind with the possibility to upgrade to the G391 Dealer Key.

Radios and Observation Systems

Waterproof radios for the exterior of the RV or Bluetooth equipped radios for the interior are great upgrades for your RV buyers. Digital monitoring systems allow RV owners to better monitor the things they are towing while on the road. Your RV buyers need these items, so let them buy them from you, not the competition, by keeping them in stock. When someone buys an RV from your dealership, offer them an upgrade for their radio or observation systems to make their purchase more enjoyable.

Cabinet Hardware

Another area where RV owners can personalize their space is with the cabinet hardware. Consider keeping some unique options in stock to give your buyers that option. This is a small item that doesn't cost much to add on to an RV purchase, but it can make a big difference in how personal the vehicle looks.

As an RV dealership, you need to find ways to increase your sales. Small purchases added to an RV purchase can do that. Not only that, but when you keep these items in stock, you become the go-to source for help when your buyers need to upgrade something. Stock your dealership with the right items to increase your sales figures.

Easy Updates to Spruce Up Your RV

Easy Updates to Spruce Up Your RV  

Summer has hit, and with it comes thoughts of road trips and RV excursions. Whether you're a seasoned RV owner or one just starting out, you may want to upgrade and update it a bit before you head out. A few changes in your RV can make it feel like a completely new rig! Here are some areas where you can make some upgrades to give your RV a face-lift.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Are your appliances serving you well? It may be time to consider an update. A new cooktop can give your kitchen new life, making it look more modern and increasing the function of the space. If you don't have the budget or need for a new cooktop, consider upgrading the knobs for a sleek and modern look. Check the fridge, freezer, microwave, and oven and see if they need to be replaced.

Give the Hardware a Face Lift

The hardware in your kitchen and bath is another area where you can update your RV easily and affordably. If your kitchen and bath are a bit outdated, but you're not ready to tackle a full remodel, then consider swapping out the hardware. New, modern knobs and drawer pulls will make a big difference in the look. In the bathroom, a new towel and toilet paper holders, tissue holders, and soap dispensers can make the room more functional and attractive.

In addition to upgrading the drawer pulls and cabinet knobs, consider upgrading the slides and interior hardware for an improvement in functionality. Similarly, inspect and upgrade your catches and latches. These are critical to enjoying your RV, because they keep the drawers and cabinet doors shut tight when you're on the move. Over time they wear out, so make them part of your focus as you update your bathroom and kitchen.

Swapping out the hardware is a fairly easy job, and it can make a big difference in your RV. Take a weekend afternoon to make these changes and enjoy the upgrade throughout the summer.

Make Your RV More Convenient

Do you need a silverware tray? What about some more wastebaskets? As you upgrade things around your RV, consider adding some of these convenience items. Take inventory of what you have and don't have, then add what you need to make your RV more efficient and comfortable for your family. Additional items worth considering are pull-out trays, cup hooks, and door stops. With additional storage and storage supplies, you'll be able to stash your stuff more effectively when you head out for your next camping trip.

Improve the Sinks and Faucets

Finally, make sure your kitchen and bathroom sinks and faucets are serving you well. Upgrading these to modern, more functional models will improve the look and function of your RV. While you're at it, upgrade the shower faucet and give the sink a facelift at the same time. These plumbing fixtures are critical to the enjoyment of your RV, but they can also go far in making it look more attractive.

It doesn't take much effort to improve the look and function of your RV. With a little bit of attention in these areas, you can have an attractive, functional space. Give your RV a facelift and enjoy the freedom of the road and your favorite campsites all summer long.

Planning an RV Trip? Check Your Hatches First

Planning an RV Trip? Check Your Hatches First  

 

There's much to do when prepping for an RV trip. You need to check the engine of the vehicle, stock the fridge, pack your gear, and perform a number of safety checks. These checks help ensure the rig is in good, working order, and they can protect you from a breakdown or problem on the road. Repairs on the road often cost more because you're camping in a remote location, making access to repair facilities harder to come by. Performing your pre-trip checks will protect against this.

When you start preparing, you may feel overwhelmed by the large number of items on that pre-trip checklist. If you're going by memory alone, it's easy to forget some things, only to find yourself faced with a costly repair on the road. Your hatches are one of those important, but easy-to-forget items.

Hatches are vital to keeping the delicate items on your RV dry and protected from debris. Before you head out on the road, check your hatches to ensure they're ready for the trip. This will protect your rig's most sensitive systems from damage on the road.

Water Hatches

Water hatches protect the valves and water lines for your RV. These are essential to the safety and comfort of the people you're camping with. If you lost a water valve or damage a water line while driving to your destination, your camping trip will be much less enjoyable. Make sure all of the water hatches are closed and locked, and double-check the check valves before you hit the road.

Electrical Hatches

Similarly, protecting the access points to your rig's electrical cables and systems while driving is important. Water or debris can easily damage these, making it difficult to enjoy your entertainment, lighting, and other electrical items while camping. Make sure your electric cable hatches are sealed and locked to protect your rig. Your RV may have the standard square electric cable hatches, and it may have some round hatches. Find and check both types before you leave.

Fuel Hatch

Keeping the fuel hatch locked is just as important as the other types. Not only does it prevent damage while on the road, but it also protects against siphoning while you're parked. Unfortunately, you can't always trust the others you share the campground with to leave your rig alone, so locking the fuel lines is a necessity. Make sure your fuel hatch closes and locks properly, and replace it if it's showing signs of wear.

Additional Hatches

You likely have other multi-purpose hatches protecting sensitive items across your rig. They may close vents, cover switches, or protect plumbing. Regardless of the purpose of these hatches, if your rig has them, you should find and check them before you take off. These items are covered and protected for a reason, so you need to keep them covered and protected in order to protect your rig's systems.

Make a Pre-Trip Checklist

Hatches are just one of many items you should be checking before your next RV trip. Finding and checking all sensitive systems is not always easy. To make it easier and protect your rig properly, create a pre-trip checklist. List all of the items you need to check before you leave, and mark them off as you do. This will ensure that you are fully prepped and ready for the trip, knowing that your RV is as safe and protected as possible.

Remember, a hatch is a relatively affordable item on your RV, but it performs a critical job. Make sure yours are sealed tight, and you'll arrive at your destination without an unexpected and unwanted surprise.

 

How Re-Keying Makes Your RV More Secure  

When you're out at the campground enjoying nature, the last thing you want to worry about is the security of your rig. Yet RVs come with standard keys and locks that are far too easy to pick, and many keys are universal across different RVs made by the same manufacturer. If you're still sporting the standard dealer locks, you may be inviting a potential thief to let themselves into your RV.

To ensure your security while also giving you one key to access all locks, consider having your RV re-keyed. The G391 series offers the option to re-key locks to accept up to 90 different key codes, giving RV owners unprecedented control. Here's a closer look at how these systems work, and how they can improve your RV's security.

The Power of a Removable Core

The G391 system has a removable core that gives it the ability to be customized to fit a variety of key codes. Prior to this innovation, many RV owners had a generic lock that had the same key as the lock their neighbors had, eliminating the security of locking the RV. This has changed.

With the G391 series of locks, RV owners now have a locking system that can quickly be changed. This is due to the system's removable core. Using a specially designed re-key tool, the core can be removed from the lock and customized to fit a new key. This process is fairly easy to do, but it allows the RV owner to change the lock on their RV simply, providing greater security and access.

Re-Key a New or Existing Rig

With the right tools, re-keying an RV is not difficult. This can be done at the dealership level when a customer buys a new rig, or an existing RV owner can use the re-keying tool to set up their existing rig for a new key. Regardless, the option to re-key takes security to a new level and reduces one of the biggest risks associated with RV ownership.

Why Re-Keying Makes Sense

If you have an RV, chances are you store many valuable items inside. Not only that, but the rig itself is vulnerable. If someone accesses your space, you could lose your investment.

With generic keys straight from the dealership, this is always a risk. The chances that someone else in your RV park has the same key is quite high. Re-keying gives you a custom key and lock that is difficult to hack. Re-keying the rig prevents this.

Not only that but with a re-keying system, you can also prevent having multiple keys to open multiple locks. Instead, set up your system so that all of the locks open with the same key. This makes your own personal access more convenient.

Once you have a system that allows for re-keying, consider doing it on occasion to update the security of your RV. With the fast, easy re-keying process, you could easily re-key every time you take it out, if you wish.

Re-keying is fast and affordable once you have the locks in place. You don't have to spend a lot of money to upgrade or change all of your locks. Just use the re-keying tool and have some new keys made, and you can re-key your RV in under a minute. If you have concerns about security, give yourself peace of mind by re-keying today.

Steps to Clean and Check Your RV Plumbing Systems

The plumbing system in your RV is a critical system. Keeping it well maintained is an important part of enjoying life on the road. Before you head out on your next trip, make sure you take a closer look at the plumbing system, and perform these key checks.

1. Check and Lubricate the Toilet Seal

Your RV’s toilet has a seal that keeps the water in the bowl and the smell from the septic tank from leaking into your home on wheels. These seals are made of rubber, and they need regular lubrication. From time to time, the rubber will need to be replaced as it starts to disintegrate.

2. Check and Test All Valves and Fills

Whether you have a city fills, gravity fills, or a combination of both, check the fills for your system to ensure the seals are tight. Also, check any visible valves. Make sure they are in good, working order, and replace as needed. If any appear to be cracked or missing their caps, you will want to address the problem before you hit the road.

3. Inspect and Test All Hoses 

Visually inspect all of the hoses in your rig for signs of wear, such as cracking or thinning. If you can, test them to ensure they do not have any leaks. If you notice any problems, replace the hose before you start your road trip, so you aren’t stuck buying a costly replacement at your first stop. 

4. Clean the P-Trap

The p-trap is a curved piece of plumbing in the bathroom sink that holds water. It serves to trap heavy debris that might accidentally end up washed down the sink so it does not clog your plumbing system further down the line. The p-trap will seal the system to keep smells under control. It needs to be cleared from time to time to keep your sink running freely. You will also need to ensure that the water level is correct, unless you have a waterless p-trap. 

5. Deodorize the Black Tank 

The black tank holds the waste from your sewage system. One way to help keep the black tank as clean as possible is to add a deodorizer. This is a product you pour into the tank to help decompose its contents until you have a chance to dump. As the contents decompose, the stench breaks down as well.

6. Check the Vents

The last thing you want is for the smells from your black tank to end up inside your RV. You also do not want the resulting gases to build up in the system, creating dangerous pressure. Your sewage system has a vent to keep those problems from happening. Sometimes the vent can get clogged with debris or leaves, and that can create serious problems for you. Before you take your next trip, visually check the vent to ensure the system is completely clear so the gas can get out.

7. Clean the Water Lines

From time to time, it’s a good idea to clean the water lines completely. To do this, drain all of the water out of your systems, following the instructions in the owner’s manual. Then, flush the fresh water tank with a bleach/water solution, using about ½ cup of bleach per 30 gallons of tank capacity. Fill the tank with clean water, and switch on the pump. Turn on the faucets so water starts to flow, then shut them off. Allow the bleach solution to sit in the water lines overnight, then flush it again. Fill it with fresh water, and flush one more time. Now you can add fresh water and know the system is clean and safe. 

Keeping your plumbing systems working well will help you fully enjoy your next trip. Go through these steps, and hit the road with confidence knowing your plumbing is ready to serve you well.

Steps to Clean and Check Your RV Air Conditioner

One of the reasons you love the RV life is the fact that you can have some of the comforts of home while you’re out camping. Air conditioning is one of those important amenities. Keeping your rig’s air conditioning system running at its best requires some routine maintenance and regular service checks. While it’s always a good idea to have a professional check the system, there are some steps you can do yourself in between annual maintenance appointments. If you want your AC to keep your RV nice and cool, consider following these steps:  

1. Clean the Filters 

Your air conditioner has to work twice as hard when the AC filter is clogged. It’s easy to forget about the filter until you find that your air conditioner isn’t running properly. Luckily, swapping out the filter is pretty easy. Typically, the AC filter is located inside your RV under the air distribution bezel. Take it out and see if it is a washable filter or a disposable one. If you can wash it, do so and allow it to completely dry before returning it to the air conditioner. If it is disposable, or if it appears torn or too soiled, replace it. This should be done on a monthly basis.

2. Clean the Evaporator Coils

While the air filter is drying, look for the evaporator coils. If you see any dust accumulated on them, use a vacuum to remove it. Dust buildup on the evaporator coils can eventually damage the entire unit, so this is a crucial step. 

3. Clean the Outside Condenser Coils

Next, safely access the roof of your RV to check the outside condenser coils. To find these, remove the cover from the air conditioner unit, carefully removing the screws that hold it in place. This should allow you to see the condenser coils. Use compressed air to blow them off, blowing from the inside out to dislodge debris and avoid having it go back into the air conditioner. Replace the cover and put the screws back into place. 

4. Oil the Fan

The AC unit has a fan that keeps air moving, and it needs to be lubricated to work well. Keep it well-oiled by checking it every time you maintain your air conditioner, and you will get the longest possible lifespan from it. 

5. Open the Roof Vent

Your RV has a roof vent that needs to be opened from time to time. Doing so will allow moisture that builds up in the system to evaporate. You should open the roof vent periodically during times when you’re enjoying the outdoors and are not using the air conditioner. By letting the moisture evaporate, you can prevent unwanted damage to your air conditioner due to moisture buildup.

6. Clean the Vents

If the AC vents are getting a little grimy, clean them. Leaving the grit in the vents means every time the system runs, you’re breathing in dust mites and other pollutants. Dirty vents that get filthy again quickly after cleaning can indicate you need new ductwork as well because it is often a sign that the ductwork is getting pretty dusty. 

7. Cover It

In the off season, make sure you cover the AC unit. This will protect it from unnecessary wear and problems with dust and pests when you’re not actually using it. 

Taking care of your RV’s air conditioner is not hard, but it does require some attention and time. By tackling these steps on a regular basis, you can get a long life out of your air conditioner. So the next time you perform your rig’s routine checks, make sure you add your AC to the list. 

 

 

RV Maintenance Tools to Have on Hand at All Times

Every time you take to the road in your RV, your vehicle experiences more and more wear-and-tear. This means that there’s potential for a problem to develop somewhere along your journey. It also means you need to be performing ongoing maintenance to keep your rig running its best. 

Finding someone to fix a problem or tackle maintenance at a remote destination can be costly, and you may struggle to find a trustworthy option. By having certain tools readily available, you will be better equipped to handle any challenges that come your way during your travels. Below are some items that you should always keep handy when you hit the road. 

Engine Fluids

Keep engine oil and coolant in your RV at all times. You never know when your gauges will indicate that you’ve dipped too low, and buying on the road could be costly. If you’re in a particularly remote area, you may have trouble finding the right blend for your rig. Driving your motorhome without the recommended fluids could lead to expensive engine damage, so always having some on-hand is wise. 

Replacement Belts

If your RV has belts in the engine, keep some extras with you. Should you shred a belt while driving, you can pull over and replace it. And if you don’t want to make the repair on your own, having them available will help your roadside mechanic get you back on the road more quickly or prevent delays if you find yourself at a shop that may not have the right belt in stock.

Roof Sealant

What happens if your roof has a leak while you’re at a campsite? If you don’t address the problem, your rig could turn into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you have sealant, you can quickly address the leak and continue enjoying your trip without undue risk.

Hose Repair Kit

A small puncture or opening in your hoses can turn into a serious problem, but a hose repair kit can help ensure that you’ll be ready to address the issue if it should arise. Consider adding a small patch kit and extra rubber gaskets to your hose repair kit to make sure you always have water available at your campsite for any cleaning and cooking needs.

Tool Kit

If you don’t already have one, buy a basic tool kit to keep in your RV at all times. You’ll need screwdrivers and wrenches for almost any repair or maintenance task you tackle on the road. You’ll also want your tool set to include the basic nuts, bolts, and screws you use in your rig, as well as a pry bar, hammer, cordless drill with bits, caulk gun, and headlamp.

Filters

Both the air filter in your motorhome and the fuel filter in your engine can fill up with grime while you’re traveling. Keeping these in your rig means they’re easy to swap out when problems occur. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this job on your own, having the right filter available will still speed up the process whenever you go to a mechanic. 

Electric Meter

If you have to troubleshoot electrical problems with your rig, an electric meter helps you do so safely. If you’re installing a new light to replace a broken one, or dealing with unexpected electrical issues, you can check the current and avoid a dangerous shock. 

Extra & Replacement Parts

Finally, make sure you have some basic parts available should something need to be replaced. Extra light bulbs that fit your light fixtures and headlights or tail lights, replacement RV locks and keys, and extra antennas or cable cords are all great things to have at your disposal. 

Maintenance and repair is part of the life of an RV owner. If you’re properly prepared, these tasks will be easy. Take time to stock up on some tools and parts before you hit the road, and enjoy monetary savings along the way.