Archive for 2011

New Years on the Road: having fun and keeping it safe

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Can you believe that 2012 is already here? I know, I know, you’ve probably heard a thousand other people say the exact same thing recently but it really feels true that time goes faster the older you get. Instead of focusing on New Years Resolutions, it seemed like a great time to talk about the actual New Years celebration itself, and how to have fun while staying safe.


Most RVer’s don’t tend to stay in one place for very long (that’s why they’re RVer’s.) So if you’re like the majority of us and plan on doing some traveling around the new year then your best bet is to get most of your traveling done before nightfall. Sure the cops may be out in full-force to stop drunk drivers, but that doesn’t mean that the roads will be 100% safe.

Staying put on New Years Eve doesn’t mean that you still can’t have fun. If you have your family with you, then it is always fun to play board games, watch favorite movies, and tell some of your family stories. Another great thing you can do is plan to go out to a rural area and have a campfire. Before you start any fires, however, you’ll want to double check with the current regulations and make sure that you are allowed to have them. In certain areas, especially here in Arizona, there is a high fire danger warning, which usually means no fuego.

 

And last but not least: fireworks! What would a New Years Eve be without them? If you’re out of state this year, be sure to check local laws to see if fireworks are allowed, and if so which kinds are permitted. If you’re one of the lucky people who get to have fireworks then you want to find a big open dirt or concrete area to light them in. Having your fireworks in the woods with all sorts of trees, plants, and general shrubbery around is a recipe for disaster.

No matter what kind of celebration you have outside, remember to clean up all of your mess so that you leave as little impact on the environment as possible. When you pack up your campsite you want it to look as if you were never there.

New Years Eve is a time to be with the people you love and celebrate all the good things in life. You can toast to a new year while looking back and reminiscing on past years.

At RV Renovators we’re happy to help people get back on the road in their RV or Motorhome, and stay there. We are passionate about helping people renovate, repair, and inspect their RV’s so that they can travel in all the safety and luxury they could ever imagine. If you are heading out on the road this New Years, stop by RV Renovators beforehand and let us inspect your coach to make sure that everything is in tip top shape. Our number one goal is safety and we want you to celebrate this new year and many more to come!

Deck the RV for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Just because you’re on the road this holiday season doesn’t mean you can’t still deck the halls. While decorating an RV might require more creativity and flexibility than decorating a traditional household, we’re guessing you’re up to the task — you are roaming the countryside in a house on wheels, after all.

First and foremost, you have to be particularly careful when it comes to anything involving open flame. While it’s important to pay close attention to candles in any environment, an RV can be an especially dangerous location for candles because of the home’s almost-constant motion. Fake candles are an excellent way to go, as are strands of Christmas lights.

Stockings are a traditional staple in any holiday decor, and an RV doesn’t need to be an exception to that norm. All you need is a little wall space and you’re good to go! Now all you need to do is decide if you’re going to purchase ready-made stockings or attempt to get crafty and make your own. A long road trip in an RV is awfully convenient for knitting, after all!

If you think you have to skip the tree, think again! It isn’t hard to find a small tree, whether fake or real, that fits perfectly into your RV. If you decide against the tree but don’t want to skip the greenery, go crazy with a few yards of green garland! Trees and garland alike are the perfect place to hang ornaments or, if you’re not too busy knitting stockings, a few dozen handmade paper snowflakes.

Last but not least, fill your RV with holiday cheer by simply cranking up the volume on a playlist of classic holiday tunes. If you’re stopped at an RV park, your festive soundtrack is sure to attract a few joyful neighbors to share a cup of eggnog with. You can’t get that kind of return in a normal house and spread-out neighborhood, now can you?

 

Full-time RVing: living the dream

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Often times when the general public thinks of living in a RV, they’re thoughts are flooded with images from the classic movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:

 

This less than dreamy RV is the humble abode of Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation. This repulsive, over the top portrayal of the RV lifestyle makes for incredible comedic relief, but it is definitely exaggerated. In the context of the movie, living in a Motorhome is about the most disgusting and disgraceful thing a family could ever do.


It is made to seem that RV owners are stuck with horrifying responsibilities such as cleaning the septic take and bumming furniture off the side of the road. On the contrary, however, the reality of full-time RVing is much, much different than that it is made out to be. In fact a lot of people would consider full-time RVing as “living the dream” and aspire  for several years to be able to live that lifestyle.

The Reality of Real-life RVing

In all honesty most Motorhomes are really quite glamorous. It’s not uncommon to find full kitchens, flat screen tv’s, queen size beds and killer sound systems. The RV lifestyle is really liberating. Being able to travel, see the countryside, learn new cultures, and take all of the luxuries of home with you is a very real dream for most people.

Here at RV Renovators we want to help others realize their dreams of hitting the open road and exploring all that the world has to offer. Whether your are looking to buy a new or used RV, or renovate and existing one, we are the place to go. We have over 35 years experience selling and renovating RV’s and we can turn your existing coach into the coach of your dreams.

Holiday Travel the Right Way

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

With the holidays fast approaching, many people are on the edge of their seat waiting for the chance to round up the family and get away for a while. While there are several great means of travel, the RIGHT way to travel is in a Motorhome or RV. Packing up the whole family (yes that means the dog as well), and heading out for a scenic road trip is a great way to find your center again and get back in touch with your loved ones.

Planning and Preparation

Before you load up the Class A and hit the open road you want to make sure that you have a game plan your trip and perform a thorough inspection. Pre-trip inspections should include things like checking the heating and cooling units, inspecting the window seals for leaks, running the generator, and much more. If you’re feeling a little less than confident about your own abilities to properly inspect your coach, you should consider taking it to an experienced RV repair shop.

Once you know that your RV is sound mechanically, you can begin planning your route and choosing fun destinations. The Motorhome mentality is really free spirited, and most owners say “yes” to life every chance they get. It’s a good idea to go online and research the different attractions that will be near your course of travel. Then you can let each person in your family pick one that they would like to see, and then plan time to visit.

Luxury you can take with you

Growing up my dad would always say “there’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed,” and the beautiful thing about a RV is that you get to each and every night. You can bring all of the comforts of home along with you. The kids can have their video games, you can watch a movie as a family, and you can even shower in your clean bathroom everyday. Another common luxury is that most have full kitchens, which means that if you get hungry for a snack all you have to do is get up and make one.

We work hard all year long, and its always so refreshing to be able to grab the family and escape the stress of our day-to-day lives. If you’re fed up with battling the crowd at baggage claim, waiting for delayed flights to be rescheduled, and hidden fees and extra charges then you should strongly consider RV travel. Or as I like to call it: RV Travel the Right Way

RV Industry Still Improving after Recession

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

RV enthusiasts and manufacturers can breathe a sigh of relief — the light at the end of the recession tunnel draws ever closer.

The industry took a major hit in recent years when the economy headed south, but the RV community rejoiced after drastic improvements in 2010. After RV shipments from manufacturers to dealers rose 49% last year, wary consumers were concerned that the trend wouldn’t last.

While it wasn’t nearly as drastic, this year’s 2% rise still proved enough to alleviate concerns that the RV industry would take another turn for the worse. Experts predict a slight decrease in sales in 2012, but are optimistic that, as a whole, the RV industry is still on the incline.

According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar spoke motivating words to attendees at a recent RV trade show: “Your best days are still ahead.”

In addition to new sales, the industry benefits from current owners investing in RV renovations — so if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your existing coach, you can give the industry a boost while you’re at it.

6 Appealing RV Destinations

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

You’ve got the wheels, and now you need somewhere to go. If you’ve just taken care of RV renovations and repairs in Arizona, you’re probably itching to hit the road. Whatever type of scenic vista you’re looking for, the country is dotted with innumerable appealing destinations with conveniently located campgrounds.

Here are 6 ideas of exciting places to take your RV:

Yellowstone National Park, MT

Want to see a bison or elk alongside your RV? Yellowstone National Park is home to a large variety of wildlife and some of the world’s most extraordinary geysers and hot springs. For good reason, this is one of the top RV destinations in the United States.

Welches, OR

If you’re interested in fishing for salmon or playing a few rounds on a beautiful golf course, you’ll enjoy visiting Welches — not to mention the pristine hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking trails. Whatever your outdoor taste, Welches has something to offer you.

Bar Harbor, ME

If you’re prone to lobster cravings and want an ocean view right from your RV, you can’t miss Bar Harbor. This location will afford you a visit to Acadia National Park — the Northeast’s only national park. Be sure to include room in your schedule for a coastline bike ride and a whale watching tour!

Red Rock Canyon, NV

Breathtaking red-rock formations are the crowning highlight of this western destination. Go for a scenic hike or pay a visit to a local ghost town to add unique flavor to your stay.

Oceano, CA

Views of the beach without the crowds are an appealing aspect of this secluded California RV destination. Don’t miss out on beach activities such as dune buggies, swimming and surfing — of course topped off with a campfire and s’mores at night!

Holland, MI

Situated near Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, Holland is famous for its blatant Dutch culture. Be sure to have a photo shoot with the local tulips, as well as the town’s infamous red lighthouse — the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan.

Canton, TX

About an hour outside Dallas, the key attraction at this Lone Star destination are the world-famous First Monday Trade Days, a market with hundreds of vendors. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your own wares, you’re sure to enjoy the charm and personality of the experience.

Luxury Camper

Friday, October 21st, 2011

If you are considering upgrading your existing coach or having a brand new one built to meet all of your specifications then there is only one thing you need to know: The sky is the limit! If you’re not convinced then just check out this luxury camper:

 

This rather strange looking mobile home is an uber futuristic motorhome made by a Austrian company Archi Mobile. The RV starts at a cool $3 million, and owners will have the opportunity to choose from a list of pricey and unfathomably fantastic upgrades. Wondering what kind of an interior $3 million dollars worth of RV gets you? Take a look at the master bedroom few lucky people will have the pleasure of calling their own.

Some of the features of the fabulous coach include: A pop-up roof terrace for the ultimate in rooftop entertainment, under floor heating to make sure that you keep your feet warm if you need a drink of water in the middle of the night, and a rainfall shower to start your day off right. If that’s not enough then you’ll enjoy the pop-up bar for those nights when you just don’t feel like going out.

RVs for the Majority of Us

Realistically most of will never own one of Marchi Mobile’s extremely luxurious creations, but to be honest I think we’ll get by just fine without one. If you have your heart set on a custom beauty but don’t have the budget of a NBA star that’s okay. Here at RV Renovators we specialize in making people’s dreams come true with RVs. We customize and renovate our customers RVs to meet all their needs and to give them the luxury coach that they’re after. We install custom flooring, new cabinets, and even new furniture. Looking for a custom paint job? We’ve got you covered with our state of the art facility and trained technicians. No matter what the project our number one goal is always safety.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to discuss ways to renovate your Motorhome or RV, contact the number one RV shop in Arizona today; The experts at RV Renovators at (480) 818-5904

Adding a Custom Touch to your RV

Friday, October 14th, 2011

The exterior paint of an RV will face all of the elements over the lifetime of the vehicle. It needs to be able to withstand freezing cold winters, rain, and the blazing summer sun. While RV’s may be built tough and are meant to last, its pretty common to see the paint start to fade over the years. If you’re ready to freshen up the look of your coach with some new paint, there are many things to consider.

When you search for a RV paint shop you want to find someone who has several years experience and a quality facility to complete your project. You’ll want to decide whether or not you want to repaint your RV the same way it is now just to freshen up the look, go with a complete custom paint job, or just do touch up paint for scratch removal.

Custom Paint Jobs
Creating a custom look requires a lot of time and preparation:

If you’re looking for a state of the art RV Paint Shop in Phoenix AZ RV Renovators is the place for you. We do anything from complete custom paint jobs, to minor scratch repair. We work with all of our clients to give them the exact look they want. If you’re interesting in creating a custom look like this, then RV Renovators is the place for you:

For more information on RV paint jobs don’t hesitate to give us a call at (480) 818-5904. We would love to work with you to create the RV of your dreams.

Time to Upgrade Your Existing Coach?

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

There’s nothing wrong with owning an older RV or Motorhome. In fact, purchasing a used RV can actually save you a lot of money over the price of buying a brand new coach with all the bells and whistles. What you may want to do however, is upgrade your existing coach to give it that custom feel that you were looking for in a new Motorhome. By renovating your RV you are able to get a lot more bang for your buck with personalized styling.

How About Some New floors?


Changing the floors in your RV is a great way to dramatically change the appearance of the interior. When it comes to selecting new flooring the choices are practically endless. A few of the most popular options include beautiful hardwood, tile, and carpet. Hardwood and tile floors are great because not only do they look fantastic but they are also very easy to keep clean.

If you decide that you want to go with carpet we recommend that you choose a carpet that has a short, tight weave. That way it will be easier to maintain and will hold up better to wear and tear over the years. It is important to keep in mind that even though the flooring materials may be the same as you would use for a house, the installation is very different and you must plan and take consideration for slide-outs and other features unique to Motorhomes.

Perhaps Some New Furniture?

Let’s face it… Motorhomes and RV’s are all about traveling in comfort. If you have old worn seats then you may be compromising a little more of your precious comfort than you would like. If you are thinking that it’s time to update your interior then you can’t forget to pick out some new furniture. If your seats are still comfortable but need new covers then you could have them reupholstered.

However, if you are unsatisfied with them for any other reason there’s nothing wrong with switching out your furniture and getting something that is newer and fits your style. At RV Renovators we don’t sell RV furniture but we do install it. If you haven’t picked out your new furniture yet then we do have a few places that we can recommend you to that have been very helpful in the past.

Remember also that RV Renovators has a state of the art service facility and trained staff for those of you who are in need of RV service in AZ. So whether you are ready to upgrade your interior or need RV service we are the place for you. Call RV Renovators today! (480) 818-5904

A Place to Stay During RV Repair

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

RVs and Motorhomes are very complex machines, and while this complexity does provide many amenities, it can also mean more extensive repairs when something goes wrong. If you are experiencing trouble with your RV it is best to take it into a RV repair shop before things get worse. A lot of people may worry about arranging a place to stay while their Motorhome is being worked on.

Fortunately at RV Renovators we have got you covered if you ever need a place to stay. If you ever had to stay overnight at our facility during a RV repair we will gladly assist you with all the necessary hookups at no additional charge. RVs are our passion and we love sharing that passion with other enthusiasts. Our number one goal is to get you back on the road enjoying your travels in a safe and reliable vehicle.

AZ RV Repair Shop

Our state of the art RV repair facility is located centrally in Arizona which means that we often see customers from all over this great state. At our facility we have certified technicians and quality equipment to ensure that the work is done right each and every time. We can fix anything from a RV tire blowout, to a lift system problems.

If you’re interested in a new paint job we’ve got you covered there as well. We specialize in anything from touch paint to fix that scratch from the pesky mailbox that sticks out too far, to complete custom paint jobs. After being in the sun for several years paint jobs tend to fade a bit. By repainting your RV you can refresh the look of it, and bring new life to your coach.

We Know Renovation

If you’re tired of the look and feel of your RV interior space then renovating your coach can be just what you need. Instead of spending hundred of thousands of dollars on a brand new RV, why not upgrade the one you have and get the custom look for much less? At RV Renovators we are masters of renovation and commonly redo cabinets, flooring, and furniture for our clients.

For more information on AZ RV Service, contact RV Renovators today at (480) 818-5904.