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Winter Is Here, Cover Your RV

We all know that averse weather can take a toll on your RV, especially if you aren’t storing it inside for the Winter. Assuming you’ve taken care of all of your other winterizing responsibilities, you are going to want to keep it out of the elements as much as possible.

ADCO and PPL Motorhomes have the right covers to fit your RV, shield your tires or cover propane tanks. You may not think a little cold snap will cause much damage and you’re probably right, but are you willing to take the chance? Even meteorologists can’t predict the weather with 100% accuracy all of the time. That one cold snap might turn into a winter armageddon which can result in damage to your RV and RV equipment.

The old adage, “It’s better to be safe than sorry” is doubly true when it comes to preserving the condition of your RV. Don’t wait to find out how weather can affect your winterized RV, visit PPL Motorhomes.com and start protecting the value of your RV!

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Why You Need to Join the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association

The Texas Recreational Vehicle Association in Austin, TX, was founded in 1974 by Texas dealers who saw a bright future for the industry.

One of the most important functions of TRVA is our government relations work. TRVA works successfully with the Texas Legislature and the many state agencies which regulate its members to promote and protect the interests of the RV industry. TRVA also works in cooperation with the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, RVDA, and the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA, to monitor and influence issues of importance to the RV industry in the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate and the various federal agencies which regulate the RV industry. That means TRVA can keep members informed of both proposed and new regulatory or statutory changes that will affect the RV industry.

The TRVA is an important part of the community of RV dealers in Texas.  They help the consumer by controlling licensing on dealerships and that helps the consumer to know they are dealing with a licensed dealer when making their purchases.  They are constantly endorsing and providing training for the dealers and have been a huge supporter of Terry Cooper’s school.   Although they are a dealer group formed to support the dealers, they are also supporting the consumer in many ways. For example, TRVA employs two full-time lobbyists to work on behalf of its members and has an attorney with more than 35 years of motor vehicle industry experience as a resource. A recent legislative effort pushed by TRVA on behalf of both RV dealers and owners alike, was a new 5 year license for towables.  So now when you purchase a towable you can now pay for a 5 year license so you do not have to worry about the annual renewal.  In addition, we have worked closely with TADA, local and state tax collectors and TXDMV to make licensing simpler for all in Texas. 

As a past President of TRVA, I understand the work that goes on behind the scenes.  We all work very hard to support the RV lifestyle.  From dealers to banks, insurance companies, parts suppliers, RV manufacturers and advertising companies to campgrounds, we want to help the RV enthusiast live the RV lifestyle.  It takes all of us working together to promote and support this great lifestyle and the members I have met during my 35+ years at PPL Motorhomes and the relationships we have built are priceless. 

On a very personal note, I have experienced the wonder of these relationships first hand when I lost my late husband.  The word traveled fast and so did the TRVA members.  When my kids and I turned around to leave the chapel after the service, we were amazed by the large number of TRVA members, friends, who were there for us.  My late husband, Mike, was never in the industry, but they knew him through my work and dedication. 

So why should you join the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association? Because TRVA is more than just an association, for me and many others, the members and leadership are more like family…and I don’t say that lightly. That speaks volumes! 

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RV Checklist Everyone Needs

How many times have you left for your trip and forgotten something? Or, run into a situation where you wish you would have remembered (insert name of whatever might have saved the day)?

All of the time, right?

That’s why I decided to put together a comprehensive, but not exhaustive list of the thing that I put on my checklist. Yes, even RV Nana can forget some of the important stuff sometimes.

I always put all of these copies in a zip loc bag and store hidden in my RV.  I also make sure and carry $5 and $1 bills with me and keep tucked in this bag.  People tend to leave home on a vacation with a $100 bill and then have no way to break it along the way and, who knows, you may want to buy ice cream from the popsicle man on the beach and you need something smaller than a $100 bill and he won’t take a credit card. 

The emergency contact list is so important too.  Accidents and emergencies don’t always happen close to home and it would be nice to have an easy way to contact you. 

Also, if you have a dog, it is a great idea to have the dog’s name and information on the refrigerator or somewhere close to the door.  I heard a story once about a gentleman who had called 911 because he was having a heart attack and his dog would not let the EMTs in the RV.  Once they knew the dog’s name, he accepted them as a friend. 

And, most importantly, please remember to have any medical directives with you!

I also keep all of this information on a flash drive that I leave with my daughter.  This way she could easily locate my information in case of emergency.

Some of the things on my list are “no-brainers”, others are “slap your forehead, why didn’t I think of that” type items. I refer to this list every time I go RVing and I’m happy to report that it has covered all keister a few times!

RV Checklist

Important Documents RVers should not leave home without……

 Information about your Vehicles

  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle Registration 
  • Copy of vehicle title or registration receipt
  • Insurance for RV and tow vehicle – ID cards
  • Roadside assistance information

 Important Information about you and those traveling in your RV

  • Identification – Driver’s license or identification card
  • Passport
  • Emergency contact list 
  • Medical insurance information
  • Medical information (see list below)

Important facts about you in case of an accident or emergency

  • Doctor’s name & contact information
  • List of medications you currently take & pharmacy information
  • Allergies (drug and food allergies)

 Are you traveling with your dog or cat?

  • ïVaccination information
  • ïVeterinarian contact information
  • ïName of your pet
  • ïFood requirements for your pet 

Additional information you may want or need in case of emergency

  • Banking information
  • Insurance information for home/RV and life
  • Will or at least a copy of any medical directive

The last thing we expect is an emergency but being prepared can mean the difference in life or death for you and any member of your family, including your furry friend. And, having information on hand will help for an emergency at home, too!

Refer back to this often, or print it out. This is the RV checklist you don’t want to leave home with out. If you have any great additions, let PPL Motorhomes know

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CATCH SOME RAYS WITH A XANTREX 100W SOLAR PORTABLE FLEX KIT


Solar that won’t BURN up your budget!

Item 72.3704 | MFR# 783-0100-01

Catch some RAYS this summer with this super simple, affordable, plug-n-play solar kit for the on-the-go lifestyle.  Technology can be a lifesaver. In this case, keeping your RV’s batteries at full charge with a portable solar panel that won’t BURN up your budget is just plain smart! 

It DAWNED on me that there is an affordable, simple way to start your introduction to solar! That is the Xantrex Solar 100W portable panels. You can travel light with this affordable and easy set-up solar panel. We put a lot of strain on our RV’s batteries and that you are prepared to recharge overdrawn batteries is the type of preparation that we may not really put high on our priority list.

The Xantrex Solar 100W portable flex kit is very lightweight and has a compact design solution. The panel is half the weight and quarter the size compared to most 100W portable kits available in the market today.
The solar kit includes a 10A charge controller and a system hardware which is designed as a plug-n-play charging solution. Users can connect to their batteries using ring terminals, battery clamps, or a SAE connector for pre-wired RV solar ports. It comes with a built in storage pouch where the charge controller and adapter cables are stored. Users can adjust the panel to the perfect angle towards the sun with the adjustable tilting legs. These portable kits can be easily fold.
Features:

  • A 100W solar panel featuring 5 busbar mono-crystalline cells
  • A 10A Pulse-Width Modulation charge controller is provided to charge and protect your batteries
  • Three ways to connect your batteries
  • Portable, Easily storage and carry
  • Adjustable angle with tilting legs
  • Maintenance free
  • Maximum battery life and Prolong power supply 
  • 1 year product warranty

Simple, affordable, plug-n-play solar kit for charging your battery while camping and tailgating!

Let the sun charge your batteries with this affordable, lightweight, and easy set-up solar panel and let any worries of poor battery performance melt away.

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Summer = Snakes

I was sent this great article by Texas Parks And Wildlife and found it excellent information for those of us who LOVE the outdoors, but HATE the thought of snakes. Really, most of that fear is unfounded and based mostly on a lack of understanding. So, I thought I’d share a little education with you.

“Summer = snakes. But don’t panic! Of about 80 species of snakes in Texas, only 12 are venomous, and 8 of those are rattlesnakes, which avoid people. 

If you see a snake, it probably isn’t a rattlesnake – though it may pretend to be one, like the hog-nosed snake (video). This is mimicry, when animals imitate their bigger, badder cousins as a form of self-defense. Some snakes even vibrate their tails to make you believe they have rattles! But their tails are silent, whereas a rattlesnake tail makes a buzzing noise.

Think twice before you kill a snake. It may be one of 12 threatened species, like the indigo, and illegal to hunt or kill. Also, snakes eat rats and mice and play a very important part in keeping our rodent populations in check. 

Snakes avoid confrontation, so if you happen upon one, give it space to run away (video). Watch where you walk, and don’t reach under rocks or logs or into dark holes. For more tips on sharing space with snakes in the wild, read our magazine story, “Snake Safety.”

Find all of the information you’d ever need to know about Texas snakes here.

So, the next time you come up on a snake, just let him go about his business taking care of pests and rodents. Chances are he’s non-venomous, but of course it’s also wise to just use an abundance of caution.

Have a good snake story? RV Nana wants to hear about it!

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Happy 4th of July

WOW…Happy 4th of July to everyone.  The RV parks will be so busy, pools full, flags flying, ice cream melting …all is good.  The show will air starting this Saturday so many will already be on their way to a week long 4th of July celebration.  Be safe on the road and in the parks.

What is your favorite 4th of July food?

https://wCollin Harvey

I know most people say hot dogs and hamburgers and I think those are both great choices.  It’s always hot in Texas on the 4th so we love watermelon and home made ice cream.  When was the last time you made homemade ice cream.  Why make it when we have Bluebell?  I think we are going to do that for the 4th.  Make sure you drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and bug spray and HAVE FUN!

Now on a more serious note, it’s time again for another list from RV Nana.  When I am preparing for an RV outing I always use a list, but I also have one for special outings, too.  You know, the ones where you have friends and family joining you for a little celebration.  Remember to think about all age groups.  From popsicles to cold beer, make sure you have fun food for everyone.  I also have to bring some patriotic décor (flags, plates, tablecloth, red solo cups, napkins, etc.)  I also always make sure we have lots of fun decorations so the kids can decorate their bikes or the golf cart.  From glow sticks to fun hats and glasses and balloons.  All are great for decorating.  And don’t forget a fun cool game for everyone.  Have a water balloon fight or bring some water guns with you or bubble wands.  Cool off and have fun.

Now, with this family outing you may find yourself in the same predicament many other RVs are in.  You have too much family and too little RV.  PPL is here to help you.  With over 650 motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels to choose from, we have the RV of your dreams and we can help you sell yours or even take it in on trade.  So go ahead, start looking.  Check out the website where you will find floorplans, pictures and information and, if you have a special make or model in mind, create a wish list and we will keep you updated if we add that model to our inventory. 

Stop by and meet one of our team members in Houston, Cleburne and New Braunfels and let us help you make your RV dreams come true. 

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Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler

I LOVE this tumbler!

I love this wine tumbler.  I’m sure that those who know me know that I enjoy an occasional glass of wine on the patio and this tumbler is the best I have ever had.  It keeps my wine cool and keeps gnats and flies form swimming around in my wine and getting a little tipsy. 

I received my first set as a gift from a friend and now have a couple sets at home and in the RV.  I am a bit of a wine snob, or should I say a wine glass snob.  I love a stemmed glass!  This tumbler set gives me the stemmed glass I love and a stemless glass when and if I want to set the glass down in the sand. I can’t say enough about this stainless steel wine glass is my absolute favorite glass. It’s the best of both worlds!!! I also have a couple of friends who prefer stemless, so this set has something for everyone!

Check them out. They make a great gift idea!

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Have An Impactful Day!

Have an impactful day!

Those are powerful words, but they got me to thinking.  You don’t have to be a scholar, a business man or a hero to make a positive impact on someone.  Heck, I’m RV Nana and maybe one of my helpful hints or “Nanaisms” will help someone else have a better day.  Of course, all of us can have a positive impact on our friends, family and even total strangers.  Just think, even a smile (something you can give away all day long for FREE) can make a difference in someone else’s life. 

You know, I think RVers have an impact on others every day.  How many times have we gone RVing and our neighbor helps us fix something, warns us about the snakes they just say, teaches us how to work someghin on our RV or simply brings over some s’mores to share.  

Well, this young lady the other night hit this home for me and I even printed a cute little sign to look at each morning to remind me to have an impactful day.  Someday I would love to be remembered as the positive influence that made an impact on other.  

OK, enough of this mushy stuff.  I would love to have an impactful day on all of you.  I met the nicest couple in our office looking at RVs.  Unfortunately, they were one of the many in the US who lost property during the recent storms.  It seems like we have all heard this story too often lately, but these people reminded me of an important reminder for all of you.  Make copies of all of your important documents and information and put these copies on a thumb drive.  I have even heard people tell me they keep their thumb drive with them in case of emergencies and some have even sent these to a next of kin, or executor for safe keeping. That’s not a bad idea.  In fact, I think I may practice what I preach on this one.  I looked back through the RV Nana blogs and found a blog post from 2011 about preparing for a hurricane.  I am sprucing this one up and plan to post it again. 

I am pretty good about keeping copies of everything with me in a ziploc bag and also on a thumb drive at home, but never thought to have it with me in the safe in the RV.  From drivers license and insurance documents to prescription information, important phone numbers and credit card/banking info to simple phone numbers of friends  and family.  These are all helpful and important to have with us.  You should also make sure you carry some cash and do not put it all in one place.  My problem would be remembering where I stash things.  You know, the phone number thing is more important than we realize.  I remember when I used to rattle off every phone number in our family and all of my friends.  Now they are all on speed dial on my cell phone.  What happens when and if you lose your cell phone, it gets soaked in rain or it is simply dead.  You could be in big trouble in the case of emergency if you are a little confused and cannot remember family or emergency numbers. 

I hope you prepare all of these things and never ever need them.  In the meantime, start your check list and check it twice.  Be prepared because you never know what you may need.