RV Archives - Williamson RV

A Closer Look at The RV Winterization Benefits You Can’t Afford to Miss!

Post author:Nikki Venter
Post published:February 13, 2024
Post category:RV Service

Winterizing and dewinterizing your RV may sound like routine tasks, but the benefits extend far beyond just safeguarding your vehicle from the harsh winter elements. In this article, we will discuss the often-overlooked benefits of RV winterization and maintenance. Particularly with a focus on the need for roof and wall inspections.

GETTING TO KNOW WINTERIZATION

RV winterization? Just how important is it to RV Care?

It’s like giving your trusty companion a warm coat. Imagine shielding your rig from the icy grip of winter. It’s a must!

Remember, that it’s not only about the pipes. It’s about protecting every spot against the freezing temperatures. It’s your RV’s shield against winter’s chill. Forgetting to winterize your RV can lead to big problems like frozen pipes and damaged fixtures. You don’t want to let that happen to you!

7 RV WINTERIZATION BENEFITS

As a leading authority in RV service, rental, and storage, we cannot emphasize just how vital it is for your RV Care. We’re all about keeping your wheels in good condition. Winter RV maintenance extends the life of your vehicle by addressing the unique challenges posed by colder months. As we explore these benefits, keep in mind, it’s not just about surviving winter; it’s about thriving in it. It’s about enhancing the overall RV experience and is an absolute game-changer for your RV’s health.

1. Protecting Your Investment and Extending Lifespan

RV Winterization benefits go beyond mere preservation. Think of it as a shield for your investment, shielding it from the onslaught of winter. The roof and wall inspections during this process ensure that your RV’s structural integrity remains intact, leading to a longer lifespan. Protecting it from wear and tear associated with winter elements and the need for expensive repairs caused by winter-related damage.

2. Energy Efficiency: Saving More Than Just Money

Dewinterizing an RV involves preparing it for active use. Did you know that this process can contribute to energy efficiency? By optimizing insulation through roof and wall inspections, your RV becomes a cozy space, saving both energy and money in the long run.

3. Preserving Resale Value: The Silent Appreciation

or those considering selling or upgrading their RV in the future, winterization is a silent appreciator of resale value. The meticulous attention given to roof and wall inspections ensures that potential buyers see not just a vehicle but a well-maintained investment.

4. Prevention of Freezing Pipes

Winterizing helps prevent the freezing of water pipes and plumbing systems, reducing the risk of costly repairs.

5. Structural Integrity Year-Round

Winter RV maintenance ensures your vehicle’s structural integrity is maintained throughout the year. By focusing on roof and wall inspections, you’re not just preventing winter damage but also fortifying your RV for every season. Investing time and effort in winter maintenance pays off when you embark on your next RV adventure, guaranteeing a smooth and trouble-free travel experience.

6. Prevention of Interior

Investing time and effort in winter maintenance pays off by safeguarding against temperature extremes. Winterization helps preserve the interior components of your RV, including furniture, appliances, and electronics.

Additionally, proper ventilation and moisture control during winterization reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth inside the RV.

7. Cultivating a Joyful RV Experience

Picture this: you, snug inside your RV, surrounded by the winter wonderland outside. Winter RV maintenance, especially when it comes to roof and wall inspections, ensure that your experience is not just about surviving winter but revelling in it.

CONCLUSION: UNCOVER THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR RV

In conclusion, RV winterization and dewinterization benefits are about unlocking the full potential of your RV. We can confidently say that these benefits go beyond the surface, ensuring your RV becomes a cherished companion for years to come.

Winterizing sets the stage for a smoother dewinterizing process, ensuring your RV is ready for use without complications when spring arrives. Knowing that your RV is properly winterized provides peace of mind during the colder months, allowing you to focus on other aspects of life without worrying about potential damage.

Winterize and dewinterize your RV not only to preserve it but also to improve your overall RV experience. Embrace the benefits, love the adventures, and let your RV become a testament to the joy that proper care can bring.

Trip is Almost Complete

Post author:admin
Post published:September 22, 2023
Post category:RV Basics

Thank you for renting with us. As your trip nears an end, we wanted to put together a list of things to keep in mind and help ensure you get your security deposit back!

You are dropping off the motorhome or trailer.

Please clean the unit. We ask that you sweep the floors, wipe off the counters, take out the trash, and if needed clean the toilet. Please clean up after yourself.
Please dump the black and grey tanks. You don’t need to dump or fill the fresh water.
Motorhomes, please have it filled with gas. We are asking for a receipt from the Marathon in Uniontown (Exit 41 off of 65) or the TA in Seymour.

We are pickup on the RV

Please clean the unit. We ask that you sweep the floors, wipe off the counters, take out the trash, and if needed clean the toilet. Please clean up after yourself.
We will dump the black and grey tanks, unless we discussed otherwise, as this is included in the delivery fee.

Road Trip Tips: Boondocking and Dry Camping

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:July 9, 2020
Post category:Camping & Road Trip Tips

It’s a lot of fun to take an RV to a campground, get hooked up and enjoy all the comforts of home in a new environment, but it’s also pretty exciting to head out on a road trip and start each day somewhere new. To pack in as much as you can during the day and keep costs down, you might decide to boondock or dry camp in your RV from time to time. With proper planning, these adventures can provide some of the most memorable experiences of your trip.

While similar, boondocking and dry camping aren’t exactly the same thing. Dry camping simply means RVing without connecting to electric, water and/or sewer hookups. On a road trip, this might mean pulling over for the night in an open parking lot or staying at a more primitive campground. Boondocking, or dispersed camping, takes dry camping a step further and involves camping in your RV for free on public lands. Fortunately, the United States boasts more than 640 million acres of parks and public lands collectively owned by its citizens, and many of them are freely open for your exploration.

The upside of RVing like this is the freedom you get from not restricting yourself to developed campgrounds. Additionally, it’s a great way to save on campground or hotel fees you might otherwise incur. However, camping off the grid requires a bit of preparation.

If you plan to use any electricity for extending your slideouts or operating lights, charge your RV’s batteries to full capacity in advance. Also, fill your freshwater tanks and empty your wastewater tanks before you head out. With all of these amenities, be mindful of your use and conserve as much as possible until you get a chance to replenish your water supply, pump your tanks and recharge your batteries. You can often find dump stations made for this purpose at gas stations, RV dealerships and wastewater treatment centers, and many RV campgrounds will allow you to refresh your vehicle for a fee even if you’re not staying the night.

If you need a shower between dry camping nights, there are a number of places where you can find these on the road. Truck stops often have showers available for a fee along with coin laundromats. If you’re a member of a gym with multiple locations, like Planet Fitness or the YMCA, you can usually use their showers even if it’s not your normal workout location. Campgrounds sometimes allow non-guests to use their showers and laundry facilities for a fee, and beach showers can work in a pinch if you just need a quick rinse.

Now that you know how to do it, where should you stay? If you just need a place to park and get a few hours of sleep, try rest areas, truck stops, Cracker Barrels, Walmarts and Cabela’s stores. All of these generally permit overnight parkers as long as you keep your RV contained and don’t pull out the awning or set up lawn chairs and a campfire. Some locations have restrictions, however, so it’s advisable to call ahead of time and verify the store’s policy or at least check for signage in the parking lot granting permission.

If you’d rather find a more natural habitat or a real destination for your trip, look up public lands along your route. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands in particular often allow dispersed camping, and websites like FreeCampsites.net and Campendium.com/free-camping highlight places where you can stay for free. GoRVing.com, the main Campendium.com site and other resources like Hipcamp.com showcase a variety of public and private sites where you can rest your head.

To start planning your road trip, get in touch with us at Williamson RV Rental LLC, to find the right RV for your adventure, and let us know your plans so we can prepare your unit accordingly. We’ll be happy to share our camping and RV experience with you to help ensure your road trip goes smoothly and creates memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

How To: Pick the Perfect Camp Site

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:April 24, 2020
Post category:Camping & Road Trip Tips

Looking ahead to your next vacation? It’s never too early to start making plans, even if they need to be a bit flexible for the time being. If you’re thinking of an RV getaway and want to stay at a campground, it’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand to make sure you pick the perfect camp site and get the ideal spot.

Choose Your Campground

Campgrounds run the gamut, from backcountry locations with only primitive, walk-in tent sites to fully connected RV sites offering cable hookups, so you’ll want to make sure you choose with your camping intentions in mind. Some campgrounds are secondary to the destination while others are a real destination unto themselves. Think about whether you want to stay at the campground throughout your vacation or just use it as a place to rest your head after a day’s adventures out and about.

A campground with more amenities and attractions on site may be more appealing for those looking to stay in place. Some campgrounds feature playgrounds, swimming beaches, arcades, snack bars, dog parks and more, while others offer more basic accommodations and leave the focus on the surrounding nature. Theme parks and other major attractions often have onsite campgrounds as well, so you’ll really find a wide range of possibilities.

You may also want to check on details like wifi availability, enforced quiet hours, fireworks policies, pet friendliness and other things that may make or break your camping experience. Online resources like Recreation.gov for federal public lands, state park websites for state-owned campgrounds, and KOA.com and the like for private campground networks allow you to search by location and amenities so you can find the best place for your group. State and local tourism websites also provide great information to help you narrow down your options and plan your trip.

Size It Right

Camp sites are not all created equal, and since campers and RVs aren’t either, you’ll need to pick a site that can accommodate your vehicle(s). A teardrop trailer or popup camper requires significantly less space than a grand Class A RV. Most campground websites include information on what lengths of vehicles each site can fit, but you may need to call the campground host to ensure you choose correctly. Slideouts might also be a factor. Depending on the size of your group and how much time you expect to spend outside your camper, you may also want to pick a site with plenty of picnic tables and room to stretch out. Satellite View on Google Maps can help with this.

Hookups Available

Often, you don’t need to connect to utilities, especially if you’re just pulling over for the night mid road trip or boondocking at an off-the-grid location. Your battery can handle a few lights for a night, and you can go for a bit without emptying your waste tank. But if you’re staying for a few days at a campground, you may want the creature comforts available in your RV.

RVs usually run on 30- or 50-amp systems, and you’ll need to know which your RV requires to choose a site that can accommodate it. Water connections are more straightforward, but you’ll want to figure out in advance how you’ll be able to evacuate water and waste. A “full hookup” means the site offers electric, water and sewer connections, whereas a “partial hookup” indicates electric and water connections only. In that case, you’ll need to discharge your wastewater at the campground’s communal dump station at the end of your stay.

Proximity and Accessibility

Do you want a central spot close to your campground’s shared facilities or would you rather be tucked away in a quieter back corner? Older campers, families with young kids, and campers with limited mobility who will be using the campground’s bath house may want a spot nearby to shorten the walk, but that does mean you’ll have others frequently walking past. Groups with kids may want to consider a spot near the playground.

Another factor to consider is the surface and levelness of your camp site. Paved sites are usually pretty level, and they accommodate wheelchairs and strollers well. Other sites have gravel or grass surfaces, and you may need to level your camper before you get too comfortable. All Williamson RV Rentals LLC, rental units come with leveling blocks, and some of our drivable RVs feature automatic leveling systems.

Finally, take a look at your campground’s map or Satellite View on Google Maps to see whether you’re looking at a pull-through or back-in site. Back-in sites, especially those on the edges of a campground, often feature more privacy from other sites. On the other hand, pull-through sites are a lot easier to manage for drivers unused to backing up a trailer or a large RV.

In a nutshell, think ahead about how you envision your camping experience, and learn as much as you can about the campground you’re considering and the differences in the sites available there to make sure you know what to expect. Enjoy your trip!

RV Profile: The Thor Chateau

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:April 19, 2020
Post category:RV Profiles

Looking forward to your next RV vacation? Now’s a great time to start making plans. Williamson Auto & RV, LLC, has a variety of recreational vehicles, campers and travel trailers with different capacities and amenities, so you’ll be able to find something perfect for your adventure. One option to consider? The Thor Chateau.

The Thor Chateau

At 27 feet long, this Class C unit is perfect for just a couple or it can sleep up to seven people but stays compact enough to fit in nearly all parks and campgrounds. Since it’s drivable, you don’t need a heavy-duty towing vehicle to transport it, and you won’t have to worry about hitching and unhitching or backing up a trailer. All-in-one units like this are perfect for road trips — there’s no need to arrange multiple hotel stays or pack and unpack your suitcase at every stop, and you can pull over anywhere for the night and crawl straight in the back without even needing to step outside.

Features

The unit features four beds, a full kitchen and a full bathroom, so you have everything you need for a fully equipped home away from home. The sleeping accommodations include one 60” x 74” queen-size bed with linens and pillows, one 54” x 87” double bed with linens and pillows over the cab, a 32” x 66” pullout sofa and a 42” x 68” fold-down dinette. The queen and double beds can easily fit two adults each and the dinette and sofa beds could each fit one shorter adult. Alternately, the dinette could sleep up to two children and the sofa bed can easily fit one child, so the unit can hold a group of adult friends or a family or two with small kids. A couple could also rent the unit, use the bed over the cab for extra storage, and keep the sofa and dinette intact for a spacious, convenient home on wheels.

The kitchen includes a refrigerator, three-burner stove, oven and sink, and it comes equipped with pots, pans, utensils, paper towels and more. The bathroom holds a toilet, sink and small shower and includes towels, washcloths and toilet paper. Overall, this unit offers the creature comforts of home plus the ability to go wherever your adventure wants to take you.

The Thor Chateau currently rents for $210 per night, and we offer discounts for longer rentals. We’re centrally located between Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati in Scipio, Indiana, and you can leave your vehicle here during your rental or we can deliver the unit to you. Get in touch to learn more about this great RV and start planning your next getaway! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What is RV Consignment?

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:April 2, 2020
Post category:RV Basics

With COVID -19 throwing the economy into a tailspin, we’re all looking for ways to bring in some extra income. Fortunately, if you own a recreational vehicle (RV), you can generate a return on your investment by renting it out when you’re not using it. We at Williamson Auto & RV, LLC, specialize in RV consignment and serve as property managers for RV owners seeking to rent out their campers without any of the hassle.

An RV can be a major expense, and it might seem like it’s not worth the outlay if you’re only using it a few weeks a year. Why not offset some of the costs of ownership and generate passive income while your camper would otherwise just sit idle and unused? Owners of RVs who choose to work with us benefit from hands-off renting while still being able to use their camper whenever they wish.

What is included in RV Consignment?

When you list with us, we take over all of the day-to-day responsibility. We market your unit to targeted audiences and handle all customer inquiries. We provide storage for your RV, process bookings and meet with customers for RV pick-up and return. We show customers how to hook and unhook water, electric and sewage lines, and overall how to work the unit. When needed, we deliver units to customers at their home or destination. Between rentals, we clean your camper in and out, change out the linens, replenish supplies and take care of all the turnover logistics. You just leave the keys with us and watch money show up in your bank account after every rental.

We’re always looking to add new units to our fleet and are specifically looking for Class A and Class C drivable units at this time. Whether you’ve already made the investment in an RV or are considering buying one and looking to reduce the overall cost, give us a call and we’ll grab a coffee and chat. Your investment is our investment, and we’d be happy to discuss the process with you and answer any questions you might have.

RVing and the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:March 19, 2020
Post category:RV Basics

Update April 6: There has been another change to the policy. Today, Governor Eric Holcomb has stated that all Indiana state park campgrounds are closed during this COVID-19 outbreak. We are still open to rent RVs to those are needing a place to temporarily live during this time or needing a “quarantine” unit (these are not medically approved units but can be used as a way to limit public contact). This could pertain to (but not limited to) medical professional – doctors or nurses looking to stay on site or stay close but separate from family, possible those working at power plants or electrical companies, basically essential personnel that need a “safe” place to stay. If you are interested in renting, please reach out to us to discuss the details. Please stay safe!

UPDATE April 2: As this situation develops, restrictions and advisories change day by day, so please stay attuned to current guidelines provided by your local officials. On March 23, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a stay-at-home order currently effective through April 6. However, as outdoor activity is still permitted, Indiana’s State Parks and campgrounds within the state parks remain open. Indeed, health officials recommend fresh air, physical activity and time in nature during this period to maintain both physical and mental health, as long as everyone adheres to social distancing advisories.

Given these parameters, families can still go camping by RV. Additionally, many healthcare and essential service providers require accommodations in isolation to keep their households safe. As RVs are a form of housing and therefore essential, we are currently keeping our business open per state guidelines to provide for these patrons.

At this point, campers with advance reservations are still welcome to camp at state campgrounds, but campers without reservations will not be permitted. Campers during this time will also need to keep some extra health guidelines in mind. In addition to what we noted in the original blog post above, please also avoid situations that would cause you to touch surfaces others have touched (like playgrounds), and wear gloves or sanitize your hands before and after touching items like gas pumps. If possible, stay out of shared spaces like gas stations and public restrooms, and don’t take extra trips to grocery stores to gather supplies for your adventure. Plan ahead and get everything you need in as few trips as possible to limit your exposure, and keep your ventures into public spaces as short as you can.

Additionally, please be mindful of limited medical facilities in the rural areas where we tend to camp, and take precautions to avoid requiring their services and contributing to the spread. Even a few cases of COVID-19 could quickly overwhelm these providers’ abilities to provide sufficient care.

If you are a healthcare provider or other essential employee who needs to isolate from the rest of your household, or if you’ve recently traveled or come into contact with someone positive for COVID-19 and need to quarantine, we may be able to help. An RV offers a well-equipped living space that you can park right in your driveway, close enough to see your loved ones but separated enough to keep them safe, or right at your job site. Get in touch and we’ll discuss options that may work for you.

Finally, planning an RV adventure you can take after the pandemic passes may help you get through these difficult times. On this blog and our Facebook page, we’ll share ideas for intriguing destinations you can visit as well as great RVs that can get you there and give you all the comforts of home. Give us a call and we’ll help you set up a future getaway.

What weird and uneasy times we’re living in. We’ve never dealt with a pervasive, invisible attacker quite like the COVID-19 virus or the changes that go along with it, and it’s pretty unnerving. The government and leading public health officials are all encouraging those of us who can to socially distance ourselves from others to slow the spread, and most of us are doing our best to keep the virus at bay. And so we wait. And we wait… And while most of us have not contracted the COVID-19 virus at this point, a lot of us are starting to feel the effects of cabin fever.

Fortunately, we can still go out and enjoy nature, although we’ll need to give each other a little more personal space on the trail for the time being. This virus isn’t oozing through valleys or lurking in the soil, so with proper precautions, it’s still OK to go out and get some fresh air. A lot of public parks are still open, and many campgrounds are as well. Although going for a fun road trip isn’t advisable during this pandemic, you could potentially take an RV to a campground with plenty of space between sites and use it as your basecamp for some thoughtfully planned outdoor adventures.

COVID-19 Virus Travel Recommendations

If you do venture out, the same health guidelines still apply. Wash your hands after touching shared surfaces, and avoid touching your face. If you need to cough, do so into your elbow and not your hand. Stay at least six feet away from others outside of your household members, and regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If you stay at a campground or make a pit stop en route, clean your hands before and after touching anything, and use your camper’s bathroom whenever possible versus a public restroom. And of course, if you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor.

Our Gift to You

We at Williamson Auto & RV, LLC, recognize the unusual circumstances going on with everyone right now, and we want to do our part to alleviate some of the stress. We’re offering a 10% discount on all rentals that go out for the remainder of the month, and if you want to stay put for now but need something to look forward to when this passes, give us a call and we’ll help you set up a future getaway. Rest assured that we give every one of our RVs a thorough cleaning with disinfectant on commonly touched surfaces after every rental, and we do so with your family’s health and well-being in mind.

We hope you and your loved ones stay safe and sound while we weather this storm as a unified world. All the best from Williamson RV Rental.

What Type of RV is Right for You?

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:March 12, 2020
Post category:RV Basics

So you’ve decided you want to rent a recreational vehicle (RV) for your next vacation or family gathering. Now you need to figure out the right type of RV for your needs. The best choice will depend on a number of factors, including whether you want a drivable or towable unit, the towing abilities and capacities of your towing vehicle if you go that route, the features you want the vehicle to include and the number of people you need to house. Williamson Auto & RV, LLC, has a fleet of both drivable and towable units that can sleep between four and nine people, so we have a great camper ready for you that’s ideal for your next getaway.

People use a range of terms for RVs, and while many are interchangeable, others denote important distinctions. To start, recreational vehicle/RVs and campers are broad terms for moveable motor vehicles or trailers designed with living quarters for human accommodation. Drivable units feature an incorporated cab for all-in-one convenience, and towable units allow drivers to use their own truck or SUV to haul the trailer.

Types of Drivable RV Units

Drivable units, also known as motorhomes, are subdivided into Classes A, B and C based on their size and design. Class A units resemble flat-front buses and offer the most space and luxury of the different RV styles. Class B units, often called campervans, are the smallest and most fuel-efficient option of the drivable varieties, and they generally feature one bed and don’t include amenities like showers and toilets. Class C units split the difference between the two extremes and provide more living space, often including an alcove berth over the cab, than a Class B as well as restroom facilities and more room for cooking, dining and sleeping.

Types of Towable RV Units

Towable units include conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, pop-ups and sport utility haulers. Conventional travel trailers vary from one-person teardrop trailers that can be towed behind a car or small sport utility vehicle to complex multi-bedroom layouts that require a dually pickup truck built for heavy hauling. Fifth-wheels are like conventional travel trailers, but instead of connecting to a rear ball hitch, they link to a robust fifth-wheel hitch installed in the bed of a pickup truck. Lightweight pop-ups have canvas sides and slide-out beds as well as basic amenities like kitchen tables, sinks and propane stoves. Finally, sport utility haulers offer all the features of a full-size camper as well as enclosed space to bring along equipment like motorcycles, ATVs, kayaks, paddleboards and more.

Currently, Williamson RV Rental’s fleet includes seven vehicles, including four trailers, two Class C drivable units and one Class A drivable unit, and we’re always looking to add new vehicles to our line-up. Check out the options, and if you’re ready to rent or have questions about the right RV for you, get in touch! We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

What is RV rental, and how does it work?

Post author:Danielle Taylor
Post published:March 5, 2020
Post category:RV Basics

There’s nothing like traveling by recreational vehicle (RV). With the open road and endless opportunity for adventure ahead, you and your loved ones can create lasting memories with every mile while keeping all the comforts of home close at hand. However, RV ownership can be costly as well as time-consuming, leading many people to believe this kind of travel is out of their reach. Fortunately, RV rental creates an affordable way to vacation by RV without any of the costs or hassles of ownership.

Who is Williamson RV Rental LLC?

Here in southern Indiana, Williamson RV Rental LLC, offers a wide range of RVs, campers and travel trailers for you to choose from for your next getaway. We own a few of these units ourselves and also serve as property managers for independent RV owners looking to generate some return on their investment, and together, we have a varied fleet of Class A, Class C, fifth wheel and travel trailers ready for you to take on your next vacation. Think of us like Airbnb for RVs!

What Are the Benefits?

If you’re planning on a long road trip, a drivable Class A or Class C offers all-in-one convenience. Folks looking to set up shop at a campground might prefer a travel trailer so they can detach the towing vehicle for day trips and leave the camper behind. Both options provide the benefits of a hotel on wheels that you can take wherever you go. Alternately, they can also create extra bedrooms for houseguests, so an RV can come in handy for family get-togethers even if you’re staying at home.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a long weekend with a group of friends, bring the kids to a family-friendly campground, head out with your significant other on an extended summer trip to tour the country, or just keep some space between you and your in-laws on their annual visit, we have an RV that’s right for your needs.

We’re centrally located between Indianapolis and Louisville in Scipio, Indiana, just an hour from these two major cities and an hour and a half from Cincinnati. Keep Williamson RV Rental LLC in mind for your next adventure!