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Anyone else out there itching to jump in or hitch up the RV and go somewhere? Actually, anywhere at this point! Here at the Midwest headquarters of the Family RV Association, signs of spring’s arrival abound. The trees are starting to bud, the grass is greening up, and our hearts are turning to plans for spring and summer RV travels.

This month’s newsletter may reflect that mood. It includes a touch of fun and whimsy, along with some serious stuff, too. Cheers to many happy miles this spring and summer!

Ready to roll,

The Family RV Association Team

By Steve Froese, F276276

Spring and summer tend to be the busiest times at RV dealerships. For this reason, the RV rental or detailing departments usually hire temporary staff to help during the peak season. In most cases, though, RV service centers prefer to maintain steady full-time service staffing levels throughout the year. So, how do RV dealerships keep service technicians busy during the fall and winter, when the facility may not see as many customers seeking RV service or maintenance?

One way is to encourage customers to schedule insurance, major repair, and warranty work for the fall and winter. This generally involves repair work necessitated by accidents, mother nature, or defective RV issues covered under warranty. This work can be performed during the off-season when the owners don’t ordinarily use their units.

Is downsizing your RV part of your plan in the near or distant future? Chad and Tara of Changing Lanes recently left behind their 47-foot Grand Design Momentum toy hauler and took a 30-day trip in a 20-foot Grand Design Serenova travel trailer. Did they find their temporary abode cozy or cramped? What did they like and what challenges did they find? Learn more about their road trip through Ohio and Tennessee in the Serenova as they share a tour of the RV, and as they do their first setup in camp. Bonus: Meet their fur baby, Daisy, too.

A discussion of new products on the market to enhance your RV lifestyle.

Xantrex officials call the company’s Freedom SW series of inverter/chargers the most advanced and capable in the mobile market. This video introduces the Freedom SW family of products. The heart of the system is the inverter/charger, which is available in a 3,000-watt version with a 150-amp charger and a 2,000-watt model with a 100-amp charger. Both 12-volt and 24-volt models are available. Dennis, host of the video, runs through a variety of components that are interconnected by the company’s proprietary Xanbus CAN (controller area network) system. He indicates that automatic generator start can be added, and the Combox allows for wireless control, so that the system also can be monitored and controlled via a tablet or laptop.

The folks from TRUE Tools & Blades note that being a great handyman means always having the right tools. To that end, the company offers a variety of pocket-size tools. Among them is the TiBlock MultiTool, designed to meet everyday needs. It’s made of 3CR12 stainless steel and finished with titanium nitride. It incorporates a ¼-inch driver with #2 Phillips and #5 flat drivers; a 2.75-inch Tanto blade knife; and a patent-pending two-position locking system. Additional features include a bottle opener, a flat-edge scraper, and a pocket clip. Folded, it measures 3.78 inches; it weighs 0.24 pounds. Price: $19.99.

Life’s better on the road when shared with a supportive community. Join the Family RV Association today for just $99 and connect with fellow adventurers while unlocking exclusive perks. Click here to start your journey!

FRVA's picks for tips you need now.

Hop aboard as a drone takes you flying through the Alliance RV factory for an overview (literally) of how these RVs are made. You’ll travel from the meeting room where concepts take shape, through the entire production process, and straight into the great outdoors. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Join Patrick Botticelli of New Jersey’s Outdoor Adventures for an in-depth tour of the latest camper van creation from Anthony Bianchi. Patrick calls it the most enchanting camper van he’s ever seen, and once you see the intricate details for yourself, you’ll understand why. Built on a Ram Promaster 3500 van, the little home on wheels incorporates a Murphy bed in front, a kitchen in the middle, and a rear bathroom. Anthony used walnut and exotic sapele wood for the custom woodworking throughout. Every inch of the interior was thoughtfully and painstakingly crafted. The hobbit-inspired home on wheels is imbued with whimsical charm; however, beyond its vintage look, it incorporates high-tech features such as solar power. View more of Anthony’s work at instagram.com/cactus.vans/.

Who doesn’t love a great deal? With all the possibilities that the new RV travel season brings, now would be a great time to explore the Member Deals portal on FRVA.com. Log into your account; click on FRVA Membership; and look for Member Deals on the drop-down menu.

Not only is this a portal to great deals, it’s a gateway to fun! Family RV Association members can save money on tickets for all the best entertainment options: movies, Broadway shows, concerts, sporting events, theme parks and attractions, and shopping! You can check out the possibilities by category or even by city.

Visit the Member Deals portal at FRVA.com to plan your next adventure and to save money at the same time!

New benefit coming soon! Family RV Association recently signed an exclusive agreement with RV Overnights, a membership platform that connects RVers with small businesses for unique overnight stays. The hosts in the system do not charge a fee for overnight stays. Guests are simply asked to support the business by making a purchase while visiting.

Details about this special offer will be available soon. Keep checking the website and your emails for more info.