Author: clickgiant

The Ultimate RV Road Trip Packing List

Posted on August 12, 2022 by - ASI, Blog

Toy camper with packed bags on top: your ultimate rv road trip packing list

Taking a vacation in an RV can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Wide open spaces and beautiful roads await. If you’re ready to pack your bags, read on to discover the ultimate RV road trip packing list! And, if you’re looking for a home base for your RV, remember to consider American Steel Carports. Start by exploring our free Build & Price tool to create a comfortable place for your RV to rest when you aren’t on the open road.

Your Complete RV Road Trip Packing List

Start with Clothes

This is the main category of items that you need to pack for every trip, so it’s the best place to start. Since the clothes you pack will vary depending on the weather and your planned activities, you’ll want to spend the most time on this task so you can enjoy your trip and be as comfortable as possible.

We can’t give you a specific list of what you should take because there are so many variables, but here’s a good starting point –

  • Clothes for relaxing outside and hanging around the campsite
  • Clothes for activities you are going to enjoy – such as swimsuits or hiking garments
  • Clothes for time spent in the RV, such as pajamas
  • Undergarments sufficient for two (or more) days than you plan to travel
  • Plenty of towels (especially if swimming is on the agenda)
  • Laundry bags to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes
  • And remember, packing extra clothes never hurts. After all, you don’t know when you may accidentally spill something on your outfit, and it’s good to have a few backup options at hand.

A Basic Set of Tools

You don’t need to pack enough tools to rebuild the entire RV, but to be safe, you want enough tools to perform basic maintenance while on the road. With the right set of tools for routine tasks, life on the road is a lot easier. Assemble a tool kit for your RV and leave it in a dedicated box. Here are some of the best items to include:

  • Set of screwdrivers
  • Wrenches, including an adjustable wrench and a socket set
  • Rope and duct tape
  • Utility knife with replacement blades
  • WD-40 or similar lubricant
  • Flashlights

Personal Items for Everyone

There are various things that you want to include when packing for personal hygiene and health. These items will vary some from person to person, of course, but some of the key elements to think about include:

  • Soap
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
  • Medications, both over-the-counter and any prescriptions.
  • Your pet’s medication and bowls. If your dog is traveling with you, remember their medications, too! This is so easy to forget.
  • A bottle of lotion
  • Bug spray and sunscreen
  • A disposable camera. Just for fun!

Entertainment

The whole point of heading out on an RV trip is to have a great time, so your packing won’t be finished until you load up some entertainment options to include in the rig with you. This can include both things that you will use inside of the RV and any equipment and accessories you’ll need to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. Of course, space is limited in an RV, so be strategic and make room for what you’re likely to use the most.

  • A pack of cards and some board games are great for rainy days or taking breaks from being out in the sun.
  • Kids (or adults) might want to bring art supplies like pens and pencils and some paper
  • Books or magazines to read during quiet time
  • Depending on space, you might bring bikes, scooters, inflatables for the water, fishing poles, etc.

Find Your Home Base with American Steel

We hope you found this RV road trip packing list helpful! With an organized packing plan in place, you’re already one step closer to your next exciting trip. And remember to always keep your RV protected when it isn’t on the open road. With a metal carport, you’ll know it will be kept safe from the elements between now and your next adventure. If you’re ready to start building, explore our free Build & Price tool today!

4 of the Best Car Theft Prevention Tools

Posted on August 11, 2022 by - ASI, Blog

Car keys sitting in a car seat: four of the best car theft prevention tools

When your vehicle is parked, taking steps to prevent theft is a wise move. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available on the market today that will work toward keeping your vehicle safe. Read on to discover four car theft prevention tools to invest in.

Keeping with the theme of protecting your car or truck, adding a carport to your property is a great way to keep it out of the rain and sun while parked. Start designing your new carport today with our free Build & Price tool.

#1 – Your Car’s Locks

We had to start this list with a rather obvious, but important, point. Perhaps the single best thing you can do to prevent theft when parked under a carport is simply locking the doors every time you walk away. Even if you are only parking for a few minutes and you are coming right back, just hit the button and lock the doors. It’s easy and there is no reason not to do it.

When looking for a car to steal, thieves are typically looking for the path of least resistance. Every additional hurdle that they need to clear is another reason to keep looking for an easier target. So, by starting with your vehicle locked, you are in a good position to cause a potential thief to move on and look for another target. Is having your vehicle locked a guarantee that theft will not occur? Of course not, but it’s a big step in the right direction. This security equipment is already installed on the vehicle–so you might as well use it.

#2 – Proper Lighting

Another great way to protect your vehicle is to light up the area where the vehicle is typically parked. Along with looking for the path of least resistance, criminals are also looking for darkness in most cases. They don’t want to be seen committing crimes, whether that means being spotted by a bystander or being seen on camera. So, a brightly-lit space is going to cause some hesitation and it may be another way to get them to move on instead. Modern LED lighting is affordable and long-lasting, so this is an inexpensive way to add another layer of security to your carport.

#3 – Install a Camera

Speaking of being caught on camera, having video evidence of a crime is a worst-case scenario for the average thief. More and more people are adding cameras to their property as a result of the low cost of the camera and the ease of installation. You can even set up your camera system such that it will alert your smartphone if any activity is detected. Again, this is not a guaranteed method of prevention, but rather another layer to add to your setup. Even if you just followed these first three steps–locking your doors, lighting the space, and adding a camera–you will have an environment that will be uninviting to most criminals.

#4 – Additional Security Devices

There are plenty of other aftermarket security devices that you can add to your vehicle if you’d like to layer on even more security measures. For instance, an audible alarm that makes a loud noise if someone breaks in. This would work well if you live in a populated area as the alarm would be sure to grab plenty of attention. Or, a steering wheel lock device could be used to make the car impossible to drive if someone did try to take it.

Get Covered at American Steel

Given the simple and affordable nature of many of the car theft prevention tools we’ve listed above, you should at least consider employing one or more of these techniques to protect your vehicle. And, if you can add a carport to your property to create some covered parking, you’ll be in an even better position. If you’re ready to start building your custom carport, explore our free Build & Price tool today!

3 of the Best RV Routes in America

Posted on August 2, 2022 by - Blog

View of a road with colorful foliage: three of the best RV routes in America.

It would be easy to argue that the United States is the best country in the world for RV owners. The U.S. is a large country, meaning there is plenty of space to explore beyond city limits. Also, with abundant natural beauty in varying forms from coast to coast, you could travel for a lifetime in your RV and never run out of things to see. If you’re ready to hit the open road, read on to discover three of the best RV routes in America!

Also, if you need a protected place to store your RV while you aren’t on the road, consider an RV carport from American Steel Carports, Inc. Our durable metal buildings are affordable and easy to customize. Get started and explore our free Build & Price tool today!

A Mountain Tour

The western half of the United States has some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It is the Rocky Mountains that are the dominant range, but there are others in the region worth exploring, as well. For a memorable RV route that may serve as one of the best trips of your life, plan a path through as many of these stunning mountainous areas as you can manage.

While this trip could be managed in many different ways, consider starting in the north at Glacier National Park in Montana. From there, you can head south to Yellowstone, down into the Grand Tetons, over into the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, and back east to Colorado into the Rockies. This trip, or some version of it, would be an epic adventure and would surely lead you to some of the best views in the entire country.

Of course, this is a seasonal trip, as exploring these regions in an RV during the winter months will not be a viable option. Also, you won’t be the only traveler interested in seeing these amazing places, so plan ahead and secure overnight spots for your RV in as many places as possible.

See the Desert

Despite not being particularly far away from the mountain tour we described above, this next idea will present you with a completely different experience. The American Southwest is largely a desert landscape, and while it’s extremely hot in the summer, this is a great place to escape for a winter vacation when the temperatures are far more comfortable.

You could work your way through the southwest by starting in California and heading east, or by starting in Texas or Oklahoma and pointing your RV to the west. Some of the many highlights you’ll want to put on your agenda include the Grand Canyon, the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and the massive Hoover Dam.

Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 are great options for racking up miles when you need to get from one place to the next but don’t limit yourself to the main freeways if you want to truly experience the landscape. Do some research to track down RV resorts and other places to stay that will bring you closer to the best of what this part of the country has to offer.

The Appalachians

While they don’t offer the scale and drama of the mountain ranges in the west, the Appalachians are still very much worth your time and attention. This rolling, green mountain range runs up and down most of the eastern side of the country, going from Canada in the north to Alabama.

There are a couple of reasons for RV owners to consider using the Appalachians as an attractive trip route. First, the rolling nature of these mountains makes them easier to travel in an RV than the big, jagged landscape of western mountain ranges. The highest point in the Appalachians is just over 6,600 feet, meaning you’ll have only modest climbing to do while piloting your RV. Also, if you are interested in incorporating stops in or near big cities into your itinerary, such destinations won’t be far away as you go north or south through these mountains.

Cover Your Home Base with American Steel

Now that you’ve discovered three of the best RV routes in America, it’s time to hit the open road! Which one will you choose first? Have fun out there and travel safe!

And of course, when you’re ready to find your home base, remember to keep your RV covered and protected with the help of American Steel. Explore our free Build and Price tool to get started!

 

Is a Carport Worth It?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by - Blog

Car parked outside: Is a car port worth it?

It’s pretty easy to understand the appeal of a carport. With an additional roof available on your property, you’ll have covered space where you can store things, work on projects, and more. But is a carport worth it?

Nothing comes free. You’ll have to spend money on this project, so the real question is this – does the value that a new carport delivers to your property justify the cost? We’ll dive further into this issue in the article below. If you decide that a carport is worth it for your property, remember to explore our Build & Price tool to see what is possible.

The Importance of Parking Under a Roof

If you don’t already have a covered parking spot for your vehicle or vehicles, we can make this easy – adding a carport to your property is absolutely going to be worth the cost. There are many benefits associated with parking undercover as opposed to out in the open, including the two points below –

  • Avoiding sun damage. Parking under a roof will keep the sun’s powerful rays off of your vehicle while it is parked, and that will help you avoid premature damage to the paint, dash, and more. This is particularly important if you live in a hot and dry place where the sun beats down for most of the year. Even if the primary role your carport plays is just to keep your vehicle out of the sun, that alone could be enough to make it worthwhile to invest in this kind of structure.
  • A more comfortable experience. Getting in and out of your vehicle can be quite uncomfortable if you don’t park under a cover. For example, on a hot day, your car will be brutally warm when you first get in, and it takes a while for the air conditioning to really kick in. You can avoid a sweaty start to your drive by getting in a car that has been parked under a roof instead. Likewise, it’s nice to get home on a rainy day and be able to get out of the vehicle without immediately getting soaked.

Plenty of Other Reasons to Buy a Carport

You don’t have to plan to park under this new carport to get your money’s worth for the purchase. As an addition to your property, a carport can deliver value in many other ways, especially if you apply a little creativity to how it can be used. For example, a carport – when designed correctly – can help you create a beautiful outdoor living area. By adding some furniture under the roof and decorating it nicely, you’ll have a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends while being protected from the sun or rain.

Another option is to use your carport as a place to work on projects with some protection from the elements. Enjoy woodworking or other types of DIY projects? What about working on vehicles as a hobby or profession? There are many ways you can use the covered space offered by a carport to make your property more useful without having to construct an entire new building with walls.

Getting What You Want

Perhaps the best way to make sure a carport is worth it to you in the long run is to work with a supplier that makes it easy to customize the structure you receive. If you are forced to pick from just a short list of pre-designed carports, you might not get something that is perfect for you, and it will be harder to justify the purchase as a result. On the other hand, if your partner for this project is serious about customization and makes it easy to add the features you want and skip the ones you don’t, the finished product is going to be something you’ll surely love.

Get Covered with American Steel

So, is a carport worth it? The decision of what value a carport has to add to your property is ultimately yours. We think our durable metal carports provide tremendous value for the money, but take some time to think about how you’ll use the carport and what it will do for you over the long run. When it’s time to get started, remember to explore our Build & Price tool! Thank you for considering American Steel Carports, Inc.!

 

7 of the Best Gifts for Car Lovers

Posted on July 20, 2022 by - Blog

Up-close view of a man washing his car: best gifts for car lovers

When buying gifts for kids, things are pretty easy – kids tend to have an endless list of ideas of things they would like to receive. But gift-giving gets a little trickier for adults. Fortunately, if the birthday or holiday gift is for a car lover, plenty of great options are available. Read on to discover seven of the best gifts for car lovers!

For a more luxurious gift for the car lover in your life, consider letting them customize their own carport! Explore our free Build & Price tool to get started.

 

1. Car Cleaning Supplies

If there is one thing that most car lovers have in common, it is a desire to keep their vehicle looking great. No matter what type of cars they are into, getting them to shine beautifully on a summer day is a nearly universal passion. So, consider picking up some car cleaning supplies as a thoughtful and practical gift. Things like microfiber towels, car soap, wax, and more are all helpful to have around.

2. Dash Camera

More and more technology is making its way into our vehicles, and that includes dash cams. A good dash cam is surprisingly affordable and can be paired with the user’s smartphone for a convenient system. Whether it is used to document fun adventures, or for safety and security purposes, this is a gift that most car lovers would be excited to receive.

3. Personalized Keychains

For most people, key chains are something of an afterthought – they just grab a free one from somewhere and put it to use. As a special gift, you could have some quality custom keychains made that will become an additional source of pride for the auto lover. And, as an added benefit, a good custom keychain will be more reliable than a cheap one, so it’s less likely that the keys will go missing somewhere along the way.

4. Tire Inflator

A tire inflator is another one of the best gifts for car lovers. It’s important to keep tires at the right pressure to optimize the driving experience. That can be a pain if you need to stop by the gas station each time a boost of air is needed – so giving the fit of a cordless tire inflator is a nice idea. This will make it easy for your recipient to top up their tires anytime they are running a bit low, which will help with both gas mileage and the overall driving experience.

5. Branded Gear

Another interesting idea is to look for branded gear that matches up with the vehicle your recipient is so proud to own. It’s pretty easy to find things like shirts and various accessories from all of the major brands, so you can simply search around the web for a bit and find plenty of great options. Of course, you’ll want to be sure the individual in question isn’t planning on changing car brands anytime soon before you opt for this gift idea.

6. A Tool Kit

This is a gift idea specifically for the kind of car enthusiast who likes to get under the hood and do work with their own two hands. That doesn’t include every type of car lover, so you’ll need a bit of inside info before you decide to go in this direction. Also, it would be helpful to have some knowledge of what kinds of tools the individual already owns, so you can avoid duplicating supplies that are already in their garage.

7. Buy an Experience

Perhaps the most exciting gift idea on this list, you could look for a driving outing at a local track as a gift that won’t soon be forgotten. Some of these kinds of experiences have participants drive their own cars, while others will provide high-end, exciting sports cars for the day on the track. Either way, this is something that the special person in your life might not spend money on for themselves, so it would be a memorable gift that brings plenty of smiles.

Build a Gift with American Steel Carports

With the help of this list of the best gifts for car lovers, we hope you can quickly settle on something that will put a smile on the face of your loved one. Or, if you’re ready to start building the perfect gift for the car lover in your life, explore our free Build & Price tool today!

Your Guide to Selling Everything and Moving Into an RV

Posted on July 11, 2022 by - Blog, Lifestyle

View from the inside of an RV window of a couple outside: Your Guide to Selling Everything and Moving Into an RV

If you’re searching for a dramatic way to change your life, you may have considered selling everything and moving into an RV! Rather than traveling, embrace the freedom that comes with having a home on wheels. Read on to learn more about how you can plan this next new exciting chapter of your life.

Keep in mind that when living in an RV, you might want to have a covered place to park it while you aren’t out on the road. For that, American Steel Carports, Inc. is happy to help! Explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom RV carport that will make for a comfortable, protected parking spot and homebase.

Get Started By Downsizing

If you are moving into an RV, take a close look at everything you own and decide what you will keep and what you can do without. The average American owns a lot of stuff, and there isn’t nearly enough room in an RV for all of the things that a traditional house could store. Here, you have a few options: You can sell most or all of your things, or you can find somewhere to store them, such as a storage unit.

Assuming you decide to sell off most of what you own, start by making a list of things that you will keep. This list should include basic living necessities like a collection of clothes, a computer, cell phone, and personal items that are important to you. Once you have a list of what to keep and what to set aside, you can get to work on junk removal.

You can also sell your unwanted items. There are many online apps and services you can use to sell what you don’t want, like Facebook Buy and Sell groups. You can also donate things that you won’t be able to sell. Traditional means of selling things such as hosting a garage sale or creating an online listing are other great options.

Acquiring an RV

Those who already own an RV that they plan to move into can skip this step, but for many, part of this process is going to be purchasing the RV that they will now call their home. Buying an RV is a topic in and of itself, but here are a few key points:

  • Remember that there are plenty of quality used models on the market that will provide everything you need at a fraction of the price.
  • Consider where you hope to travel in your RV as you decide what size rig to purchase.
  • Some areas have limitations on how big your RV can be, so you don’t want to go too big and exclude yourself from some excellent destinations.

Finding a Homebase

Being free to travel and explore the world is a big part of the appeal of living in an RV, but you’ll still want to pick a homebase for practical reasons. First, you need an address to use for things like filling out tax returns, and you need to determine what state you are going to call your own.

This is easy enough if you have a family member that allows you to use their address–just establish that as your residence and use it as a place to get mail, etc. If not, there are services available that allow you to use an address for a small monthly fee.

Careful Considerations

This is not the kind of change you want to make lightly. Be sure to think through all of the various implications of selling your things and moving into an RV before you put the plan into action. You might even want to find a way to experiment with this lifestyle on a short-term basis – for a month or even a few months to make sure it is everything you hoped it would be.

Find Your Homebase with American Steel Carports

We hope you found this guide on selling everything and moving into an RV helpful! We wish you the best of luck and hope the RV life is a perfect fit for your needs. Remember to travel safe!

Once you find your home state, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom RV carport that will make for a comfortable, protected parking spot and homebase.

The Best RV Wax for Full Body Paint

Posted on July 5, 2022 by - Blog

A collection of car wax for detailing: best rv wax for paint

Waxing your RV is a great way to show pride of ownership and bring out a shine that you can’t achieve any other way. Not only will a coat of wax cause your RV to look great, but it can also provide a protective layer that might allow you to go longer between washes. With that said, it’s important to use the right wax for the job and to use it properly. Read on to discover the best RV wax for full body paint and how to use it.

For those who are serious about keeping their RVs in great condition, another big step in the right direction is adding an RV carport from American Steel Carports, Inc. Parking your RV under cover will go a long way toward protecting its condition, and durable metal carports are more affordable than you might think. Explore our free Build & Price tool to get started.

Picking the Right Wax

Choosing the proper wax for your RV comes down to knowing what is covering the exterior of your rig. Is it painted from top to bottom? If so, you can use any kind of wax that is meant for regular automobiles since cars and trucks are typically painted. When this is the case, the wax used for your typical car work just as well on your RV.

Keep in mind though that most RVs are not painted. Instead, they feature a fiberglass exterior with a gel coat. If that is the case for your RV, look at products that are specifically designed for use on recreational vehicles. There are plenty on the market, but here are some tips to help you find the right one:

  • Save time with an all-in-one. If you want to get some of the benefits of waxing but don’t have a lot of time to invest, consider a product that combines the wash and wax features you need. This way, you wash your RV as you would regularly, and the product leaves a nice, shiny wax finish without any additional steps. Is this going to produce the kind of finish you would get from doing a layer of wax by hand separately? No, but it will still leave your RV looking great and ready for the road.
  • Apply as a spray. Some waxes used on RVs are designed to be applied with the use of a sprayer, while others are better applied by hand. The choice is yours, of course, but consider this factor while you are shopping and pick a product that lines up with how you would like to do the job.
  • Look at quantity when ordering. If you do your shopping for RV wax online–as many people do–look at how much you are getting for your purchase. A large RV can require quite a bit of wax to cover it entirely, so you might need to order more than one container to get the job done.

Understanding the Process

The process of waxing your RV starts with getting the rig as clean as possible. This is the most important step of all. Starting with an extremely clean surface gives your wax job a much better chance of looking great in the end. Not only do you need to get the exterior of the RV completely clean, but you also need to make sure it is totally dry before moving on to the waxing stage.

It’s best to only wax small areas of the RV, one section at a time, as you go through the process. Most waxes call for you to apply some to the surface, let it sit just briefly, and then wipe it away. If you wax the whole RV before you come back through to wipe it off, too much time will have passed, and the outcome might not be what you had in mind. But if you get into the habit of waxing your RV after each wash, you’ll have a rig that looks great throughout the year.

Protect Your RV with American Steel Carports

We hope you’ve found this article on how to choose the best RV wax helpful!

While you are thinking about the various ways you can protect your rig, remember to check out the options for RV carports available at American Steel Carports, Inc. With easy customization, a range of features, and competitive pricing, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Explore our free Build & Price tool today!

How to Choose the Best RV Mattress

Posted on June 27, 2022 by - Lifestyle

White pillows on a mattress with white sheets: how to choose the best RV mattress.

Getting good rest while traveling in your RV will help you to make the most out of each trip you take. Unfortunately, some RV mattresses fall short of what most people would call comfortable, and you might struggle to get the kind of sleep you would like as a result. With this post, we’d like to help you find the right RV mattress for your needs, unlocking the type of rest that you have been dreaming of getting while you explore the country.

While buying a new mattress can help you get great rest while using your RV, adding an RV carport to your property can help your rig rest comfortably while at home. A carport will keep your RV out of the elements and protect its condition for years to come. To get started on this project, turn to American Steel Carports, Inc. and experiment with our Build & Price tool. This tool allows you to customize a carport design to fit your needs. If you need direct assistance, get in touch with us right away.

Start Here

The first thing you need to know when shopping for a mattress is that you can’t trust the name of the mattress to match up with what you would find in your house. What does that mean? If your RV says that it comes with a “king” mattress, that does not mean the same thing as a “king” mattress that you might have in your regular bedroom. In other words, RV mattresses use the same name sizing conventions as regular mattresses, but the actual dimensions are different.

So, as a shopper, it’s best to forget about those names and simply shop by measurement. Go into your RV and use a tape measure to determine exactly how much space you have available for a new mattress. Write down these measurements and keep them with you while you shop, whether online or in person. This way, there will be no confusion and you’ll be sure to purchase something that is actually going to fit in your RV.

Invest in Quality

If you are replacing the mattress that came with your RV, you are likely doing so because the original mattress is not living up to your quality expectations. With that in mind, don’t bother replacing the first mattress with a cheap, low-cost model from an unknown brand. Most likely, you’ll find yourself right back in the same situation, struggling to get comfortable at night.

It’s worth spending the money on a better mattress that is truly going to upgrade your sleep. No, you don’t need to buy the most expensive model you can find but purchasing a quality mattress from a respected brand is the best way to get the results you desire.

Consider Access

Even large RVs offer relatively tight spaces inside for moving things around. When shopping for a mattress, think in advance about how you are going to get it into the RV and put it in the proper place. In general terms, you’ll probably find that foam mattresses are more flexible than innerspring mattresses, so you might want to consider foam first if you have any tight corners to navigate on the path to the bed. While it’s certainly possible to move an innerspring mattress into an RV, some models can be stiffer than others, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Find the Right Firmness

On the matter of mattress firmness, the whole story is about personal preference. Some people like a firm mattress, while others like to feel as though they are sinking into a night of sleep. There is no right or wrong here, of course, so you’ll need to think about what is most comfortable for you and your partner before you commit to a purchase.

If you do wind up with a mattress that feels a little firmer than you would like – especially at first before it is broken in – you may be able to use a mattress topper to soften the feel. Toppers slip over your mattress like an additional sheet, but they have padding on top to leave the mattress feeling softer than it would otherwise.

Upgrade Your RV with American Steel

It’s no exaggeration to say that a new RV mattress could change the way you travel. With better sleep available, you’ll look forward to resting up at the end of a long day, so you can jump right back into your adventures when morning arrives.

If you are also ready to upgrade your RV ownership experience with a new carport, explore our free Build & Price tool at American Steel Carports, Inc. today!

How to Wash Your RV

Posted on June 24, 2022 by - Informative

Boy washing RV

As an RV owner, washing your rig might not be your favorite task, but it certainly is an important one to keep up with during the travel season. If you get into the habit of regularly washing your RV after trips, it will always be clean and ready to go the next time you get to head out. Also, keeping it clean helps you get a longer life out of your investment, and that’s something everyone can appreciate. Washing an RV doesn’t need to be complicated, but there are some keys to keep in mind. Read on for some basic tips to help you get great results while saving time for other chores around the house.

And, if you’d like to keep your RV as clean as possible while it is parked on your property, consider adding an RV carport from American Steel Carports, Inc. Explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom structure that perfectly suits your needs. For help, contact us! Our team is always happy to help.

Set the Stage for Success

A big piece of the puzzle when trying to wash your RV successfully is having everything in place before you get started. If you plan and are organized for this task, you’ll find that it goes much easier from start to finish and you will be left with a better outcome. Some things to consider include the following –

  • Get the right gear. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on cleaning supplies for your RV, but you do need to have a few key items ready to go. For starters, you need a clean bucket for water, soap, a few different brushes, and a ladder. Consider creating an RV washing “kit” that you can store in a specific spot in your garage to always have ready.
  • Find a good spot. It’s important to pick out a good spot on your property to do the washing. If you have an RV carport, you might want to wash your RV right there under the roof of the carport – you’ll get some shade on hot days and the space should be pretty clean. Wherever you decide to do the washing, make sure it is an area that will drain nicely so you won’t wind up standing in a pool of dirty water as the cleaning process moves along.
  • Pick the right day. Pay attention to the weather forecast and look for a day that offers mild temperatures, minimal wind, and no rain. Washing an RV – especially a big one like a motorhome – can take some time, and you don’t want to be battling the conditions along the way.

A Simple Process

If there is one key rule to obey when washing an RV, it is this – start at the top and work your way down. Not only is the top the least-convenient part to wash, so it’s nice to get it out of the way at the start, but the water you use is also going to run down the sides of the rig toward the ground. So, by starting at the top, you’ll be able to work your way down and eliminate any streaks that were created along the way.

In addition to starting at the top, remember that you want to clean a wet RV rather than a dry one. So, before you reach for your soapy brush to start scrubbing, spray down the whole RV to wet the exterior. This helps you get better results from your scrubbing efforts.

Dealing with Specific Elements

For most of the exterior surface of your RV, all you need is a soapy brush and some water to get the job done. However, there are a few different elements that you may encounter along the way, and those need to be dealt with properly to avoid trouble. Three big ones include:

  • RV roof. Your approach to washing the roof of your RV depends on its composition. If it’s a relatively new RV, the roof is probably fiberglass, in which case it will be simple to clean with the same general techniques you’ve been using around the rest of the rig. However, if you happen to have a rubber roof, seek out a cleaner that has been specifically formulated for that type of surface.
  • Don’t forget about your RV’s awning in the cleaning process. Unroll it to expose the full length of the awning and then spray it down with water. It’s probably not very dirty, so that spray might be all you need. If there are spots that need to be scrubbed, do so gently to avoid stretching out the material.
  • Keeping your window and door seals in good condition is essential to keep water out as you travel. When you are done with the RV washing process, consider spraying the seals with a product that has been designed to keep them supple. This is a quick task that can save you some major headaches down the line.

Not only is an RV carport a great place to store your rig while protecting it from the elements, but it also makes for a nice spot to do your washing. With some shade from the sun, you can take your time and make sure the RV is fully cleaned before calling it a day.

If you’re ready to protect one of your greatest investments, reach out to American Steel Carports, Inc. to create an affordable, durable metal home for your RV. We look forward to serving you!