The 2019 holiday season is right around the corner! Have you started your shopping yet? If you haven't, don't worry, we have plenty of great gift ideas for the RV'er or camping enthusiast on your list! Whether they are looking for something useful or whimsical, we've got you covered. Buying RVing or camping gifts doesn't have to be difficult, so we're here to help!

Depending on where you live, you may already be thinking about RV winterization. If you haven’t, now is the time to start! There are a number of things involved with getting your RV ready for winter storage, but the process doesn’t have to be complicated. When it’s time for your motorhome or coach to go into long term storage, we’ve got you covered with some things to remember.

When you go to wash your RV, it can be a time consuming effort, especially if you have to towel dry it afterward. Of course, you can skip that step, but unless you have an RV de-ionizing system, not drying your motorhome can leave spots behind. That defeats the whole purpose of washing your RV in the first place! If you are in an area with particularly hard water, such as the Southwest or Great Lakes region, the advantage of having a de-ionizer for your RV becomes clear. But even if you are in an area with softer water, you still can't always be certain of your water source.

The suspension system on your RV can potentially wear out, just as with most other vehicle parts. A better suspension system reduces the stress on other parts of the RV including the frame, plumbing, tires, and hitch. By smoothing over most impacts from the road, it provides a more comfortable ride for you and your passengers. It also comes into play for RV trailers when considering their load capacity. Having a newer suspension system may increase it. You should check out your RV's suspension system at least two times a year or more, if you travel more often. Things like worn out parts or a trailer that does not sit correctly can both be warnings that the suspension system may need repair or replacement.

When towing a vehicle behind your RV, it’s important to keep in mind that any road debris may cause surface damage to your vehicle if left unprotected. This can include loose gravel and pebbles, small rocks, or other material that can bounce off the road from your RV or even from passing vehicles. Larger pieces of debris even have the potential to crack or chip your towed vehicle’s windshield. This problem only increases during inclement weather when the roads are wet or muddy. Fear not, however! There are several types of products available that can prevent this from becoming an issue.

One of the quickest ways to upgrade the look of your RV and give it a more modern appearance is to switch your incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs to LEDs. LED bulbs have come down in price over recent years, making it an even easier decision to upgrade your lights. Of course, you don't have to change every bulb all at once, as motorhomes and coaches have a lot of interior lights! You can make the transition by switching out a certain section or certain type of bulb at a time. Here are some reasons why investing in LED bulbs is beneficial for your RV:

Gift giving isn't just for the holiday season! Gift giving occasions occur year-round and while it may not seem to be, summertime can have number of celebrations that require a gift. Father's Day is the obvious standout, however there may also be weddings, anniversaries, and summer birthdays. If you need ideas for the RV'er or camper in your life, you've come to the right place! We have a number of RV and camping accessories that would make great gifts for any occasion.

Whether your Class A motorhome came with an RV hydraulic leveling system, or if you need to upgrade or replace it, a leveling system offers several benefits. Compared to other methods, they can provide a more convenient option as opposed to using wood planks or blocks. Most can be operated from a control panel on your dash inside your RV. You can never be sure of how level the area will be at the campground or campsite. Keeping your coach level not only provides comfort while sleeping, but also keeps appliances such as your RV fridge running properly.

Keeping your RV secure at the campground or RV park goes a long way toward making sure your road trip goes as planned. There are a number of things you can do to protect your RV and possessions, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar area. Owning an RV or camper is a large investment, and you’ll want to take steps to ensure that it stays safe. Here are some simple ways to increase security around your RV this camping season.

No matter if your RV has been in storage, or if you use it full time, humidity can become an issue in your RV. Even with the colder, drier air found in the winter months, if your motorhome stays closed up for an extended time moisture can still build up inside. Humidity levels can rise due to several causes, such as cooking inside, taking a shower, outside weather, or even your own breathing. Anytime water, especially hot water, is used in your RV, the potential for high humidity is there. Just like in your home, this can lead to wood rot and metal corrosion in your furniture, walls, floors, and the vehicle structure itself. It also causes the growth of mold & mildew, which can become a health hazard, especially for those who are allergic. Warm, damp air in your RV can also attract certain bugs and insects.

Last month we talked about using water softeners for getting rid of minerals that may be in the water, but that's not the only step towards water purification. Because your water source changes at every destination, having filtered water is a necessity while on an RV trip. For one thing, you may not know what’s in your water. Water quality varies depending on where you are in the country and where the campground is getting it from. You don’t want to risk having your drinking water be full of sediment, which is not only a hazard to you, but can also collect in your plumbing system. There are different types of RV water filters and which one you need can depend on how often you travel and your own preferences.