Our new Website has launched!

Click here to visit us!

We are very proud to announce our new website.  You will notice, not only a new look, but a substantially upgraded way for us to communicate with you, our customer.  The new site will constantly be receiving updates, and is without a doubt, the best source of information from our company to you.

We hope that you appreciate the new design.  Feel free to bookmark our page, or add us to your favorites.  We have a summer full of upgrades, new products, and tremendous amounts of information to share with you.  We will focus on giving you that information in clear and up to date ways.  You will find that we will be regularly adding Video's, Pictures, and downloadable PDF files so that you can always have the information in your hands.

Our site has been designed from the ground up to be smart phone and tablet friendly, so feel free to take us with you on the road.  We're your local dealer, wherever you are!

Thanks for your continued support, and for helping us make this new website possible!


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PRESS RELEASE: New RVing FuseSwitch™ added to expanding line of products

50 AMP FLAT TOWING RVING FUSESWITCH™ 

ADDED TO RV-PARTS PLUS LINE-UP

Increasing the Selection to Four, from 1-50 Amp capability, 
all with simple installation

RV Parts Plus, an online retailer of towing and braking systems and developer of the RVing FuseSwitch™ introduces the latest version (Model FS-HD1) which eliminates the need to remove and re-insert square fuses in the 30-50 Amp range when flat towing.

Many tow vehicles require a fuse to be removed prior to flat towing them. These fuses must be re-installed to drive the vehicle. The RVing FuseSwitch™ makes the process as simple as flipping a switch. While versions to handle up to 20 Amps have been available since 1998, the special needs of switching up to 50 Amps required a different approach.

The latest version allows the 50 Amp “Batt 1” fuse typically found in the under hood fuse boxes of many high end GM vehicles (i.e. Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook) to be safely switched off to tow.

The Plug and Play installation requires minimal tools and takes about 10 minutes with no changes to either the towing or vehicle wiring. No additional or special procedures are required to tow the vehicle after turning the switch to the “Tow” or “Drive” positions.  This RVing FuseSwitch™ eliminates the need to remove the fuse, find a place to store it, then re-insert it after towing. It also eliminates the wear and tear to the fuse box contacts which results from continual insertion-removal cycles.

This RVing FuseSwitch™ is designed for under hood installation with wiring that is double insulated, with mostly soldered wire connections and is water resistant.

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Visit our RVing FuseSwitch™ page on our retail website by clicking here.

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Exclusive Interview with Jeff Hanemaayer about the Roadtrek N6 Active

2012 Roadtrek N6 Active

Since we first posted about the Roadtrek N6 Active when we were at the RVIA show in Louisville Kentucky, you have made it one of our most popular blog posts.  With the tremendous interest in this new RV, we decided to contact Roadtrek to see if we could get an exclusive interview with them to provide our readers with some inside information about the Roadtrek N6 Active.  We consider this type of thing to be a part of the Plus in RV-Parts Plus.

The following are a series of 5 questions that we asked the Co-Chairman of Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. Jeff Hanemaayer.

2012 Roadtrek N6 Active front quad captains chairs and table

RV-Parts Plus: The Roadtrek N6 Active has really taken off on our blog since we first posted about it while at the RVIA show in Louisville Kentucky.  Can you talk to us about where you see the N6 Active fitting in to your line-up, and who you see as the target market for this type of RV?


Jeff Hanemaayer:  The N6 is very different than anything else that we (or anyone else) has produced.  Our other models are fully-equipped class B motorhomes that can be used as a second vehicle (or at least all but our largest models).  The emphasis is on the capabilities as motorhome, the ease of driving/parking while used as such and less on the convenience of using as a 2nd vehicle.  Although small families do buy our other models, the far majority of our buyers are retired or soon-to-be retired empty nester couples (and some singles, especially women who have lost their spouse but still want to RV).

The N6 still qualifies as a class B motorhome from an income tax perspective but it does not have a toilet or stove.  That's because it's primarily intended to be a daily-use 2nd vehicle for a family that would otherwise own a large passenger vehicle such as a full-size SUV, large crossover, minivan or conversion van.  When you review the N6 on our website you'll see the features that we have provided to make the N6 a great alternative to these vehicles for active families.

2012 Roadtrek N6 Active (rear quarter, top up)

RVPP:  Two unique features of this RV are the Pop-Up top, and the Nissan Chassis.  Can you tell us what you like about the Nissan Chassis, and why you've chosen to use a Pop-Up top which differs from every other RV in the RoadTrek line?


JH:  The Nissan NV van is the newest full-size van so it incorporates the latest improvements, especially in interior ergonomics.  See http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv.  Plus the Nissan brand offers an "import" brand alternative to a Chevy Express van, the other platform we considered for this model.  (It's still assembled in the U.S.)  We decided to go with the pop-up roof to keep the overall height down when used as a daily driver.  This improves appearance, fuel economy and handling while allowing the van to be parked in a garage with an 8 foot door.

RVPP:  Talk to us about the pricing of the N6 Active.  Is this a price point that you needed to hit?  Is this a sign of the changes in the RV industry over the past couple of years?

JH:  We needed to keep the price down to appeal to families with kids at home who are middle class and up.

RVPP:  Do you have sales projections for this type of RV?  Do you expect this to be a dominant player in your line of RV's or is this more of a niche vehicle that will compliment your more traditional Class B motorhomes?


JH: We do have sales projections but it's really hard to forecast how well the product will do.  With 2010 US sales of 290K full-size SUVs and 260K mid-size SUVs and large crossover (at least 200" long), there is a large pool of potential buyers out there even though it obviously won't appeal to everyone.

RVPP:  When can our readers expect to see the N6 Active at their local dealers?


JH:  5. We started shipping already.  They're already at more than 15 dealers.

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Roadtrek N6 Active Quick Facts:
Retail Price: $67,000 U.S. (approx.)
Sleeping Capacity: 4 + 1 -- Lower Double Bed, Upper Queen Bed, Optional Captain's chairs mattress
Notable Amenities: Sink, Microwave, 12 Volt Fridge, Shower head (for exterior use, but mounted inside) Nissan NV Commercial Van Chassis, 9000 lb Towing capacity.

Website: http://www.roadtrek.com/n6_active_features.aspx

If you have more questions about the Roadtrek N6 Active, let us know on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RVpartsPlus and we'll follow up with Jeff as he's allowed us to follow up with him if you have questions.

If you haven't stopped by our website, check it out.  We're working on launching an entirely new website soon, which will include all of our products, and many more features just like this interview.  Visit us at www.rv-partsplus.com and bookmark us or save us to your favorites!

Click pictures below to enlarge

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FMCA Rally, Brooksville FL. -- An Airstrip full of Motorhomes!

FMCA Rally Brooksville Florida - 2012

It is quite a sight to see about 1,300 motorhomes arranged on and around a local county airport. Such was the case at the South East Area, Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) Rally held each year at the Hernando County Airport just outside of Brooksville, FL. Many of the RVs were parked on the tarmac in rows side by side for almost a mile. Others were on the aprons and others were along the sides of the tarmac on the grassed areas. Events were held in large tents fully enclosed with fixed entry doors and lighting which were setup in various locations on the runways. For the true air enthusiast there still was a runway open which added to the adventure as a low flying plane came in for a landing or gained speed to take off. Many of the RVers were “dry camped” which means they were self-sufficient using water they carried and kept all waste in their own holding tanks for the duration of the rally. Electricity was supplied by their battery systems and onboard generators. Others were in sections of the Rally which had “miles” of wire run with outlet boxes at regular intervals connected to large “portable” generators which provided the power needs of the coaches connected to them. All other facilities are onboard. Similar generators provided power for the entertainment, vendor and seminar facilities. 

Events ranged from early morning, prayer and worship sessions, to partaking of free donuts and coffee or listening to music provided by the Frustrated Maestros, to seminars on travel and RV interests. Some seminars featured new products, others taught about RV maintenance and care to general interest topics and others featured camp resort options. The vendor tent had displays for those attending the rally to walk through allowing them to stop and talk, ask questions and gain information on topics of interest to them. There were vendors with outdoor booths set up around the outside of the tent with larger products and the ever present installers are onsite to install products offered for sale.

Each evening there was a live entertainment offered in the special events tent and there was always a variety of activities spread around the Rally facility throughout the day. Some RVers took in attractions found in the area around the Rally location, taking advantage of specials offered by many of the local merchants to Rally goers. Of course the various restaurants in the area were blessed by the RVer’s presence. Conversations often centered around which restaurant to attend tonight based on the recommendations of those that went the previous evening.  For those that stayed at the Rally for evening meals there are local chapter events and impromptu gatherings of friends new and old who setup their chairs and a few tables and had a pot luck dinner. The variety and amount of food found at these gatherings often rivalled some buffet selections at restaurants. All in all the sharing of ideas, travel experiences and growing friendships endure and some choose to travel together, when there is common interests and many develop long lasting friendships after meeting at these Rallies.

I recommend joining FMCA and then taking in one of the local area Rallies.  Meeting others that share the lifestyle is a great way to expand your horizons and add to the enjoyment that is RVing.

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We're on Facebook. Like us!

Now that approximately 1 in 7 people in the world are on Facebook, and about half of all internet users, we decided that we should create a presence there as well.  We've been online since 2001, delivering Motorhome and RV users top quality products, information, and technical tips since that time.  We're in the process of launching a completely new website filled with information, pictures, video's and more to help our users get the most out of their RV's.  The new website will allow us to get information up instantly, and will no longer be a "static" site.  If you have questions about products, or maintenance questions, or even just general RV questions, we'll be addressing them from our Website, this blog, and of course our new Facebook page.

We think that Facebook is going to be a great way for us to share information with you, and we hope that you feel free to interact with us there.

RV-Parts Plus is home to the RVing FuseSwitch™and we'll be filling our Facebook page with great information about that product and more.

So if you're on Facebook, (and almost half of you are) go to www.facebook.com/rvpartsplus and like us!

Thanks!

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Is a Ford Transit based RV in your future?

European Ford Transit based Motorhome

Ford recently announced that they were planning to produce the small Transit van chassis in Kansas City, MO. It was also reported that some RV manufacturers are considering utilizing this van chassis as the basis for a new smaller line-up of Class C motorhomes.

European Ford Transit based Motorhome - Entrance door

While in Florida I came upon a German RV made by Hymer which is based on the Ford Transit chassis. It includes ABS brakes, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program and a Driver Side Airbag. The overall width is 2.14M or 7 feet wide and about (5.98m) or 20 feet long. That is a small footprint and yet the coach is “roomy”. It is an impressive vehicle with a large under bed storage compartment (known as a rear garage) accessible from the outside at the rear of the RV. It is compact however it is a stylish rendition with good use of glass to open up the interior. It has sleeping accommodation for two with three more berths optional. Many of the amenities we expect are included however the Toilet is a cassette type common on European RV’s. Have a look at these photos and see if you would be satisfied with a RV  that looks like this one. I’ m pretty certain there will be a market for them---- do you agree?

European Ford Transit based motorhome - Rear

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Energy For You - Fuel Cell Generator

Energy For You (EFoY) Fuel Cell Generator

One of the interesting and innovative exhibits at the RVIA National Trade Show was the EFOY (Energy For You) exhibit. They demonstrated a compact Fuel Cell Generator that is lightweight, almost maintenance free and relatively simple to install. This power source is capable of providing power to charge 12V or 24 Volt batteries which, with the installation of a properly sized inverter could produce 120VAC to power TV’s, entertainment systems and Microwave ovens among other electrical equipment found on the typical RV. The fuel source is a “Fuel Cell Cartridge” which is a storage container (various sizes are available) filled with liquid methanol (see photo).  The typical Fuel Cell Generator weighs just 16.5lbs or 7.5kgs. The EFOY unit is quiet and emission free and the Fuel Cartridge is one of the safest, cleanest and most comfortable ways of handling fuel. The 10L (2.64 Gallon) Fuel Cell looks like a robust windshield antifreeze container and comes equipped with a special safety valve which is connected by a fuel line hose to the generator. Reportedly this cell can provide 2 to 3 weeks of power in a dry camp RV setting.

This power source would ideal for all RV’s especially smaller Class B and C rigs, together with all trailers equipped with a 12volt battery, especially where physical size, weight and fuel handling is a concern. If the RV is used in National Parks, then this EFOY Generator will not create any objectionable noise and can be used around the clock without restriction. If utilized in conjunction with solar panels or wind generators it can fill in for periods when there is no sun or wind, providing a consistent power source. It would also provide backup power for larger RV’s which require batteries to power onboard engine management and various additional computers even with battery disconnects turned off. A remote display panel provides the information necessary to manage the system and the associated batteries. Installation is simple and if the RV is already equipped with an Inverter, 120VAC is readily available. If not then a suitable sized inverter will also need to be installed.

There have been over 15,000 Fuel Cell Generators installed in RV’s (primarily in Europe) and surveys of owners overwhelmingly recommend this system. Check out this alternative power source and watch for it to appear in North America as an alternative to the gasoline powered generator on RV’s.
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