RV Parts

Is Interior and Exterior Protect Worth It?

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Maintaining the appearance of your RV can be time consuming and hard work… and you did not invest in a recreational vehicle to spend hours and hours cleaning and maintaining it.

Almost all of our guests take advantage of our exterior and interior comprehensive protection package – called PROTECT. Originally designed for the aviation industry in partnership with Boeing, the Package provides comprehensive protection for your new investment against the elements and minimizes the maintenance on your new RV. Interior and Exterior Protect

You may be wondering if PROTECT is really worth it, and if it will last the lifetime of your vehicle?

The exterior PROTECT components have passed Boeing Materials Technology testing  and withstood 1,400 hours of salt spray exposure and temperatures up to 450 degrees. The molecular strengthening of the gel coat and clear coat in RVs withstand a UV30 block to prevent high altitude paint fade… so think about how much more protective it is at ground level! It does not break down like automotive waxes, which then have to be reapplied.

  1. The product is backed with a 5 year warranty with no need to ever wax your RV.
  2. Daily maintenance is a breeze with love bugs, insects, and road spray not adhering to the gel coat or clear coat, and when they do, rinse down is simple and easy. Normal cleaning, not long afternoons of scrubbing and waxing, will easily and effectively maintain your RV interior and exterior appearance when PROTECT is applied.

Interior PROTECT- On the interior, it is applied to all fibrous areas of the vehicle, carpet, dash, leather, etc., and prevents accidental staining and fading!

  1. X-Microbe technology is used on Boeing aircraft as an effective cleaner of almost all micro-organisms that can live in aircraft cabin interiors, in partnership with Dow Corning development.
  2. Protects against water and oil-based spills.
  3. Increases tensile strength of the fabric to add years of life.
  4. Fabric will clean easier, look better and last longer.
  5. Will not alter fabric appearance or texture.
  6. Vinyl and Leather PROTECT keeps vinyl and leather soft and supple.
  7. Protects against fading and weather aging.
  8. Unlike other products, PROTECT leaves no oily or greasy residue.
  9. Leather will retain its natural luster and sheen.
  10. X-Microbe technology eliminates odors, is safe for children, adults and pets.
  11. Helps control mold and mildew in storage.
  12. All products are registered with the EPA and is a certified green solution.

And… all of this is backed with an 85 year proven track record in the industry, and each PROTECT package comes with a 5-year warranty for all new RVs and pre-owned RVs.

Click here to learn more about PROTECT.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs. 

The Ultimate Guide to RV Insurance

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Whether you plan on using your RV as a full-time home or for occasional road trips, insurance is a must. For the best financial protection, consider RV insurance. This coverage combines elements of auto and home insurance to account for the unique potential problems that could arise with a recreational vehicle. Many Insurance Companies will insure your RV, but often you are only getting coverage for physical damage, and it may not cover items that “RV Specific” Insurance does.

Lichtsinn RV Insurance

What does basic RV insurance cover?

A basic RV insurance policy may include slightly different coverage types depending on the insurer, but you can expect the following to be required or added automatically when you get a quote:

Liability insurance: To legally operate your RV, you’ll need at least the same amount of liability coverage that your state requires for car insurance. If you ever cause a crash, liability covers others’ injury and property damage costs, up to your limit.

Collision and comprehensive coverage: Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your RV if you cause a crash or run into objects such as a tree or street sign. Comprehensive covers a variety of issues, including theft of your RV, animal collisions, falling objects, vandalism and more. Note that collision and comprehensive come with a deductible, which is the amount your insurer subtracts from claim payments. If you file a claim for $2,000 to repair damage from a fallen tree branch, for instance, and you have a $500 deductible, your settlement would be $1,500.

Uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage: Uninsured/under-insured motorist bodily injury coverage helps cover your and your passengers’ injury treatment if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or who has some insurance but not enough to cover your bills. Uninsured/under-insured motorist property damage coverage kicks in at the same time but goes toward repairing your damaged RV.

Medical payments coverage: If you crash your RV, this coverage pays for injury treatment for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault in the incident.

You might want to consider some additional RV insurance coverage that will protect your investment.

RV Full/Total Loss Replacement: If your RV is stolen or totaled, comprehensive coverage through car insurance typically pays a depreciated replacement amount. This means you only get back what your RV was worth at the time of the loss. With RV insurance, on the other hand, you can choose Total Loss replacement coverage and get back the replacement value of your RV plus tax, title, and license fees.

Vacation Liability: When your RV is in a park or campsite, it’s considered a temporary vacation residence. It’s wise to have liability insurance to cover the damages in case, say, someone is injured inside your RV or you accidentally throw a football through a neighboring camper’s window.

Pet Injury Coverage: Lichtsinn RV insurance offers pet injury coverage as part of your Collision coverage. This coverage pays up to $1,000 toward veterinary bills if your dog or cat is injured when you’re in a vehicle accident. We also cover them for Comprehensive claims, such as vehicle theft or fire. In the unfortunate event that your pet dies as a result of injuries sustained in your Collision or Comprehensive claim, we provide a $1,000 death benefit.

Personal Effects Coverage: RVs are made to be loaded with items and attachments that a traditional auto policy won’t cover, such as cooking appliances, sporting and camping supplies, satellite dishes, awnings and furniture. If your stuff is stolen or damaged, you’d need separate RV insurance to repair or replace it.

Emergency Expense Coverage: Pays up to specified limits for reasonable temporary living facilities, transportation and the cost of returning the RV if it becomes inoperable due to a covered loss more than 50 miles away from the primary residence. $750 is included when physical damage is selected. Up to $2,000 is available for Pleasure users.

For insureds who use their RV as a Primary Residence: Pays up to specified limits for reasonable temporary living facilities and transportation expenses if the RV becomes inoperable due to a covered loss. $750 is included when physical damage is selected. Up to $7,500 is available for these users.

For more information call:  1-800-343-6255 to speak with Brandon or Kevin in the Business Office today to find out how we can give you peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are getting the best RV Insurance at the lowest price!

December Featured Part: Rhino Blaster Sewer Tank Rinser

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The Rhino Blaster Pro Tank Rinser latches securely onto your RVs sewer outlet. The 45-degree angle allows water to blast directly into the outlet, rinsing out residue. Blaster Pro Tank Rinser features a clear elbow to see when the water runs clear. A gate valve prevents waste from flowing through the hose until done rinsing the tank, and the vacuum breaker prevents backflow into the water hose. Additional features include a four-prong bayonet swivel fitting that easily and securely attaches to the RV’s sewer outlet, and a swivel lug fitting to connect to your sewer hose.
Camco 39085 Rhino Blaster Sewer Tank Rinser with Gate Valve

  • Direct jet allows water stream to rinse and flush RV sewer systems
  • Rhino Blaster Pro Tank Rinser securely attached to RV sewer outlet via bayonet swivel fitting
  • Gate valve prevents backflow into sewer hose
  • Vacuum breaker prevents backflow into water hose
  • Clear 45 degree elbow allows direct flow of water into sewer system

For more information, please call the Lichtsinn RV Parts Department at 1-800-343-6255 or email parts@lichtsinn.com.

Is your Winnebago built to last? The Drop Test

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Few companies go to the lengths we do to test our products. None go to the heights. We test raw materials. We test prototypes. We test finished parts. We test completed motorhomes. All to ensure that every motorhome that rolls out the door meets our standards for quality, performance, durability and safety.

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON THE WINNEBAGO DROP TEST HERE.

One test that Winnebago is most famous for is the drop test. In this test a Winnebago is hoisted into the air and dropped to test its structural integrity, appliance and cabinet attachment, impact absorption and more.

In this video several high-speed cameras were used to record a Winnebago Trend hitting the pavement.  After the test, notice how the door frame does not deform and can be opened.  This is an indicator of how rigid the coach’s superstructure is.

This kind of destructive testing is very expensive, but over the years tests like these have helped Winnebago improve the durability of their products.

The 5 Most Common Questions When Buying an RV –

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Purchasing an RV is an exciting time for all new and seasoned RVers. There are 5 questions that all RVers should ask themselves when they start the process of purchasing an RV – either new or pre-owned.

Winnebago IntentWhat Type of RV is right for your travels?

When it comes to freedom and flexibility motorhomes offer the ultimate experience. Ranging from the larger Class A motorhome to the compact Class B camper vans, to the Class C, all motorhomes are RVs that take transportation and living quarters and roll them into one comfortable experience. With something for everyone, motorhomes range from compact and space saving models to luxury buses that can all pull a family car in tow, so you can zip around town for daytrips. Read our in-depth blog post on how to choose the perfect RV for you here.

What are my options for financing an RV?

Financing is a great option for those planning on purchasing an RV. Financing allows the RV lifestyle to be more affordable by breaking up the cost into manageable monthly or bi-weekly payments. It is a great time to finance an RV as interest rates are low. You can work with your local lender to secure financing, or you can work with the experienced team at Lichtsinn RV. Kevin and Brandon in the Lichtsinn RV Business Office are authorized agents for several large national banks like Bank of America, US Bank, Bank of the West and more. Our relationships with these banks provide you with a competitive rate often lower than your local lender.

Financing at Lichtsinn RV allows you to –

  • We offer financing and are authorized agents for several large major RV banks including Bank of America, US Bank, Bank of the West and several other major lenders.
  • We generally provide a credit application to these banks and allow them to compete for the lowest rate.
  • All of our loans carry no fees at closing, no closing costs and no points.
  • In most cases, the interest can be deducted for tax purposes by qualifying as a second home.
  • We can generally do terms of up to 20 years! Pre-payments can be made in full or in part, at any time, without penalty with nearly all of our lenders. All of our loans are conventional fixed rate loans.
  • We offer both monthly and bi-weekly payment options.

Learn more about financing with Lichtsinn RV here.

What kind of additional expenses should I plan for when buying an RV?

RV Insurance: After you purchase your RV there will be some additional costs you want to plan for, the first being RV insurance. While it may be enticing to look for the cheapest RV insurance you can find, you will want to make sure it properly covers your RV. When looking at RV insurance, you will want to make sure it is RV-specific insurance and offers RV Full/Total Loss Replacement – offered on newly purchased RV’s one model year old or newer: if your RV is totaled within the first 5 years, this policy provides the monetary equivalent of what it costs to buy a brand-new RV of the same or similar model, even if it costs more than what you originally paid for your RV. You may look for additional offerings like vacation liability, pet injury coverage, fire department service charges or personal effects coverage for contents inside the RV. Most “other” insurance policies do not offer these additional benefits. Kevin and Brandon in the Lichtsinn RV business office are licensed insurance agents and can answer any questions you have regarding RV insurance. Learn more here.

Parts and Accessories: There will be additional parts and accessories you will want to purchase for your new RV like tow bars, hoses, waste dumping chemicals, and more. The Lichtsinn RV parts team has identified the top parts and accessories you will want to purchase for your first night of RVing and it is available during our half-day orientation.

Camping Fees: There will be additional costs when traveling in your RV like campground costs. There are several loyalty programs that include camping discounts including Winnebago’s WIT (Winnebago International Travelers) Club.

Extended Service Contracts: You will want to consider the long-term costs of maintaining an RV. Most new RV Warranties cover 1-3 years so if you are purchasing a pre-owned RV or planning on keeping the RV for more than 3 years you will want to consider an extended service contract. Learn more about extended service contracts and why you should get one here.

Do I get a pre-delivery inspection of the RV?

A reputable RV dealer will provide you with a walkaround inspection and review of your coach. At that time, you can see how to operate your RV. At Lichtsinn RV, one of our RVDA Master Certified RV Technicians will provide you with a half-day educational orientation of your coach. You will learn how every single switch, component and feature works in your RV as well as learn maintenance tips and get your questions answered by a knowledgeable source.

Will the dealer support and service my RV in the long run?

RVs require service and maintenance and it is imperative that buyers find a dealer that will support them for the life of their vehicle and not leave them high and dry when it comes to servicing it in the future. You may find a fly-by-night dealer with a low price tag on an RV, in an old building with one or two service bays and techs, and no way of servicing your RV in the future.

In 2014, Lichtsinn RV built a new, state-of-the-art RV dealership and has continued expanding in the last few years. Our dealership boasts 8 RV service bays, a large indoor RV parts and camping accessories store, a spacious service check-in area, a video production studio, indoor delivery and service drive area, and a guest lounge equipped with the latest technology. Lichtsinn RV also offers dealership guests complimentary electrical hookups while visiting for RV delivery or service.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.

How to afford the RV lifestyle

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When it comes to freedom and flexibility motorhomes offer the ultimate experience. Ranging from the larger Class A motorhome to the compact Class B camper vans, motorhomes take transportation and living quarters and roll them into one comfortable experience. With something for everyone, motorhomes range from compact and space saving models to luxury buses that can all pull a family car, so you can zip around town for day trips. We have RVs that will fit anyone’s needs and more importantly budget.

Identify your needs and purchase an RV that meets them.

When you are looking at purchasing your next RV figure out what your needs are – do you want something that is more compact for shorter trips? Or are you looking for an RV that you can bring the whole family and more on trips? Maybe you are looking for an RV that has all the amenities of home? First, make a list of what you are looking for, so a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant can show you RVs that will work for you.

Create a travel budget and stick to it.

Having a budget for the RV lifestyle doesn’t end once the papers are signed. Similar to your home, you will want to identify what you will spend each month – if you’re a full-timer or part-timer – or on each trip if you’re more of a weekend warrior RVer. Some fixed expenses you will want to keep in mind are –

  • RV Payment
  • RV Insurance
  • RV Maintenance and Repair
  • Campground Fees
  • Gasoline or Diesel Fuel
  • Propane
  • Food and Household Items
  • Entertainment
  • Laundry
  • Internet

Look for activities that are free or inexpensive.

There will be tons of free activities you can do while RVing. Depending on the campground you are staying at, there will be a variety of activities and outdoor recreation you can enjoy. However, if you encounter a rainy day or your looking for something new check with the local visitor’s center to see a calendar of events for inspiration you can also use app-based coupon sites like Groupon or Living Social for discounted admittance to restaurants, events and more.

You’re Bringing the Kitchen Sink… Use it.

It may be tempting to want to eat out when you are camping, but that is the easiest way to save money. Your RV will have a nice galley with a refrigerator, a microwave or convection oven, and a stove top and you can always make a delicious meal over a fire. Before you go RVing, check out Pinterest for ideas for meals while camping.

Find Campgrounds with the Amenities that you will actually use.

Choose campgrounds and RV parks that only have amenities you plan to take advantage of during your stay. Generally, the more services and amenities a campground has, the more it’s going to cost. Campsite fees don’t have to break the bank. State parks are a great low-cost option, as are many RV parks. Look here to find a campground or consider travel apps to help you find the campground that best suits your need.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.

Winnebago Vita 24P Receives RV News Best of Show Award

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Winnebago’s type C Vita 24P upgrades the over-cab area with extra insulation, both to provide more warmth in colder weather and to ensure a quieter ride. Below the cab bunk and its 49-by-87-inch bed, the driver and and passenger seats swivel so that users sit at eye level when having face-to-face conversations with others in the RV.

Winnebago Vita
Winnebago Vita

The full wall slide on the driver’s side of the vehicle is uncommon on a type C. The Vita’s interior is open and spacious in a noteworthy way. The slide runs from the dinette behind the driver’s seat back through the rear bedroom. Another benefit to the expansive slide is the addition of two additional feet of exterior storage compartments, elevating total exterior storage to 40 cubic feet.

As in many RVs, the dinette transforms into a bed, but in the Vita 24P, Winnebago designers placed cubbyholes on one end to extend the dinette bedding’s length, letting taller consumers stretch out comfortably.

The kitchen features European-style cabinetry, a 7.3-cubic foot residential compressor-style electric refrigerator and microwave underneath the stovetop. The new microwave placement resulted from customer feedback about commonly spilling hot food on the cooktop because of the microwave’s height. Rather than being simply wired for solar, the 24P  includes 200-watt solar panels as standard equipment. The Vita’s two standard onboard batteries and larger-than-average storage further accommodate off-the-grid usage.

The stabilizer jacks extend the 24P’s ability to overnight in terrain more rugged than a perfectly flat concrete pad. The coach is also less than 25 ft. to address tight parking in state and federal campgrounds.

Standard outside features include a powered patio awning with LED lights, exterior lights at crucial hook up points, an attachment on the running board for dog leashes or bicycle locks and a backup camera.

The Vita 24P is built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis offering between 18 and 20 MPG fuel efficiency, and is 24 ft. 7 in.

What impressed RV News: The 24P offers unusually robust off-the-grid readiness for a type C. The full-wall slide opens up the interior impressively, and the overall look and quality of the interior shouts, “Winnebago.” The coach should meet consumers’ expectations for the legacy brand.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your RV Tires

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In a recent webcast, Ron Lichtsinn covered a few options to extend the life of your RV tires including MULTI SEAL, Nitrogen, and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. You can watch a video of the webcast here.

Extending Your RV Tire LifeMULTI SEAL – Extend tire life and protect the people and equipment that are riding on them. Originally designed specifically for the US and UK military, since 1981 MULTI SEAL has manufactured high performance tire sealants, scientifically formulated to virtually eliminate air loss due to punctures and slow leaks.

Using proprietary formulas and ingredients, MULTI SEAL products are blended in the United States specifically for industrial segments. MULTI SEAL is the world leader for superior tire sealant technology.

The name of the game is prevention. MULTI SEAL’s 21st century formula works inside your tires filling holes and punctures instantly. Fewer leaks mean fewer flats and longer lasting tires. The result is less money spent on new tires, retreads and damaged wheels — and eliminating down-time during vacation. Prevention also means keeping all tires properly inflated to avoid lower performance and decreased tire life. MULTI SEAL tire sealants combined with a regular tire maintenance program can result in a dramatic economic savings.

NITROGEN – There are many reasons to make the switch from regular air to nitrogen. Tires filled with nitrogen maintain consistent tire pressure which saves drivers money by increasing gas mileage and extending the life of their tires. Using nitrogen in your tires, is a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time. In fact, many environmental groups are encouraging the use of nitrogen in tires in order to improve gas mileage and reduce the number of rubber tires that need to be replaced through wear and tear on the road.

Proper inflation is the key to improving gas mileage and nitrogen doesn’t lose pressure as temperatures rise and fall. Motorists can improve gas mileage by 4-10 percent simply by keeping their tires properly inflated. Nitrogen molecules are bigger than oxygen molecules, so nitrogen seeps out more slowly from tires than air; nitrogen resists heat buildup better than air, which contains moisture; and nitrogen reduces oxidation, which can damage the tire from the inside out, proponents say. Nitrogen is an inert gas, so there are no safety or environmental issues.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM – A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a device that monitors tire pressure and alerts you if a tire issue occurs. Your tires are an important part of your RV, you can not only ruin a trip with an unexpected tire blowout, you will also be looking at spending a great deal of money.

A TPMS provides alerts for tire issues. The main cause for a blow-out is under or over-inflated tires. A tire pressure monitoring system will allow it’s user to be warned of such conditions, helping them to avoid a blow-out. TPMS that provide temperature warnings can also provide an early warning of issues such as locked brakes.

TireMinder is the #1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System in North America. TireMinder is a great TPMS solution for your RV, MotorHome, 5TH Wheel, Motor Coach, Trailer, and more. With its easy to program interface and fantastic customer support, it’s no wonder why Motor Home & Trailer Life magazines reader’s voted TireMinder #1 for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems 3 years in a row.

You can purchase the TireMinder Tire Pressure Monitoring System from the Lichtsinn RV parts department by calling 1-800-343-6255, emailing parts@lichtsinn.com or visiting https://www.lichtsinn.com/rv-parts.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs. 

Winnebago Introduces Horizon 42Q Floorplan

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Confident and bold, the Winnebago Horizon brings a fresh look to the diesel pusher category, with the performance to back it up. Each of the Horizon floorplans feature a refreshingly clean design, highlighted by LED tube lighting and luxurious Villa furnishings. Both include a spacious master bedroom with an available walk-around recline/incline king bed, abundant interior storage, full galley with residential-style refrigerator, and the versatile Glide & Dine dining table and chairs that let you configure your dining area to suit your needs. Every Horizon is built on our turbo-diesel-powered Maxum Chassis, so you can count on the performance, ride, handling, and storage to match the Horizon’s elegant good looks. Drive, arrive, and thrive in style: the new Horizon is calling.

The Winnebago Horizon 42Q features a mid-coach guest bath, dedicated lounge area, and private master suite make the 42Q ideal for entertaining — or getting away from it all.

WATCH THE FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEO TOURING THE ALL NEW HORIZON 42Q & FORZA 38F HERE.

Drive your Horizon worry-free with Winnebago’s 3-year/100,000-mile Carefree Diesel Living warranty.

See Lichtsinn RV’s Winnebago Horizon Inventory here.

Winegard ConnecT 2.0

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The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 creates an RV hotspot and maximizes speed, reliability and range from both WiFi and 4G LTE networks, ensuring customers can stay connected to their smartphones, laptops, media players and other devices.

The ConnecT 2.0 models are simple and quick to setup with step-by-step onscreen instruction to connect to all your devices in just seconds. Security is a top priority, and customers only need to setup their secure network once for peace of mind.

The products offer Advanced WiFi protected access, a separate guest network access option, and double firewall protection. The Connect 2.0 family of products comes in a sleek, low-profile dome.

The ConnecT 2.0 is a convenient aftermarket accessory, available from Lichtsinn RV’s Parts Department.

To order a Winegard ConnecT 2.0 please contact us at 1-800-343-6255 or email parts@lichtsinn.com