Is there a store or online site that specializes in RV accessories? Bedding? Camp chairs, etc. Obviously there is Amazon but it gets tiresome trying to search for things.
So many, so many. I never can confine my research to one general site, but if searching and researching is not for you, there are few sites more well stocked than good old Camping World.
My personal opinion is that CW sells low quality items, like Walmart or Harbor Freight. They work and are appropriate flr some items, but the price is not as low as their quality dictates- you pay for their convenience.I use them as a last resort.
Used RVs, Motorhomes for Sale, and Consigned sales - PPL Motor Homes (http://www.pplmotorhomes.com) is a broad site, I use them all the time for research but have never bought there, because I use Amazon Prime.
Again, a personal opinion, you are planning to make your life in your RV as I recall, so more research and knowledge is in your best interest. Take your time, use the Internet, as you are with this forum, and broaden your horizons! One site shopping is fraught with pitfalls. Wander around RV parks and get togethers for RVs like LD, Airstream, etc and talk to people when you see something that takes your fancy. Most people are flattered and glad to share what they have learned.
"Again, a personal opinion, you are planning to make your life in your RV as I recall, so more research and knowledge is in your best interest."
---
Agreed! There is no 'one stop shop'; this webstore site offers a variety of products, but it's one of hundreds, if not thousands, of RV-related (and RV-unrelated) websites. Plenty of suggestions for products and vendors are willingly shared by people on this forum, but, IMO, one needs to 'do the homework' to find the best selections and values of whatever one is looking for.
https://www.etrailer.com/maindept-RVandCamper.aspx
And then there's this one...
RVupgradestore.com: RV Accessories, RV upgrades, RV Parts & Supplies (https://www.rvupgradestore.com/)
That's a good one I hadn't seen yet, Steve. Added to my long list of RV related bookmarks. Nice web design too.
Another personal process I use:
- Make a wish- list in outline form.
- Organize it by whatever general headings you like.
- Write in anything you may dream of, including price and source.
- Order items according to near term to "pie in the sky" needs.
- Keep maintaining the list as you learn, experience things.
I do this in a spreadsheet so it is easy to manage for me. I also use the Amazon "Lists" feature when I get to planning actual purchases.
This is what passes for evening entertainment rather than TV.
Of course, I forgot to mention that using Amazon through the link on the home page of this forum helps to underwrite the cost of operating the forum, to all our benefit, at no cost to us!
That, and free 2nd day shipping via my Prime (a $100 annual fee with other benefits) membership motivates me to use the Amazon link whenever I can.
Folks have hit on our top 3 online sites for rv-specific items
Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs... (http://amzn.to/2m3hYUJ) (using this link which benefits LDO by covering the site hosting costs)
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Default.asp
Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924 (http://www.etrailer.com/)
That said, from the living side of things, don't "settle" and choose equipment and furnishings cheap just because "it's for camping". If you cook a lot and like to use good knives at home, buy a couple good ones for the RV. If you like down pillows, buy those. It will make the trips much more enjoyable and much less frustrating. For bedding and kitchen, shop places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods. Target can be a great source for dinner/drinkware that is unbreakable and attractive at a good price, especially as we move into summer and they stock up on outdoor dining stuff.
"That said, from the living side of things, don't "settle" and choose equipment and furnishings cheap just because "it's for camping"."
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Agreed! That's what I meant by "RV unrelated" sites. ;) A very short list of a few of the sites I've used:
Restaurant Supply | Restaurant Supplies Store (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/)
Cutlery and More | Wusthof Knives, All-Clad Cookware, Le Creuset, J.A.... (http://www.cutleryandmore.com/)
Marine & Boat Supplies Since 1928 | Fisheries Supply (http://www.fisheriessupply.com/)
Rockywoods Fabrics | Fabrics & Findings For Your Outdoor Gear & Garments (http://www.rockywoods.com/?gclid=CPzZ8tvKutICFcOOfgodaAsKLA)
http://www.therainshed.com/
http://tweetys.com/
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/
https://www.gcioutdoor.com/
http://www.niteize.com/
The beat goes on........! :D
This thread looks like it could be a candidate for the "Helpful Links" section?
That said, from the living side of things, don't "settle" and choose equipment and furnishings cheap just
because "it's for camping".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I've always used what I considered good quality cookware, but a few months ago, I started using a large frying pan that I had tucked away and forgotten. It opened up a whole new world of doing a few of the stir fry-type dishes that we are so fond of. For some reason, I thought I couldn't live without having two of those pans, so I set out to find another one.
Totally by chance, I received an email touting the Calphalon line of pans, and there was a convincing video. So I ordered one. It was grand. Soon it had stablemates, and then, and then . . . As Michelle recommends, I wanted the same quality for the Lazy Daze. I reasoned that I cook the same way in the Lazy Daze that I do at home, so why not make it as easy to do, as well?
An incredible bonus is that they sear and brown things to a "turn", and then clean up practically by just looking at them - a great bonus when water is a precious commodity.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
A friend has a Calphalon 10" fry pan/skillet; she likes it. It would not work for me because the handle is 9" long. Maybe the newer pans have shorter handles and better balance?
"A friend has a Calphalon 10" fry pan/skillet; she likes it. It would not work for me because the handle is 9" long. Maybe the newer pans have shorter handles and better balance?"
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Yes, the handles are fairly long, and probably unwieldy for use in tight quarters. For the 12-inch size, I got the model with the two looped handles for the Lazy Daze, and a regulation-handled one for the kitchen at home. I really like the 12-inch size as there is plenty of air and flat space for stir frying - an incredible improvement over my beloved cast iron skillet. These pans brown and cook unbelievably well, putting the cast iron to shame. They ARE heavy, though, so it there are weak wrists involved, I would NOT suggest using these pans as it would be easy for them to get away from you in a small space. When using the included glass and metal lids, the overall weight is way more than normal, even when empty.
I'm willing to go to a fair amount of trouble and expense to cook on the road as easily as I do at home, as proper nutrition is a big part of our lives. I am learning late in life that best quality cookware can make life a lot easier. I had always thought that "good", but mediocre, was sufficient. I was mistaken. ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: It Started with Pork Chops
******************************
This thread looks like it could be a candidate for the "Helpful Links" section?
I had been thinking about "pinning" this thread under the Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions Forum. Thanks for the push. It is now there. Feel free to add to this list of stores/sites as time goes on.
Chris
" It is now there. Feel free to add to this list ..."
Okay Chris, how does one go about accessing this list???
" It is now there. Feel free to add to this list ..."
Okay Chris, how does one go about accessing this list???
It's permanently "pinned" at the top of the forum where it originated - Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions. On the home page, click on Forums and then LDG & D and you will see it at the top in a yellow band. Folks can keep adding to the thread as they have links to stores and sites to add.
Chris
Worked for me, thanks Chris!
"... you will see it at the top in a yellow band."
Sorry Chris, what I see there is not a yellow band but rather a dark grey band, which, at the far left hand end is a small blank page (icon) that has a red pin stuck in it. No amount of manipulation will take me to the list. :'(
That said, from the living side of things, don't "settle" and choose equipment and furnishings cheap just because "it's for camping". If you cook a lot and like to use good knives at home, buy a couple good ones for the RV. If you like down pillows, buy those. It will make the trips much more enjoyable and much less frustrating.
Travel is exhausting. Packing and unpacking, sleeping in different beds and eating foods not ordinarily consumed wears me down.
Some thrive on this way of life, unfortunately, I don't.
The exception is traveling in our MH. We have made our LD's bed is as comfortable as the one at home.
We eat mostly the same as we do at home except, when not distracted by interesting local cuisine.
The LD's kitchen is a minimized version of our home kitchen, with the same utensils, spices and staples.
Our clothes and personal items are always available. In some ways. it easier than living at home.
To make the LD more convenient and more comfortable, we have duplicated the essential items we need for daily life in the LD.
Most everything in the LD is of the same or better quality as what we use at home, it is our home when away.
RVing is hard on equipment, if you plan on owning your LD more than a year or two, it's worth it to buy only high quality gear.
Sure, it's more expensive up front but, in the long run, things will last longer and you will be more comfortable and, hopefully, happier.
That is the idea, isn't it.
Oh, this was supposed to be about suppliers.
Needless to say, I don't but much at Camping World anymore. 15 year ago, they carried a wide range of items, with a good selection of things. Now, it's a lot of off brand stuff or stuff they have made for them.
If you want a good selection of cheap stuff, head to Quartzsite.
For better gear, I use Paul's method, searching the online catalogues until I find what, them Googling the part number and name, looking for the best deal. Much of it comes from Amazon, which, when using the link, funds the forum's server fees.
It can be hard to beat Amazon Prime's prices.
Adventure RV
RV Parts, RV Accessories RV Supplies Priced Low (http://www.adventurerv.net)
Best Converter.
BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics (http://www.bestconverter.com)
Rock Auto. Mechanical parts. A good search site.
RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com)
Tire Rack. A good search site.
Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels (https://www.tirerack.com)
Larry
"...searching the online catalogues until I find what, them Googling the part number and name, looking for the best deal."
---
Ditto on this method of finding any and every kind of product and/or service; sometimes tracking down what one wants can take a while, but diligent searching (I use multiple search engines) almost always yields the prize! A tip to save time and fingers: Use accurate terminology for the part or item wanted when doing the initial search. ;)
"... you will see it at the top in a yellow band."
Sorry Chris, what I see there is not a yellow band but rather a dark grey band, which, at the far left hand end is a small blank page (icon) that has a red pin stuck in it. No amount of manipulation will take me to the list. :'(
Steve, I can't explain that. I tested it out with my wife's LDO acct, which doesn't have moderator privileges, and it appears as I have described. Can you take a screen shot of what you see and email it to my email address. If I can't figure it out, I'm sure Steve or Michelle will be able to.
Chris
"... you will see it at the top in a yellow band."
Sorry Chris, what I see there is not a yellow band but rather a dark grey band, which, at the far left hand end is a small blank page (icon) that has a red pin stuck in it. No amount of manipulation will take me to the list. :'(
That's the top of the topic (the red pin means it's "pinned"). Just use the slider on the right to scroll down to the desired post.
To see the board view and the "pinned" topics at the top, go up one level to view the board
That's the top of the topic (the red pin means it's "pinned"). Just use the slider on the right to scroll down to the desired post.
To see the board view and the "pinned" topics at the top, go up one level to view the board
Thanks, Michelle. Steve, go to the home page and click on "Forum" and then click on "Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions". You should now see the topic/thread in question right at the top in a yellowed band.
Chris
Steve, go to the home page and click on "Forum" and then click on "Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions". You should now see the topic/thread in question right at the top in a yellowed band.
You can also click on an earlier item (more to the left) of the "crumb trail" at the top of the page as a "fast track" to a higher level page . The little "House" takes you to the top level listing of all the forum categories, the same as clicking "Forum" in the menu bar.
I love my king size sleep system from:
RVSuperbag.com (http://www.rvsuperbag.com/?gclid=CIvc-oH--dMCFZNafgodrdoGTA)
I love my king size sleep system from:
RVSuperbag.com (http://www.rvsuperbag.com/?gclid=CIvc-oH--dMCFZNafgodrdoGTA)
I picked up a twin-size at Quartzsite this year. I'm very happy with it so far.
fu
Just for your info; Home Depot has 100w solar panels for $89. One day only.
Home Depot (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-100-Watt-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel-for-RV-s-Boats-and-12-Volt-Systems-GS-Star-100W/204211365?cm_mmc=hd_email-_-Confirmation_STH_BOSS-_-20171126_PP_ET_Merch_Confirmation_STH_BOSS_3086751-_-product_desc__W808879609)
I’m seeing good til December 4.
Just for your info; Home Depot has 100w solar panels for $89. One day only.
Home Depot (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-100-Watt-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel-for-RV-s-Boats-and-12-Volt-Systems-GS-Star-100W/204211365?cm_mmc=hd_email-_-Confirmation_STH_BOSS-_-20171126_PP_ET_Merch_Confirmation_STH_BOSS_3086751-_-product_desc__W808879609)
That's a great price for an American-made panel, less than a dollar a watt.
Larry
Thanks for the info, I just ordered 3
Karen~Liam
26 ~ MB
Advice re the Calphalon pans -
We ended up with 2 different sets.
My husband bought the first for our out of state home - all stainless steel. I thought it was great the first several times we visited there.
We liked it so well we later bought another set on sale for our CA home. When we got it out of the box, we discovered it has the black surface inside. MUCH better!
After using the stainless set for a year or so, it is a pain to clean. (Makes the cast iron seem like a breeze.) But the version with the black inside surface is cleaned with a swipe of the handy-dandy paper towel & a rinse... well, maybe also a drop of soap for those really oily cookings. It would work really well for the RV, even with the extra weight.
Susie
For DIY's this is a good resource for surplus parts. They do have a store in White Pigeon, Michigan. Very near the Indiana state border. They also have an ebay store. It is surplus from the Indiana RV manufacturing area. Great resource for us with older models when you want to replace a cover, plumbing parts, etc.
Bontrager's Surplus – RV and Mobile Home Supplies (https://bontragers.com/)
tlbh2o
Recently I needed to order a part, the front trim and decal for my stove. I searched, without any luck in finding it. A friend did the same. Finally, I reached out to Dyers RV. They could get the part, but it came via UPS and I am way off the grid, beyond where UPS will deliver.
Dyers said they would have the part shipped to them, then they would send it via USPS to my PO Box. That is what is being done.
This is not the first time I have used them, and it sure will not be the last. They have not always been the lowest price I could find, but they have always been the most accommodating and helpful to me. Service like this deserves to be talked about.
Ken F in WY
Ken, I've had a similar experiences with Dyer's, and agree that companies who offer good service should be recognized. As you say, they are not the cheapest, but they make every effort to accommodate a customer's needs.
Please note that I moved Ken and Joan's comments to a pinned topic which deals with "Stores and Online Sites for RV Accessories".
Chris
Thanks, Chris.
Ken F in WY