Snowbirds & RV Travelers Magazine Feb/Mar 2020 Back Issue

In with the New...Gear

We like this time of year. Manufacturers in all the segments of the RV and automotive industries spend countless man-hours in research and development designing, engineering, and fine tuning aftermarket products, and it’s always thrilling to see what they have thought of next. Even as many RV shows were put on hold this year, all of these products will be available either through your local RV dealer or favourite retailer within the coming months, if they aren’t on the shelves already.
Browsing the new products serves as a great reminder of the additional parts and accessories you were considering at the end of last season, and it can also trigger new ideas and concepts for specific RV projects for this season. And the real beauty
is that the value of many products almost always outweighs the cost.
While we’re not suggesting you break the bank on a new solar-power system or new lithium house batteries (both of which are good choices with a ton of value), common items like that leaking cooler, worn out lounger, or new grilling station can be replaced at a relatively low cost. Even if you do need a larger-ticketed item like a new hitch, inverter, or generator, they are well worth the investment and provide a new level safety, confidence and convenience.
One other aspect of shopping for new gear is reaping all the benefits of the new technology that’s available. There’s nothing more surprising than discovering the compact size, light weight, and energy efficiency of certain appliances, all the latest options in high quality sound systems, or the convenience of new water heaters.
When you finally pull off the cover of your trailer or motorhome after winter storage, take mental notes of some products you may need while cleaning, dusting, and re-organizing. You just might be surprised by how much convenience you can add to your lifestyle this coming season.