It’s that time of year again, when we begin to emerge from our winter hibernations and gear up for travel season. Whether you’re planning upcoming getaways, booking campgrounds, or de-winterizing your RV for the road ahead, you may be realizing that certain items could do with a refresh.
Now is the perfect time to evaluate your travel gear and start pricing out RV upgrades, so you can have them shipped and installed in time for your spring adventures. Dive into our handpicked selection below, designed to elevate your travel experience and ensure your upcoming journeys are nothing short of extraordinary.
Let's start with an essential upgrade you need to address before hitting the road: towing equipment.
Towing Equipment
For a safer and more stable towing experience this spring, consider adding a weight distribution hitch to your setup. Even if you already have one installed, it might be worth exploring an upgrade – like the innovative CURT TruTrack™.
This advanced WD system integrates sway control functionality into the design of the hitch, ensuring a smoother ride. It uses powerful spring bars to level the tow vehicle and trailer, while integrating two-position or four-position sway control to resist side-to-side movement and keep the trailer better aligned.
Ensure you can bring those travels to a safe stop by installing or upgrading your RV’s brake controller. Modern brake controllers are more precise and efficient than older models because they use an internal accelerometer to proportionally apply braking based on how quickly you're slowing down, making for smoother stopping power. Brands such as CURT, Tekonsha, and REDARC provide a range of brake controllers known for their easy installation and advanced features.
Another worthwhile RV upgrade for spring is a backup camera. Providing greater visibility on the road, at the campsite, and during parking, these cameras enhance safety – and peace of mind. Consider the Mobile Awareness VisionStat license plate mount backup camera. It features a 5.6-inch LCD colored monitor for clear rearview visibility at all times.
Cargo Management
Optimizing your RV for spring adventures involves more than just hitting the road. Efficient cargo management is paramount for a comfortable journey.
If you’re the type who likes to switch from four wheels to two when you arrive at the campsite, then maybe it’s time to invest in a bike rack. The Jack-It® Double Bike Carrier System from Lippert is a great towing-friendly solution, as it installs over the tongue jack on a trailer's A-Frame and holds two bikes securely by the wheels.
However, there are many other configurations to choose from as well, like:
- the rear-mount Swagman RV BUMPER RACK 2,
- ladder-mount Camco RV Bike Rack,
- truck bed-mount Half Nelson V-Rack from Let’s Go Aero, and
- Rhino-Rack Hybrid Bike Carrier, which pops right onto your tow vehicle’s roof rack.
Speaking of rooftop storage, if you're looking to maximize cargo space for your outdoor adventures, consider the versatility of a rooftop carrier – specifically, a soft-sided solution like the Sport Car Top Carrier from Rightline Gear.
In addition to being much more affordable than comprehensive, hard-sided boxes, this carrier can fit any size vehicle, with or without a roof rack. Also, since it's technically a cargo "bag," you can use it as handy weather-resistant storage when you get to the campsite or you can fold it down for easy storage.
Check out other great cargo management solutions available on Parts Via.
RV Appliances
As you begin taking your RV out of cold-weather storage, the wear and tear of essential appliances might become hard to ignore. That once-pristine fridge now looks a bit dingy, and the stove's loose knobs that were merely inconvenient last season now seem like a possible hazard. Spring is the perfect time to address these issues and make some RV appliance upgrades.
Every RV and camper setup is different, with accommodations ranging from bare-bones to hotel-worthy amenities. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to upgrading your RV appliances, the options are as diverse as the rigs themselves.
Whether you're looking for a compact cooler designed to fit into tight spaces or a sleek 4-door fridge to hold all the fresh food and cold beverages you could imagine, Parts Via has a solution to suit every need and budget. And don’t worry about those stove control knobs – you can find plenty of spare replacement parts to get your existing equipment back up and running.
Outside of the kitchen, consider upgrading your water heater for consistent hot showers, beating the heat with a new air conditioning unit, and exploring options for washers and dryers to keep your clothes fresh and clean while on the road. With these appliance upgrades, you can elevate your RV experience and make the most of your spring adventures.
RV Plumbing
Whether you’re planning a long road trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll want to have a hassle-free and hygienic experience when dumping your RV waste. Upgrade the way you handle the dirtiest chore in your camper by upgrading your sewer hose and connection.
Camco’s RhinoFLEX Elbow and 4-in-1 Adapter with Swivel Bayonet Fitting is a versatile and convenient accessory that makes connecting to dump stations an easy and stress-free experience. It has a clear elbow that shows you when the hose is empty, a gasket that prevents leaks and odors, and a swivel feature that makes it easy to attach and detach.
Another way to make cleaning out your RV’s black holding tank easier is to purchase an additional portable waste holding tank. These tanks allow users to store and transport waste without having to move the whole RV. By using one, you can save time and money by reducing the frequency of trips to the dump station – plus, they’re exceptionally useful when boondocking.
You can choose from different sizes and features to suit your needs and preferences. Some of the best portable waste holding tanks on the market are available right here on Parts Via, including the Camco Rhino Portable Holding Tank, the Barker 4-Wheeler Tote-Along, and the Husky Towing Products Tote-N-Stor.
With a seamless waste management system for your RV, you can turn your attention to the heart of your mobile oasis—the bathroom. Upgrading or updating interior bathroom appliances and fixtures can elevate comfort and convenience during your travels, ensuring that every aspect of your RV experience is optimized for enjoyment.
Outdoor Campsite
While the point of camping lies largely in enjoying the great outdoors, there's no reason you can't elevate the experience with some personal touches. From cozy seating arrangements to ambient lighting and convenient cooking setups, there are many different ways you can transform your campsite into a personalized oasis for relaxation and enjoyment.
Whether you're looking to grill up some delicious meals under the stars or gather around a portable fire pit for cozy evenings, Parts Via offers a variety of BBQ grilles and fire pits to suit your outdoor cooking needs. And when it comes to dining and lounging, explore our selection of sturdy tables and chairs designed for outdoor use, ensuring comfort and durability during your camping adventures.
For shelter and protection from the elements, explore our range of awnings and tents, providing shade and shelter during sunny days and rainy nights. And to keep pesky bugs at bay, consider investing in a bug zapper to enjoy uninterrupted outdoor relaxation.
With any these RV upgrades, you can personalize your camping experience and create lasting memories in the great outdoors – just in time for spring!