Virgina State Parks
It’s all about how your site feels and provides added comfort on the road.
Words by Steve Fennell
When it comes to improving outdoor living space for your RV, gone are the days of the free-standing pink flamingos and the string of patio lanterns that Canadian musician Kim Mitchell sang so proudly about in the 1980s. Nowadays, when you walk into any camping supply store or stroll among RVs at a campground, you’ll see a wide variety of stylish tarps, awnings, furniture, outdoor mats, contemporary lighting, and more.
After all, aftermarket products are unique and convenient with added value, and ramping up your outdoor living space is an easy means of providing more comfort on the road at a reasonable cost. However, it’s not only about what is available, but how your site feels and how it provides added comfort when you're miles from home.
Airstream
Sometimes less is more.
“It’s certainly worth it to enhance your outdoor living space, especially with certain products,” says Michael Walsh, RVAM Director of Sales – Canada. “As this segment of the market is always expanding, manufacturers are continually meeting the needs of RVers.”
One of the top benefits, however, is the seamless comfort from your RV to the outdoor living area. Enjoying a cup of coffee, making breakfast, preparing dinner or even running a blender during happy hour can all be newfound experiences out of doors. Throw down a quality outdoor mat and set up some plush patio recliners and you won't even need to wear shoes.
Airstream
Awnings are always a great upgrade.
Meet your Basic Needs and More
While RV manufacturers provide all the necessary storage space for food and other perishables, more designated space is always better. Several types of outdoor 12V fridge/freezers combo coolers are available, which range in capacity, features, and of course, cost. While some compact electric coolers can run as high $700 to $800 (yet they do have some pretty impressive cooling cred) other systems deliver a high level of efficiency at reasonable prices. Most also have stylish profiles to blend in with your living space and make for a great exterior addition.
“Whether you have a new unit or an older one, RVers can outfit their RV with all their necessary comforts with the bonus of having a backdrop of a national park or another relaxing atmosphere," says Walsh. “By investing in a new awning, an outdoor fridge/freezer, or lighting, outdoor living areas offer more convenience so you can go about everyday activities and not worry about having the basic needs.”
As most, if not all, new or used RVs come equipped with an awning, Walsh explains Dometic’s new Power Pro Awning (or similar awnings for other manufacturers) is a convenient upgrade. With its ability to extend or retract with its standard remote, incorporated vibrating sensors automatically retract the awning in the event of sudden winds, thus preventing damage to the canvas or other components – a great system to choose if you spend hours away from your RV at one time. It’s also a straight replacement of an existing awning since it runs on 12V power and its remote can even control the awning’s available LED lighting system.
Another great option to consider that looks great is screened enclosures or partially screened sun shades, which simply attach to the front or sides of an awning. Designs such as those from Lippert Components Inc., ShadePro or Dometic essentially give your RV an additional room (with a full enclosure design), effectively block the sun, reduce heat, and come in neutral colours to provide even more of a dry, cool space.
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Airstream
There are many lighting options available for stylish illumination.
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Boogey Lights Inc.
There are many lighting options available for stylish illumination.
Comfort
Comfort outside of your RV comes in many forms. As the tried-and-true, manufactured-wood picnic tables can serve many functions (and covers are great additions to spruce them up), aftermarket seating options such as ZERO GRAVITY-STYLE RECLINERS are popular with style, comfort, and solid construction. The material is also weather- and UV-resistant. If you want more ‘plushness,’ outdoor bucket chairs are other popular choices with lightweight designs and easy portability – simply fold it out, curl up with a good book and relax the afternoon away. However, if the conventional canvas folding chairs are good enough for your lifestyle, they are an ideal choice with lasting comfort.
What ties everything together in an outdoor living space are exterior RV mats. They give that added touch and come in a range of styles, materials, and functions. While they can offer added comfort and even trap dirt, mud, leaves or other debris, it’s best to consider one that offers UV-protection, is mold- or mildew-resistant, waterproof, and is easy to clean or dry. Some are even designed to withstand moisture, sand, or excessive heat. You will want to choose one with featured down points for those windy days – you'll be glad you did.
Dometic
One of Dometic’s popular electric coolers in its CFX series.
Light and Fire
Nothing says ambience more than a glowing fire or stylish outdoor lighting. The trick is to have enough light to safely see your way around a campsite, yet enough to offer a warm atmosphere. Factory awning lighting and the exterior lamps on an RV work well, but why not create a warmer atmosphere? The addition of rope lights, which are available in various lengths, colours, and illumination, are popular choices and can fit many exterior areas of your RV (and provide just the right amount of illumination).
Underbody lighting kits for RVs are another favored choice. Modest light colours are available, and the kits offer the right amount of illumination without blasting out your neighbor on a nightly basis with bright awning or porch lights.
Additionally, portable propane outdoor fire pits are commonly used in place traditional campfires and can also create a cozy atmosphere. Practical for almost any RV site, these propane counterparts are easy to start, woodless, emit little smoke, and are much easier to control.
Even though a comfortable outdoor living space is great to have, it’s important to remember that you need enough space in your tow vehicle, trailer or coach to bring everything along. Travel trailers and fifth wheels are perfect for this as items can be stored in many areas when on the road. Or, reserve some space in a coach’s basement storage or other designated areas. Fortunately, with a few exceptions, most aftermarket RV products are also travel-friendly. They are easy to collapse, fold-up, dis-assemble or transport, making packing or setting up quick and simple wherever the road takes you.
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Dometic
Awning enclosures also offer many benefits.
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Dometic
Canopies and other awning accessories give your site added convenience.