Camping Season is Here! Did You Know McFarlanes Offers RV Trailer Accessories?

May 31, 2023 by

Camping Season is Here! Did You Know McFarlanes Offers RV Trailer Accessories?

4 Must-Have RV Trailer Parts and Accessories Available From McFarlane's

While it is possible to camp at any time of year, most people find it more enjoyable when the weather is warm. Therefore, summer is considered the camping season, and spring is a perfect time to prepare by buying RV trailer parts and accessories and by having trailer maintenance. McFarlane's can help you with both because, in addition to providing trailer service and repair, we also sell the accessories and parts that you need, including the following essentials.

1. Surge Protector

A sudden surge in electricity could damage the entire electrical system in your RV. Every device in your camper that uses electricity could be affected. A power surge usually lasts a matter of seconds, but it could be powerful enough to render your entire RV unusable. Not only could this deprive you of priceless travel experiences, but it could also cost you quite a bit of money. RVs are not inexpensive, and the more advanced they are, the more pricey they can be.

Power surges in campgrounds can occur due to brownouts (brief power outages) or electrical storms. They can also occur if the pedestal is wired incorrectly. This can happen if the campground owner did his or her own wiring or allowed a guest to do so in exchange for a free stay. These are not best practices, but they can happen.

Improper wiring can also cause the metal frame of the RV to become electrified, a condition known as "hot skin." Coming into contact with the hot skin of an electrified RV can cause anything from a light-tingling sensation to a deadly electric shock. You can safeguard your investment, and possibly your life, with a surge protector for your RV.

2. Water Hoses

You actually need three water hoses for your RV: One to bring fresh water into the camper, one to carry away drainage from the sinks and shower, and one to act as a sewer line for the toilet. Choosing hoses in different colours helps you to tell them apart. You can choose any colours you want, but make sure to keep track of which colour matches which function.

You need to make sure that your fresh water hose is sufficiently long to reach the spigot. A length of 25 feet is usually sufficient, but you may want to carry an extra length of 25-foot hose in the colour you have chosen to represent fresh water for the few situations in which 25 feet is not long enough.

3. Levelers

It is difficult to make campsites perfectly level, and most campground owners don't bother. However, if your camper is on an incline, not only can it be uncomfortable, but it could cause damage to your RV's fridge. Most campers have absorption refrigerators, and parking on an incline can damage these over time. A leveller can even out your trailer, protecting your fridge and helping to keep you more comfortable.

4. Water Pressure Regulator

Nothing is more potentially damaging to your RV than water. If you hook up to a water spigot with pressure that is too high, it could flood your RV. As with a power surge, a flood could render your RV a total loss. You can prevent this with a water pressure regulator. High-quality regulators allow you to set the desired pressure so that it will never be more than your lines can handle.

McFarlane Trailer Sales and Service Also Offers RV Trailer Parts and Accessories

We are an Ontario trailer dealer that sells parts and accessories both online and in person. Don't give up if you can't find what you are looking for on our website. You can come in with the brand name of the part you need or a picture, and we can track it down for you.

Looking for a Bike Rack? McFarlane’s Has a Variety to Choose From

April 20, 2023 by
Looking for a Bike Rack? McFarlane's Has a Variety to Choose FromBike Riding is popular across Canada. If you like to take your bikes to new locations to enjoy new scenery or to exercise in a new spot, you might be looking for bike racks. McFarlane’s is known for trailer parts and accessories, but we have a large selection of bike racks to install on your vehicle. Here are a few things to know about choosing the right bike rack for your needs. If you still have questions, ask our experts for more details and specifics.

Roof Racks 

Roof racks come in different styles. You can find roof racks that are mounted on the roof of your vehicle permanently or you can choose a rack with suction cups that can be removed when you aren’t transporting bikes. Your bikes ride on the top of your car, which means they won’t be damaged if you are rear-ended. However, many people forget that the bikes are on top of the vehicle and try to drive into the garage with the bikes. Learning how to put a bike on a roof rack can be cumbersome, especially if you are short and the vehicle’s roof is high or if your bike is very heavy. Your vehicle may lose fuel efficiency, too. Bikes on the roof of your ride aren’t aerodynamic.

Hitch Racks 

A hitch rack is probably the most convenient method of transporting bikes, but you have to have a hitch for installation. Newer hitch racks usually fold up when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about the hitch getting damaged when you aren’t hauling bikes. The bikes won’t impact your fuel efficiency as much as being hauled on a roof rack. There’s no lifting over your head. Putting the bikes on and off the rack is very easy. The hitch rack does extend the length of your vehicle, so you do need to be aware of that when parking or backing up.

Trunk Racks 

Trunk racks tend to be popular, largely due to their affordability. However, trunk racks are not a permanent installation, so you have to remove them and reattach them each time you want to take your bikes. Trunk racks may only handle two bikes maximum. If you have a family, this style may not work well for you. Bikes are held by the top tube, so not all bikes work with a trunk rack. You also need to use caution so that the bike pedals don’t damage your car’s paint job. Don’t have a trunk? We have a selection of tailgate pads that fit pickups so your bikes are secure during your trip.

Check The Catalogue For Bike Rack Options

Start by checking out the Thiebert catalogue which has over 10 pages of different bike rack options. There is a large selection of bike racks for all types of vehicles, from cars to pick-ups, RV campers, and more. Consider how many bikes you need to haul. Think about the types of bikes you haul. If the tires are larger, such as on fat bikes, you may need a rack that can handle different shapes. You should also consider the weight of your bikes. Most racks come with a weight limit. Heavier bikes may need a different style rack.Our experts are here to answer your questions about bike racks, utility trailers or horse trailers. We know trailers and accessories. Contact McFarlane Trailer Sales to discuss new trailers or used trailers that fit your needs. Need service on your trailer to get it spring ready? We offer all types of trailer repairs and maintenance to keep your trailer safe on the road.