Author: clickgiant

6 of the Best Man-Shed Ideas

Posted on August 11, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

Man doing wood work: the best man-shed ideas

Have you ever dreamed of creating a man shed that can serve as a place to call your own? Or maybe you’d like to surprise your significant other with this type of space as an unforgettable gift? Whatever the case, it can be hard to think of the perfect idea for a man shed space that will be used day after day for years to come. Read on to discover six of the best man-shed ideas!

If you’d like to use a metal shed for this project, remember to turn to American Carports, Inc. for that piece of the puzzle. Our metal buildings are durable, affordable, and easy to customize thanks to our free Build & Price tool. Start building today!

#1 – A Project Space

When you first think of a man shed, you might think about somewhere that you’ll be able to simply sit down, relax, and enjoy some of your favorite passive activities. And, to be sure, that is a great option for this type of space – and there will be some of those types of ideas listed below.

But that’s not the only kind of man-shed idea that is worthy of your consideration. As an alternative, you could build a project space that will serve as a dedicated location for you to take part in your preferred hobby. For example, if you enjoy woodworking, or would like to learn woodworking as a hobby, you could dedicate your man shed to that endeavor. That’s just one of many possibilities, however, as you could use your shed to make room for nearly any kind of building, crafting, or repairing endeavor.

One thing to keep in mind when thinking about developing a project space is that you’ll need to have the right utilities available in the shed to work successfully. If you need electricity, for example, keep that in mind and plan for it as part of the budget for the shed project. You may also need a water supply, depending on what you’ll be doing. These kinds of requirements aren’t deal-breakers for an idea, but remember to consider all elements before diving in and getting started.

#2 – Build a Collection

Do you love to collect items from a specific brand, or within a general category? If you consider yourself a collector, there is nothing better than having an ideal space to gather up all of those things and display them to be enjoyed by yourself and others. It’s often difficult to fit a collection in your home, and others in your house might not share the same enthusiasm for these items. By making your man shed space for the collection, you get to keep the things you love without impacting others in the house negatively.

As you plan out your shed, keep in mind the needs of your collectibles so you can make sure the space is suitable for their display. Some items will be sensitive to dramatic weather changes, for instance, so insulation might be necessary to keep the items in good condition. Also, do what you can to design the shed in such a way that you’ll be able to still get inside and enjoy the collection once inside. If it is so packed that you can hardly walk around, it will be tricky to use it as a relaxing space, and you won’t be able to show anyone else what you’ve accumulated.

#3 – Get Fit

A man shed is a great place to assemble some workout equipment with the goal of getting or staying fit. Whether you have long loved to work out regularly, or if you are hoping to make this a new hobby to improve your physical conditioning, having a space that is used specifically for this purpose will make your fitness goals a little easier to achieve.

The floor is a key component in a workout area, so be sure that yours is ready to handle the punishment that it might take. Even if you aren’t going to be lifting – and dropping – heavy weights inside the gym, there will still be the weight of workout equipment to support, as well as you running or jumping up and down. To make it more likely that you’ll use the shed for as many workouts as possible, consider including some creature comforts like a means of entertainment or some insulation to regulate the temperature.

#4 – Home Base for a Hobby

Our first idea was to use your shed as a workspace where you can engage in a favorite hobby. This time, we are going to focus again on a hobby, but this time it takes place outside of the shed and likely off of your property. So, you’ll be using the shed as something of a storage area where you can keep all of the things that you use for this activity, and while maybe reserving some space to do basic maintenance or cleaning so you are ready to go each time you head out for a new adventure.

Fishing is a great example of the type of hobby that could be served well by such a space. If you love to fish, you already know that there is a lot of gear associated with that activity. You’ll have fishing poles, lines, lures, weights, and much more. You might even have a small personal watercraft like a kayak to get out onto local lakes. With a carefully-designed shed, you can make a home for all of your fishing gear and you’ll always know where it is and be able to access it promptly.

#5 – It’s Game Time

Do you love to play games? A man shed is a wonderful place to make a game space that can be shared with family and friends. The types of games you choose to put into the shed will depend on what you like to play, of course, as well as how much room you have available. A sizeable shed could serve as a nice home to a pool table, while a smaller space can accommodate something like a dart board or a pinball machine.

In addition to the games, you’ll want to design your game shed such that it is a comfortable place to relax and hang out. Some soft chairs and a small fridge, for example, would go a long way toward encouraging you and your friends to use this space as often as possible. Don’t forget to include some decorations to give it a personal touch.

#6 – Slow It Down

In a world that seems to only move faster and faster, finding a place to slow down and relax is not always easy. By dedicating your man shed to a slower way of life, you’ll always have a place to go when you want to cut off the noise of the outside world and take a deep breath. Whether you want to use this space to read some interesting books or just to be alone with your thoughts, intentionally minimal design will help you make this man shed one of your favorite places in the world.

What it means to slow down and find a moment of peace will mean something different to you than everyone else. Think about what it is you would like to do when you have some time to escape to your man shed and how you would like that time to be different from the rest of your day. It would make sense to include a comfortable chair and a small table – but you might not choose to put much else in the shed. You’ll even want to keep the decorations on the minimal side to avoid creating too many modern distractions that will pull your mind away from the relaxed state that you are seeking.

Start Building Your Shed with American Carports

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best man shed ideas. By now, we bet your wheels are turning in overdrive with all of the possibilities for this new space. Take some time to sort through your favorite ideas until you develop a finished vision that you just can’t wait to bring to life. For a metal shed that will serve as the home for your new man space, reach out to American Carports, Inc. today! Explore our free Build & Price tool to get started.

How to Protect Your Car from Rust

Posted on August 2, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

Uncovered car parked outside with rust: how to protect your car from rust

For most people, owning a car means parking it outside. If you don’t have a garage – or enough available space in your garage for a vehicle to park – you’ll be leaving it out in the elements day after day. That can work out okay, but some issues may come up over the years, especially in rough climates. One of the most serious issues you can face due to weather conditions is rust. Read on for a guide on how to protect your car from rust.

As a great starting point, consider investing in a carport for your property so you can park under a roof and keep the vehicle dry when not in use. Explore our free Build & Price tool to get started!

Protect the Paint

If you want to protect your car from rust, the first thing you need to do is protect the paint on your vehicle. Why is the paint so important? Simple – it’s the paint, and the clear coat over the paint, that is doing the job of protecting the underlying metal from rust. If holes develop in that protecting coating, moisture will have the opening it needs to get in and start to oxidize the metal.

So, fighting against rust is really a matter of making sure the exterior of your car remains in good condition. For starters, if you see any damage to your paint job, don’t just ignore it and think it’s only a cosmetic issue. Even if you don’t mind the fact that the paint looks damaged, you’d be wise to have this spot fixed because it will restore the protective layer that your vehicle uses to keep rust at bay. Every once in a while, walk around your car or truck slowly to look for signs of damage to the paint and have repairs performed if you notice any problems.

Car Washes Are Important

It might be surprising to find out that getting your car wet can help prevent it from rusting, but that’s exactly the case. When you wash your vehicle regularly, you remove dirt and small bits of debris that could gradually damage the paint – and lead to the issues we were talking about above. With consistent washing, the exterior stays free from build-up and you’ll be less likely to run into problems with your paint and clear coat as the years go by.

On the topic of car washing, consider doing it by hand if at all possible. Yes, driving through a local commercial car wash is convenient, but it’s also a harsh way to wash the vehicle and you might wind up damaging the exterior slightly as a result. It doesn’t take particularly long to wash a car or truck by hand, and the supplies to do so are relatively affordable. Collect a small kit of car washing supplies and get into the habit of performing this task regularly.

Refresh the Protective Layer

When a vehicle drives off the dealership lot, it has a clear coat over the paint that protects the paint job and the metal beneath. Over time, however, that clear coat is going to diminish, and the protection will be reduced. You can build back up this protective layer by waxing your vehicle’s exterior. That’s right – waxing your car is about more than just making it look great, although it will do that, as well. By waxing the car once or twice a year by hand, you’ll restore some protection and help stave off rust for as long as possible.

Park Under a Roof

We hope you enjoyed this helpful guide on how to protect your car from rust! We mentioned this point in the introduction, but it’s worth reiterating here – parking in a protected spot will go a long way toward caring for the condition of your vehicle over the coming years. Parking in a garage is a great idea, but parking under a carport will do largely the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re ready to protect your vehicle, explore our free Build & Price tool to get started!

Working and Living in an RV Camper: Where to Start

Posted on July 22, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

Profile view of an RV camper: working and living in an rv

It’s easy to understand the appeal of working and living in an RV. With the freedom of exploring the countryside always close at hand and the reduced expenses associated with this living arrangement, your life can be instantly transformed. With that said, making the switch to this type of lifestyle can be intimidating, and you’ll want to have a detailed plan in place before getting started. Read on to learn how to start working toward this kind of lifestyle!

And once you’ve found your home base for your RV, keep your RV covered with American Carports. Our free Build & Price tool is a fun way to create a design that is perfect for your RV!

Secure the Right Work

Before you think about working and living in an RV, first and foremost, you need to make sure you have the right kind of career. Specifically, you’ll need to have a position that can be performed remotely most – if not all – of the time. If you have to go into a physical office in a specific location day after day, you won’t be able to extract value from living in an RV.

Also, the space you have to work will be limited in an RV, so take that into account. Most people who live and work in a camper need nothing more than a laptop to perform their duties. If you need more equipment, it might not be possible to handle your job successfully while living on the road.

Acquire a Suitable RV

If you don’t already own an RV, the next step will be buying something that is going to serve your needs on the road. Factors to consider include the following –

  • How many people? Will you be living the RV life on your own, or do you have a significant other to consider? What about kids, or pets? This is the biggest factor in the type and size of RV that you purchase.
  • Account for extra room. An RV that you are going to live and work in will almost certainly need to be larger than an RV that you just travel in for occasional vacations. You’ll have more things to keep on board, and you’ll want a little extra space to spread out.
  • Determine a reasonable budget at the start of the process and then do what you can to find an RV that stays within that limit while also meeting your needs.

You don’t necessarily need to purchase a brand-new RV to make this transition, as plenty of quality used RVs are available on the market. The budget you have available will go a long way toward determining whether a new or used model is a better fit.

Plan Smart Destinations

To be able to travel and work, you are going to require certain things like internet access and the ability to plug into a power source. That means, most of the time, that destinations deep in the woods won’t be as suitable as RV parks and campgrounds that are developed with some modern amenities. Pay specific attention to the quality of internet service at various places – even if a given campground has Wi-Fi, it might not be good enough for your work to be completed.

Start with a Trial

If you currently own a home, don’t dive too deep into this process before testing out the waters. Consider taking a month or so away from home to live and work in an RV to see how it goes. Is the lifestyle everything you thought it would be? Can you see yourself and your family doing this permanently? Everything comes with pros and cons, so it’s best to test it out and see how it goes before making too many decisions that you can’t easily reverse.

Stay Covered with American Carports

Is transitioning to working and living in an RV going to be right for you? Only time will tell! If you are interested in this possibility, learning as much as you can about the subject is a great place to start. We hope this article has been helpful.

Remember to explore our free Build & Price tool when you’re ready to create a home for your new RV!

 

How to Fix Sun-Damaged Car Paint

Posted on July 20, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

A red car parked in the sun: how to fix sun-damaged car paint

Cars are meant to be used outdoors. As the years go by, the conditions that vehicles encounter outdoors are sure to take a toll – and perhaps nothing will do more damage than the sun itself. As the sun’s rays beat down on a vehicle, the paint bears the brunt of the damage and it may start to look worse for the wear.

Read on to learn how to fix sun-damaged car paint. Also, to protect your vehicle from incurring so much sun damage, consider parking it under a carport from American Carports, Inc. You can easily customize a structure to fit your needs using our free Build & Price tool.

 

Identifying Sun Damage

Before you can work on fixing sun damage, you need to be sure that it is sun damage you are dealing with in the first place. The classic sign of sun damage is fading of the paint color over time. For example, what was once a bright red tone on your vehicle might start looking like a lighter, aged shade of red. Most likely, the fading paint is something you will notice gradually over time, as the tint of the paint slowly changes under the force of the sun.

You may also wind up dealing with peeling paint issues as another sign of sun damage. This is a more advanced stage of damage, so you’ll hopefully be able to act on this issue before reaching this stage. Either way, whether your paint is just fading or has also started to peel, it will be time to get to work on some effective fixes.

Getting to Work

When you are ready to work on fixing this issue, so your car can sparkle once again, consider following the process below. You may need to modify this process somewhat depending on the condition of your vehicle’s paint and what supplies you have available, but this should be a good starting point.

  • Give it a great wash. This process always starts by getting your vehicle as clean as possible. There are a couple of options available to you on this point – you could wash the car at home in your driveway, or you could take it to a commercial car wash facility. Either way can work, but the most important thing is that the car is very clean before you move on to performing any more work.
  • Clay bar rub. With a clean – and dry – car to work with, the next step is to use a clay bar to rub the vehicle and clean off anything that didn’t come free during the washing stage. When you buy a clay bar, it will come with some lubricant to use with it. You simply spray the lubricant on any spots that need attention and then use the clay bar to rub on the faded areas.
  • Rubbing compound. If you would still like to make more progress on the faded paint after using the clay bar, you’ll move on to bring a rubbing compound into the mix. This is a product you can find at an auto parts store. You can think of rubbing compound kind of like liquid sandpaper – it is going to agitate the surface of the vehicle when it is applied. Use a circle pattern to work the compound onto the vehicle and aim to develop a hazy look across the surface of the paint.
  • Buff it out. Finally, take out a clean microfiber towel and buff off the compound that is remaining on the vehicle. It will take a bit of elbow grease to work all of the compounds off to finish up this job.

You might be surprised to see just how much better your vehicle looks after going through the steps above. There will be some effort involved, but in the big picture, the improvement you can get in appearance for just a modest amount of time invested will be more than worth it.

Protect Your Car with American Carports

We hope this guide to how to fix sun-damaged car paint has helped! If your vehicle has already accumulated some damage, the tips above can help you improve the way it looks quickly and easily. Looking forward, think about adding a carport to your property to protect the paint and the rest of the vehicle from the havoc that Mother Nature can wreak. A metal carport is a durable, affordable way to improve your vehicle’s future. Start building your customized port with our free Build & Price tool today!

 

3 of the Best Ideas for Fall RV Road Trips

Posted on July 11, 2022 by - Blog, Informative

Aerial view of an RV driving down a scenic road with colorful fall foliage: three of the best ideas for fall rv road trips

With changing colors, cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, and more, fall is easily one of the best times to travel in the United States. There is still plenty of great weather to enjoy, but you won’t be as likely to deal with the searing heat as you would be in the summer months! If you’re ready to plan your next getaway, read on to discover three of the best ideas for fall RV road trips!

Of course, when you aren’t off on a great adventure, it’s helpful to have a good place to park your RV where it’s protected from the elements. Achieve just that by adding an RV carport from American Carports, Inc. to your property. Design your personalized structure by using our free Build & Price tool!

 

1. Explore the American West

Whether you live near the West Coast or would consider driving across the country for this kind of trip, there is nothing quite like exploring this side of the U.S. Here, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For the nature lover, the West is an endless playground with beautiful attractions like the Pacific Coast Highway, the rugged Pacific Northwest, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and more. There is no way you could see everything the west has to offer in a single fall trip, but you could make a master list and start to check off destinations one at a time over the coming years.

Given the tremendous size of the western states, good planning is essential for this kind of trip. For instance, you might decide that this fall, you are going to check out the Pacific Northwest, including highlights such as Mt. Rainier in Washington and Crater Lake in Oregon. You can then plan your route accordingly, and work on securing places to park your RV at night. Then, on a future trip, you could organize a California adventure and hit some of the highlights in that great state.

2. See the Leaves

We couldn’t put together an article about fall RV trips without discussing the foliage in the Northeast. If you have long wanted to see the leaves change – as so many people do each year – taking your RV along for the journey is a great option. The Northeast is not as wide open and spacious as the west, so careful planning and choosing your destination wisely is essential. As a general rule of thumb, do your best to stay away from the big city centers of places like New York City and Boston.

Instead, stick to smaller towns and quiet country roads where you can enjoy the fall leaves without feeling like your RV is too badly out of place. Timing can be tricky to see the leaves at their peak, so keep track of the weather and be ready to head out quickly when the conditions start to change from warm summer days to cool fall nights. The countryside of Vermont or a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, are both excellent options!

3. A National Park Tour

The National Parks of the United States are one of the top attractions this country offers, and fall is a great time to visit some of the best. Specifically, consider planning a fall trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, as these two stunning destinations are often crowded in the summer but quiet down when fall arrives.

Yellowstone is located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming, while Glacier is found in Northern Montana running up to the Canadian border. At Yellowstone, discover world-famous geysers, amazing waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and more. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place that you have to see for yourself to appreciate.

In Glacier, the dramatic landscape will take your breath away, along with incredible wildlife to watch for as you travel. For both parks, check on size limitations for certain roads, and find RV spots ahead of time so you aren’t stuck without anywhere to park at night.

Find Your Homebase with American Carports

We hope these ideas for fall RV roadtrips have helped inspire your next getaway! When you’re ready to find a home for your RV, remember to turn to American Carports. Start your journey by using our free Build & Price tool, and create a homebase that is perfect for you.

Essential Tools You Need for Your RV Camper

Posted on July 5, 2022 by - Blog

Tools on a table: essential tools for your RV camper

Traveling in an RV comes along with a lot more responsibility than a simple trip where you stay in a hotel or rental home. RV owners need to be able to deal with a range of issues that might come up along the way, and that’s why we compiled this list of essential tools for your RV camper.

Stocking up with the right tools for your adventures is always a good idea. And if you’re looking to further protect your investment, American Carports, Inc. is here to help. Explore our free Build & Price tool to create a durable, affordable, and customizable RV carport with all the features you need.

A Basic Set of Essential Tools for Your RV Camper

For starters, you should have a standard set of hand tools that you can use for various tasks in and around the RV. You might already own a set of these kinds of tools for your home, so you could choose to take that set with you – or you might decide to buy a small set that will live only in your RV.

There are plenty of pre-made kits available for this purpose, or you could opt to buy individual tools on your own to create a custom set. Either way, make sure your kit hits on all of the basics including:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Some standard wrenches in various sizes
  • A set of socket wrenches
  • A pair of pliers or two.

In addition to these common tools, also add in anything that you know you might need based on the specifics of your RV and what you might need to use along the way.

Work Accessories

In addition to the tools above, it’s a good idea to have accessories that will make work easier and more comfortable. Two great examples of items in this category are:

  • A pair of gloves: With gloves, you can protect your hands from minor cuts and bruises while working, and you’ll avoid getting them too dirty (which can be frustrating when camping if you don’t have access to hot water).
  • A headlamp: By having a headlamp available, you’ll be able to easily light up dark parts of your RV that might be hard to see when performing a fix.

Other Options

The two categories available aren’t negotiable – all RV owners should have a good set of tools and some accessories to make life easier. Additionally, you might want to consider the items listed below as options to take with you on your travels if they relate to the issues you sometimes face.

  • Hitch lock. Plenty of RV owners travel without using a hitch lock, but this accessory is worth considering if you often park your RV in busy places and are away from it for longer periods. Adding a quality hitch lock will make it very difficult for anyone to connect their vehicle to your trailer and drive away.
  • Walkie-talkies. This is one of those affordable upgrades to your RV setup that will start to pay off on your very first trip. If nothing else, you’ll want to use your walkie-talkies when trying to park your RV, as you can have one person doing the driving and another person outside giving directions. Most likely, you’ll find more uses for these than just parking, and you will wind up reaching for them over and over again as you travel.
  • Battery jumping pack. It’s easy to take your RV batteries for granted – until they are dead and can’t get the job done while you are out in a remote area. Investing in a good battery jumper will give you a backup plan in case of a surprise dead battery, and you might also choose to put it in your regular vehicle when not traveling in your RV.

American Carports Has You Covered

You don’t have to travel with a massive tool chest in your vehicle when you go on RV trips, but these essential RV tools are smart to have on hand. By investing a bit of money now to collect the right tools, you can be sure that you are prepared for many different issues that could pop up on your travels.

Of course, if you have been thinking of adding an RV carport to your property as another way to protect your most valuable asset, turn to American Carports, Inc. Explore our free Build & Price tool today to get started!

How to Make Homemade RV Wash Cleaner

Posted on June 27, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

Collection of essential oils: how to make homemade RV wash cleaner

Washing your RV is one of those tasks you probably wish you got around to more frequently. There is a certain pride that comes with driving down the road in a freshly-washed RV, and you’ll also be helping to maintain the condition of your rig for the long run when you keep it clean. To help make it more likely that you’ll keep up with this chore, and to help you get great results, this article is going to provide advice on making your own RV wash cleaner.

Beyond regular washing, another good way to protect your rig’s condition is by parking it under a cover. An RV carport from American Carports, Inc. makes for a great home for your recreational vehicle, and these structures are surprisingly affordable. See what’s possible today by using our free Build & Price tool or by reaching out to us for more information. We are here to serve you!

Different Cleaners for Different Jobs

To get started on this process, it’s important to note that you’ll probably want to make a few different types of cleaners to bring back the shine to your RV. This is necessary for one specific reason – the exterior of your RV features a variety of different materials. It’s hard to get ideal results if you try to use just a single cleaner for the whole RV since you’ll be going over so many different surfaces along the way.

If you decide to mix up some different cleaning solutions, then organization is going to be critical. You won’t want to get these things confused, so it’s important to mark your bottles or containers so you can always reach for the right one for the right job. Even if you are using all of the cleaning solutions on the same day, it’s still worth marking a container for each. Then, you won’t run the risk of getting mixed up, and you can use those same containers over and over for future projects.

General Cleaner

For most of the outside of your RV, and even some of the inside, you can use a general cleaner that will help to remove dirt and debris with ease. While you can experiment with the proportions to get something that works well for you, start by trying a mix of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. This is a good basic mixture, and you can then add a bit of baking soda for added cleaning power and something to bring a nice scent to the party.

For example, you might decide to start with six cups of water and two cups of white vinegar, which would perfectly match our ratio. Then, you could three or four tablespoons of baking soda, and maybe a little bit of citrus or essential oil that has an appealing smell. The inclusion of vinegar in this formula is the key, as it will work effectively to knock out mildew and even mold if it has begun to grow in certain areas. Just wet the RV, wipe it down with this solution, and spray it off again with fresh water.

Specialty Cleaning Solutions

Once you have mixed up your general cleaner, you might also want to get out a couple of other jars to make some solutions that will address other areas of the rig. Here are two ideas that will come in handy for most RV owners –

  • Cleaner for a rubber roof. If your RV has a rubber roof, getting that surface clean is important and will require a good plan. For this cleaning solution, you can keep things simple and mix water and dish soap in a bucket. If you have it available, add a tablespoon or two of mineral spirits to improve your results. Of course, you should always be careful when washing the roof of your RV, so don’t hurry through the process and get help if you feel uncomfortable with any part of the job.
  • Glass cleaner. Not only will getting the glass on your RV clean help it look great out on the road, but it will also improve your experience when looking out from the inside. Again here, we are going to turn to vinegar for its cleaning power, mixing it with warm water, rubbing alcohol, and a bit of cornstarch. For proportions, try 8 parts water to 1 part vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol, with just a small scoop of cornstarch added to bring everything together.

Keep Your RV Looking Its Best

Sure, making your own homemade RV wash cleaner won’t do the work of washing the RV for you, but it will help you get excellent results whenever the chance arrives to complete this task. And, by keeping your RV under a carport, you will be able to maintain the results of your wash for longer than if you left it parked out in the elements.

Get started on a carport project today by exploring our free Build & Price tool!

 

How to Remove Mildew from Your RV’s Exterior

Posted on June 24, 2022 by - ACI, Blog

RVs parked outside of a camp: how to remove mildew from RV exterior.

It’s a reality for most RV owners that their rigs will sit idle for long periods during the year. Maybe you’re waiting for better weather before you take a trip, or you simply need some time off from work to explore the world. Whatever the case, it’s common for mildew to accumulate during these idle times, and you need to know how to remove that mildew properly to restore the condition of your RV before heading out on a new trip. Read on for some basic steps on how to easily remove mildew from your RV.

To help keep your RV in good condition between trips, you can also consider parking it under a roof – such as a metal RV carport from American Carports, Inc. Explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom design for your structure. If you have any questions along the way, contact us. Our team is happy to help!

Why Should You Care?

On some level, mildew on the outside of your RV doesn’t seem like a big deal. Sure, it doesn’t look great, but if you aren’t too concerned about the cosmetics of your rig, you might think you can leave the mildew and go on about making your travel plans. Unfortunately, that plan won’t lead to a good outcome.

For one thing, mildew accumulation on your RV leads to exterior damage. When you do get around to taking it off, or when it comes off on its own, you might find that the paint has been damaged and the exterior shell has been compromised. It’s also possible that the mildew will start to work its way inside.

There is also an unpleasant odor that comes along with mildew. Even if the mildew is only on the outside, you can smell it while you are hanging out under the awning, and you might even smell it inside the RV while relaxing or trying to sleep. Any way you look at it, getting rid of the mildew promptly is your best bet.

Create a Plan

The first step involved in eliminating the mildew on your RV is thoroughly examining the rig to track down all areas of mildew that have developed. Take your time to walk around the RV, and consider using a ladder to get a closer look at the higher areas of the RV. For a large rig, use a notebook to write down where you found mildew so you can come back through and clean them up later.

With the areas of mildew identified, the next step is choosing the correct cleaning products. Here, you have a couple of options – you can purchase a premade product from an RV supply store that is specifically designed for this task. That will work nicely, of course, though it might be a little bit expensive. As an alternative, you can opt for a homemade solution such as spraying plain white vinegar on the affected areas. This is a proven, affordable method that should lead to excellent results. Leave the vinegar to sit on the surface for an hour or two, then scrub it off and rinse the area.

A Few Important Points

Before you dive into this job, remember that safety is always paramount when working on your RV. Be careful if you need to use a ladder, and find the flattest possible area to park the rig while working. Also, pick out a dry day to make sure your cleaning solution isn’t diluted before it can go to work on eliminating the mildew. With good weather on your side and enough time to work safely and patiently, you can check this task off your to-do list in soon enough. Removing the mildew from your RV doesn’t have to be a difficult job, but you do need to have the right tools and a little bit of spare time to do it right.

We hope the tips in this article on removing mildew are helpful. Feel free to reach out today for more information on the quality, affordable RV carports we have available to keep your vehicle looking its best!

How to Clean Aluminum RV Siding

Posted on June 15, 2022 by - Informative

Exterior of an RV: how to clean aluminum siding

There are few things on the road that look better than a clean, beautiful aluminum RV. And if you happen to be the proud owner of an RV with aluminum siding, you need a game plan to keep it clean and flawless. Read on for some basic tips on keeping your RV looking its best before your next outing.

Protect It from the Elements

In addition to cleaning properly cleaning an RV, one of the best ways to care for it is parking under an RV carport. To add a durable carport to your property, turn to American Carports, Inc. and our Build & Price tool. With this tool, you can create a custom structure that will fit your RV and anything else you would like to store under its roof.

Shop Carefully

Before you pull your RV into the driveway to start cleaning, you need to shop intelligently for the right products to use on the sides of the rig. While you should be able to use most general RV wash products, remember to read the label to confirm that the product is meant for use on aluminum. Also, avoid using an acid wash product to clean the sides of your RV. Although you may get pretty good results with that approach, you would also be eroding some of the aluminum, leading to eventual damage over time.

In addition to a cleaning agent, you also want to have a scrubber that isn’t going to damage the aluminum siding. Something soft without much of an abrasive surface is your best choice. When in doubt, test your scrubber on a small, out-of-sight piece of aluminum siding to see how it works before proceeding with the rest of the job.

Preparing for Great Results

The first step in the cleaning process is to perform a general wash to remove any build-up or debris present on the RV. After returning from a trip where you explored trails that were beyond the end of the paved roads, your rig could be quite dirty. Doing a pre-wash with your hose and sprayer means you won’t have to work as hard once you start applying soap and scrubbing.

If you are the type of RV owner who likes to add stickers to your trailer, you may want to remove them as part of the cleaning process to start fresh with a clean look. Consider using an adhesive cleaning product that helps remove the stickiness with minimal effort. Once the stickers are off, proceed with the actual cleaning of the RV.

Work from the Top Down

This is the same approach that you take when washing a car, but it’s a little harder to do when washing an RV. You might need a ladder to get the water and soap up to the top of the rig at the start of the washing process, working your way down as you go. If you get this backward, you’ll end up with streaks of dirt and grime that drip down onto the lower parts of the RV that you already cleaned. Get the top sections out of the way first and work your way down until you reach the level of the tires where you finish the job.

Don’t Forget to Dry

Drying off the RV after you clean it is an important step that helps you come away with excellent results. If you fail to dry the RV, you can expect streaks all around the body of the trailer and not the clean and shiny appearance that you imagined. A couple of clean, soft towels and a few minutes of work will leave you with a beautiful, dry RV.

Keep Your RV Looking Its Best

The task of cleaning your RV’s aluminum siding doesn’t have to be a long, laborious process. Using the tips above as a starting point, you can create a system that leaves your RV looking great without spending too much of your time. Of course, be sure to consider the possibility of parking your RV under a carport that is supplied to you by American Carports, Inc. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We look forward to serving you!