Articles

If you want to vastly improve your experience of the great outdoors, but you’re not ready to commit to a massive recreational vehicle, consider a fold-down trailer instead! While these trailers are small, they pack a lot into that space, and they’re extremely lightweight and easy to set up, making them a breeze to tow and use. Their simplicity makes them much more affordable than a standard hard-sided trailer, too! If you’re not sure whether a fold-down trailer is for you, this brief breakdown by Prosser RV here in Sturtevant should help.

NATURE IS CLOSE AT HAND
People love tent camping because it allows them the experience of being right in the middle of the natural world. A traditional RV takes that experience away with its hard walls and glass windows. If you want more security and comfort, but you don’t want to sacrifice the fresh night air and the aroma of the forest, then a fold-down trailer is a great compromise.

The entire trailer is transported while folded into its flat rectangular base, then the soft canvas or vinyl sides and roof are extended at the campsite to create an airy and comfortable living space. You’ll have a cozy bed (no more sleeping on hard ground!), an exterior kitchenette and storage space for your stuff. The windows are generally a mesh material with panels to zip over them when you don’t want as much air flow.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY CAMPING
Typical RVs can be pretty spendy due to their size. If you’re trying to pinch pennies, then those rigs might be out of your means. Fold-down trailers, though, are extremely affordable by contrast. Generally speaking, they will be less than $20,000, although you can find models that are significantly less than that!

Another financial benefit of fold-down trailers is that you likely won’t need to invest in a larger towing vehicle; most passenger vehicles can tow one, thanks to how light they are. This also helps you save at the gas pump since your fuel efficiency will be much higher when towing a fold-down trailer.

Check out the selection of fold-down trailers at Prosser RV in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, as soon as you can! Our staff will be happy to help you find the perfect solution for your camping accommodation needs. Prosser RV welcomes our customers coming from Somers as well as the rest of the greater Racine area.

Seeking a recreational vehicle that you can tow behind the car you already own? The teardrop trailer is extremely lightweight with a compact and aerodynamic design that allows it to be easily towed behind most passenger vehicles. These trailers have a very small footprint so they’ll fit on any campsite and they can be stored easily in your garage when not in use.

If you’re curious about what a teardrop trailer can offer you, then you’ve come to the right place! Your friends here at Prosser RV in Sturtevant have detailed the benefits of teardrop trailers below so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

FEATURES
A teardrop trailer generally is constructed on a steel chassis with two wheels and a bumper-pull hitch. They are anywhere from 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long. They are often no taller than 5 feet, which may present a challenge for very tall campers.

The exteriors were traditionally wood or postwar scrap aluminum, but they now may be constructed from lightweight fiberglass or other materials with better insulating properties.

Inside, you’ll find a bed, storage space for clothes and belongings, a little room to stand, a small galley (kitchen) and maybe a chemical toilet, depending on the model. Power for the lights and appliances inside may be supplied by a battery or by power hook-ups. Layouts may vary between brands, so you’ll want to look at several styles to see what might suit you best.

EASE OF TOWING
The best thing about teardrop trailers is how lightweight and streamlined they area. With dry weights generally under 1000 pounds, nearly any passenger vehicle can easily tow them without sacrificing much gas mileage. You’ll find sway is reduced with these small trailers and that it’s easier to learn how to tow with them than larger RVs.

COMPACT LIVING
When you’re traveling alone or with one other person, you may not want or need all the extra space and amenities of a much larger trailer. You also may be on a tighter budget and want to camp in comfort without breaking the bank. Teardrop trailers give you everything you need in a small, well-designed space where every square inch is maximized to its full potential.

When you’re ready to check out some teardrop trailers for yourself, visit Prosser RV in Sturtevant, serving Racine and Somers, Wisconsin. Our staff will gladly help you locate the perfect teardrop trailer for your needs!

Love camping, but tired of tents and not into towing? Enter the motorhome! These self-contained recreational vehicles can be seen traveling all across America’s highways because they’re extremely convenient and comfortable. Make your vacations more enjoyable with comfortable and spacious accommodations that feature everything you need to feel right at home, no matter how far away from home you really are!

Your friends here at Prosser RV in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, are more than happy to share a few tips for selecting a motorhome. Consider the following questions before you begin your search so you can narrow down your options!

WHICH CLASS?
Motorhomes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as you’ve no doubt noticed when driving down the interstate. There are three general types of motorhome, though, and it helps to know the basics about each one. These types are called “classes.”

Class A motorhomes are some of the biggest rigs you’ll see, resembling a bus in size and shape. Their bunks can number in the double digits, giving a large family ample space.

Class B motorhomes are much more compact. They look like a large van and are generally capable of hosting no more than two or three campers comfortably.

Class C motorhomes fall somewhere between these two size extremes, with an overhanging alcove above their driving cab that gives them a distinctive truck-like look. You’ll find some that are more suited for a few people and others that can easily host a family.

WHAT FEATURES?
Your next consideration will be the features you want. Some styles are extremely basic in terms of what they offer. Class B motorhomes in particular may have very small kitchens and compact wet baths. Class A and C motorhomes are more likely to have a roomier dry bath and can have residential-style kitchens with larger appliances.

Maybe you’ll want to look into multiple entertainment centers or extra storage options. Figure out with your family what you absolutely must have so you can immediately rule out any options that won’t work for you.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, find it at Prosser RV right here in Sturtevant. We serve the greater Racine metro area, including the community of Somers. Our staff can answer any questions you may have while touring our selection of motorhomes in every class.

If you’ve got a pickup truck and a desire to camp with it in comfort, but you don’t want to tow anything, then a truck camper is the perfect solution. These compact recreational “vehicles” don’t actually have any wheels on them because they anchor directly to your truck bed, giving you a secure place to sleep and relax when you’re out in the wilderness. Ideal for couples and solo travelers, the truck camper is a budget-friendly option.

Prosser RV in Sturtevant is your Wisconsin truck camper dealer, so we’ve provided a little more information about them below to help you decide whether they’re the right choice for you. Come chat with us if you still have questions!

FEATURES
With their small footprints and dimensions equivalent to your truck bed, truck campers are one of the smallest styles of RV available. They’re generally built with an overhang above the cab to give you some more space, and slide-outs can increase that further when you’re parked.

Basic truck campers provide you with some secure storage space and a bed. More elaborate campers can have small kitchenettes and either a wet or dry bath, or a cassette toilet at the very least. What amenities you go with will depend on your budget and your needs.

WEIGHT CONSIDERATIONS
You don’t want to choose a truck camper that is heavier and bulkier than what your truck can actually handle. Overloading your truck’s suspension can do permanent damage to it, and excess weight might also blow out a tire on the highway. It is also illegal for any vehicle to be loaded beyond its gross combined weight rating (GCWR).

That weight rating is what you should know when heading to the dealership. It tells you how much weight the truck is capable of carrying, including passengers, cargo and the camper. You should give yourself some space between the wet (loaded with cargo and passengers) and dry (completely empty) weights so that you aren’t in any danger of going over the GCWR.

Visit Prosser RV in Sturtevant to see our full array of truck campers for sale. We welcome our customers coming from Somers and Racine, Wisconsin. No matter what you’re looking for, we can help you find the right camping solution for you!

Ready to ditch the flimsy tent and make your next camping trip the best one ever? Get a travel trailer! Travel trailers are the most diverse group of RVs out there, because they differ so widely in size, shape and amenities. This can make it hard to determine which one is going to work for you and your family.

Fortunately, with a little forethought, you can narrow down your options to the perfect trailer. Prosser RV of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, has outlined some suggestions for what you should consider when choosing your ideal travel trailer. Read on to learn more!

WHAT SIZE DO YOU NEED?
Consider how many people you’ll be taking along with you. That’s how many bunks you’ll need at a minimum, but you may need an extra for a guest every once in a while. Remember that the larger the travel trailer, the stronger your towing vehicle will need to be to carry it and the more it will cost. If you’re on a tight budget and you can’t afford to buy a new towing vehicle, you may need to scale down size a bit.

HOW LONG WILL YOU STAY IN IT?
Another essential consideration for your travel trailer is the length of time you plan to stay in it. If you’re going on a weekend adventure and plan to be out most of the day, you probably won’t notice or care if you don’t have a lot of extra living room space or an entertainment center.

When you’re going on a longer trip, you’ll definitely want a bigger interior so you don’t feel cramped. You’ll also likely appreciate the extra amenities for rainy days or when you need to relax after a lot of activity. Consider how you plan to camp and factor that into your decision.

Ready to check out some travel trailers for yourself? Visit our Sturtevant location to see what we have! Prosser RV welcomes our Wisconsin customers coming from the cities of Somers and Racine.

Finally got the travel trailer of your dreams, but still searching for the perfect place to take it? The nice thing about Racine County is that it’s chock-full of great camping options that are only a stone’s throw away! Not only do we have the majesty of Lake Michigan close at hand, but the many hardwood forests in the area are ideal for camping and hiking.

Your friends at Prosser RV have listed some details below about two nearby campgrounds that are perfect for a weekend trip in your travel trailer. Both campgrounds are conveniently located within 15 miles of our Sturtevant dealership, so they’re a very easy drive no matter where you are in the area.

A few notes: reservations for each of the following campsites will need to be made with Real Racine, via the Racine County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The camping season in Racine County lasts from mid-April to mid-October each year.

CLIFFSIDE PARK CAMPGROUNDS (CALEDONIA, WI)
This 233-acre park offers you 92 full-hookup campsites with fire rings. All the campsites are capable of handling even the largest travel trailers with slide-outs, so you won’t feel cramped. Bathroom facilities are available on-site, as is a dump station.

For recreational options, you'll find a bike trail, sheltered picnic tables, basketball courts, softball/baseball fields, soccer fields and a playground. Hiking through the nearby forest is very popular here, and there’s something different to see every season. While you can hike east to view Lake Michigan, there is no beach access, so you’ll need to drive seven miles south into downtown Racine in order to access the North Beach Oasis for swimming.

SANDERS PARK (RACINE, WI)
Sanders Park is a smaller campground in a woodland setting on the southern outskirts of Racine. There are 23 campsites with fire rings, and most of them offer water and power hook-ups. Bathroom facilities are available, too. A beautiful two-mile-long nature trail through a 20-acre designated State Scientific Area of hardwood forest makes for a gorgeous hike or a fun bike ride with the kids!

If you’re looking to trade up your current model of travel trailer or have yet to invest in one, you’ll need to pay Prosser RV a visit. Check out our full selection of recreational vehicles for sale, including travel trailers, at our Sturtevant location.

You can also schedule maintenance on your travel trailer with our talented team of mechanics, or have them order any parts you might need. Prosser RV welcomes our customers coming from Somers, WI, to the south, as well as everyone in the greater Racine metro area!

Pulling your travel trailer along the road to the next camping site is a sure way to collect dirt, mud, bugs and all other sorts of debris. Prosser RV Outlet wants to make sure you know the best way to handle keeping your travel trailer clean in between adventures, so we are presenting just a few of our favorite tips and advice.

PRESSURE WASHING ADVICE
Pressure washers are a great way to wash your RV, if used properly. A pressure washer will quickly strip off dirt, grime, and bugs, however they can also strip the finish off of your trailer, peel away decals, rip away seals, and cause water intrusion into the structure of your RV. When washing your RV with a pressure washer, always keep the nozzle around a foot away from the RV, and sweep the stream horizontally starting at the top of your RV and working down. If you try and use vertical passes with the pressure washer, you'll probably wind up pushing dirt back up the body of the RV which will waste time and water.

WASHING THE ROOF
Washing your RV's roof should be your first step when you decide to wash your trailer. There are two types of roofs on most RVs, each with different cleaning methods, so equip yourself properly before you start. If you choose to pressure wash your roof, use care around protrusions like your AC unit or the tank exhausts, as the seals around these components can be easily blasted away if you're not mindful.

RUBBER
Rubber has long been a standard for RV roofs. While these are becoming less and less common in new RVs, rubber roofs are still very easy to find. Rubber RV roofs are made of a 'flaking' material that naturally erodes so the roof can remain flexible, unfortunately, this flaking leads to dirty streaks of white or black running down the side of your RV. You can wash your roof using rubber roof cleaning supplies (come in and see our service department if you need help finding these) or a pressure washer. Don't use sealants on rubber roofs, they'll degrade the material and prevent it from flaking naturally.

FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass RV roofs are becoming more and more common. Many RV manufacturers are using these in lieu of rubber roofs because of their increased durability and ease of care. If you're washing a fiberglass roof you can use most normal automotive cleaning supplies.

WASHING THE BODY OF YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER
Not all travel trailers are created equal. Over the years different manufacturers have used plenty of different types of materials to make RVs, but the most common are metal, and fiberglass, so we'll focus on cleaning tips for these.

METAL RVS
Painted metal RVs are easy to wash, as you can use most of the same chemicals or products that you would use on your car. The major caveat here is that the overlapping metal siding of these RVs is vulnerable to water intrusion from a pressure washer, so if pressure washing is your preferred method of cleaning you will need to keep the nozzle farther away from your RV than normal, a minimum of about 1 ½ feet.

FIBERGLASS RVS
Older fiberglass RVs are typically unpainted, with a few flashy (and usually faded) decals. The fiberglass itself should be washed using an RV wash and wax product which are made specifically for these fiberglass materials. When pressure washing, make sure you avoid the decals, or they'll peel off in no time. If your fiberglass trailer is newer, it may be fully painted with clear coat on the top, these should also be washed using RV cleaning products, however you can get away with automotive products in most cases.

GASKETS AND SEALS
The gaskets around your RV's windows have a pretty rough life. These rubber components are exposed to the heat, cold, and sun day in and day out. To make sure these are able to provide the tight seal and solid fit you want, spray your gaskets with a silicone based spray once a year or so to protect from UV degradation, and keep the seals supple.

WHEELS AND RIMS
Your wheels need love too, so here are cleaning tips for the three most common types of rims you'll find on an RV: painted, aluminum, and chrome. Painted metal rims can be cleaned with standard automotive cleaning products, but should be waxed once a year, keep an eye out for rust and corrosion. Aluminum rims should be cleaned using specific aluminum cleaning products for best results. Chrome rims should be cleaned using chrome cleaning products and a mechanical buffer. If you're using the wrong brushes to clean the chrome you may strip off the protective coat on the rim and blemish the finish, so if you have questions about getting the right product come in and talk to our expert service department.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you on the road to getting your travel trailer clean and ready for your next trip, but if you have any questions or are in need of supplies come meet our friendly staff at our dealership proudly serving the cities of Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; as well as Chicago and the Northern Illinois region!

While many RV manufacturers spend time trying to fit in more and more bells and whistles, Aliner understands that camping is better when kept simple. Our awesome selection of Aliner Trailers and pop-up campers are an ideal way to get out and camp in an RV without having to bring along the unnecessary distractions of day to day life. Prosser RV is proud to offer a great range of Aliner products for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of a well made travel trailer. Prosser RV is near Racine Wisconsin, and Kenosha and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Waukegan and Chicago, Illinois, serving the area of Northern Illinois.

ALINER SCOUT TRAILERS & POP-UP CAMPERS
The Aliner Scout is built for true back to basics camping. These affordable, lightweight travel trailers are a perfect option for those who aren't looking for the fully stocked amenities of an RV, but still want to have a hard wall between themselves and the great outdoors. The Aliner Scout is made in one simple floor plan which you can pack and utilize as you see fit. The Scout comes with a solar ready port, if you want to take power on the road, as well as an electrical outlet so you can bring any necessary electronics with you too. The 4" cushions offer a cushy alternative to sleeping on the ground, and the LED interior lights mean that you don't have to pack it in as soon as the sun goes down. Weighing in at just over 1,110 lbs. the Scout is easy to tow in almost any vehicle.

ALINER RANGER TRAILERS & FOLD DOWN CAMPERS
The Aliner Ranger is a balanced approach to the same lightweight design as the Scout. The Ranger 10, for instance, is available in two floorplans, which offer minimalist amenities for those who can make do without. The Ranger 10 is fitted with a sink, fridge, and a 2 burner stove. The fridge is a compact 1.9 cu.-ft. Just big enough for a weekend of groceries for two. Easy to tow ranger is equipped with electric brakes, with a breakaway switch, front and rear diamond plate guards, an exterior shower, and a fiberglass walls for a light, sturdy towing profile.

ALINER CLASSIC TRAILERS AND FOLD DOWN CAMPERS
The Aliner Classic is the next step if you're not quite satisfied with the minimal layout of the Scout. The Aliner Classic is equipped with extra storage space, a dual burner range, a sink, and a refrigerator. These simple amenities go a long way to provide some extra comfort, and reliability when you travel. The 11 gallon freshwater tank lets you bring along your extra water for dishwashing, while the three electrical outlets give you plenty of places to plug in your appliances or devices. Constructed with the same lightweight standards in mind, the Aliner Classic has a dry weight of just over 1,500 lbs, making this thoroughly equipped camper a perfect choice for anyone who needs a lightweight travel trailer with just the right amount of equipment.

Whether you're looking for the simplicity of an Aliner Scout, the comfort of an Aliner Ranger, or the excellent versatility of the Aliner Classic, there is plenty to love in the back to basics packages offered by this one of a kind RV manufacturer. Come in and visit us at Prosser RV and we'll be happy to show you these wonderful trailers up close so you can imagine all of the adventures you can have in one of these awesome RVs. Prosser RV is proud to serve Kenosha and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as Waukegan and Chicago, Illinois, from our location near Racine, WI. Come in and see us today and you can leave with a smile on your face and an Aliner travel trailer in tow!

Having an RV in tow is an awesome way to travel and see the country, but making sure you can tow your trailer or fifth wheel confidently and safely is critically important. Prosser's Premium RV Outlet has put together a list of tips and considerations to keep in mind when you're heading out on the road so you can have a safe and successful trip. If you have more questions, you can always come in and see us at our dealership near Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee, WI; serving the areas Waukegan and Chicago, and all of Northern Illinois.

MATCHING YOUR TOW VEHICLE AND RV
>

While you may think that a Half Ton truck is the obvious investment for RVing thanks to better fuel milage, you may find that you're limited in your choice of RVs. Make sure that when you're choosing a trailer you factor in the capabilities of your truck.

Tongue Weight

With a traditional bumper pull trailer (like a travel trailer), you need to make sure that between 10 and 15% of the trailers load is supported by the hitch. An equalizing hitch can help to put some of the trailer weight on the front axle for a more balanced load.

>SAFETY CHAINS
>

Criss cross your safety chains under the hitch to make an X. This way, a dropped hitch will be caught and carried on the chains instead of diving straight into the road, giving you precious seconds to get over to the side.

>TIRE PRESSURE
>

Make sure your tires stay at the maximum recommended pressure. A tire pressure monitoring kit can help you keep an eye on all of your tires at once if you feel it's worth the investment, otherwise be vigilant and check before each day of travel. Towing your trailer with properly inflated tires will save you headache, and improve fuel economy.

Tie Downs

Before you even take off you double check your tie downs, but put a few miles on the road and no matter how tight those straps were, they've loosened up and shifted position. Make sure that after a few miles you double check your tie downs to make sure they're going to hold your gear for the length of the trip.

>HOLDING TANKS
>

If you want to cut some serious weight off of your travel trailer, don't hit the road with your holding tanks full. Wait to fill your freshwater until you're close to your destination, and make sure grey and black tanks are empty before transit.

>BRAKES
>

If your truck and trailer brakes aren't working right, you're in for a dangerous ride. First make sure that your brakes are in good shape with a service appointment. Before your trip you can check your brakes by sliding the brake controller lever over about an inch (you'll feel your brakes actuate). Hold the brakes on for a few seconds, and make sure both are working equally by checking the heat with an IR thermometer.

>BEARINGS
>

Get some synthetic wheel bearing grease and load it into your trailer bearings. This should be an annual maintenance ritual. Keep your bearings happy and you'll have much smoother sailing down the road.

Hopefully this quick list of tips and tricks will help you have a safer more satisfying drive the next time you hitch up your trailer and head out. If you have questions, need some help with your RV maintenance, or are looking for RV parts to make towing easier, come in and see us at Prosser's Premium RV Outlet near Racine, Kenosha and, Milwaukee, WI; serving Waukegan, Chicago, and all of Northern Illinois.