Blog Archives - Page 2 of 9

How to Stop Rodents from Chewing Car Wires

October 7, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

While most people don’t like to think about them, and they usually stay out of sight, rodents are never far away. These little critters can cause a surprising amount of trouble, including what they can do to the wires in your vehicle if they start chewing away. If you see signs that rodents have been hanging around near your vehicle and potentially snacking on your wiring system, you’ll want to come up with a plan right away to put a stop to this activity.

One possible way to keep rodents from chewing on your vehicle’s wires is to park in an enclosed space that is free from little critters. At Carport Kingdom, we make it easy – and affordable – to add such a structure to your property. Whether you want an enclosed garage or a traditional open-sided carport, we will be happy to serve you. Experiment with our Build & Price tool today and remember that you are always welcome to contact us if you need help.

Why Do Squirrels Chew Wires?

At first, it doesn’t make a lot of sense that little critters would be interested in chewing wiring in your vehicle. What are they after? Wiring is not a food source, obviously, so this behavior seems a little strange. While we can’t know for sure, it’s likely just because they are looking for something – anything – to chew on. Critters like squirrels deal with teeth that are constantly growing, so as a result, they need to be constantly chewing to keep those teeth at a proper length.

The Appeal of an Engine

While the chewing of wires might be a little odd, the attraction to the area around your car’s engine is not. This is a sheltered, warm place, so critters will naturally be drawn to it – especially during colder parts of the year. And, once some critters get used to spending time in this space at night, it’s likely that they will come back again and again. They might even leave little bits of food under the hood, or even build a small nest.

A Good Starting Point for Prevention

One of the best ways to stop rodents from chewing on wires in your vehicle is to use that vehicle regularly. The critters aren’t going to be able to get too comfortable if the engine is started up and the vehicle moves at least once or twice a day. This will prevent them from making it a home, even if they do come by from time to time at night. So, if you have a couple of vehicles in your driveway but tend to use one more than the other, try rotating more often so they each get used and no little animals can establish much of a permanent home.

Make the Wires Taste Bad

To a human, wiring would already taste bad without taking any further steps. But that’s not the same story for squirrels, rats, and other critters. So, to make those wires less appealing, consider buying a spray that is designed for just this kind of problem. There are plenty of options on the market, and you can find them in many automotive stores. You’ll simply spray the product onto the wires as described in the directions, and with any luck, the critters will no longer be interested in chewing. This isn’t a fool-proof option, to be sure, but it could do the trick.

Other forms of deterrent include using cayenne pepper around the vehicle, or placing mothballs strategically in openings to create an unwanted smell. You might have to experiment with various deterrent solutions before you get to something that does the trick and keeps the critters away night after night.

Eliminate Nearby Habitat

One other thing to think about when dealing with this problem is what might be drawing critters to the area near your vehicle in the first place. Is there some garbage that has been left out, or maybe a pile of leaves or branches that they are hiding in during the day? If you clean up your property and take away their hiding spots, it’s possible that the critters will leave the area and will no longer be around to bother your vehicle.

Keep the Critters Away with Carport Kingdom

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of trying to use some of the ideas above, turn to Carport Kingdom to create an enclosed parking structure on your property. With a sturdy metal garage, you’ll not only have a way to keep rodents away from your car, but you’ll also have a space that can be used for storage, projects, and more. Experiment with our Build & Price tool today and remember that you are always welcome to contact us if you need help.

How to Protect Leather Car Seats from Wear

September 29, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

Having leather seats in your car is a wonderful luxury. The feel and comfort are hard to match which explains why it remains one of the most attractive features for car buyers. With that said, caring for leather can be a chore, but it’s worth it knowing that you can extend the life of your vehicle’s interior and keep your car looking its best. Read on for a guide to caring for leather seats. And if you’re searching for a way to protect your car from the sun when you’re parked at home, remember to explore our custom carports. Our free Build & Price tool is a great place to start.

#1 Take Cover

When it comes to the condition of your leather seats, the sun is your primary enemy. Too much direct sunlight leads to dried-out leather with cracking, fading, and other issues. Do what you can to limit how often your vehicle is sitting out in the sun and baking on the inside.

One of the best ways to do that is by parking in a covered spot. Adding a carport somewhere on your property is a huge step toward giving those leather seats the care they deserve. Fortunately, our carports are affordable, easy to customize, and can be installed quickly once the order arrives.

As a nice side effect of parking under a carport, you will also be protecting your vehicle from many other harmful elements beyond the sun. In the winter, rain and snow will be kept off of your vehicle, and it will be protected from falling items like branches in a storm. These issues might not directly impact the health of your leather seats, but they are still threats to the overall condition of your vehicle, so the carport will serve you well throughout the year.

#2 Keep It Clean

Another good step to take for the condition of your leather seats is to keep them as clean as you can. It’s easy to lose track of this point in the busyness of day-to-day life, but simply vacuuming off the seats regularly will prevent buildup from degrading the condition of the leather. Try to make it a habit to quickly vacuum off the seats each weekend and you’ll be left with seats that stay in good condition far longer than they would have otherwise.

#3 Tint & Shade

Parking under a roof like the one at the top of a carport is a great way to block the sun from harming your seats, but that isn’t always possible. As an alternative, look into other methods to keep the sun off your seats, such as tinted windows or sunshades. These options will greatly reduce the damage that the sun can do to your seats, and they are both simple and affordable. Consider keeping a sunshade in your car during the hot summer months and simply unfold it under the windshield when you are parked out in the open on a sunny day.

#4 Condition Periodically

Applying leather conditioner to your seats is something that you don’t need to do as often as cleaning the seats, but it is a useful step that will improve their long-term health. To get started, be sure to clean the seats thoroughly first, using a product that is designed specifically to clean leather. Then, when the seats are dry, apply the leather conditioner and follow the directions on the package to complete the process.

Is caring for leather seats a little more work than what it takes to care for cloth seats in a vehicle? Sure – but it’s worth it. Once you understand the game plan for how you can keep your leather seats in good shape, you’ll realize that it doesn’t actually take that much effort and you’ll be rewarded with comfortable, long-lasting seats that you can enjoy each time you slide in behind the wheel.

And remember, if you’re considering adding a carport to your property as a covered parking spot for your favorite vehicle, explore the free Build & Price tool at Carport Kingdom. If you have any questions, contact our team. We hope to serve you soon!

How to Fix Paint Scratches on Your Car

September 16, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

The paint on your car has two important jobs. First, it keeps the car looking great day after day. With a quality paint job, your vehicle will look nice and will be a source of pride – especially after a fresh wash. But paint is not only about aesthetics. Beyond the visual, paint also helps to protect the condition of your car. It keeps water away from directly contacting the metal, which could lead to corrosion. So, maintaining a solid layer of paint around the vehicle will go a long way toward both keeping the car looking great and maintaining its condition over the coming years.

When the inevitable scratch damages your paint job, it’s helpful to know how to address that issue promptly. In this article, we’ll provide some basic instructions on how to fix paint scratches quickly and easily. And, if you are interested in avoiding some future scratches, consider adding a carport or other metal building from Carport Kingdom. You can start with our Build & Price tool and you’re always welcome to contact us directly with any questions.

Identifying the Type of Scratch

The first task you need to address is determining what kind of scratch you are facing. While you will get better at this task with experience, you should be able to make a pretty good determination even on your first try. To help you get started, we’ve broken down car paint scratches into three general categories –

Deep scratch

This is a paint scratch that goes all the way down to the bare metal of the vehicle’s body below. It generally requires a pretty significant event to cause a scratch this deep – so you won’t be dealing with this big of an issue simply because you drove too close to a tree in your driveway and gently brushed some branches. While these kinds of scratches are uncommon, they are also very difficult to fix. Most likely, you’ll need to get professional help to properly fix a scratch that has made its way to the bare metal level.

Medium scratch

In this case, your scratch has made it down to the paint, but not through to the bare metal. A moderate impact is needed to scratch your car in this manner, such as when someone opens their car door into your vehicle on accident. Scratches at this level may be able to be repaired on a DIY basis, but that will depend on the size of the area affected. A small scratch that goes down to the paint is much easier to fix than one that runs along an entire side panel.

Surface scratch

With any luck, this is what you will be dealing with more often than not. A surface scratch is one that has only impacted the clear coat layer that protects your paint – but not the paint itself. With the right supplies – more on that in a moment – you can easily repair these kinds of scratches and repair the health of your clear coat.

Addressing Surface Scratches

If you determine that your scratches are only in the clear coat layer, you’ll need to pick up a few supplies and you can get started on the fix right away. Here’s what you’ll need –

Rubbing and polishing compound
Clean towel
Scrubbing pad

You can pick up all of these items at your local auto supply store, and none of it should be very expensive. Start by using the rubbing compound on the scrubbing pad, and work it over the affected area in a circular pattern. Then, wipe off the area and move to the polishing compound to repeat the process and create a nice shine. As long as the scratches were as light as you believed, the area should look much better and you can wrap up the project.

More Advanced Repairs

When dealing with scratches that go down into the paint and below, you are going to need more supplies – and more effort – to get good results. And, as mentioned above, you might not be able to fix all scratches on your own. You’ll be much happier with the results you get fixing serious scratches if you simply take the car to a body shop to be fixed up.

The big differences here as opposed to above are that you’ll need to sand down to the paint level and you will need paint that matches the body of your vehicle. On that second point, look in your owner’s manual for a paint color code that you can use to shop for some appropriate touch-up paint. If you can’t find it in the owner’s manual, some online searching for your car’s make, model, and year should reveal the info you need.

For sanding, get a very high-grit sandpaper – perhaps around 2,000 – and go over the area in a circular motion to work your way down to the paint level. Then, the touch-up paint can be used, and the compounds can be applied to hopefully create an appealing shine in that area of your vehicle once again.

Prevent Scratches from Happening in the First Place

Fortunately, if you’re dealing with scratches, there are some simple solutions that should have your car’s paint in better condition in no time at all. After you go through the trouble of repairing them, remember to do your best from letting them happen in the first place.

When shopping, park in places that may be a little further away from the store. Most people aren’t willing to walk, so that means fewer car doors hitting your own. And of course, remember to consider an enclosed carport made by Carport Kingdom. Gone will be the days of cats nesting on the roof of your car or incidents with unwanted items making contact with your vehicle. Learn more about our carports today and remember to explore our free Build & Price tool. We hope to serve you soon!

How to Build a Man Shed

September 3, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

When you hear the word shed, you probably think first about a place to store your rakes, shovels, wheelbarrow, and other yard tools. Or, you might even use a shed as overflow storing from the house, using it to hold boxes that don’t have anywhere else to live. While practical, that’s not exactly exciting. Things are different with a man shed, fortunately.

The idea here is to create a space that is all your own and is perfectly customized for whatever you have in mind. Adding a so-called “man shed” to your property is a great way to indulge in a favorite hobby or pastime without using up space in your house or existing garage. In this article, we’ll get into some of the details of how to build a man shed. Of course, you’ll need a building to serve as the shed in this equation, which is where Carport Kingdom can come into the picture. Explore our free Build & Price tool to see what’s possible.

Establishing Your Concept

The first step in how to build a man shed doesn’t require any tools at all – it only requires you to sit down and think about what exactly it is that you want to create. For some people, this is obvious. You may have had an idea for a man shed in mind for years and you are finally getting the opportunity to make it happen. If that’s not the case for you, however, this list of ideas below may help to get the wheels turning.

Reading and writing. Man caves don’t have to be flashy, loud, or even exciting – you might choose to simply create a comfortable, quiet place to engage in peaceful hobbies like reading and writing. With a comfortable chair, a nice desk, and some soft lighting, you could create an area that you’d love to return to time and again for a peaceful retreat.
Project space. Do you love to build? You might opt to create a man shed that is customized perfectly to your favorite types of projects. Whether it is small-scale woodworking, painting, electronics, or other types of crafts, this new shed could become your oasis for that time of creativity.
Game room. This might be one of the most popular applications of the man shed idea. You could outfit your space with a game table, a few chairs, and whatever else you need to play the games you love with family and friends. If your games are low-tech – like playing some poker or other card games – you’ll need little more than the table, seating, and lighting. On the other hand, if your idea of fun games involves a video game console and a large screen, some additional tech is going to be required.
Sports hangout. If you love to spend evenings and weekends watching your favorite sports teams, creating a fan space to kick back and enjoy the games is another appealing option. You’ll need a TV and electricity for this option, as well as some way to tap into cable or streaming services, so think this portion out carefully before you get started. Also, the décor in your sports hangout can be customized to represent your favorite team’s colors – and some comfy seating is probably on the menu, as well.

The ideas above represent just a small fraction of the many possibilities for this space. You might decide that you like one of these options, or you might want to blend a couple of them to create a more flexible space that can serve multiple purposes. Take your time to gain clarity on what you would like to use this space for and then move on to bringing the project to life.

Some Practical Considerations

It’s pretty easy to just sit back and dream about the possibilities of what your man shed could become one day. It’s harder, however, to take concrete steps toward making it a reality, as the restrictions that come with the real world tend to get in the way more often than not. So, somewhat, unfortunately, we need to stop here and talk about the practical side of how this project will take shape.

Some of the points below may cause you to rethink your original plans and ambitions so they can be adjusted into something more realistic. Among the key considerations at this point include the following:

Space available. This is a big one – you can’t build a huge man shed if you only have a small portion of your property to work with. Right from the start, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly how big your shed can be and then use that as the basis of your planning process. Of course, you don’t have to use up every available square inch in the finished design but start by determining the maximum size for your shed and pare it down until you are left with a footprint that makes sense for your needs.
Even on a property you own, there are likely to be rules in place that govern at least some of what you can do. Remember that you can’t necessarily build right up to the property line, as many areas will have setback restrictions that require you to stay at least two or three feet away from that line. Consult any relevant building codes or HOA rules before getting too far into the project. The last thing you want to have to do is take down or move your shed after finding out later that you’ve overlooked an important restriction in your area.
Comfort in the shed. Don’t forget to factor in space to move around comfortably in the shed when coming up with your design. It’s easy to get carried away with various ideas for what you want to pack into the space – and pretty soon there is hardly any room left to walk around without bumping into something. This should be a relaxing, enjoyable space, and you’ll struggle to relax if there is something in your way at every turn.
Project timeline. Depending on where you live, there are likely to be certain times of the year that are better for taking on this kind of project than others. Specifically, if you live in a northern climate with harsh winters, it’s probably better to plan out the construction of your new shed after the snow has melted and the ground has thawed. Getting your timeline organized right from the start can help you avoid any unwanted headaches along the way.

As with so many projects, the devil is in the details when creating a plan for your man shed. Go through all of the various factors that are likely to impact this endeavor so you can sidestep future issues and see this all the way through to a successful conclusion.

Growing Into the Space

You don’t need to have a complete vision for your shed on day one of the project. Yes, it’s important to consider the factors we’ve talked about so far in this article, but don’t get so bogged down in the details that you never even get started. Instead, come up with a solid plan that you know will work, and keep it simple at the start. It’s perfectly fine to gradually grow into the shed over time and allow it to adapt to your needs and wants.

Also, you might find that it’s cost prohibitive to create your dream space immediately without any delay. You’ll need to purchase the shed itself, do some site prep, and then fill it up with the various items that will make it perfect. That’s quite a bit of spending to do all at once, so consider having the shed built and adding just a few items as a starting point to get the project off and running. Then, as time passes and your budget allows, you can purchase new elements to add to it and enhance the experience.

Expert Installation Included

One of the great things about ordering your new shed from Carport Kingdom is that the expert installation of this new structure is included with that order. You don’t need to worry about having your tools all ready to go when the shed is delivered, as we’ll assemble it and make sure it’s all ready for the next steps. That way, you can hit the ground running and take on the more exciting task of molding the interior of the shed into exactly what you would like it to be.

Thank you for taking the time to consider Carport Kingdom. As a leader in this industry, we take great pride in the quality of our structures and the value we offer to our customers. Take some time today to play with our Build & Price tool to see what you can create and what features you can add to your shed to make it ideal for your needs. Don’t wait any longer to bring this dream project to life!

How to Protect RV Decals

August 2, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

The decals on your RV are a big part of the overall appearance of the rig. If you take a lot of pride in how your RV looks while you travel, you’ll want to know how to protect RV decals carefully to keep the trailer or motorhome looking great for years to come. Read on for your complete guide!

Remember, one great way to protect your RV as a whole – including the decals – is to park it under an RV carport when not in use. To customize your own RV carport, explore our free Build & Price tool!

Protecting Your Investment

If you buy your RV new, you’ll immediately note how beautiful the exterior is, and how it seems like it is ready for whatever the road has to offer. And, most modern RVs are indeed built to an impressive quality standard. But nothing lasts forever, and it won’t be surprising to see peeling and fading from your RV decals as the miles start to add up.

Caring for the decals is a matter of pride in the appearance of your RV, as well as a matter of protecting your investment. If you may want to sell the RV after a few years of ownership, keeping it looking great will help you get top dollar. Even if you aren’t thinking about a future sale right now, it’s always going to be in your best interest to keep your RV in optimal condition.

A Basic Starting Point: Wash

You can start protecting your RV decals by simply washing the RV from time to time. Washing an RV is a bigger task than washing a typical passenger car, so you might be tempted to just skip it. While you don’t necessarily need to do a full washing after every trip, try to make sure the rig is washed a couple of times per year, and perhaps more if you use it often. This will make the whole RV look great, and it will protect the condition of the decals as well as many other components.

Make sure you use proper caution when washing your RV to avoid any dangerous situations. Instead of climbing a ladder, consider getting a scrubber brush with a long handle to keep yourself safely on the ground while washing. Also, if you feel uncomfortable with any parts of the RV washing process, consider taking your rig to an RV dealership or repair center that offers washing as one of their services.

Addressing the Decals: Wax

You might be able to protect the condition of your decals with a coat of wax that will make it harder for the elements to get in and damage their condition. This works best when you have glossy decals on the side of your RV – it might not be as effective when matte decals are used on the rig. With that said, always test any wax or detailing product on a small, discreet section of decal to see how it will work before doing the whole thing.

When you do apply a protective product to the decal, never use aggressive, rough application techniques that might pull up the edges of the decal. Losing the connection between the edge of the decal and the RV is the fastest way to have that decal start to peel off in the months and years ahead.

Keep it Covered

If you are currently leaving your RV out in the open with no protection while it is parked, upgrading that arrangement is one of your biggest opportunities to care for the decals. While we’d obviously suggest an RV carport, you could even get started by purchasing an RV cover to place on the rig while you are in between trips.

Create Your Own RV Carport

We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to protect RV decals! As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated about caring for your RV decals, but it is a task that you should put on your to-do list.

As a reminder, carefully consider the addition of a metal RV carport on your property, as this will not only provide great protection for the decals but the rest of the rig, as well! If you’re ready to start building, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool.

Does Sun Damage Car Paint?

July 22, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

Most people don’t think much about their car’s paint after they drive it off the lot. Sure, you think about the color of the vehicle when shopping, but after you buy the car or truck, the paint quickly turns into an afterthought. That is until it starts to show signs of damage, and suddenly it’s something you’ll be paying attention to once again.

Does sun damage car paint? In this article, we’d like to talk about what the sun can do to your car’s paint as the years go by. To protect your vehicle today, you can start by exploring our free Build & Price tool at Carport Kingdom.

The Simple Truth

While it can be a dream to go for a long drive on a beautiful sunny day, the sun’s rays are powerful and can do damage over time. Knowing what kind of damage the sun can do and how you can limit it is important for any car owner.

Over time, the sun is going to do damage to the paint on your car. It’s just that simple. The UV rays that are directed toward the earth by the sun are going to take a toll on the paint, and it will not remain in like-new condition for very long. That doesn’t mean that the paint is instantly going to fade and start to peel on the first sunny day, but every minute spent out in the sun is going to continue the process of degradation.

So, how much time do you have to enjoy the sparkling, shiny new paint on your vehicle before the sun does its work? That will depend greatly on where you live and what the weather conditions are like day after day. Also, it depends on your habits and how you care for the vehicle. It might be just a few years before you start to see noticeable fading, especially if you live in a hot and sunny area. For those in cooler, cloudier climates, the paint might hold out for more than a decade before it starts to show much damage.

Taking Preventive Measures

No, you aren’t going to win the battle against the sun in the long run – the opponent is just too powerful. You can delay the sun’s victory, however, by taking some preventive measures to slow down the rate at which your paint is damaged. Here are some ideas –

Park Under Cover. Without a doubt, this is the most powerful thing you can do to protect your vehicle from the sun. When not on the road, park your vehicle under a roof of some kind to keep the sun from beating down on it hour after hour. If you have a garage, that would make for a great place to park, but a carport works just as well. Not only does parking under a roof help to protect your paint, but it will also offer some comfort advantages, like allowing you to get into your vehicle without it being scorching hot on a summer day.
Regular washing. If you get into the habit of keeping your vehicle clean through consistent washing, you may be able to hold off paint damage for a while. When your car is dirty, small little scratches can develop that will help the sun’s rays get through the clear coat and all the way down to the paint itself. It’s best to wash the car by hand, if you can, instead of going through a commercial car wash that uses harsh techniques and might do more harm than good.
Add some wax. You can think of waxing your vehicle as adding a layer of defense between the paint and the sun. Yes, this adds some time to your car care routine, but it will pay off in the long run in terms of your vehicle’s appearance. You might start this routine as a way to guard against the sun, but you’ll soon find that you also enjoy it because of how great your vehicle looks after fresh wax is applied.

Get Covered at Carport Kingdom

To summarize, yes – the sun can damage car paint. Does that mean you need to keep your vehicle out of the sun at all times? Of course not, as doing so would be impractical, but you can take steps like parking your vehicle undercover to help the paint remain in good condition for as long as possible. Remember to explore our free Build & Price tool, and turn to Carport Kingdom for a reliable metal carport and give your vehicle a perfect spot to call home.

Why Is My Car Paint Peeling?

July 20, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

Your car’s paint is the most prominent feature of the exterior of the vehicle. If your vehicle is going to look great, you need paint that looks great – and that won’t be the case if it is peeling off the sides. Why does car paint peel? And what can be done about it? Let’s dive into those questions below!

One way to protect the condition of your vehicle for the long run is to park it under a carport day after day. To add a durable metal carport to your property, explore our free Build & Price tool!

Understanding Car Paint

It’s no surprise that car paint faces significant threats once it leaves the dealership and heads out into the world. Tough conditions are a foregone conclusion for vehicle paint, from adverse weather to debris on the roads and more. So, with that in mind, car manufacturers take steps to protect the condition of the car’s paint for as long as possible.

This is largely accomplished through the use of a clear coat. A clear coat is a layer of protection over the top of the paint that keeps it safe – at least, for a while – from the harms that await when a vehicle is used day after day. Modern clear coats, when applied properly at the manufacturer or by an experienced automotive paint shop, offer impressive durability and excellent results. This is why so many cars on the roads today continue to look great as they rack up the miles.

Nothing Is Forever

The clear coat system to cover paint on vehicles works great, but it will gradually fade and lose effectiveness over time. There are a couple of specific reasons for this decline in performance –

Damage from the sun. The sun is extremely powerful – to state the obvious – and the rays that beat down on your car will eat away at the clear coat eventually. This is a slow process and it happens more in some climates than others. If you live in a hot, dry place, you’ll likely see sun damage to your clear coat far quicker than someone who lives in a cooler, cloudier northern climate. Of course, keeping your vehicle out of the sun as much as possible will go a long way toward slowing down these effects. So, parking it under a carport or in a garage is a great way to get a longer life span out of your clear coat and the paint it protects.
Damage from objects. Another way to experience a decline in your clear coat protection is to have some form of damage impact the vehicle. For instance, if a small rock hits the car and chips away the clear coat, there will be a hole in the coating and that hole can be used by the elements to start chipping away at the coat and peeling the paint. If left alone for very long, this spot will likely expand and get worse as time goes by.

Improve Your Odds

While it is true that nothing lasts forever, there are steps you can take to prevent your paint from peeling, or at least to slow down that process. We already mentioned the fact that parking in a covered area is a good idea, so make that a priority if at all possible. In addition to keeping your car out of the sun while parked, consider these other tips –

Use wax. Periodically waxing your vehicle is a great way to add another layer of protection and keep damaging elements like the sun from getting to your paint and wreaking havoc. With a little bit of practice, waxing your vehicle becomes a relatively easy task that you may even come to enjoy.
Don’t go to commercial car washes. The aggressive techniques used in a commercial car wash will likely mean trouble for the outside of your vehicle. Instead, do your best to keep up with regular washings at home, where you can do the job by hand and treat the vehicle with care.
Repair any damage. If your vehicle is hit with something that chipped away the clear coat, look into having that damage repaired right away so it doesn’t become an issue moving forward.

Protect Your Vehicle at Carport Kingdom

Dealing with peeling car paint is a frustrating issue, but it can be tackled. Once you address the repair work that is needed to make your car look great again, think about adding a carport to help avoid this issue from popping up in the future. Explore our free Build & Price tool today to get started!

How to Live in an RV Full-Time

July 11, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

RVs rose to their current place of prominence in America primarily as vacation machines, but with the rising cost of living across the United States, full-time RVers are becoming increasingly popular! If you’re exploring this new lifestyle, read on to learn more about how to live in an RV full-time.

Embracing a somewhat nomadic lifestyle while significantly downsizing your physical possessions has so many benefits. If you decide that full-time RVing is right for you, remember to protect your most valued asset an RV carport. Start your journey with our free Build & Price tool to customize the perfect homebase for your RV.

Have the Right Mindset

Having the right mindset before transitioning to full-time RV life is essential. It’s important to understand that living in an RV doesn’t mean that you are permanently on vacation. Your life will still have the ups and downs that it already has, and there will be tough times along the way. If you go into the RV life expecting nothing but fun and excitement, you are sure to be disappointed.

That doesn’t mean that this can’t be a wonderfully rewarding way to live. But it isn’t always going to be easy and it’s important to understand that from the start. If you are focused on the big picture of what this can mean for your life, while knowing that struggles are inevitable, you’re already off to a good start.

Finding the Right RV

A big part of your success with this venture is simply finding the right rig to live in. If you go too small, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable and stressed when you can’t find space for things you need. On the other hand, an extra-large RV is more expensive and might stop you from accessing some cool places that have size limitations.

There is no one right answer here, so take some time to think about the space you need and what you can afford. When in doubt, consider starting smaller with the possibility that you will move into a larger RV later on—much like purchasing a starter home.

Secure the Right Job

There are costs with living out on the road just like there are costs associated with living in a traditional home, so you’ll need money available to pay for what you require. Unless you are retired and have an income stream available through something like a pension, you must have a way to work and earn money while living in an RV. At this point, there are a few options:

Stay put. No rule says you have to be constantly traveling while living in an RV. You could choose to live in your rig while mostly staying in one geographic area and working a standard job.
Remote work. More and more jobs can be performed remotely, as long as you have an internet connection. If that’s possible in your field, talk to your employer about making this change a reality.
Save up. You might also choose to work hard for a while to save up as much money as possible for a date in the future when you can step back from employment and enjoy your life out on the road.

Other Important Factors

Some of the other key points you need to think about include how you will handle kids and pets if you have them. It’s certainly possible to live the RV lifestyle if you have kids and/or pets, but there are more variables to keep in mind and sort out before you get started.

You really can’t do too much planning when considering this kind of major life change, so write as many things down as possible and list out all of the matters you need to settle before hitting the road—for example, schooling.

Find Your Homebase with Carport Kingdom

We hope this guide on how to live in an RV full-time was helpful! After all, it could be just the type of life-changing move you need.

If you decide to settle on a home state for RV living, remember to protect your most valuable asset with the help of an RV carport. Explore our free Build & Price tool at Carport Kingdom to get started!

5 of the Best Luxury RV Accessories

June 27, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

When you buy a new RV, it will typically come with everything you need to set off on an enjoyable trip. All the basics will be there – but that doesn’t mean the rig can’t be upgraded with some luxury RV accessories that take it to an even higher level. Picking out just a couple of key accessories can go a long way toward giving your RV that luxurious, high-end appeal that makes it a comfortable place to relax at the end of a busy day.

While it might not be considered “luxurious”, we think that having an RV carport is also an important accessory. By using our Build & Price tool to create a carport that fits perfectly on your property and suits the needs of your specific rig, you can keep the RV out of the elements and protect its condition for years to come. Contact us today if you have any questions about how you can add an affordable, durable carport to your property.

1. An Inflatable Hot Tub

That’s right – a hot tub for your RV. Well, you probably won’t be able to put the hot tub in the RV itself, but setting it just outside could make for a great experience on your next trip. With an inflatable tub, you won’t have to take up much storage room when packing, and you’ll be able to deflate back down to a compact size when you are finished.

Of course, this accessory is going to require a power source, so it’s not worth packing if you are going to be boondocking for your upcoming outing. Also, you will need to have access to clean water and plenty of it – even a compact portable hot tub demands quite a bit of water to get filled up properly.

2. High-End Folding Chairs

Folding chairs have a bad reputation – and deservedly so, in many cases. A cheap folding chair is hardly a comfortable place to spend time, as they typically have hard seats and an awkward seating position. If you take some of these cheap chairs with you on a trip, you might set them out in front of the RV – but you’ll probably pass on hanging out in this area more often than not.

This is a shame, since spending time outside with family and friends is one of the best parts of RV travel. To make your outdoor space more appealing while camping in an RV, consider investing in some quality camping chairs that deliver comfort on par with what you’d get inside your home. You might need to spend a hundred dollars or more on such chairs, but they can serve you well for years if maintained properly.

3. A Dishwasher

For an RV accessory that will make life on the road far more convenient, it’s hard to beat the addition of a dishwasher. While it’s possible to have one built into your rig, you can also purchase units that are meant to be used on the countertop. You won’t be able to load this type of dishwasher down with as many plates and utensils as a typical residential model, but it can still be a huge help when you are trying to clean up at night. Before you buy this accessory, take some measurements in your RV to make sure you have a convenient place to put it while in use.

4. Fire Pit

Sitting around the fire is one of the best parts of camping for many people. However, you won’t always find yourself in a place that has a fire pit available for you to use, so why not bring your own? At this point, you’ll have two distinct options – you can purchase a propane fire pit and bring along a bottle of propane to run it, or you can get a smokeless fire pit unit meant to be used with an actual wood-burning inside. Either one can work beautifully, so think about which would be a better fit for your travel habits.

5. Water Filter System

The water you have available to you while on trips might not always taste great – and it might even be a bit questionable as to whether or not that water is safe to drink. With a high-end water filtration system that purifies your water supply before it reaches your glass or bottle, you can more easily stay hydrated along the way.

Upgrade Your RV at Carport Kingdom

You may not be interested in all of the luxury RV accessories we listed in this article, but hopefully at least one or two will entice you to take a closer look! Between adding some accessories that go with you when you travel, and adding the carport to your property that will serve as a comfortable home for your RV, you’ll be set up nicely for years of memorable exploration.

Explore our free Build & Price tool today to get started!

4 of the Best Sprinter Van Roof Racks

June 24, 2022/in Blog, CK /by clickgiant

Sprinter vans are excellent for taking trips or even settling into the van life for the long haul. Either way, you will find that your Sprinter van makes a comfortable, relaxing home base, even if it doesn’t offer a tremendous amount of storage space. But if you’re looking to up your storage space, look to the roof. The addition of a quality roof rack gives you additional room to store your things without crowding up the interior of the van. Read on to discover some of the best Sprinter van roof racks available today. Picking out the right roof rack not only makes traveling easier but also more enjoyable!

And for those times when you aren’t traveling, consider using an RV carport from Carport Kingdom to protect your van and keep it out of the elements. View our free Build & Price tool to explore the customization options we have available. Contact us today to learn more!

Picking the Right Rack

Before we dive into specific racks, let’s talk about some key points to keep in mind as you shop.

Quality matters. You are asking your roof rack to do an important job – to keep your things secure as you travel down the highway – so you don’t want to skimp on this purchase and end up with a product that you can’t trust. Investing in a quality product is a decision that pays off for years to come.
Think of the future. Even if you only have relatively modest cargo requirements at the moment, think about opting for a bigger model so you have room for more gear later on. Spending a bit more now on a bigger cargo rack is better than having to buy an entirely new rack in the future.
If you have crossbars on the top of your van, you should have little trouble installing a rack. If not, it will be necessary to explore other options such as an adaptor that will give you a secure mounting option.

#1 – Arksen Cargo Roof Rack

When picking out a rack, make sure that the one you order will fit your van nicely; that’s easy to do when you select this Arksen model. There are four different sizes available, so it’s almost certain that one of the available sizes will be a good fit for your needs. Also, some additional accessories can be added to your purchase, helping you to customize the rack so it can hold everything you plan to carry with you.

#2 – Thule TracRac Van 3 Bars

Not all roof rack solutions have to be full baskets or crates to hold your stuff. Sometimes, a few simple bars across the roof will do the trick, and that’s what you’ll find in this product from the respected Thule brand. Each of the three bars that go across the van from side to side features sliding stops so you can adjust the fit to secure your items properly. Also, with a whopping 750-pound capacity, this system is suitable for heavy gear.

#3 – Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack

Another one of the top names in this market, the Slimline II Roof Rack from Front Runner deserves close attention. You’ll enjoy a load capacity of 660-pounds, durable construction, and plenty of sizes to pick from. This is the kind of roof rack you can trust if you plan to explore places well beyond the end of the main roads, so consider this heavy-duty gear for your most challenging explorations.

#4 – MaxxHaul Universal Steel Rack

For a rack that is easy to install and will offer you up to 150-pounds of capacity, be sure to check out this option from MaxxHaul. You’ll find that there are two sizes available to consider when making your purchase, and the installation process uses U-bolts to keep things simple. For durability, a powder-coat finish is applied to the product. One other bonus is the light overall weight of the product – at just 25-pounds, you should have little trouble installing it by yourself.

Make the Most of Your RV

Adding a roof rack is one of the best ways to upgrade your Sprinter van. Given the relatively modest cost and easy installation process, you’ll wonder why you didn’t opt for this feature sooner.

Along those same lines, you’ll also wonder why you waited so long to add an RV carport to your property to protect your van while it’s not in use. Reach out to Carport Kingdom today to get started on this project!