Grow Business Among Winter Campers with Renogy Off-Grid Products
For many RV and camping enthusiasts outdoor activities don’t need to stop in the winter months. What’s more, RV dealers with appropriately stocked parts stores can find significant profit opportunities in supporting these outdoor lifestyles with off-grid electronics that help keep adventurous campers warm and prepared for winter conditions.
We have talked to RV dealers about their winter-related business opportunities in locations renowned for abundant snow and frigid temperatures in places such as Buffalo (NY), Flagstaff (AZ) and Minnesota. The goal was to see what products are most in demand for winter activities such as ice fishing, tailgating at college and pro football games, hunting and skiing, such as the Arizona Snowbowl Resort ski resort near Flagstaff, AZ.
The RV/parts dealers interviewed helped us summarize the unique challenges of cold-weather camping, versus warm-weather outings. Very important is the fact that keeping everything charged is more difficult in cold temperatures and of vital concern when outside temperatures are sub-zero.
While winter RVing isn’t for everyone, thousands of people are out in their RVs, huts, and even tents looking to make their favorite winter activities as comfortable as possible. Solar off-grid products provide a key path to enjoying those outdoor activities more often and more comfortably. However, Nate Whittmore at Hilltop Camper in Minnesota pointed out the importance of having the heating on to prevent the battery from dying when leaving the RV. “You do NOT want a single small panel for trickle charging in such environments. It’s vital to have the right system to stay safe.”
When it comes to solar products, Renogy research shows winter RV adventurers to be most concerned about ease of use, dependability, and extended power charge time in cold weather.
Rueben Hand at Colton RV & Marine in Buffalo, NY, where football tailgating is a popular RV activity, explained that Renogy’s Lithium Pro Series self-heating batteries are big sellers in the store, so the dealership is sure to keep a good inventory during the winter, along with inverters, DC/DC inverters and battery chargers.
Larry Roske at Hilltop Camper in Alexandria, MN pointed out that in Minnesota it’s all about the demand for ice fishing cabins (basically RVs without wheels) and portability is very important along with cost-efficiency…just needing enough power to keep the refrigerator, heater and lighting on; making suitcase panels, regular panels and charge controllers most popular.
One unique new Renogy product, designed specifically for winter camping, is its unique Bifacial Solar Panels (https://certifiedoffgrid.com/bifacial-220w-sola-panel/). By having solar sensors on both sides of the panels it allows the panel to be exposed to sunlight longer when the sun is lower in the sky, maximizing exposure time and the system’s charging capability.
Of course, when it comes to dealers selling any RV aftermarket products, the bottom line is making a profit. When we asked a sample of dealers about this key factor, they said lithium batteries, solar panels (including suitcase panels) and charge controllers are the best sellers (https://certifiedoffgrid.com/solid-state-slim-battery-pre-orders/).
Jason Stout at RV COUNTRY, INC. (Flagstaff, AZ) said, “in order to sell bigger off-grid packages, we like to offer proven products that provide a lot of value for the dollar, like Renogy products.”
In conclusion, the winter off-grid power system market is far from being homogenous. Different areas of the country and different types of activity can greatly influence the type of off-grid system and products that will most benefit the campers. Regardless of location, dealers and parts stores can significantly bolster winter sales and income during the slower months by merchandising and promoting Renogy off-grid products to their existing customers and new prospects.