5 Pieces of RV Tech and Gadgets to get Excited about

It’s not a bad idea to be a pioneer in trying new gadgets and other RV tech.  Yes, sometimes you spend a lot more for just out-of-the-box treats but you can also be grandfathered in on special deals that are only available to the newest users.  There may be a great option for the traveling RVer to draw in sign-ups but will be short-lived.  So, look carefully at the new products and services offered.  There may be one special feature that makes it worth locking in the product early. Or it can be worth tracking for the optimal purchase time.

AI E-Bikes (and more RV Tech)

A lot of RVers use their getaway time to enjoy riding trails and parks around their RV campgrounds.  AI integration is a key focus for a lot of e-bike companies this year.  Some companies are creating interaction opportunities with your bike so you can receive coaching and fitness information.  The connection is voice-activated with commands, so you don’t even need to use your phone on your ride.  Utopia is one such company where you can pre-order your bike now.

Don’t expect AI to stop at your e-bike.  It will spread to all kinds of everyday items this year.

Batteries

No, I’m not writing about the 100+amp-hour batteries (house or car batteries).  RVers are making a transition over to lithium batteries for powering their RV but they don’t always think about all the items around their RV that need charging.  This is not a new tech gadget, but it is a simple one that has been overlooked in the RV industry for over a decade.  Thanks to lithium every RVer should be taking advantage of the small rechargeable batteries we use every day in everyday things. 

The first generation of alkaline rechargeable batteries was released in the 1970s.  This battery was best used with low-drain devices like remotes and flashlights. According to the manufacturers, the capacity of a recharged alkaline battery declines with several recharges, until it becomes unusable after around ten cycles.

The lithium-ion (rechargeable) battery was introduced in the 1990s.  Although it can cost four to five times as much, you can be recharged as much as ten cycles more than an alkaline battery.  They also maintain their full voltage almost to the end of their life when alkaline batteries reduce effectiveness throughout their use.  The savings over the life of the batteries is greater than disposable batteries. 

Why should an RVer be using all types of lithium-ion small batteries?

·         Weigh less.

·         Less waste generated.

·         To maintain electronics

·         Recyclable with participating retailers

·         Emergency power backup

·         Power alarm & safety systems 

So, get up to date in this overlooked gadget area.  The long-term benefits are enormous for RVers.

Satellite Internet

This is not a brand-new RV tech area, but it IS still in the baby stages.  Most RVers have heard of Starlink and may already be on the bandwagon for bandwidth.  But there are some new services to keep a watch for on how they are progressing and what they may be offering that is unique. Some of the new names to look at are Amazon’s Project Kuiper which should be available mid-year 2024 and ViaSat which is already up.  It may be a little early though to know if any services will be offered or beneficial to RVers.

A new gadget you may want to add to your satellite service is a 12-volt DC-powered board.  When you combine that with a converter, you can eliminate the need to power your Starlink with AC.  This means you can leave your inverter off which saves a lot of additional power loss.  Always a big issue when RVing.  It does require you to have your own router because you are not using Starlink but it is a worthwhile project for those that are a little tech savvy.

3D Printers

You might find this an unusual item to be on an RV list, but it can be a game changer.  Prices of 3D printers are now built at the consumer level with attainable pricing.  Prices can start as low as $150 for a mini option. 

Why should you consider a 3D printer?  If you have spent any time RVing, you know that not all parts are available when you need them.  And even when they are, getting them shipped to isolated areas or promptly is another layer of frustration.  Here are a few of the things you might consider:

·         Special tools for RV projects

·         Small parts and replacement screws

·         Household gadgets

Every 3D printer idea must be provided to the printer with a design.  Specifically, a Computer Aided Design (CAD).  You have several ways to get free or low-cost designs:

·         Look online for free CAD RV parts.  You can look through libraries of already-made CADs and download them. 

·         Ask your RV manufacturer directly if they can supply you with a design because the part you need is unavailable or no longer made.

·         Order a design through shops that make them for you online.  We recommend doing this in advance for parts you know you will need regularly or often need to be repaired so you already have the design on hand.

If you invest in the 3D printer, I recommend you start creating your library of RV designs, so you don’t have to do a lot of last-minute searching or waiting to get started on the part or accessory you need.  The final design file will be named with an extension of .stl

Electric RVs

We can probably agree electric cars, charging times, or charging stations are not quite what they need to be to function in the RV world.  But it isn’t too early to start considering the capabilities and potentials of this up-and-coming tech for RVs.  There are some all-electric RVs that have been released.  Some claim to have a 250-mile range.  Most RVs are still on the drawing board by manufacturers we have heard of like THOR Industries and Winnebago.  They might even have a prototype.  And expect a lot of new names to appear who come at the RV building from an electric perspective.

It might be a good idea to become aware of the current limitations and know what needs to be established before it is viable for the type of RVing you do.  Some current limitations will be their towing capabilities.  Rig-size charging areas will be another concern.  How will solar use and batteries be integrated with RV requirements?  And right now, these electric concepts are still small RVs so if you prefer a larger escape vehicle, they may not be for you – yet.

There are a couple of other things to consider when perusing new tech gadgets to use with your RV.  First, investigate the best times to make the purchase.  If this is a completely new feature or service, there may be no precedent on best times so be prepared for pioneer experiences.  But if this is an upgrade or even a new gadget from another industry you want to have for your RV, know when to purchase it to get the best seasonal deal.

Finally, don’t rule out contacting a fabricator or manufacturer if you have an idea.  If there is an item you need from another industry, but it is not provided in the RV industry the way you need it to function, reach out and see if a fabricator or manufacturer would provide you with a mock-up based on your idea and specs.  They may be interested in your idea and even release it to the RV arena.  Who knows, you may wind up with a free, new tech gadget or a new business line.

Whether you are a pioneer or like to hold back until everything is fully tested and vetted, it does not hurt to educate yourself on what is out there and what can open your RV experience even more.  I’m just waiting for augmented reality smart glasses that will overlay our RV planned map with the routes, bridges, and overpasses that are safe for us to take our RV!