In this article, we look at things that can be done to better towability, reduce stress, on both you and your vehicle ... Additionally, there are tips, tricks and products to better your RV lifestyle.
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Are we there yet?:
"I'm Hungry", "he touched me" ...... sound familiar ?
Buy an 9 inch AC/DC TV/VCR combo with headphones for the "little darlings". Tape six hours of their favorite channel at home in advance of the trip. Be sure to keep all the commercials as they are the best "attention getters".
This setup also makes it possible for the kids to play nintendo when they tired of the movies.
Enjoy 4 hours of "quiet time" on the open road.
This TV also is used inside the trailer when we are parked. One hook in the bedroom and one in the livingroom. (Watch your head though.)
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RV Television:
Here is a very affordable space saving alternative to a conventional tevevision. It is a flat panet LCD TV about as thick as a laptop computer. It can be mounted flat on a wall or sit on a shelf or table top. It runs on 12 volts DC or 120 volts AC. It can be used in the van or in the trailer or both.
This product may be purchased without the TV tuner for use with a rear view camera, a VCR player, a DVD player, Nintendo or Game Cube. Shown is the 5 inch screen model. There is also a 7 inch screen available. The optional tuner "clips" onto the base of the unit. Absolutely worth checking into!
Link: Redant 5inch TFT Color LCD Monitor (NTSC) $168 
Link: LCD Monitor with the accessory tuner $248
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RV DVD Player:
Here is a 5 inch Color Monitor with DVD player (includes 12 volt power adapter, cables and remote).
Link: Mobile DVD player with Redant 5inch TFT Color LCD Monitor (NTSC) $288
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Rear View:
Backing up and hitching up used to be time consuming event with many trips in and out of the van to check for position or obstacles. At first, my spouse would get out and direct me. While this kind of works, you cannot always see your guide or know who's "right" in being made reference to. Next we tried a FRS radios which was much better. It still is not clear as to which "right" is right or what "over at bit" actually means.
The solution was simple and relatively inexpensive. Install a camera on van and the trailer and see for yourself. This web site tell how to do it.
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/cartercam
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Mirrors:
Towing mirrors are typically those "clamp-on" fender type that vibrate all images into a blur. That style of mirror also must be removed when not in tow (local laws).
The mirrors shown in these pictures are extensions slid over the existing electric mirrors. Though they are easily removed, I keep them on all the time. The addition of small 2 inch convex mirrors provides an excellent view "beside", "back" and "way back".
Link: http://www.cipamirrors.com
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Distance and position:
With a large vehicle like this van, it is difficult to judge the distance up front when parking in today's tiny spots. The addition of a couple of old portable radio antennas mounted on the hood deflector did the trick. I now know exactly how far the bumper is from other vehicles or obstacles. This has totally taken the "guess work" out of judging front end distances.
The same antenna guides are very helpfull in judging road position when towing.
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Backup lights:
Increase your visibility when backing up at night. Mount additional backup lights to your frame hitch. Not only will you see better, others will see you better.
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Are we there yet?:
"I'm Hungry", "he touched me" ...... sound familiar ?
Hook up the Nintendo and bring along the Gameboy. Be sure to have lots of rechargable batteries.
Enjoy more "quiet time" on the open road.
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External 12 volt socket:
Here is a handy place for a 12 volt accessory socket. Mounted right to the grille where air pumps or work lights may be plugged in without running the cable into the cab.
I connect to the RV batteries when parked to eliminate any drain from accessories running inside the van such as the cellphone or FRS radio charger. The van battery is always at full charge.
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Internal 12 volt socket:
Another place for a 12 volt accessory socket. Mounted to the driver's seat base makes 12 volt power for accessories or as a main connection for the rear entertainment pieces.
Easily disconnected by the driver should the passengers no longer deserve entertainment privilages.
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What is the next exit number?:
A GPS, (global positioning sensor), has proven to be a great stress reliever. You know exaclly where you are and exactly which direction you are heading at all times. I use the "Garmin eMap"
The single most import feature is the "next street" display. The unit displays the name or exit number of the very next crossroad or ramp. Looking for exit "373", no problem, you will see it on the display well in advance of the turn. No more squinting or guessing.
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/cartergps
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/cartergps2
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RV Screen Door:
The main door of the RV provides security, prevents the rain and cold from getting in and prevents you from looking out. The screen door allows you to see outside, keeps the bugs out and lets the weather in.
Here is a modification to the screen door that keeps the rain and cold out but allows you to see outside. An ideal combination especially with the in-out-in-out ritual of the kids. The mylar sheet may be removed or added as required. We just leave ours on all the time.
Ingredients: Heavy plastic mylar, velcro and scissors.
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RV Water:
Provides steady water pressure and cycles the pump only when required.
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/carterRVwater
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RV Outlets:
Portable weatherproof outlets around your RV.
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/carterRVelectric
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Trip Planning:
Plan your route on an electronic map. This system provides for flexibility with route changes due to preferences, construction zones or road conditions. We know well in advance of upcoming exits or turns. I can be in the correct lane at the correct time without any guess work.
Link: http://www.carterrv.com/cartergps
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RV Fridge:
The RV fridge internal temperature will vary dependant on outside temperatures. You need to turn it down on cool days and up on hot days. The proper setting should result in a temperature of 30 F to 40 F (0 C to 5 C).
Purchase and automotive indoor/outdoor thermometer as shown. This is a small battery operated unit with velcro fastners. Run the cable into the bottom of the fridge behind the vegetable drawer. A setting of 3 degrees celsius seems to be best for us.
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RV 12 volt sockets:
Accessory outlets do not come in RV trailers. Why not?
We have added four 12 volt power outlets for accessories. For outside connections, one front and back. Inside has one at the fuse panel and one in the living area.
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RV Insulation:
Even though our trailer has the "Canadian Insulation Package", there are cold spots near the walls. All cupbords and storage areas without ventalation get cold. The lower rear bunk bed is over the rear storage compartment and without insulation. The matress is cold all night.
We have insulated all these areas as well as under the matresses. The insulation was cut to size and fastened in place with contact cement. The material used is about 1/8 inch thick and consists of three layers. A plastic bubble sheet is sandwiched between two foil layers. The insulating factor is similar to 6 inches of fibreglass.
This has made a tremendous difference in the comfort level within the trailer on cold nights or winter use.
Link: http://www.reflectixinc.com/
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RV Aerodynamics:
You will quite often see wind deflectors on top of tow vehicles. They are usually much smaller than the face of the trailer and require mounting and removal.
Here we have a "nose cone" mounted right on the face of the trailer covering the full width. Where there is a window in the front, the "nose cone" is mounted with hinges to lift up similar to the factory rock guard.
This has made a tremendous difference in reducing sway and increasing fuel economy..
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email jstead@CarterRV.com