RV technology has come a long way in recent years, so we’ve compiled a list of the top RV tech items that will make your travels easier!
1. RV GPS With Back Up Camera
If you’ve been RVing for any amount of time, you know how tough it can be to maneuver when trying to back in. There’s nothing better than an RV back up camera to assist you with this daunting task! The GPS is also specifically for RVs, which is amazing. You enter in the dimensions of your rig, and the GPS will make sure your route doesn’t include obstacles your rig can’t handle, such as narrow roads or low bridges. You can buy an RV GPS and back up camera separately, but we like the Garmin RV 770 LMT-S because it combines both products, and gets great reviews!
You might also be interested in: How to Back Up an RV
2. Dash Cam
I recommend that EVERYONE have a dash cam, but it’s especially important when you’re pulling your HOME around with you! Accidents happen all the time and the more you drive, the greater your chances of being in one. A dash cam gives you the reassurance that you’re taking steps to protect yourself. If you’re involved in an accident, there will be challenges as to who is at fault. Dash cams are invaluable in clearing up questions, which will protect you and your RV from legal liability and help you receive insurance settlements quickly. They can also be used to capture great driving moments as you explore the country! We absolutely love our Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam. It has a sleek, low profile design and a 170-degree ultra-wide angle lens. It captures beautiful Full-HD 1080p video at 30fps, and even features accident auto-detection (GSensor). Having this item gives me such a peace of mind when we’re on the road!
3. weBoost Signal Booster
One of the first things we purchased when we set out to live on the road full time in our RV was a weBoost. We knew we’d be traveling through areas with weak cellular signal and heard from multiple people this would give us a boost in weak areas. The weBoost boosts your cell signal up to 32 times for fewer dropped calls, higher audio quality, and faster uploads and downloads. Cell signal is especially important for us, as we work on the road and get our internet connection from our cell signal using…. the next item on this list!
4. Wi-Fi Hotspot
Sometimes people like to unplug during their RV travels. It’s a time to get away into nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, for those that live full-time in their RV, unplugging isn’t usually an option. A need for reliable internet is a necessity for most due to their jobs, homeschooling kids, even streaming your favorite shows.
Many times, your cell phone plan can include a certain amount of hotspot data. For the infrequent user, this may be all you need. If you are consistently needing 50+ GB per month, finding the right Wi-Fi hotspot plan is vital. One of the best plans out there for full-time travelers is Verizon’s prepaid unlimited plan using their Jetpack MiFi 8800L. You can connect up to 15 different devices at a time over Wi-Fi, it offers truly unlimited high-speed data, and it gives us that home Wi-Fi network that we had in our brick and mortar home.
5. Portable Solar Panel
If you like to camp without paying for hookups from time to time, a portable solar panel is a great investment. Solar in general is wonderful, but unless you dry camp more than you camp with hookups, it might not be worth it to invest in mounting a full solar system on top of your RV. A portable solar panel is perfect for anyone who dry camps occasionally and needs to keep their RV batteries charged!
A generator can also be used for this, but generators aren’t always welcome in certain places! They can be loud, and you have to continuously refill them with gas. Solar is a much more economical and a quieter way to generate energy! We love our Go Power! PSK-120 Portable Solar Kit and highly recommend it. It’s 120 watts and has a 25-year warranty. Having this item has enabled us to save money on RV parks and stay in some beautiful, remote places!
You might also be interested in: How to Conserve 12-Volt Power When Boondocking or Want To Watch TV At A Dry Camp? Do An RV Inverter Installation
These tech items have really improved RV life for us and I hope they’ll do the same for you! Let us know what RV gadgets have improved your travel experience in the comments below!
Also, check out Lauren’s video on this topic, Best RV Tech: A Guide To Gadgets On The Road:
Looking for more RV gadgets?
Helpful Gadgets: An Air Flow Meter
6 Cool RV Products You’ll Definitely Want For Your Rig
About the Author: Lauren is a wife, mother of two, photographer, blogger and lover of nature and adventure! Currently traveling around the U.S. in a fifth wheel, Lauren and her family seek to live life to the fullest and continue to look for ways to simplify their lives in order to live larger with less. Follow along on their journey by visiting their family travel blog.
Prior to going on a trip, we like to put our food in in the refrigerator and freezer the night before. What’s the best way to charge the house batteries from our residential 110V outlet. I am looking at a 2/10/50A 12V Manual Charger. Is that appropriate and would you have a recommended product?
Thanks.
The best way to charge the house batteries is to plug the camper into the outlet using an adapter. The main power center on the RV has a built-in converter that charges the batteries. If yours is newer than 15 years old, it will have a smart charger that will sense what the battery needs and provide the appropriate charge. The other charger you are talking about does the same thing. Some people prefer aftermarket chargers, and that’s fine. I would recommend the Battery Minder or Battery Tender brands if you want to go aftermarket. Either way is fine but if you have an older camper, using a different charger would be best. Here is a video that would help as well.
https://www.rvrepairclub.com/video/rv-battery-maintenance-techniques-for-extending-rv-battery-life-007801/
Sincerely,Dan RV Repair Club Technical Expert
One of the things that I have found is by using the regular 3 inch sewer line is messy and hard to keep clean. A macerator is a power unit that hooks into the drain line at the RV and as the black water tank is emptying it goes through the macerator and pulverizes the sludge so that it comes out through a garden sized hose as liquid. The hose is easier to clean as you follow the sludge with your gray water and then fresh water. An RV Macerator is costly (approximately $350 to $375 and well worth the money but if your on a tight budget and like to be creative you can do as I did and purchase a good used garbage disposal and mount a 3″ sewer end to it and a 3″ hose to the drain line and it will do the same thing. One thing about a garbage disposal it has an additional line that you can hook up to the gray water line and run it through at the same time as the black water sludge and it helps keep the sludge that is being ground up by the garbage disposal more liquid. I paid only $15.00 for my Kenmore garbage disposal and don’t have more than $20.00 invested and it works great. Well that my little tidbit of information. Happy RVing and keep safe.
Looking to install inverter and solar controller to Zamp prewired unit, wiring located in pass thru
Should my back up camera show power when the coer isunplugged from my vehicle
Hello Kimmons,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
It depends on how the manufacture wired the camera. Many manufactures have a constant power to the camera to allow for observation from inside the RV as a security feature. Often times manufactures install a switch inside the RV to turn the camera off when not in use but some always have power to them. If might be best to contact the dealer and see if this was on purpose or not because if it is not supposed to have this feature then there could be a short in the wiring which to lead to other issues as well.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
The link to the dash cam is not working?
Hello Mary,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model or your RV please?
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
RV Repair Club Video Membership
How do I replace a glass pain in a frameless kitchen window. One pain was opened when backing out and it hit a fence post and shattered.
Hi Mark. You will have to find a local glass or window company to put it back together properly. These are compressed and sealed by machines and can’t be repaired without the proper equipment. It not done properly they can come apart during travel. It is best to have it done professionally or have get a new window to replace it.
Dan
RV Repair Club
My 7th RV. Had class A and C previously and will be buying a new one in a year or two.
installing a dash cam
my am&fm radio does not have a signal boost like my tv has. is there any thing i can do to boost my am fm antenna?
There isn’t really any easy fix to get a better signal. Technically there are ways to attach it to the TV antenna booster with an adapter if you are able to run it from the back of the radio to the back of the booster. This will work more than a standard antenna. I will share a link to the cable needed. You could try installing an after market radio antenna but it is hard to find a good place for it other than the roof which would require drilling into the roof. I would try to attach it to the booster if possible as it is the easiest option.
https://www.directdepot.net/product-info.php/product-model/RP-100C
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Thanks for the Weboost tip but I cannot figure out which one to get.
There’s one that says Drive X RV:
https://www.signalbooster.com/products/weboost-drive-x-rv-471410
There’s another one that says Drive Reach RV:
https://www.signalbooster.com/products/weboost-drive-reach-rv-cell-phone-signal-booster-usa
They are both made by Weboost but look totally different with drastic difference in cost as well. Any clue which to buy?
I would like to update my original black and white camera and monitor with an updated version. The cable from my camera to the monitor uses s-video cable, what recommended systems available today are still compatible with that connector, so that I can avoid running a new cable.
Hello Joseph,
That’s a good question, in order for the experts to better assist you they will need to get more information from you. Can you please provide the make, model and the year of the motor home? Then we will get the question to the experts. Or you can fill out the expert question at the bottom of the page under the Customer Service header, click on “Contact Us”.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I currently have a 12v-83 amp dual purpose Interstate for the hydraulic bay and a separate one as house battery. Want to change house to 4-6v deep cycles giving me 460 amp of 12v. The hydraulic bay doesn’t support the house load. The current batteries have a common charging source. I’ve heard untold times, never mix battery types. Does the charging system segregate house from hydraulic, so I would not need to replace the hydraulic battery; or do I need to replace the hydraulic if I replace the house battery?
Hello Jim!
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
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If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Verizon no longer accepts new repaid mobile hotspot unlimited data plans. Try https://www.infiniteltedata.com/ I switched after Verizon would not reinstate my unlimited data plan (in spite of being told I could start, stop, restart my prepaid plan at will). I was told I could purchase my own Netgear LB1120 cellular modem, connect it to my RV’s router Wi-Fi access point for $79.99 per month (plus a typical account setup charge). Infinite LTE’s provider, One Wireless World, has a master contract for 4G LTE data from T-Mobile. My data is unlimited* and my in-RV router shares this data between my PC, phones and the Roku. Infinite LTE said most customers use between 100-200GB per month. This setup has worked great since I signed up 4 months ago.*My data is always at full 4G LTE speeds, however after 50GB I may be deprioritized during busy network times. This means there may be a slightly greater lag time between data requests and responses. I have seen this watching live TV through our Roku, but it is never a problem when streaming pre-recorded video as the the Roku can buffer extra data to cover these lags.
I just received my 5th wheel and the heater is not lighting. The fans start and run a minute or so and then shuts down. I have tried blowing air into the exhaust to be sure everything is clear but it still does not light. It is new and under warranty but I am set up far away from a service center.
Hello Ron!
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C21495
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
video on hooking up a backup camera
Hello Dan!
Currently we do not have videos covering this topic but I will forward this suggestion to our team for future video creation!
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I need a complete solar system for my RV. No electric at all and no way to charge battery. What would you suggest and how would it hook up to my RV?
Hello Jeweline,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thanks!
Do you have any information on removing back up monitors and cameras?
Ray,
It depends on what you want to know? Typically the cameras and monitors are just held in place with a few screws and can come off of the mount. Behind the camera there will be a few sets of wires depending on your camera, less if there is no mic and video only. There are many different cameras out there and some are manufacture specific so there are various types of mounts and installations but they are usually the same in that they attach to a mount that is secured to the wall and can typically be removed by taking out a few screws. The monitors can be attached directly to the dash or enclosed in a compartment or hanging from the ceiling. There are many configurations but they should be able to be removed. We don’t really have any information on how to remove them but again there should just be a few screws or bolts holding it into place. Sometimes you might have to remove other components to gain access but most of the time they are easily accessible.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
My slides only extend or retract when the engine is running. It does not work with the auxiliary power unit is this normal .
Roger,
This is common for certain manufactures, they set it up as to the slide and leveling system have to be run when the engine is running and safety brake is activated. There are some out there that don’t need this but may have other safety devices being used. Most likely yours is set up for the engine to be on to operate the slides on purpose.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Best backup camera for this rv
2019 coleman lantern series says prewired for wineguard 2.0&4g so wheres the prewire located
Dear Arnold,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
I would assume the prewire would be on the roof since the Winegard 2.0 has to be roof mounted. There does need to be a power switch as well. Being prewired I would assume there would be a switch installed already or at least the wires for it. If it is not located by a sticker inside you might want to contact the manufacture and ask them where they will be located. On the roof, you want to look for a wire mount or housing that could contain the power supply. Sometimes they have a plug that is capped off as well. I have not seen what Coleman is using for the prewire but they should at least have a power wire on the roof and a place for a switch to be installed too.
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.rvrepairclub.com/c17613
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
What type of slide outs do I have
[…] hitting the road for your next trip. You can check out a great article from the blog titled, “The 5 Most Useful Tech Gadgets For Your RV” written by Lauren Grijalva. You will gain some gainful knowledge on everything […]
Our trailer came with Wiring installed for a Furrion back up camera. Do you have a wiring systematic so we can install an Istrong back up camera in stead of the Furrion camera?
Dear Linda,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
There are only two wires on the back of the Furrion camera mount. A positive and a negative that are tied into the running lights. The Furrion cameras are a wireless system, so they use a wireless monitor. The only thing that needs to be powered is the camera on the mount and it just has a positive and a negative. As long as the camera you have to install only needs this, you should be fine. If it needs other wiring you would have to run more wires through the wall which is usually not easy. The Furrion cameras have a built in transmitter so there is no wiring for this. If the camera you purchased has a transmitter separate from the camera, you would have to have the wires and the transmitter in the wall or have the wires and transmitter mounted outside of the wall with the camera. I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
I have a electric generator do I need to keep it plugged in all the time or can I unplug it I have Eletric hooked up and was just wondering
Dear Eva,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
If you are talking about the inverter for the fridge then I do recommend keeping it plugged in. Even with being plugged into electric, it can be used as a backup if there is a power failure. It will automatically switch to run off of battery power when you loose shore power so your food doesn’t go bad. Most of the newer models have this feature. Really old ones typically you only want to be on when using the battery power but many models out today have the auto switch mode so keeping it plugged in is actually a good thing. I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Does 1 solar panel work for powering everything in your RV? Or do you find you need more than 1 if you’re wanting to use your outlets and AC (and fridge, because let’s face it, propane is WAY more expensive than plugging in the electric!)? I want to be able to dry camp. Many of my state’s campgrounds (especially the free or <$40/night) do not have power.
My window shades will not roll back up after I pull them down
Just purchased this MH. It has been in storage for several years, this generator has only 320 hrs of run time. Gets its fuel from the main diesel tank, which has been drained and refilled with fresh two weeks ago. The MH engine runs great but this generator won’t start. After going through it’s programed cycle, it cranks but will not fire. Air filter is like new.
Any help would be appreciated.
Dear Doug,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
I would first check the battery that starts the generator and all of the connections. A lot of times it is something simple like that but if it has been in storage for a long time without getting used there could be a lot of build up in the system. If you are low on oil it won’t start but since it has been sitting that long I would just replaced the oil anyways. Since you got the tank flushed there could still be some bad fuel in the line to the generator and it could be a while to get that out before the fresh fuel is reached too. Could also be a problem with a clogged fuel filter or problem with the pump sending fuel as well. When it has been sitting that long a good tune up can really help. Especially if fuel was left in the system, it could be really hard to start without taking things apart and cleaning them.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Having been an avid large boat owner with diesels for 30 years – same with Benz cars – can tell you fuel may have been an issue. Check filers and be sure to dry all. But whatever you do – be sure there is fuel IN the engine before you crank her over or you will compound your problems. However – far more important is your engine is “dry”. Not running a gas engine is one thing – you will have seal issues and hose issues on both diesel and gas – but more important – a diesel needs fuel all the time to keep it lubricated. Fuel lubricates diesel engines by design. Not being run is NOT a good thing – as the metal is now dry and needs fuel to lubricate it fully. Get your seals and hoses replaced – and run the engine WITH load for a good amount of time. Best thing for your diesel will be hours on the meter with load. It is critical to get the metal parts saturated. No doubt fuel varnish may be your issue. And recall cranking power needed for a diesel is much more than gas with spark plugs not dependent on compression to start. I’d check this first – but be sure, once you get her started – run her a long time.
I am trying to decide what type of generator/generators to get for our 5th wheel. I am currently looking at either one Honda eu 7000, or two of the Honda eu 3000 generators, connected in series. I understand some of the differences between the two options. I was wondering what thoughts and considerations you would have with either of these two options? Or do you have any other ideas?
Thank you
Michael LaBarge
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Either system would work fine, most of the differences would be personal preference. If it were to me I would go with just the one larger generator. It has all of the power you need to run everything at once, you only have one generator to carry around (even though larger in size) and only one thing to put fuel into. With a two generator parallel set up, you would have to carry two with you whenever you want to use everything at once, two things to fuel up and more wiring and set up time. Some advantages to the parallel system is if you only need half the power (example not using the air conditioner) and just need it for a light load to power a few things, you could just take one of them with you or hook one up. It is usually more fuel efficient and quieter too. If you decide you need more power, you can always connect the other one. I typically only recommend the parallel system if you already have a generator and just want to add more power. If you don’t have one, I recommend getting one big enough to power the whole RV. A lot of it is personal preference so it is really up to you, either of those systems would work fine. I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert