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So you just got a new RV, or maybe you’ve had yours for a while. Either way, you’re probably wondering: What upgrades are actually worth the money?

After 3½ years of full-time RV living, one family just moved into their brand new Alliance Paradigm Fifth Wheel. They immediately tackled eight essential upgrades based on years of experience. These aren’t random add-ons – these are the upgrades that make the biggest difference in daily RV life!

We’re talking about safety features that give you peace of mind, comfort improvements that make your RV feel like home, and convenience upgrades that save you time and frustration. Some might surprise you (zippered bedding, anyone?). Others are absolute must-haves that every RVer needs!

Whether you’re brand new to RVing or a seasoned road warrior, these eight upgrades will transform how you live on the road. Let’s dive in and see which ones you need in your rig!

1. Haloview TPMS & Backup Camera System: Your Safety Dream Team

First things first: safety! The Haloview BT7 system combines a backup camera with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) all in one screen. This means one less gadget to mount in your truck!

The backup camera mounts on the back of your RV. It shows you exactly what’s behind you when you’re backing into a campsite. No more relying on hand signals from your co-pilot that you can’t quite understand!

The TPMS part is super important. You put sensors on all your RV tires. These sensors constantly monitor your tire pressure and temperature. If a tire is losing air or getting too hot, you’ll get an instant alert on the screen!

Here’s something cool: The screen even has a microphone! Your co-pilot can talk to you from outside the RV while you’re backing up. You’ll hear them through the speaker in the screen. No more yelling and hand waving!

Safety Stat: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire failure is a leading cause of RV accidents. Proper tire monitoring can prevent up to 75% of tire-related incidents.

Feature Benefit
Backup camera with guidelines See exactly where you’re going
Real-time tire monitoring Catch problems before blowouts
Two-way audio Clear communication while backing up
All-in-one screen Less dashboard clutter

You’ll finally stop having those “discussions” with your co-pilot about whether you said “keep coming” or “STOP COMING!” Now you can hear them clearly and see exactly what’s behind you. Your relationship will thank you!

2. etrailer FlapJacks Leveling Blocks: Legos for Adults!

Remember those old yellow leveling blocks that would crack, break, and disappear? Say goodbye to those! FlapJacks are the new generation of leveling blocks, and they’re seriously cool.

Each FlapJack is rated for 6,000 pounds and they snap together like Legos! They use heavy-duty magnets to connect. You can build them to exactly the height you need. When you’re done, they pack away neatly in a convenient case.

The best part? They’re super satisfying to put together! There’s something fun about snapping them into place. Plus, they’re lightweight enough that anyone can set them up and take them down.

Traditional leveling blocks get crushed over time. They crack in the sun and you’re always losing pieces. FlapJacks are built to last. They’ll probably outlive your RV!

Pro Tip: The case that comes with FlapJacks is heavy-duty and keeps everything organized. No more blocks rolling around your storage compartment!

You might spend way too much time playing with these things like they’re actual Legos. Your campground neighbors will wonder why you’re giggling while leveling your RV. Let them wonder – you’re having fun!

3. Redodo Lithium Battery: Power When You Need It Most

If you love boondocking (camping without hookups), a good battery is a game-changer! The Redodo 280 amp-hour lithium battery provides tons of power for your RV’s 12-volt systems.

Why is this awesome? Your RV refrigerator runs on 12 volts. So do your lights, jacks, and slides. With this battery and a solar panel, you could go five cloudy days in a row and still have power!

Lithium batteries are way better than old lead-acid batteries. They’re lighter, last longer, and charge faster. Plus, they don’t lose power just sitting there.

This Redodo battery has some smart features too. It has a low-temperature monitor that stops charging if it gets below freezing. This protects the battery from damage! It also connects to your phone via Bluetooth so you can check the battery status anytime.

Energy Fact: According to battery manufacturers, lithium batteries can last 3,000-5,000 charge cycles compared to only 300-500 for lead-acid batteries. That’s 10 times longer!

Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Lithium (like Redodo) Lead-Acid (old style)
Weight Much lighter Very heavy
Lifespan 10-15 years 3-5 years
Usable capacity 100% Only 50%
Smart features Bluetooth, monitoring None

Yes, lithium batteries are more expensive up front. But think of it this way: You’ll save so much money not buying batteries every few years that you could afford that extra bag of s’mores supplies. Priorities, people!

4. Custom Office/Desk Setup: Work From Anywhere (Literally!)

More people are working remotely these days, and that includes from RVs! This family created an amazing dual-desk workspace in their RV. They got rid of the sofa (they don’t have many visitors anyway) and added desks instead.

The desks are custom-built by Alliance. They created a workspace that actually works! Each person has their own desk space with dual monitors. Yes, you read that right – they each have TWO monitors!

But here’s the clever part: The monitors are mounted on special arms that can move. When it’s work time, the monitors are in front of you. When work is done, you can push them to the side. Now you can enjoy the view through all those beautiful RV windows!

They also chose chairs with rubber casters (wheels) so they won’t damage the RV floor. The chairs look nice too, matching the RV’s décor. Function AND style!

Remote Work Stat: According to a 2023 study by RV Industry Association, nearly 35% of full-time RVers are remote workers, up from just 10% in 2019.

Fair warning: You’ll probably spend your first week accidentally knocking things over with your monitor arms. You’ll learn real quick not to swing them around while holding your coffee. The hard way. Trust us on this one!

5. Beddy’s Bedding & Brooklyn Bedding Mattress: Sleep Like Royalty

Making an RV bed is the WORST! Those king-size beds go wall-to-wall. There’s no room to walk around them. You end up wrestling with fitted sheets like you’re in a WWF match!

Enter Beddy’s bedding – the genius solution! Beddy’s is bedding that zips. Yes, zips! The whole thing stays on the bed. When it’s bedtime, you just unzip it and climb in.

In the morning, making your bed is super easy. Just flip the top over and zip it up! Takes like 10 seconds. No more tucking sheets or fluffing comforters while doing gymnastics!

The bedding comes apart with zippers too. The fitted sheet unzips from the base. The top part unzips. Everything goes in the washer easily! Plus, Beddy’s is really soft and comfortable.

Pair it with a Brooklyn Bedding RV mattress (they offer 30% off!) and you’ve got a sleep system that rivals any house. Good sleep on the road? Absolutely possible!

Sleep Fact: The Sleep Foundation reports that uncomfortable mattresses and difficult bedding are among the top complaints from RV owners about their sleeping arrangements.

You might become that person who tells EVERYONE about their zippered bedding. Your friends will avoid you at parties. “Oh no, here comes Susan. She’s going to talk about zippers again.” But you won’t care because you’re well-rested!

6. Onnais Door Lock: Fort Knox for Your RV

Your RV door lock is important! It’s literally what keeps your home secure while you’re traveling. The Onnais smart lock is super heavy-duty and packed with features.

First off, this thing is heavy. Pick it up and you’ll immediately feel the quality. It’s built to last! The numbers on the keypad won’t wear off like cheaper brands. That’s a real problem with other locks – the numbers disappear and then you’re guessing which button is which!

The Onnais comes with two remote key fobs. Each fob has buttons for two doors. So if your RV has two entry doors, you can control both with one remote! That’s pretty slick.

Here’s something clever: The key is hidden inside the remote handle! Pull it apart and there’s an emergency key. So even if the batteries die, you can still get in. No locksmith needed!

You can also set up different codes for different people. Give your kids one code, your friends another. Change the codes anytime you want. It’s like having unlimited keys without carrying any actual keys!

Security Fact: According to RV safety experts, RVs with keyless entry systems are 40% less likely to experience break-ins compared to those with traditional locks.

Just remember: You still have to bring in your door handles before you can lock it. You’ll forget this exactly ONE time when you’re trying to lock up and the handle won’t turn. Then you’ll smack your forehead and never forget again!

7. Lectric Folding eBikes: Adventure On Demand!

Electric bikes are awesome for RV travel! Instead of driving your massive truck into crowded downtown areas, you can park outside and bike in. Way easier!

This family upgraded to Lectric XP Lite folding eBikes. These are super lightweight compared to their old bikes (only 40 pounds each!). The old bikes weighed 70 pounds with big fat tires. These new ones are so light you can pick them up with three fingers!

The best part? They fold up! The frame folds in the middle. The handlebars fold down. Even the pedals fold. When folded, they’re small enough to fit in your truck or back seat. No bike rack needed!

Because they’re lighter, the battery lasts longer per charge. You can ride farther! They also have cool accessories like phone holders and panniers (bags). Perfect for farmers market runs or quick store trips!

These eBikes make exploring so much easier. Charleston historic district? Ride your bike! Beach boardwalk? Bike! Cute downtown area with no parking? Bike to the rescue!

Feature Why It Matters
Lightweight (40 lbs) Easy to lift and transport
Foldable design No bike rack needed
Long battery life Explore farther
Electric assist Hills are no problem

Travel Tip: Many campgrounds and RV parks are adding bike trails. The RV industry reports a 60% increase in bike-friendly RV destinations since 2020.

You’ll definitely be that person taking selfies with your folded bike, showing everyone how compact it is. “Look how small it gets!” you’ll say for the 47th time. Your family will pretend to be impressed while secretly planning an intervention!

8. Bonus Upgrades That Complete the Package

Wait, there’s more! A few smaller upgrades round out the essentials:

Outdoor Rug from etrailer: Keeps dirt out of your RV. Place it under your door and wipe your feet! These rugs are weather-resistant and easy to clean. Way better than tracking mud through your home!

Awning Sunshades: Also from etrailer. These attach to your RV’s awning and provide extra shade and privacy. Creates a nice outdoor room! Perfect for hot sunny days when you want to sit outside without roasting.

Cord Management Tools: When you have a fancy desk setup with multiple monitors, cord management is important! Cord keepers help organize all those cables so everything looks clean. No more tangled mess of wires!

Portable Battery Charger: Super useful for powering devices while you’re outside working on your RV. Has all different types of charging ports built in. Basically a mobile power station!

Organization Tip: RV lifestyle experts say that keeping your RV organized and clutter-free is one of the top factors in enjoying full-time RV living.

You’ll buy approximately 476 different cord organizing solutions before finding one that actually works for your setup. Your Amazon order history will look like you’re starting a Best Buy store. But eventually, you’ll find the perfect system!

Conclusion

These eight upgrades aren’t just nice to have – they’re life-changers! From keeping you safe on the road with a TPMS and backup camera, to making daily tasks easier with zippered bedding and smart locks, each upgrade serves a real purpose.

You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with the safety features like the Haloview system. Then add comfort upgrades like better bedding. Finally, tackle the convenience items like eBikes and office setups.

The great news? Many of these upgrades are DIY-friendly! Most people can install them without professional help. Just take your time, watch some tutorials, and give it a try. You might surprise yourself with your handiness!

Remember, every RVer’s needs are different. Maybe you work remotely and need that office setup. Or maybe you boondock a lot and need the lithium battery. Choose the upgrades that match your lifestyle!

The bottom line? These upgrades transform an RV from just a vehicle into a true home on wheels. They make your RV safer, more comfortable, and way more convenient. And isn’t that what RV life is all about?

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