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Remember when RVs were just boxes on wheels with a bed and a tiny kitchen? Those days are long gone! Today’s RVs are basically smart homes that can drive down the highway.

If you think your smartphone is cool, wait until you see what modern RVs can do. We’re talking about features that let you control your RV from your phone, get alerts when something goes wrong, and even track your pets!

In this article, we’re diving into seven amazing smart features that are changing the RV game. Some come built into new RVs, and others you can add yourself. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a gadget guru, these features will make your RV life so much easier.

Get ready to unlock your RV’s full potential. Your neighbors at the campground are going to be seriously jealous!

1. Smart Thermostats: Control Your RV Temperature From Anywhere

Gone are the days of those old slider thermostats where you had to guess the temperature. Now you can control your RV’s heating and cooling from your phone!

The Micro Air Easy Start thermostat is one popular option. It lets you change the temperature even when you’re miles away from your RV. Imagine this: You’re driving to your campsite on a super hot day. About 30 minutes before you arrive, you can turn on the AC from your phone!

When you finally get there and start setting up, your RV is already nice and cool. No more sweating while you hook up the water and electricity!

Fun Fact: According to the RV Industry Association, over 600,000 RVs were shipped in 2021, and smart climate control systems are becoming standard in many models.

Picture this scenario: You’re sitting in a hot RV, manually adjusting that ancient thermostat slider like you’re trying to crack a safe code. Meanwhile, your tech-savvy neighbor is lounging in their perfectly cooled RV, having adjusted their temperature from the beach. Yeah, you might want to upgrade!

2. Central Command Systems: Your RV’s Brain

Most modern RVs come with a central command system like OneControl or J Command. This is basically the brain of your RV that controls lights, slides, and other features.

Here’s the cool part: You can control everything from one screen. Want to turn on the living room lights? Just tap the screen. Need to bring in the slides? Another tap!

Some people love it, others think it’s a bit much. The video creator makes a funny point about not being able to just flip a regular light switch when you walk in the door. Instead, you have to find the screen first!

Many of these systems connect to your phone via Bluetooth. This means you can control your RV from outside. Super helpful when you’re setting up or tearing down camp!

Feature Benefit
One-screen control Manage all RV systems from one place
Bluetooth connectivity Control from outside the RV
Slide operation Watch your slides from outside for safety

You’ll spend the first week accidentally turning on every light in the RV at 2 AM while trying to find the bathroom light button. But hey, at least you’ll know exactly where everything is after that!

3. Power Watchdog: Your RV’s Electrical Bodyguard

Surge protectors aren’t just surge protectors anymore! The Power Watchdog is like having a security guard for your RV’s electrical system.

This smart device does way more than just protect against power surges. It monitors the electricity coming into your RV 24/7. If something goes wrong, it automatically shuts off the power and sends you an alert!

The Power Watchdog EPO (Emergency Power Off) connects via Wi-Fi. Even if you’re away from your RV, it’ll text you if there’s a problem. Maybe the campground’s power is acting weird, or there’s a voltage issue. You’ll know about it right away!

Through the app, you can turn your RV’s power on or off remotely. You can also check the power history to see if there have been any issues.

Important Note: According to electrical safety experts, over 30% of RV fires are caused by electrical issues. A smart surge protector can help prevent these disasters.

Sure, your Power Watchdog can’t alert you when the power goes out completely (since it needs power to work). But that’s like complaining your smoke detector doesn’t work underwater. Get yourself a Waggle monitor for that!

4. Waggle Pet Monitor: More Than Just a Pet Camera

If you travel with pets (and who doesn’t love having a furry co-pilot?), the Waggle monitor system is a game-changer!

This device does way more than just monitor your pet. It tracks temperature, humidity, air quality, and even has GPS tracking! Plus, it has a battery backup, so it keeps working even if your RV loses power.

Here’s the really cool part: It connects to cellular networks, not Wi-Fi. So even if your campground Wi-Fi goes down, the Waggle keeps working. You’ll get alerts if your RV gets too hot or too cold for your pets.

The GPS feature is awesome for security too. Set up a “geo-fence” around your RV. If someone tries to move it, you’ll get an instant alert on your phone!

Waggle Feature What It Does
Temperature monitoring Alerts when it’s too hot or cold
Battery backup Works even during power outages
Air quality index Monitors air conditions
GPS tracking Anti-theft protection
Cellular connection Works without Wi-Fi

Pet Safety Stat: The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that pets can suffer heat stroke in temperatures as low as 80°F inside a vehicle or RV.

Your dog might give you the side-eye when you install a Waggle, like “Really, Karen? You need a device to tell you I’m hot?” But when your AC fails and that alert saves the day, Fido will forgive you!

5. RV Lock System: Keys Are So Last Year

Forget fumbling for keys! Smart RV locks let you get into your RV with just a code, a key fob, or even your phone.

The RV Lock system is super popular. You get a keypad on your door where you enter a code to unlock it. No more hiding keys under the mat or worrying about lost keys!

It also comes with a Bluetooth module. This means you can unlock your RV with your phone. Just walk up and tap your screen. Some people wonder if it works with an Apple Watch too!

The best part? If your daughter is visiting and doesn’t have a key, you can just tell her the code. Or if you’re away and need someone to check on your RV, you can give them temporary access. Just change the code later!

Plus, RV Lock makes matching locks for all your storage compartments. Everything uses the same key system. One less thing to worry about!

Now you can finally stop doing that awkward patdown dance in the rain, trying to find which pocket has your keys. You know the one. We’ve all been there, looking like we’re performing an interpretive dance called “Where Did I Put Those Keys Again?”

6. Victron System: The Ultimate RV Monitoring Hub

For people who really want to geek out, the Victron system is like the ultimate smart home setup for your RV. It monitors your batteries, solar panels, tanks, and basically everything else!

The Victron Cerbo GX is the brain of the system. It connects all your RV’s systems together. You can check everything from their app, even when you’re not at your RV.

Here’s what makes it extra cool: Victron made their system open source. This means tech-savvy people can customize it to do almost anything! Want to monitor your water tanks? Add it in. Need temperature sensors? No problem!

Some RVers even use a Raspberry Pi (a tiny computer) to create their own custom monitoring system using Victron’s software. The possibilities are endless!

Tech Fact: According to RV industry data, solar panel installations on RVs increased by 45% between 2020 and 2023, making power monitoring systems more important than ever.

Yes, you can spend hundreds of hours customizing your Victron system to display tank levels in 47 different colors based on moon phases. Or you could, you know, just walk outside and check your tanks. But where’s the fun in that?

7. Smart Accessories: The Sky’s the Limit!

Once you start adding smart features to your RV, it’s hard to stop! There are smart gadgets for everything!

Want to know if you have a water leak? There are sensors for that. They’ll alert your phone if they detect water where it shouldn’t be.

Worried about your fridge temperature? Smart temperature sensors can monitor it and alert you if things get too warm. Your ice cream will thank you!

You can even add smart outlets to control regular devices with your phone. Turn on a lamp before you get home, or turn off a heater remotely. Plus, many smart LED lights let you change colors. Want mood lighting? You got it!

Don’t forget about cameras! You can add security cameras around your RV. Check on your campsite from anywhere. Some people even add cameras inside to keep an eye on their pets!

Smart Accessory What It Does Why You Want It
Water leak sensors Detect leaks early Prevent expensive water damage
Temperature sensors Monitor fridge/freezer Save your food from spoiling
Smart outlets Control devices remotely Turn things on/off from anywhere
Color-changing lights Adjust lighting mood Make your RV feel like home

Before you know it, you’ll have 37 different apps on your phone, each controlling a different RV gadget. You’ll spend your first camping morning trying to remember which app controls the coffee maker. Spoiler alert: It’s probably easier to just press the button on the coffee maker!

Conclusion

The future of RVing is here, and it’s smarter than ever! From thermostats you control with your phone to systems that protect your pets and your RV, technology is making life on the road easier and safer.

You don’t need to install all these features at once. Start with the ones that matter most to you. Maybe that’s a smart lock for convenience, or a Waggle monitor if you travel with pets. Every upgrade makes your RV a little more like home!

The best part? Most of these features are easy to install yourself. You don’t need to be a tech expert or hire an expensive professional. Just watch some YouTube tutorials and give it a try!

What smart features do you want in your RV? Are you team “give me all the gadgets” or team “keep it simple”? Either way, there’s something out there for every RVer!

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