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Words by Aytek Yuksel
As your home may already be a ‘wireless hub,’ now is the perfect time to set up your trailer or motorhome with many similar systems and electronics. Safety, utility management, wellness monitoring, smart appliances and entertainment are the five most popular categories among households. Given RVs are a ‘home away from home,’ many enthusiasts are adding smart devices and products - including connected RV generators - to their units.
Let’s start with why you need smart devices in your RV, followed by a few popular system categories that we have hand-picked so you can get the most out of your experiences this season.
Why Choose Smart Devices for Your RV?
Peace of mind and comfort are two of the key benefits. Connected smart technologies allow you to prevent unexpected events that could derail your next RV trip. This peace of mind includes the ability to monitor the status of batteries (the house and automotive) as well as knowing if your generator is ready to operate, you have an adequate supply of fresh water, and more.
Comfort-focused smart devices even help you set up your RV when you’re out for the day. Depending on the products or systems, you can remotely adjust the indoor temperature, turn on the water heater or adjust the interior lighting while walking back from a long hike. All are designed to maximize the use of your trailer or motorhome.
A good starting point to power these systems is considering a reliable connected generator with unique features and the utmost function. You can then build upon more smart devices depending on your RV setup.
Moritz Kindler
Essential RV Smart Devices at a Glance
- Smart Lighting
There are many benefits to all kinds of smart lighting systems. A number of choices are available and are the perfect way to get familiar with new technologies. They are easy to install, operate, affordable, and can help you experience connectivity at a basic level.
- Smart Thermostats and A/C units
These are some of the best choices when it comes to a return on your investment. Just think how convenient it would be to come back from a day trip, open the door of your RV, and immediately feel cool air. Smart thermostats can be remotely operated and adjusted based on when you plan to be indoors.
- Smart Generators
From flatscreen televisions to coffee makers, many commonly-used amenities need to be operated from a reliable, strong power source; electricity that’s often produced by an RV generator.
Connected generators with ‘smart controls’ provide even more convenience and comfort. For example, among many advantages, Cummins’ Onan Energy Command AGS+ allows you to check battery levels, adjust interior temperatures, and feature automatic, manual or voice-activated starting.
A separate system compatible with many of the company’s Green Onan RV models, the EC-AGS+ Wireless RV Auto Generator Start System can inform you of maintenance needs (e.g. oil changes) and you can even start charging your coach batteries in preparation for designated quiet hours at RV parks.
- Connected Security Systems
RVs are an expensive investment and a smart security system is a wise choice. Many enable you to monitor your RV remotely or even offer professional monitoring as an extra layer of security.
With a wide choice of smart devices for trailers and motorhomes, listed below are three aspects to consider:
- Decide whether you need the capability to ‘monitor only’ or to ‘monitor and control.’ Certain smart devices have one of these functions but not the other.
- Determine if the device is compatible with connected platforms offered by your RV’s OEM or third parties. Ideally, you want a single app that can interface with all your smart devices and systems.
Remember, access to a capable service network is still important. While smart features are very effective in preventing issues, they don’t yet fully eliminate the need for a local and capable service network. So, it’s a good idea to choose brands that have support to solve any concerns and answer any questions you may have.
Aytek Yuksel is the Content Marketing Leader for Cummins Inc. with a focus on Power Systems markets. For more details on the variety of Cummins’ generators visit www.cummins.com