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Adjust or extract slideouts safe and easy.
Words by Steve Fennell
Sometimes it's hard to understand the rationale of remote smart technology in a home, let alone in an RV. After all, is it really that hard to step into your coach, flip a switch to turn on interior lights, adjust an awning, lower the leveling jacks, or change a track on the stereo?
No, it’s not. But is it convenient and cool to do it from your smart phone? Definitely.
Manufacturers continually devise new ways to make RVing more seamless between your home and your rig. Inevitably, smart technology is the latest trend to hit the RV space and whether you love it or leave it, these systems can provide a lot more convenience at a destination than you realize.
“Once smart tech is in an RV, there are many new possibilities for RVers,” says Brent Hamood of Lippert Components Inc, which designs its OneControl smart system for a series of RV manufacturers. “RVers can not only control basic functions such as running out an awning or turning lights on and off they can receive information about the unit and will have some remote diagnostic capabilities.”
Airstream
Airstream offers its Smart Control system across its Classic series.
If a problem does occur with one of its components or appliances, you experience sudden power loss, or need to address other concerns, Hamood explained that the OneControl system triggers an alert and sends an email with troubleshooting tactics to solve the issue. If the problem persists or more assistance is needed, you can find online chat support, operation manuals, product specs and more on the company’s website.
“The last thing RVers want to do at a destination is to call a consumer helpline,” says Hamood. “The app can make problem-solving much easier if there’s a problem with an appliance or component. It even provides additional information or notices for RVers throughout the year to include travel tips, plus yearly RV maintenance in the spring and fall. Using smart technology in an RV is all about enhancing the ownership experience.”
Smart Technology Options
Hamood explained that as approximately 90 percent of its OneControl systems are installed on new RVs at the OEM level, aftermarket installation will become more common as the technology develops.
“It’s not impossible to work with a coach that is 10 years old but upgrades would certainly be needed and installations on older units can be very cumbersome," says Hamood. “However, there is currently a push to really work the aftermarket space out.”
If your RV is not as ‘smart’ as you would like it to be, not to worry. A viable option is using virtual assistants such as the Amazon Alexa. On the plus side, it’s compatible with modern RV components, current RV appliances, smart tech software and provides the convenience of voice command. Nonetheless, it's important to understand that virtual assistants do require a constant hotspot or strong internet connection to run efficiently, a consistent power source and that they may not provide all the functions compared to RV-specific smart control systems.
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You have control in the palm of your hands.
For more tech-savvy RVers, the options are plenty on new units including (but not limited to) Airstream and its Smart Control Technology that’s available in its Classic Line and Jayco with its JAYCOMMAND Smart RV System for its select Class C’s, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers – both promoting easy to use features on the front end. If you can understand the basic functions of an iPhone, Android or tablet, then operating RV systems remotely will come pretty easy.
In the case of the Lippert’s OneControl, it simply consists of a main control system featuring WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities that are mounted in one location (usually in a dry storage compartment) with a single data cable running to the touch screen panel in the RV. The touch panel controls most – if not all – of the primary systems and appliances, and can be operated with 12V power off the battery(s). Depending on the manufacturer, more power-hungry components such as leveling jacks will require shore power or a generator to operate remotely.
KZ RV
With all its functions, the K-Z Durango Gold is an ideal model to utilize Lippert Component’s OneControl System.
Convenience and Safety
Even though some RVers may balk at having all of this technology on the road, it does offer a wealth of benefits. What were once commonly two-person tasks – such as extracting slide outs, adjusting rear awnings (one to man the controls and the other to ensure it doesn’t hit a tree), and adjusting leveling jacks – can now be performed solo with ease. It also eliminates the ‘going back-and-forth’ to ensure proper placement, reduces the hassle of setting up camp after dark or driving all day. Setting up camp is also made easier for those with physical ailments or disabilities.
With its long list of one-touch-operation conveniences, some key safety aspects on many of the systems include the ability to monitor tire pressure, the batteries, and tank levels, while a travel lockout system and even GPS-monitored RV locators are also available – all easily functional in the palm of your hands.
Having smart technology in an RV may not be for everyone, but it offers a great level of service, function, and convenience when it's needed the most.
“Smart technology in an RV isn't just about the ability to control systems from a phone," says Hamood. “It’s about enhancing the camping experience and making life easier and more convenient on the road.”
For further details and compatibility of smart technology for your RV, be sure to visit your local dealer or browse the shows this spring.
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