RV Technology

Technology for the RV Enthusiast

Modern technology lets you take off in your camper and still stay connected to the outside world. Some RVers just keep in touch with family and friends, others work on the road. Either way it’s nice to know there are gadgets that let you reach out and bug someone, on your timetable.

Wireless Internet Access

Having the internet at your fingertips is a big plus. Many campgrounds now offer internet connections either as part of the nightly camping fee or at a minimal charge. Once phone or cable connections were the rage but today wireless Internet service is preferred. The data speed is faster and all you need to do is turn on the computer to get connected to the campground’s hotspot. Some hotspots are password protected, with that password given out at check in. 

Your computer must be able to pick up a wireless signal and most modern ones, particularly laptops, have this feature built in. If you are in the market for a new computer and plan to take it on the road make sure it does have the wireless feature, you’ll thank yourself a thousand times over.

Another option is to get an “air card” from your cell phone provider. This device allows you to connect directly to the Internet via satellite and/or cell towers operated by that cell phone provider. Basically, if you can get a cell phone signal, you can get on the Internet. This is great for those who love to camp in remote locations, known as boon docking. The air card will usually work with older computers that don’t have this feature because the device plugs into one of the machine’s input jacks.

Cell Phones

Leaving town without your cell phone is almost unthinkable. Today’s smart phones also have the capability of accessing the Internet, acting similar to the “air card” feature described above. You can also tether the cell phone to your laptop and use the cell phone as a “hotspot” to get on the Internet.

Contact your provider and make sure your cell phone plan will cover you while on the road. Find a plan that includes long distance and roaming charges, otherwise things could get expensive. If you are traveling to the United States ask your provider if they have an add-on service for travel south of the border. It’s a lot less expensive to pay one monthly fee than to rack up international roaming charges while in the USA. Most Canadian cell carriers have reciprocal agreements with United States companies as far as sharing cell towers and coverage throughout most of the country is good. Just as in Canada, lightly populated areas might have “blind spots”. Just keep on driving until you find a signal.

Another option is the satellite phone, which does not depend on a tower but rather gets its signal from space. If you are spending most of your time in the middle of almost nowhere this might be the phone system for you. Both the phones and the service tend to be more expensive than the cell phone option.

GPS

Global Positioning Systems, or GPS for short, is fast becoming the navigation aide of choice. Many RV’s come with these devices already installed as standard or optional equipment. If you are adding a GPS to your existing RV, particularly one of the larger models, make sure the device is programmed with routes that can handle your vehicle. There is nothing more frustrating than to follow the instructions on a GPS only to find that the clearance on one of the overpasses is just a few inches too short.

GPS systems are often paired up with back-up cameras. This safety feature gives you more peace of mind when backing out of your driveway or into a camping spot. Other than having a spotter helping you park, this is the safest way to protect your investment and the lives of anyone that happens to get into your blind spot. There are a wide range of GPS/back-up camera products. Your friendly RV Outfitter Network Dealer will be happy to point you in the right direction.