Picture this: you’ve just brought your brand-new RV home, and you’re bubbling with excitement. This isn’t just any RV; it’s the latest model, the culmination of years of RV design and innovation. It’s the pinnacle of RV technology, and it’s all yours.
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RV manufacturers provide you with a canvas, a blank slate to craft your adventures upon. But to truly make this rolling home your own, you’ll need to make some immediate changes. These upgrades aren’t merely about personalization; they’re about safety and practicality to ensure that your RV becomes the perfect vehicle for your journeys. So, let’s dive into the world of essential RV upgrades that will elevate your travel experience to new heights.
Tire Monitors (TPMS On Your RV)
Your RV’s tires are crucial for safety, so it’s vital to keep them properly maintained. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an excellent tool for assisting with this task. TPMS continuously monitors tire pressure and temperature, alerting you to potential issues before they lead to a blowout or other serious problems.
To install a TPMS system, simply replace your valve caps with TPMS sensors and set the monitor to alert you when tire pressure falls below a specific threshold.
Propane GasStop
The GasStop is simple to install and offers another layer of protection for your unit. Propane leaks can happen whether it is brittle hoses or road debris it can be dangerous to you and your family. Unfortunately, units do not come equipped with anything to notify you of a leak. However, GasStop is a simple install and inexpensive item for peace of mind.
Simply attach the unit between the hose and the tank to install.
Disclosure: We were gifted one GasStop unit but immediately purchased a second to ensure both our tanks were safe.
Mattress
RV manufacturers typically provide you with a subpar mattress at best. Spending just one night on it will likely send you straight to the store in search of a better option. However, the need for upgrades doesn’t stop at the mattress itself.
We chose Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe with Cooling and love it! You can use our link to get the latest discount.
Consider this: your RV mattress rests on a wooden platform, lacking the traditional box springs support you’re accustomed to in your conventional home (often referred to as “sticks and bricks”).
Furthermore, RVs can be susceptible to humidity-related issues, and one common area for moisture buildup is beneath your mattress. To address this concern, several solutions are available, but one effective option is a mesh mat. While these are designed for commercial shower flooring, we find they raise the mattress enough without adding significant height to the bed. Simply lay these out on the platform and unroll your mattress on top. (It took three packages for our RV King size bed.)
In our previous unit, we opted for Camco springs, which not only provide enhanced comfort but also promote better air circulation. Installation was straightforward – simply drill these springs into the wooden platform and place your mattress on top, creating a mock-box springs effect that significantly improves your sleeping experience.
Rear Camera For Your RV
Towing an RV makes it impossible to see what’s behind you, making a rearview camera an essential safety upgrade. You can choose between a camera that activates only when backing up or one that remains on, allowing you to monitor traffic and approaching vehicles on the highway. After making this choice, pay attention to the camera’s range, which depends on the distance between the camera and the monitor. The camera will typically be mounted in an existing port on the back of your RV and wirelessly connected to your monitor.
RV Airflow For The Air Conditioner
The quality of your camping trip can be greatly improved depending on your RV’s air conditioner and your chosen camping location. If you have ducted vents, this can be optimized with a RV Airflow system.
The airflow in your RV can be enhanced with the use of an engineered block of Styrofoam designed to fit snugly into your specific RV’s AC unit. This device serves the purpose of directing the air into the vented systems in a more efficient manner while also effectively reducing the noise generated by the air conditioner unit. The result is an immediate and noticeable improvement in both the quietness and the cooling capacity of your RV living space.
We noticed a huge difference in our previous unit (which had ducted vents). If you use our link, you can receive a 15% savings.
Protect Your RV’s Electrical System
Electrical supply at RV parks can be inconsistent, and power surges or faulty power poles can damage your RV’s electrical system. To safeguard it, use a device that plugs into the power pole to monitor power quality and create a buffer for your RV.
Tip: Always check power quality with your surge/electrical management system before disconnecting from your truck, as a bad power pole may necessitate a move.
Water Pressure Gauge
RV pipes are made of plastic, making them susceptible to damage from excessive water pressure. To safeguard your RV’s plumbing system, it’s essential to use a water pressure regulator. You can achieve this by installing a water pressure gauge between the hose bib and the RV water hose, allowing you to both control and monitor the water pressure effectively.
Keyless Entry For Your RV
The RV door locks, which often have very few key variations, don’t offer robust security. To ensure a safer and more convenient life of adventure, a keyless entry system is the ideal solution. RV Lock offers a keypad/keychain entry option that’s both easy to install and provides enhanced security. Plus, with keyless entry, you’ll never need to fret about locking yourself out while taking your dog for a walk.
These are the RV upgrades we deem essential for immediate improvements in safety and comfort. As you continue your journey, you’ll likely discover additional upgrades to enhance and customize your camping experience, making it truly perfect for your needs.
Enjoy your camping!
