Traveling in an RV used to mean “getting away from it all.” These days, people are more likely to take it all with them: televisions, CD and DVD players, e-mail, computers, and more. Technology has made RV travel more enjoyable, convenient, and safe. Here are some ideas that RVers say work for them:
- If you like electronics, try these tips:
- RadioShack has a wall-mounted motion-detector infrared security system for which, when installed, many RV insurance companies will give you a discount on premiums.
- Installing a separate speaker for CB radios gives better sound quality.
- Use a 12-volt fan for ventilation (instead of running the air conditioner) when dry camping. (An example is Camping World’s Fan-Tastic Endless Breeze 12V Fan.)
–Karl M. Green, M.D.,Westminster, MD
- Each brand of digital camera is different, so read the owner’s manual before taking a new camera on a trip. Many have found the quality of digital prints is as good as regular 35-millimeter photos. –Lt. Col. Virginia Dillon, Alexandria, VA
- If your children or other passengers like to play hand-held video games on the road, purchase an inexpensive headset for each game unit so the beeps and music don’t bother other people in the vehicle. (And don’t forget to pack extra, proper size batteries.) –Steve and Debra Draper, Yorba Linda, CA
- You’ll find all kinds of uses for two-way, hand-held radio communicators. (Camping World offers several powers, such as the Cobra 18 Mile Radio.)
- If unable to get television at a campground, make sure the switching system settings are in the correct position for what and where you’re trying to receive the signal.
- If you have an analog television receiver, make sure a converter box to go from digital to analog is properly connected.
Look for more of my tips for using electronic equipment next week in Part 2 of the series. I’ll be discussing faxes, television, cell phones and CB radios.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice
A.W.Walker
John, I’m not sure what your comments are meant to contribute here or what your role is. There is no heavy handedness going on here. What do you mean, “lighten up”?
These communications were between her readers and Ms. Beard. I pretty sure she’s all grown up and can handle questions by herself, based on her experience.
We obviously see that she is in fact trying to offer some information from that experience, and (not wishing to speak for others) my feedback is to get MORE advice about one of the ideas she had. Maybe folks are trying to gain a better understanding from her through clarification…since we only have one life to share with each other.
No one is hiding behind the internet in order to “gain so much confidence”, especially when we post our last name, John ….. is it “Doe”?
mr_whit
Thanks Mike
Mike
FRS Radios only have a line of sight distance – up to 5 miles – if you can see each other. Otherwise you are lucky to get 2 miles distance out of them. Using the GMRS requires you get a license, I believe it is $75.00 for 10 years, and will give you better range. The only way you will get 18 miles out of these radios is if you are both 2 miles up a mountain on either side of a 14 mile wide valley and you still will need to be able to see each other.
John
Guys…she is trying to offer some advice. You could stand to be a little more pleasant. Why is it that people gain so much confidence over the Internet…that is what is irritating.
Lighten up people! We’ve only got one shot at this thing called life. Don’t take it so serious.
RV.net Blog Admin
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Mike VanPelt
I also keep getting this popup. I already am subscribed. Please disable this.
A.W.Walker
Hello,
I’m not sure what the tip is for obtaining a Radio Shack motion detector. Am I to use it inside the coach? Should I use it outside? Would you suggest I use it primarily when we’re away for the day, or when we’re sleeping? Or maybe just when it’s in storage somewhere other than at home. You didn’t say what your tip would do for us in an RV Park. Or when boondocking. Or any kind of camping environment. We’ve been RVrs for a long time, and can’t figure out this tip.
I’m thinking if it went off outdoors due to stray cats, racoons or moths flying around, it would give our neighbors a fit, and if it went off indoors due to our getting up during the night indoors, it would give us a fit.
tom bondy
every time i open your page,a,pop-up appears asking me to join the web site,i already joined,and this is very irrating.