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