Innovative RV Lighting. Are L.E.D. Lights Worth The Money?

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our E-mail Digest. We will then send you the stories that are posted each day in an e-mail digest. We use a service called Feedburner for delivery of these emails. You will receive an e-mail from Feedburner after you subscribe and you must click on that email to activate your subscription. Thanks for visiting and enjoy all the information!

RV.Net Blog Admin

To know if the added cost for L.E.D. lights is worth it, we will first re-visit an article I wrote in the early spring of this year. 

Innovations to interior and exterior lighting for recreational vehicles strive to meet several needs, appropriate for the intended task, within an acceptable power consumption range and to look good, create an ambience.  While there are additional requirements, these are probably the most common and apparent to the user.  As far as being appropriate for the task at hand, the most common uses are providing light to see in, illumination for vehicle night operation and just plain designer accents.  Power consumption for all but the vehicles moving lights, is a concern.  Low wattage is required to extend the charge state of a battery, or battery bank, during non-electrical AC support such as shore power or generator.   Designer accent lighting can be used indirectly in valances, rope lighting runs, and many other eye catching ideas.

Having adequate interior light for such chores as reading, cooking, etc., requires the use of more illumination.  This in turn uses higher wattages resulting in the shortening of the charge state of the batteries.  This has led to many coaches being equipped with fluorescent light fixtures for decades.  These fluorescent lights provide a great deal of light with far less power usage when compared to incandescent lamps.  Also halogen lighting has become very popular, though certainly not a power saver.  These provide a bright focused lighting and are usually set up in groups with wattage of 10 or so at 12 volts per unit.

The newest innovation slowly finding its way to the recreational vehicle market is the L.E.D. (light emitting diode) lamp.  These draw substantially less power than even fluorescent lights and can today, be found on some models used for tail and clearance lights. Additionally they are showing up in decorative rope lighting.  There are many advantages to these types of lamps including a much longer service life than the regular incandescent bulb.  Regular lamps generally have an expected life of around 1,000 to 2,000 hours, whereas many L.E.D. can provide anywhere from 30 to near 60 thousand hours or more. In brake light applications, they are noticeably faster to illuminate than traditional units.  Also, unlike ballasts, in fluorescent light fixture, there is no R.F. (radio frequency) interference.

Read more

Managing Your Cellular Phone In Your RV

Most recreational vehicle owners carry a cellular telephone now a days, or a P.D.A. (Personal Digital Assistant) like a Blackberry or similar device.  Managing these while operating a motor home or pulling a large trailer can be a challenge.  Particularly when dealing with where to store it and how to use it safely.

It seems most dash boards today lack an area or location that would be suitable to store a phone.  Fortunately, there are accessories available that can accomplish this on any vehicle configuration.   Cellular phone and P.D.A. holders come in a variety of installation arrangements such as securing to a vent, screwing to the dash face, or suction cup mounts.  However, there are other considerations when deciding the type of mount best for you.  A secure mount is very important.  The last thing you need while negotiating a winding mountain grade with a heavy vehicle, or vehicle combination, is your phone to go flying across the rig and onto the floor.  The mount also must be within a comfortable reach of the driver.

 

So, what is the best choice to meet these requirements?  Well, in most cases, the placement anywhere on the dash face within a reasonable distance from the driver is not possible without obstructing something else, like a gauge or a control.  In my opinion, there are two choices here; a good quality suction mount or a simple on-the-dash non-skid pad.  A top quality suction cup base, like the German made one shown in the photo, is easy to install on most surfaces such as a window glass, dash top or dash face.  It will hold fast for years through freezing temperatures to scorching hot sunshine, yet can be removed in seconds.  It can be installed on a textured dash top if required, by using the supplied stick-on adaptor.  The second choice, the use of an inexpensive non-skid dash pad, also works well.  It will not only hold a phone but could be used for a variety of items.   These pads, like the one depicted in the photo, do a remarkable job of holding all kinds of items, even during rough road conditions or hard brake applications.

 

Okay, we have secured the communication device within reach of the driver, now how can we use it safely?  Well, if you want to use it while driving, we had better look at both a safe and legal method of doing that.  Safe, being a way to use it and keep both hands free to drive.  And legal, being able to meet current and future laws forbidding the use of non-hands free cellular phones.  These depend on the laws in your current geographic location.  For this purpose there are wired and wireless headsets, stand-alone wireless modules and integrated wireless interfaces.  The wired type of headset is available in many shapes, sizes and configurations and is relatively inexpensive.  It is basically just a unit that plugs into the handset and tethers to a combination microphone/ear piece or more traditional boom microphone headset.  The wireless type uses a technology called Bluetooth.  Bluetooth transmits and receives between your handset and the listening device on frequencies separate to that of your cell service.  This wireless communication between your phone and audio device only operates providing they are with 30 feet or so of each other, and unlike that of your network provider, transmits wirelessly without additional charges.

 

Some people do not like to wear ear pieces or like headgear.  For those people, here are three popular choices.  First, some cellular handsets are capable of operating in a speaker phone mode.  These units can be used absolutely hands free once the initial call has been placed or answered.    The second option is a stand alone rechargeable audio module like the Motorola T505.  These units are built to receive and transmit via Bluetooth to your handset.  They have a built-in microphone and a speaker to allow full hands free operation.  The T505 has an additional feature that will integrate with an FM radio should it be desired.  When used in that mode it selects and announces the FM channel, or frequency to dial to.  Additional audio announcing includes caller I.D. as well in either mode.  This then drives all the incoming audio through the existing vehicle speakers mimicking that of General Motors OnStar system.  It works well.

The final choice is to have a Bluetooth receiver connected to your in-dash radio if the set is capable of such input.  These are relatively easy to install on a radio that allows that option as it is basically a plug-n-play unit.  Many of these installations on an LCD screen equipped radio include such things as touch screen dialing, visual call I.D. and auto contact transferring, to name a few.  These also allow crystal clear communications through your existing in-dash audio system.

 

Of course there are other alternatives to managing your cellular communications while travelling.  You can elect to turn the ringer down and check for messages occasionally throughout the day.  This way the calls could be returned at your convenience from a rest stop or camp later that day.   For this purpose a suitable message could be recorded outlining your return call activities such as “Hi, I’m currently travelling and unable to answer or respond to your call.  Please leave a message and I will call you back later in the day.”  Additionally, you can elect to carry your communication device on your belt, in your pocket or elsewhere within your vehicle if immediate answering is not required or wanted.

 

These are some relatively inexpensive ways that may make your travels safer and more enjoyable.  Additionally, they make your vehicle just a little more customized for your particular needs.

 

 

Just Communicating Some Ideas   -   Lug_Nut    -    Peter Mercer

 

Future Vehicle Voltages, 12 or 24?

Many North American automobiles up until the mid ‘50’s were equipped with a 6 volt electrical system.   This changed to a 12 volt system over a couple of years on pretty well all makes of vehicles.   This still stands today, with even many large class A motor coaches using 12 volt direct current as their main operating electrical power.  This is, however, in contrast to many bus conversion type rigs which have adapted to a 24 volt D.C. system. 

So, which is better, 12 or 24 volt direct current?  Why did larger vehicles, including highway buses, opt for this higher operating voltage?   To understand that, we should look to what the driving forces were behind the automotive industry back when 6 volt systems were replaced with 12.  The higher voltage offered better reliability and ability to operate more accessories in a more efficient manner.  Cold weather starting was greatly improved by using higher voltage starter motors.  Additionally, wire gauge could be substantially reduced in size, so that the harness would be only half the size and weight that was required for a 6 volt system.  For battery cables and ground cables and straps, this would be a substantial weight and cost reduction.  For example, a six volt operating system uses battery cables about the diameter of your thumb, while a 12 volt system only has cables equal to the size of your pinky.  This is due to the amperage being only half that required by the lower voltage.   Inverters also increase in efficiency dramatically with higher input voltages.  

The normal push-back for this type of system revolves around availability of electronic accessories in that voltage range.  The fact is, many electronic devices currently accept 12 to 30 plus volts dc, as is.  Additionally there is no problem running a low load 12 volt feed off the battery bank running parallel on the 12 volt power side. 

So, we are paying somewhere between $100,000 and $800,000 for an option filled motor coach that employs a 12 volt electrical system.   Many other large or specialized vehicles are equipped with 24 volt systems.  Not only conversion buses are using the higher voltage, but so are aircraft.  Many airplanes also use higher d.c. voltages ranging from 24 to 48 volts.  For aircraft, weight is certainly the main issue supporting the higher d.c. voltages, however, reliability is probably a close second.    

 

So, what about it, let’s hear from you.  Is higher d.c. voltage the way to go for today’s motor homes?  Have we just been given a less efficient voltage because the manufacturer has a better selection of 12 volt accessories?  It has to make you wonder.

What do you, think? 

 

Wondering About A Higher Power   -    Lug_Nut    -     Peter Mercer

Locking Fuel Caps. Securing Your Fuel

Locking fuel caps have gained in popularity recently, driven in part by the rapid rise of the cost of fuel.   Many motor coach owners believe that installing such devices may in fact lead to other issues if their rig is subject to fuel theft.  So, is purchasing and installing these fuel tank security devices the way to go?  Is the jury still out?  According to many, no.  So let’s look at the arguments on both sides.

Read more

Do You Carry A Spare Tire In Your Class A?

Pretty well every vehicle, regardless of type, carried some form of spare tire in the ‘70’s and 80’s.  Today, motor homes have eliminated it in many models and sizes.  The larger the tire size and rim diameter, the less chance you are likely to see one today, and probably forever.  This is probably due to the following.

*Size: A fully inflated tire mounted on a rim takes a considerable space to store.  It would also require a large opening access for it to be removed when needed.  For example, if it were stored in the basement area of an “A” class coach, it may required an over sized access door to allow it to be removed.

*Weight: The weight of a tire and steel rim varies greatly with the size and type, but it is a substantial weight.  This extra weight adds to the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) which reduces the allowable carrying weight and potentially increases fuel consumption.

*Cost: An additional tire and rim raises the manufacturer’s wheel set costs almost 17%, and that is not even addressing any possible hold down hardware.   In addition to this, the spare yields little when viewed as an added value by potential purchasers.  So, if buyers don’t know, or for that matter, care, why supply it.

*Not User Friendly: It may be quite questionable that larger spares are user serviceable.  The average motor home owner is not equipped to replace the wheel in the field.  Firstly, a suitable bottle jack is generally not included.   Secondly, the strength to handle the wheel and remove the lug nuts, may prove a challenge that may exceed the ability of the normal owner.

Many people choose to carry an un-mounted, tire only.  This is lighter and stores much better as it can be somewhat flattened.  A tire service can quickly swap the flat or damaged one and mount the new.  This was my answer also when I had my last coach.  The advantages to this solution are, guarantying a perfect match,  no waiting and reducing costs of both the tire and shipping.  After all, getting a reasonable match is a challenge in many areas, particularly if the tire is a “70″ series.  This is due to the fact that low profile tires are generally not popular in the commercial truck market and therefore not readily available.   Another big advantage to this is, once done, it is final as the tire is mounted on the exact rim involved.  A two axle motor home equipped with aluminum wheels has three different wheel configurations.  Aluminum deep dish (rear outer), reverse dish (front) and the inner steel.  There are three types because aluminum wheels are generally polished only on one side, depending on the intended position.

So, why are people now willing to accept the “no spare”? Are they having less tire issues?  Perhaps.  Tire monitoring systems, similar to the one shown in the picture, have, and are, becoming very popular.  There is no secret that these electronic monitors have substantially reduced on the road tire issues by warning the operator prior to it being a big problem.  This early warning information can advise both the individual tire’s current temperature and pressure in real time.

Well, mounted spare, un-mounted spare tire only, or no spare at all.   While many models will come without, some may wish to add one anyway.  What’s your preference?

With Some Spare Thoughts    -     Lug_Nut     -    Peter Mercer

Road Testing MS Streets And Trips, Product Review (Part II)

Last week we looked at the workings and features of Microsoft’s Streets and Tips 2008. (A link to last week’s blog if you missed it LINK)  This week we are taking it to the street.   We’ll be testing the GPS navigation guidance in the real world.  I chose the City of Vancouver, Canada, to conduct the trial run.  In as much as I was not familiar with the areas of this city that I would be navigating, it would mean relying fully on the product’s ability to direct me.  I really did not doubt its ability to find and direct me to the target; after all, they will all do that.  It was how it does it, and the speed and timing.

I set three targets, one after the other, all located in the Vancouver area.  I did this in the hotel prior to setting out.  Instead of doing each as a waypoint, I opted to enter each as a separate route, or trip, using my previous destination as the start of the next.  I made four routes that started with the hotel in Richmond, B.C., and finishing with the hotel as the final destination in the fourth route.  I saved each as a leg number, “Leg1, Leg2,” etc.

The unit was fast to set up.  I put the GPS/antenna module, with tether line connected, onto the dashboard near the bottom of the windshield.  I then plugged the tether line into a USB port on my laptop computer and booted it up.  I selected the program icon and opened the program.  I then activated the GPS and selected my first saved route.  The time for the GPS to acquire the needed satellites was nearly instant.  This was comparable to a late model O.E.M. or like quality in-dash GPS system.  The position shown and the actual were basically one and the same, or what you would expect.

The voice guidance was clear and understandable.  The audio volume, however, was limited.  While operating at slow speeds, windows closed and moderate to light traffic, it was more than adequate.  With the road noise associated with high speeds, the audio became more difficult to hear clearly, as with a window down or in heavy traffic.  This appears to be a laptop audio issue, not the fault of the software.  This seems to be a common problem with other laptop applications.  It can be overcome by the use of a headset or other laptop audio enhancing device.  This did not present an immediate problem for me as the large screen was extremely easy to see and navigate directly visually.

Audio turning notice was at 0.3 miles prior to the turn when on secondary roads and 0.4 miles on motorways.  This is about a 25 second warning based on a motor home’s average speed on these types of roads.   Additionally, the audio/visual queue for the next turn is delivered immediately after each turn event.  This feature works well in preparing the driver for what’s ahead.   The screen provides full navigation information at all times.  It shows the vehicles speed (miles per hour or kilometers per hour, depending on the driver’s preference), the distance and direction of the next turn and the current surrounding terrain.   It also has a reverse route option.  This allows a one step way to quickly set up the return trip.

Summing up the test results yielded the following observations..  The Streets and Trips 2008 program performed basically as expected.  This operates in a similar fashion as many other personal in-dash or stand alone GPS navigation devices.   The biggest difference here was the large screen display that the laptop provided.  In the test case, I used a 15.4″ Dell.  This not only delivered much more mapping area, but also displayed  large easy to read vehicle speed, distance to next event and full visual turn information.  The designated navigator in your coach will probably love this product.  It’s easy to plan, operate and understand.  The ability to have it within reach can’t be overlooked either.  Most competitive products are not mounted near the passenger seat and therefore may require driver input during operation.   This is a great two person GPS navigational guidance tool.  These types of computer based solutions appear to be gaining in popularity as more motor coach owners opt to carry a laptop computer with them in their travels anyway.

The overall experience of using this product was very good.  It was relatively simple to use resulting in an end to end zero frustration experience.  And if you can drive in a busy city and operate a potentially complex software package without any frustration, it must be good.

Note: This product is capable of far more than described in this review.  Construction area downloads (free for one year), off air updates on local traffic and current fuel prices, are but a few.   Testing of these advanced features was not conducted.  The review covers the more basic operations and applications only. 

Reporting From The Street   -   Lug_Nut   -   Peter Mercer

MS Streets & Trips 2008 GPS Product Review (Part 1)

It seems the popularity of GPS navigation continues to grow as more and more people turn from paper maps to LCD screens.  Just over two years ago I had four vehicles, only one of which had an on-board GPS navigation system.  Today, while I only have three vehicles, it is interesting to note that all three are equipped with on-board navigation.  All three have between 5″ and 7″ screen, a services data base, trip routing and voice guidance.  They do, however, have some short falls when it comes to trip planning, routing and making changes while on route.  So I jumped at the chance to try out the new 2008 Microsoft Streets and Trips full GPS offering.  Testing this in Canada would also add to the challenge as it is often found that many mapping software programs and related embedded data bases are not always up to date compared to that found throughout the U.S.A.   To properly evaluate the product, we will divide the trial into two sections.   First we will look at the general features and user friendliness including street level detail, route planning, data base, available tools and related functions.  We will follow that next week with a hands-on trial run, when we take it to the streets of the unfamiliar-to-me city, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

 I had used MS Streets and Trips before when I had an earlier version sometime around 2001.  At that time I found the program a great help for trip planning, distance calculating and just plain direction look-ups.  While it was capable of being tethered to a GPS receiver, I can’t say I ever attempted to use it in that manner, but rather just as an electronic map.   

Well, the 2008 version I’m testing comes complete with its own mini GPS plug and play receiver.  When I say mini I mean small, not much more than a inch and a quarter square with a height of about a half inch, complete with a securing mini suction cup.

 I must say, the 2008 version appears extremely feature rich with many new functions.  I was pleasantly surprised to find the program as user friendly as the original.  This is rare.  Generally, I’ve found when  a program is greatly updated with new features and powerful add-ons, it loses a lot of its simple short cuts and quick solution characteristics.  Not so here.

The mapping detail and services data base is very impressive.   Very newly opened roads in Canada were already loaded.  RiverBend Motor Coach Resort in LaBelle Florida was displayed in high quality detail with even the names for each and every street.  I’ve never seen a private park ever displayed in this manner, and with such detail, as was Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort, Cypress Woods Resort, etc.  The campground data base and probably much of the related detail was in part, I believe, thanks to Woodall’s, one of the many named organizations that were credited. 

Okay, so let’s check out the operational overview and the practical applications.  Running it on a laptop, as I am, it is not handy to use alone in a car, however once set up prior to driving, it can supply voice guided direction to a pre-selected destination.  It works great if operated by a passenger in any vehicle, certainly a bonus in an RV.  One of the big advantages found here is the ability to alter routing or search services while underway.  This is not normally permitted on the built-in types as the majority of them are locked out of such functionality while moving.  This is normally done as a safety requirement.  Additionally, the ability to be able to search, plan and set routes from the comfort of your home, or elsewhere, can’t be overstated.  There is also no question that the functionality and larger screen size delivers tools and features unmatched by both built-ins and most of the popular add-on stand alones.

So, how does MS Streets and Trips stack up against the built-ins and stand alones?

Advantages 

• Far more feature rich and application flexible
• Larger display area for easy viewing and configuring
• Can be re-routed or accept user input at any time
• Has practical applications with or without GPS receiver or receiver enabled
• Can be updated at any time through an internet connection
• Does fuel stop calculations including estimated costs
• Can be removed from vehicle reducing both security and/or environment issues

Disadvantages

• Requires the user to have a computer
• Not as easy to use in navigation mode while traveling alone 

In summary, I feel this product is top quality and certainly appears to be all the manufacturer says it is.  I think it makes a great primary GPS guide and mapping program or a super supplement to your existing in dash or stand alone receiver/display.  This is truly a great mapping and planning software.  One, you probably will not want to give up once you have had the opportunity to use it.  As well as offering in-motion real time street/road navigation, it may be worth having this product as an additional tool even if you currently have a built-in or stand alone GPS unit.  After all, they say planning a trip can be as much fun as taking it.  Believe me, this is certainly one great planning tool.  In my opinion, worth the money even if you never used it in the GPS mode function.    For this purpose, the program is available alone, that is without the GPS receiver/antenna package.  This would allow the purchaser to add the GPS at a later date or perhaps thether it to his or her GPS enabled cellular telephone.  Either way, this product has a thumbs up in my opinion  

Note: This product is capable of far more than described in this review.  Construction area downloads (free for one year), off air updates on local traffic and current fuel prices, are but a few.   Testing of these advanced features was not conducted.  The review covers the more basic operations and applications only.       

Next week we will be taking the Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 out on the road to see how its performance stacks up against similar products.  Hope you can join us.

 

With Your Co-ordinates     -    Lug_Nut     -     Peter Mercer

 

Stainless Steel Coach Upgrades

Personalizing, or customizing a motor home, is a relatively popular thing today.  While for many this consists of choosing color schemes and interior swatches if ordering a new coach from the factory, or perhaps locating a unique color graphic on one in the market place, new or used.  Add-ons like chrome exhaust tips, fancy mud flaps and wheel dressing are also popular choices.  At the high end of this craze is customized re-painting and graphical color designs.  But one item, probably in the mid add-on price range, that is in my mind the best bang for the buck, is stainless lower body trim.  This chrome like accent to the rocker panels can provide a striking look to any motor home as well as adding lower body protection from road grime and debris.

The material used is generally a high quality stainless steel.  It can be ordered with a plain flat polished surface or with folded ridges running horizontally.  It is glued to the body with no need for any mechanical fasteners and is normally guaranteed never to come off.  It is also available in various sizes depending on how high you would want the material to be from the bottom edge of the body.  Further personalizing can be selected as to how the entrance steps would be trimmed, if the rear departure lift will be followed or horizontally ran out and additional trim to body contours. 

                                                                                                 

So, where do you get it and how much does it cost?  There are several manufacturers and suppliers in the U.S.   One of the more popular is Summit Products of Johnston, Iowa.  At Summit they design, laser cut, and install a top quality product built to the individual’s needs and wants.  Costs, on say a 40 foot coach, can generally run from under $3,000 to $5,900 or more, all depending on what the owner wishes.   Ridged material can run a bit more than flat as the ridges may require to be angle ground at the basement door edges to provide clearance when opened.  Of course, if you would prefer your coach be stainless trimmed to resemble a Marathon Prevost XL, it can be done, but at a much higher dollar.  The choice is entirely yours.

There are many more options and additional add-ons available from Summit, like fuel door trimmings, interior step faces, jack pads, etc.  In fact there are so many options and variations that can be tailor made, it is reasonable to assume that one could virtually customize their rig to be a one of a kind.  

One consideration when getting this done is the extra basement door weight.  In some cases this may exceed the ability of the existing gas shocks that hold the doors open.  Either larger stronger ones or the addition of an extra one may be required.  In the above picture, an additional shock was added.  These are available from most RV supply houses and possibly also from Summit themselves.

 

So, is there a return on the investment when sale or trade time comes around?  While it is possible that a portion of the original cost may in fact be recovered, it is doubtful.  It may however, sway a buyer when comparing a choice of a similar coach.  Either way, you may have a coach that will uniquely stand out from the others.

 With An Upgrade Idea    -   Lug_Nut    -    Peter Mercer

 

Practical Motor Home Inverter Applications

Two weeks ago week we looked at the type of inverters commonly used in motor homes.  This week we will touch on applications of inverters in our home on wheels.   We will deal with integrated types only, generally these are 2,000 watt output and larger.  We will also focus only at the inverter operation, not the charger function. 

 

The inverter basically takes 12 volt direct current from the batteries and inverts it to 120 volts alternating current, similar to that in your house. 

 

 In doing this, it produces either a M.S.W. (Modified Sine Wave) or a T.S.W. (True Sine Wave) depending on the make and model.  Modified types are the cheaper of the two to produce, and are the ones found currently on the majority of motor homes today.  True sine types are becoming far more popular recently.  This is due to lower prices recently and more sine wave affected electronics that are being introduced into today’s modern coaches.

 

The inverter in a standard configured propane equipped motor home is generally wired to power the following.

• TV’s, receivers and entertainment centers
• Most duplex 120 outlets
• Microwave
• Awnings, if 120 VAC (Such as Gerard)
• Refrigerator (If 120 volt AC)
• Ice maker (If 120 volt AC)

The balance of AC powered loads such as air conditioners, hot water tank, electric stoves and of course, battery chargers only operate on shore power. 

Some microwave models can be damaged if used to cook using a modified wave inverter.  This damage can result in causing the efficiency to drop substantially after continued use.  While wiring the inverter to the microwave outlet is normal, which at least keeps the clock on time, it may be wise to run the generator for any microwave cooking while boondocking.  This applies to M.S.W. inverters, but is not applicable to T.S.W. installations.  Additionally, some models of modern residential refrigerators may be susceptible to modified sine wave inverter current.  The issue is control board related.   This primarily affects newer all electric coaches.  These really require a true sine wave inverter to assure trouble free operation.

Inverters in conventional propane equipped motor coaches are generally turned off when not required, particularly if dry camping.  This is due to a continuing draw, albeit light, of electric current, even if all loads are off.  First, there is a search mode that essentially searches for a load, even in stand-by mode.  Secondly, TV’s, microwave readouts and many modern receivers use power in the “off” mode.  The TV’s and receivers remain on stand-by to be instant “on”.

Inverters in all electric coaches are generally always left on.  This is required as the refrigerator, if it is a residential type, is 120 volt AC only.  Inverters can be left on even when connected to shore power.  Once connected, the unit shuts down the inverter and operates as a charger and will automatically take over in the event of a power disruption.

Now, as if the inverter/charger didn’t do enough, there are models available with a built-in automatic generator starting board.   These will automatically start and stop the generator as required to keep the batteries within operating voltage range.  Additionally, the auto start can be wired to the air conditioning thermostat and provide instant start should the temperature within the coach rise above a user preset value.  Once the temperature is within the set temperature range, it will automatically shut the generator down until the next event.

If you have never had a coach with an inverter/charger, you don’t know what you are missing.  The convenience of having household power without the need for continually running the genset, is well worth the costs involved.  If you already have an inverter equipped coach, you probably wouldn’t have a coach without one again.

 With A Current Alternate View      -       Lug_Nut

 

Innovative Future Fuel Savings For Motor Homes

Through the years we have seen motor home manufacturers continue to up the bar with new and innovative ideas. These ideas and new features have attracted buyers, both new to the lifestyle and those trading up. But, unlike the auto industry, no one quoted expected fuel mileage, or in many cases, cared, for that matter. That may be soon to change. You can just imagine the potential buyers now. Even though they are not expecting an economic fuel consumption figure, there will be more people than ever asking “How many miles per gallon”.

Read more

Next Page »