For many, summertime is prime time for RVing! Whether you’re a full-timer or a weekend/vacation traveler, the open road beckons, and opportunities to enjoy the fun, freedom, and flexibility of RV life abound. When it comes to RVing — and other aspects of life, of course — knowledge can help things roll along more smoothly. This edition of Tech Talk includes information about lithium-ion batteries, plus RV maintenance and upgrade tips. And if you really want to add joy to your travels, check out the offer from Blaupunkt that makes the company’s lightweight, folding electric bikes even more affordable for FMCA members.

So, carpe diem and soak up all the summer fun you can!

The FMCA Team

Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for $60 for the first year and $50 thereafter! Click here to learn more.

By Steve Froese, F276276

A plethora of information regarding lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries is available online, but not all of it is accurate. So, I thought I’d provide an overview to educate readers on the basics, as well as the pros and cons of li-ion batteries. This article will serve as a primer only and will not go into detail about lithium-ion technology. My goal is to provide you valuable information to help you decide whether to purchase this technology for your RV. Should you have additional questions after reading this, please don’t hesitate to email me at techtalk@fmca.com.

’Tis the season for heat and humidity in many parts of North America. For RVers, this is the time when you count on your RV air conditioner to keep things comfortable inside. RV technician Chris Dougherty shares a quick tip for determining the health of the unit using an infrared thermometer. Plus, this handy tool has other applications. Learn more here.

Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for $60 for the first year and $50 thereafter! Click here to learn more.

A discussion of new products on the market to enhance your RV lifestyle.

The Anker 548 Power Bank provides light and power on the go — and in emergency situations. It offers 60,000mAh of power and a battery capacity of 192 watt-hours. It incorporates a retractable light and an SOS button for emergency illumination during power outages or other instances. The device can quickly charge a cellphone (27 watts max) and a laptop (60 watts max) simultaneously. For instance, it has the capacity to charge an iPhone 14 more than 10 times and a MacBook Air up to 2.9 times. It also can power a 3-watt LED lamp for 42.3 hours. For sustainable power, the Power Bank can be charged via solar panels and is compatible with a solar charger featuring an XT-60 connector, ranging from 10 to 24 volts.

Backed by a three-year warranty, the Anker 548 Power Bank costs $149.99 and includes a 1.9-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a quick-start guide; a wall charger and XT-60 cable are not included.

The ReadyVision Heavy-Duty Wi-Fi Camera RV Kit is compatible with RVs prewired for Furrion or Voyager rearview cameras and comes with everything needed for installation. If your RV is not prewired, you can use the universal mounting bracket and tap into the 12-volt lighting system. The camera’s 150-degree viewing angle helps to reduce blind spots. The wireless digital system boasts a 100-foot range. It comes with the ReadyVision camera app, allowing a cellphone or tablet to connect to the camera’s internal Wi-Fi network without the need for a dedicated external monitor or internet service. Continuous power is provided via a 12-volt plug and makes it possible to operate the camera with the included AC/DC adapter. Eighteen infrared LEDs provide 30 feet of night vision. The price is $259.00.

Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for $60 for the first year and $50 thereafter! Click here to learn more.

FMCA's picks for tips you need now.

For owners of fifth-wheels and travel trailers, inspecting and repacking wheel bearings as necessary should be part of routine maintenance. Wheel bearings allow the wheels to turn smoothly and play an important role in the safe operation of the vehicle. In addition to sharing step-by-step instructions on How To Repack Trailer Bearings, the RV Geeks provide tips for knowing when it’s time to perform this task.

In a recent “Tech Tip Tuesday” video, Todd from National RV Training Academy offered up his Top 5 Upgrades From An RV Tech to maintain and extend the life of an RV. His suggestions for taking an RV to the next level fall into several categories: electrical, water, and suspension. They cover surge protectors and energy management systems, A/C “soft starts,” lithium-ion batteries, portable water softeners, and suspension system upgrades.

Linda and Jamie from “Roaming With Rosie” recently decided to add RettroBand Wheel Enhancements to the steer tires on their diesel pusher motorhome. This unique product is designed to enhance safety in the event of a rapid loss of air on one of the front tires of a Class A motorhome. The RettroBand acts as a built-in spare tire, and in the event of a blowout or other loss of air, it prevents the wheel from making contact with the road. National Indoor RV Centers is the exclusive dealer for the RettroBand. Linda and Jamie explain more and share an inside look at the installation process here.

Blaupunkt made a name for itself with high-end car stereo and audio equipment and other consumer electronics. In more recent years, the company entered the e-mobility space with a line of foldable electric bikes. Through a new partnership with Blaupunkt, FMCA members now receive a sizable discount when they purchase a bike. The bikes weigh only 47 pounds, including the battery, and with the ability to fold to 31 by 20 by 23 inches for storage, they lend themselves to RV travel. Not to mention, they are fun!

These Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph and come with pedal and throttle assist via a three-stage control that can be conveniently adjusted via the LCD computer. They are outfitted with hydraulic brakes. The LG lithium-ion battery provides a range of 44 miles. Each bike has an MSRP of $1,599, but FMCA members receive a $500 discount. To learn more, visit www.fmca.com/blaupunkt-ebikes.

As an RV owner, protecting your RV is just one of your many priorities. With our member-only discounts, you can save on many things to enhance your RV lifestyle and travel experience. Click here to learn more about FMCA's member discounts.