As nature starts to bloom, it’s time to shed the winter blues. After last year’s slew of weird weather, we’re hoping that this season allows us to go back to enjoying the sun and spending some more time outdoors. Before you head out on your spring break vacation, be sure to read up on one member’s experience troubleshooting a generator issue; start planning your next trip with an AI companion; and check out some new tech we found.

Safe travels!

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

I often receive emails from FMCA members asking me if I might be able to help them resolve technical issues with their RVs. Sometimes the issues are basic, but the readers need a little guidance. My favorite emails are the ones that describe unusual issues that make me put on my thinking cap, and sometimes even my engineer’s hat. I am usually able to help them fix the issue, but it is generally a collaborative effort, as we often message back and forth several times while I collect the necessary information to help them solve the problem.

Although I love helping members solve issues with their RVs, I am especially pleased when members write to tell me about complex issues they ultimately resolved themselves.

I think most of us who have been RVing for some time have had the occasional finicky generator. Jerry is one such FMCA member, and his persistence in dealing with his generator issue led to positive results. Here is his story:

Jumping into the world of RVing can be a rewarding experience. However, there are lots of things to keep in mind before you head out on the road. Keep Your Daydream shares 24 mistakes they have made and suggests how to avoid them in the first place. Whether it’s something simple, like entering the destination and not the exact address into your GPS, or bumping into something as you’re backing up, their experiences provide a cautionary tale to RV owners.

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

Regardless of what type of auxiliary battery you’re currently using, the Manager30 battery management system ensures batteries are always fully charged, no matter whether you’re charging one or more. The Manager30 BMS1230S3R-NA features a color display and mobile phone connectivity for complete battery management when charging auxiliary batteries used in RVs and overlanding vehicles. Acting as six products in one, it charges batteries and also operates as a 110-volt charger, a solar regulator, a battery isolator, a load disconnect controller, and a remote battery monitor. The system incorporates AC, DC, and solar inputs. Price is $1,865. 

There’s nothing “cooler” than this! GoSun’s portable Chillito Electric Cooler is perfect for traveling in trucks, vans, and RVs. Weighing just 18 pounds, with an 18-liter capacity, it’s a lightweight way to keep your food and drinks cool, dry, and organized without the need for ice. You can also use it to charge your devices. By using the companion mobile app or built-in touch-screen display, you can set the temperature from -4 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and monitor power levels while on the go. Included with purchase is the Power 144 power bank. Price is $499.

FMCA's picks for tips you need now.

If you want to be able to operate the water pump, lights, and appliances when not connected to shore power, you need deep-cycle batteries. However, as with many other parts of your RV, they need regular maintenance. This post by the RV Geeks dives into how deep-cycle batteries work, why you need to test them, the tools you need for the job, how to perform the test, how to prolong your batteries’ life, and many other things you should take into consideration.  

RVers who tow already know that proper wiring is crucial for safety. Understanding how your trailer wiring works is pivotal to proper wiring. This is especially important if you ever plan on purchasing towing accessories, like brake or sway controllers. Lippert’s post on trailer wiring provides step-by-step instructions for proper installation. This comprehensive guide covers all the basics you need to know before you tow. The guide also discusses how to discern the differences between wiring configurations, plug types, harnesses, and more.

Artificial intelligence is popping up in more industries than ever before. It’s being integrated all over the business world, but it’s also available for personal use. AdventureGenie is an AI RV trip planner that takes your preferences into consideration to create custom itineraries. It sifts through 300,000-plus points of interest to develop the best trip for you. AdventureGenie also uses a proprietary algorithm to generate campground summaries and ratings, so you can pick the best campground match based on what you value most.

Whether it’s for work or play, internet access is practically a necessity these days. FMCA has recently partnered with T-Mobile to bring FMCA members Tech Connect+ Max. With the power of T-Mobile’s 5G network, members can use this new mobile hotspot for business or pleasure without an annual contract. Whether you’re working from the road or using the internet to stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with friends and family, this new FMCA member-exclusive plan has you covered.

Customers receive a 5G hotspot device or can opt to bring their own. Plus, in Canada and Mexico, customers get 5GB of high-speed data and then unlimited data at up to a max of 265kbps.

Best of all, if you have any questions about your plan or service, FMCA has your back. FMCA technicians can help with issues related to connectivity. To learn more, click here. To contact the FMCA Tech Connect+ team, reach out to techconnect@fmca.com or call (800) 543-3622 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.