New Stuff!
New Products for Boondocking in Style
I
t’s said that hindsight is 20/20 — and the Go RVing campaign was, in retrospect, truly onto something when the promotional arm of the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association (RVDA) began focusing on the “experiential” aspects of the RV lifestyle several years back. Fueled by a younger audience looking to do more with an RV than set up in a campground, the campaign captured the essence of going off the grid in search of memories. In other words, boondocking.
In the seasons since, dry camping has become the biggest trend in the RV arena. And whether it’s fed by a drive to truly experience what nature has to offer or an alternative to sold-out campgrounds, boondocking has opened up new vistas as travelers rediscover state and national parks and locations off the beaten path.
It’s also charged a drive by RV suppliers to research, design and create a wealth of components to sustain those off-road excursions. Just a handful of years back, about the only industry developing products capable of being used with 12-volt DC power was the over-the-road trucking industry. Today, RVs are awash in appliances capable of being utilized without that once-critical electric umbilical cord. From 12-volt refrigerators and lithium batteries to “soft starting” air-conditioners, solar panel arrays and energy management systems, the products intended to maximize comforts while off the grid has expanded exponentially — and continues to grow.
In partnership with our friends at RVBusiness, the industry’s premier trade publication, we’ve assembled the latest components developed for off-grid use — and some intended to maximize comfort once you get where you’re going. As readers of RV Enthusiast, you’re among the first to see many of these products, most of which were introduced at industry supplier shows earlier this year. And you needn’t boondock to maximize the advantages they provide!
WAY Everchill Premier Series
Everchill by Way was the first to innovate 12-volt DC fridge technology in 2016. With a full range of sizes from 3.3 to 17 cubic feet and finishes including stainless-steel, black and the new glass-front Premier Series, Everchill has a model and finish for every RV kitchen. The new 12-volt Premier Series comes in 11 and 15.5 cubic feet with the same benefits you expect from Everchill, including turbo cooling, highest usable capacity and built for boondocking. The glass front is more durable, less susceptible to damage and scratch- and dent-resistant. wayinterglobal.com
Xantrex LiFEPO4 battery
Xantrex, part of Mission Critical Electronics, claims more than three decades of design, engineering and manufacturing expertise in power technology. It comes as no surprise, then, that a company manager described the new LiFEPO4 batteries as “the Cadillac of lithium batteries.” Among the features are an integrated battery management system you can monitor from a smartphone app, an LED indicator to show the state of charge and an On/Off switch, convenient for when the RV goes into storage. Xantrex batteries also have a very high charge rate, are covered by a 10-year warranty and available in capacities ranging from 105 to 410 amp-hours. xantrex.com
CONTOURE SMART PoweredSolutions Refrigerators
CONTOURE has added four new sizes and three new finishes to its line of CONTOURE RapidCold refrigerators which now includes 7.5-, 10.5-, 12.5-, 18-, 21- and 26-cubic-foot models, with options available in 120V AC power. The big news for boondockers came in January, when the company introduced its new space-saving 12-Volt DC SMART PoweredSolutions RV refrigerators in black onyx, premium stainless-steel and black stainless with new eye-catching glass doors. Like their 120V AC counterparts, these units are designed with enhanced air flow technology, ensuring the even distribution of cold air throughout all parts of the unit allowing food/drinks to stay cold in high temperature environments or when exposed to direct sunlight. www.contoureusa.com
Aus J Mk 2 Duoetto Water Heater
The latest of the Aus J range of products sold to U.S. OEM and individual adventurers includes its tough, Australian-designed compact and durable Duoetto 12V/240V water heater. This offers selectable temperatures between 30-70 degrees C (86 to 158 F) so travelers can shower, wash, clean and enjoy abundant hot water whether main power is available or not. The heaters can also be calibrated for 120V AC markets. It is easy to install, without the complexity of having to plumb vehicles for both gas and electric, and is environmentally clean and safe in operation — a winning combination for new generations of outdoor and marine enthusiasts. www.ausj.com
Go Power! DuraPack Waterproof Solar Panels
Charge your handheld devices on the go. Detachable waterproof solar panels charge your power pack anytime it’s light outside — just clip onto your backpack while hiking or lay on your dash as you drive. This lightweight power pack from Go Power!, a Dometic company, folds down to the size of a cell phone, which fits neatly into purses or backpacks. It’s capable of charging three cell phones per charge and is equipped with 2x USB ports, LED status lights, and an integrated flashlight. The DuraPack is a 100% renewable way to recharge mobile devices wherever the road takes you. gpelectric.com
Coleman-Mach SOFTStart Series Air-Conditioners, from Airxcel
Avoid damaging bursts of power from your RV’s air-conditioner with Coleman-Mach’s SOFTStart, designed to promote healthy motor functions by providing a seamless and steady slope of power allowing for smooth and safe acceleration. Especially useful for RVs with multiple A/C units, the MACH 10 NDQ features SOFTStart and 13,500 BTU/h of cooling power with ducted and non-ducted models. Choose from black or white textured exterior shrouds or, polished exterior shrouds for select models. The Mach 10 NDQ with SOFTStart is compatible with the latest digital and Bluetooth thermostats. airxcel.com/rv/coleman-mach
Samlex SSP Solar Kit
The latest entry to the Samlex SSP series, the 200-watt panel kit allows the system to provide as much as twice the power in the same footprint. This kind of space savings is critical in hard-mounted solar kits, since there is only so much real estate available on top of even the largest RV. In addition to the 100-, 150- and new 200-watt panels, the kits are available with four different charge controllers that monitor and control the flow of current from the panels to onboard batteries. They prevent overcharging and can extend the life of the batteries. There are a number of accessories also available, including branch connectors, adjustable panel tilt mounts, connecting wires and brackets and multi-contact connectors. samlexamerica.com
GE Water Filtration Systems
GE Appliances offers water-filtration systems that provide better quality water throughout the RV at every tap. Products incude under-sink water filtration systems for higher quality water for drinking and cooking right at the sink and inline and shower water filters that provide filtered water though an incoming water line or shower head. www.geappliances.com
Zamp Solar Obsidian Solar Panels
The Obsidian 25-Watt Trickle Charge Kit enables batteries to remain in a fully float charged state at optimum level, ensuring increased battery life. Perhaps the biggest advantage is the light, portable nature of the panels that allows the vehicle — with its roof solar panels — to remain parked in the shade while the Obsidian panels can be moved at will, essentially chasing the sun around the campsite. The panel is said to be 30% lighter than a traditional panel and features a ½-inch thick frame. The kit includes one 25-watt panel, one 10-foot cable extension, a pre-terminated ring terminal adapter, alligator clip adapter, reversible mounting feet and 8-amp charge controller. www.zampsolar.com
BMPro MiniBoostPRO DC-DC Charger
For many RVers, switching out their lead/acid batteries to lithium is not a simple plug-and-play. To help alleviate some of those concerns, BMPro introduced the MiniBoostPRO. This compact, durable component was specially designed for the RV market and works with AGM wet cell, Gel and LiFEPO4 batteries, allowing for effective charging from the tow vehicle’s alternator. Additionally, the MiniBoostPRO blends both solar and auxiliary inputs delivering a combined charging current of up to 30 amps. Finally, the system provides a multi-stage charging profile, critical with LiFEPO4 batteries, and offers a range of protective features to protect the RV’s electrical system. teambmpro.com
Aus J 12v Aqueous Compact Water Heater
Aus J’s 6L Aqueous MK2 hot water system is the latest product in an innovative series proven worldwide for more than a decade. The Aqueous MK2 6-litre water heater from Aus J Hot Water Solutions is the most compact model yet in the company’s U.S. product range for RV, marine domestic, commercial, hospitality and industrial users. With dimensions of just 305 by 305 by 304 mm, it is designed to sit snugly near taps to ensure immediate hot water for washing, hygiene and convenience. Aqueous 6- and 10-liter hot water systems are said to cost a fraction of some alternative instant hot water solutions. Complementary 12-volt CD/240-volt AC Duoetto RV water heaters are available globally. www.ausj.com.au
Go Power! DuraCUBE Power Station
Reliable power, anywhere. Charge your mobile devices and run your electronics wherever adventure takes you. The DuraCUBE portable power station offers 500 watts of power in a rugged anodized aluminum case. Pair with a DuraLITE Expansion panel for a 100% renewable power source that’s ideal for tent camping, camper vans, tent trailers, backyard parties, festivals, fishing and backup power for emergencies. Built-in vehicle jumpstart function and trickle charger gives you peace of mind on back-roads. The DuraCUBE features a variety of AC and DC output ports to charge, power, or jumpstart your adventures. gpelectric.com
King Connect WiFiMax Pro Signal Booster
WiFiMax offers a secure way to boost that notoriously weak campground WiFi signal and connect multiple devices. Functioning as both a router and a range extender WiFiMax can find both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signals and boost them out at the standard 5GHz. It is customizable, allowing the user to create a WiFi name and password for security. It uses the company’s antennas with beamforming technology to boost the signal. An existing WiFi source is required for WiFiMax to function. It cannot be used as a standalone hotspot. kingconnect.com
Husky BigDog Hard-Sided Coolers
BigDog Hard Sided Coolers by Husky are constructed with tough roto-molded thermoplastic construction and filled with polyurethane foam; a freezer-style gasket insulates contents from extreme temperatures and keeps ice cold for 7+ days. Exterior surfaces are UV protected to prevent sun damage. The lid features a molded ruler and dual stainless-steel latches for secure closing that double as bottle openers. Each cooler includes cutting board, cup holders and basket accessories. Rolling models with extending handles are also available. Every BigDog cooler is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. huskytow.com
Southwire Electrical Maintenance Kit
Designed for “newbies” who might not know what tools they need to do basic repairs in their RV, this kit covers many of the basics and allows someone with a few basic mechanical skills to perform basic electrical testing in addition to providing tools for maintenance and quick repairs. The kit includes a multimeter for testing voltage, checking fuses and testing heating elements; a 7-in-1 multi-tool plier; a multi-bit screwdriver; LED headlamp; buss blade fuses rated at 10-, 15-, 20- and 30 amps; a compact pocket knife; 30 feet of electrical tape and 14-inch cable ties. rvpower.southwire.com
WAY Elite 120-Watt Solar Expansion Kit
Elite’s 120-watt Solar Expansion Kit provides lightweight, convenient and high-efficiency solar expansion for your RV. Don’t want to stay on the grid? Solar allows for long-term boondocking without sacrificing power, and expanded solar capabilities means many of your RV’s 12-volt DC appliances can be sustained for days. Turn your vehicle’s basic solar installation into a powerful solution — and run more RV appliances and electronics. Kit includes additional panels, Y-connectors for easy hookup, and charge controllers to handle the increased wattage. wayinterglobal.com
Winegard Gateway 4G LTE WiFi Router
The Gateway 4G LTE WiFi Router from Winegard offers a couple of different functions. It’s a Wi-Fi extender for a 4G LTE network and it works in conjunction with Winegard’s AIR 360+ dome antenna. The Gateway Router provides GPS and activates preinstalled 4G LTE and WiFi antennas in the AIR 360+. This simple DIY add-on installs on the RV ceiling or under the AIR 360+ dome on the RV roof. “But what’s nice about the Gateway is that there are 350,000-plus RVs pre-wired for our Gateway Router,” said the company’s Keith Larson. “So, a customer can add the Gateway to an AIR 360+ for an all-in-one solution for Internet, TV and AM/FM signals.” www.winegard.com
Topper Mfg. WOWRORV Drinking Water System
The WOWRORV system from Topper Mfg. is a new reverse-osmosis (the “RO” in the name) that works to deliver high-quality drinking water. Said to offer the smallest footprint, fastest-producing and least-wasting tank-type of any RO system available, the Topper-designed system fits in the basement, under the sink or even under a dinette seat. No more bad-tasting water from questionable sources — and no more bottled water. topperwater.com
Dometic CCF-T Center Console Refrigerator
The innovative Dometic CCF-T Center Console Refrigerator seamlessly integrates into the center console to offer owners the ability to add an integrated refrigerator to their Ford F-150 (2015-2020), Ford Super Duty (2017 and newer) or Ford Expedition (2018 and newer). Now drivers can bring more of the food and drinks they love, wherever they go. The CCF-T compressor-based center console refrigerator is easily integrated with the existing vehicle 12-volt DC power system and is low on noise as well as energy consumption. Internal LED lights illuminate the contents and external connections provide an energy source for charging mobile devices. CCF-T likely will see models for other brands of pickups in the coming months.
Southwire Portable Power Stations
In an age when many RVers are trying to move away from using generators, these power stations essentially offer long-lasting, high-powered battery options in the 200, 300, 500 and 1100 Series, depending on how many watts the owner would like. The products can power nine to 12 devices at a time and are highly portable, ranging in weights from 6.6 pounds to 24.7 pounds. Each produces pure sine wave electricity, which ensures that delicate electronics are protected with clean power output. For the 500 Series, a kit is available that includes a 100-watt solar panel for recharging the station. Each of the devices is powerful enough to run a CPAP machine, with the 500 running one for 13 hours and the 1100 powering it for 20 hours. rvpower.southwire.com
Xantrex Solar Max Flex Panel
Ease of installation, high efficiency and durability are the hallmarks of these new flexible solar panels available in April of this year from Xantrex. The Solar Max Flex Panel mounts flush on the RV roof using 3M VHB tape, so there are no screws or holes to drill. In addition, the panels incorporate Xantrex’s mesh-grid technology, which the company says provides higher conversion rates equal to or greater than rigid glass panels and up to 20% higher than standard flex panels. Solar Max Flex is available in three sizes, including 110-, 220-, and 330-watt output, and includes a 5-year limited warranty. xantrex.com
GE Electric Point of Use Water Heaters
GE Appliances Electric Point of Use Water Heaters have a compact design to provide the convenience of having hot water fast from any location within the RV. It works as a standalone unit or inline with another water heater as a hot water booster. These water heaters connect to any 120-volt AC supply and use standard ½-in NPT water connections for simple installation. The 2.5- and 6-gallon sizes are perfect for RV’s, but larger tanks are also available. www.geappliances.com