3 Upgrades to Make to Your Rig This Season

There’s always something you can do to make your RV journeys more liveable. But we know how it goes: If you think about it long enough, you’ll create a list of many, many somethings you could upgrade. It gets overwhelming. So, as the new travel season approaches, we did the brainstorming (and the winnowing down) for you to produce a list of three enhancements that will pay major dividends down the road. Here are three ideas—ranging from power storage to sleep and security—that will make RV living more enjoyable.

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Install Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are having a moment—and for good reason. They’re significantly lighter than their lead-acid counterparts (which are found standard in many RVs), they have longer lifespans, and they charge faster. They’re more expensive than lead-acid models, so swapping your house batteries for lithium will require an upfront investment. 

If you also install solar panels on your rig—with a compatible charge controller—you can achieve long-term energy independence when venturing somewhere without shore power. Plus, because lithium batteries last so long, you’ll likely save money in the long term. There are a bevy of lithium options on the market, so you’ll need to do some research. Battle Born’s 100Ah, 12V Kit is rated for up to 15 years and pairs well with a 12V panel.

Swap Out Your Mattress 

It’s no secret that RV mattresses, thin and stiff, too often leave something to be desired. If you’re going nights on end without quality sleep, it’s hard to justify staying out on the road. Thankfully, there are a wide range of aftermarket mattresses designed to fit the peculiar dimensions of RVs bedrooms. Plus, companies like Dreamfoam, Brooklyn Bedding and Helix offer products with varying firmness and material so any type of sleeper can find something that suits them. If you’ve been tossing and turning every night, it’s time to enhance your RV sleep experience. 

Add Reverse (and Security) Cameras

Depending on when your trailer or motorhome was built, it may not have a backup camera pre-installed. And while there’s something admirable about reversing into a campsite using only mirrors, a reverse camera setup—like this Vision S System from Furrion— will add another dimension of safety, especially if you’re navigating in the dark or on your own. 

Plus, if security is a concern, the Furrion system comes with three cameras, which can be mounted in different spots on your rig, each of which is motion-activated and has an integrated microphone. So, you’re looking for peace of mind—and a little assistance in reverse—adding a camera system to your rig will make life at camp that much more comfortable.

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