What makes new RV's better?

[Larry N.]

From a safety standpoint, a better monitor and side cameras would be great. Not sure how effective they are but would like the side cameras.

I find the side cameras in my Class A to be useless. I wish they would not automatically change to the side cameras when I use my turn signals. I normally have my cameras showing the rear which is nice for very tight turns, showing my motorcycle on the hitch ramp. I do NOT want it to change when I use my turn signals and I wish I could find a simple way to modify it so it will not.

Like Don, I found the side cameras almost useless (see below), partly due to occasional sun glare (too often) and partly because they were more difficult to mentally align with my mirror use and partly because they waaaay too often (always, that is) were engaged with the turn signals on which was when I really needed to see the traffic behind me in relation to the Jeep I was towing, but I couldn't get the rear camera with those turn signals on. They also were too wide angle to help much in any case.

 

[DonTom]

I found the side cameras almost useless

I find them to always be useless, with no exceptions at any time.

By any chance did you find a way to disable the side cameras at the monitor so it would not change with the turn signals?

I have not spent any time trying to figure out where the turn signal wires go for the switching for the monitor video. But I will probably soon modify mine to not select the side cameras if I can get to the necessary area without too much trouble.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[Larry N.]

By any chance did you find a way to disable the side cameras at the monitor so it would not change with the turn signals?

Unfortunately not, but I didn't dig real deep into the area under the dash, and the monitor back end was hard to get to. I think that if you can disconnect the cameras on the monitor connection it won't switch but I never got to that area. And, of course, I can't get there now, since I sold the coach.

 

[DonTom]

I think that if you can disconnect the cameras on the monitor connection it won't switch

Nope, it doesn't work that way.

There is only one video cable input on my monitor. I did check that far. That cable is switched by the turn signal elsewhere and I do NOT have a clue where that is located.

So you have no signal at all by disconnecting--the reverse and side video are on the same cable at the monitor side. The monitor has nothing to do with the switching.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[DonTom]

then there is that new rv smell.

You can add the smell to any old junky RV or car:

 

[DonTom]

then there is that new rv smell.

In Asia, they no longer use the American version of the smell because most people there find it stinks and even makes many Asians feel sick.

But I assume they spray the stuff into cars coming over here.

BTW, my 2022 Class A still has the smell and I like it.

I bet many didn't realize that smell was sometimes just a spray that could be used in any old car.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[Arch Hoagland]

You can add the smell to any old junky RV or car:

View attachment 176225

Does it work on motorcycles?

 

[jymbee]

I find the side cameras in my Class A to be useless.

Same here. Very comfortable using side mirrors as I can just glance back and forth between left & right to keep an eye on things. Not to mention that the OEM black & white monitor was all but useless.

The way I have my camera in this old class C (a system I added) is to only show the rear at all times. I would like my Class A cameras to work the same way.

I also want a rear view camera ON at all times. Bought a wireless camera & monitor that does just that. Much better video and IMO much more useful. Great when backing into sites as well.

Heard some negative comments about the wireless regarding quality and such but ours has been pretty much flawless. Seems they've come a long way.

Someone here posted awhile back about a camera monitor system that doesn't even need to be wired. Lots of options...

 

[old_toys]

Does it work on motorcycles?

it might, but the best new vehicle smell I ever experienced was the 380 Suzuki I bought in 1972.
I might have been caught up in the moment though.

 

[1stimerver]

I would recommend that you consider what you want to do.
Early on, we started out tent camping, then went to a conversion van and after quite a few years to a TT.
Our 20 ft "entry level" TT gives us everything we need to enjoy long weekends as well as up to 2 week stays. The occasional boondock with our 30 amp 4500 watt genny handles it all.
The simplicity of our TT translates into reliability and has served our needs for the last 8 years very well.
Decide what you want/need and decide how to best satisfy that need within the constraints of budget and your preferences.
Decor preferences don't mean much when your systems dont work.
Keep in mind that the more complex your systems, the more potential for problems to crop up...
The Idea is to enjoy the experience rather than get tied up with technical problems.

Safe travels and all the best.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

By any chance did you find a way to disable the side cameras at the monitor so it would not change with the turn signals?

Just buy a new monitor without 3 camera connections, just one rear. They are relatively cheap.

For myself, I use my side cameras all the time. When I make a lane change, especially to the left, and when we have the dolly and toad aboard I'll check my mirrors, both sides if 3 or more lanes, check the side camera as a second level of caution, fast glance at the mirror again, then make my lane change. All this probably takes one second or less. I'm never in a hurry to change lanes because zig-zagging drivers appear out of nowhere. This is where I believe the cameras are an asset.

 

[Derby6]

Floor plans
Slide outs
Newer designed steps
More comfortable seating
Led lighting
Auto leveling w/ hydraulics
Solar
USB ports
Technology allowing phone to control things
Gas or electric hot water heaters
Larger refrigerators

 

[DonTom]

Just buy a new monitor without 3 camera connections, just one rear. They are relatively cheap.

The stock camera only has ONE video cable camera connection as is.

I would then have to run cables to a new camera since the video switching is done somewhere in the turn signal circuit. Or perhaps install a completely new wireless camera system.

Not worth the hassle. Besides, in my current monitor, there are many other functions, such as radio, USB player, etc.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[jymbee]

I'm never in a hurry to change lanes..

That's the key! Don't just glance once and pull out, rather take your time, monitor the lane situation, then move out... slowly with directionals on of course.

Slow easy is the way to change lanes IMO since by doing that, even if there is something you missed (speeding car fast approaching e.g.) they have time to see you and react.

 

[grashley]

For the backup only camera, I have a separate camera (only one) on my FW, wired to running lights. It is wireless, and the monitor in the truck has no trouble connecting to a camera 50 ft away. It DOES add another monitor to the cockpit. Running lights must be on for the camera, but NO connection to anything else.

Our situation right now is we need to sell our FW and plan to buy a used Class C or small Class A, due to age and health. Whatever we get will have or receive immediate remodel to include a compressor refrigerator and a decent recliner. Other "new" items I really like include:

Slam latch rather than Cam lock storage doors.
Side or bottom hinged storage doors.
Oven replaced with LOW MOUNT convection microwave. DW is vertically challenged.
Roller shades instead of noisy pleated shades
Televator option is nice.
Larger bedroom side tables with power for CPAP.
Better wet bay with valves to set for varied needs.
No carpet, or very little carpet under the dinette.

Despite my age, I do not like the '15 vintage "colorful" decor. I much prefer the current neutral monotone. Either can be changed fairly easily.

 

[mikeylikesit]

slide outs. we went from a 1996 Pace Arrow 35' to a 2018 Winnebago 30R. It is one heck of a lot more usable.

 

[DonTom]

slide outs. we went from a 1996 Pace Arrow 35' to a 2018 Winnebago 30R. It is one heck of a lot more usable.

There are some disadvantages of slide outs also, such as when they are not out. For one example, there is an area behind my king bed in my Class A with a bunch of cabinets and drawers. I cannot get to the stuff inside of them until the slides are out. Also, the king bed cannot be used without the slides being out.

But when there are no slideouts, such is in this Y2K Class C, everything is always accessible.

And for the room, it makes little difference to me as I am always at the same place I am right now, the seat facing the front at the kitchen table.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[Derby6]

Also, the king bed cannot be used without the slides being out.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

You can't get to it at all? Or just can't walk around it?

 

[DonTom]

You can't get to it at all? Or just can't walk around it?

It can't be used as a bed without the slides out. And I cannot open the cabinets and drawers behind the king bed until the rear slide is out. The bed is folded and cannot be used when the slide is in.

Not a big problem in my case because my Class A also has a bed above the cab that comes down (or up) with a press of a button. I use that bed when I cannot put my slides out. And the stuff I keep in those cabinets and drawers behind the King bed are the things I will only need access to at an RV park or other places where the slides can be out. I need to be careful about the stuff I put in those. The half bed when folded blocks the access to that stuff.

So it's not a big issue. But when there are no slides, such as in this old Class C, there are none of such issues.

FWIW, I do NOT find slides to be a big advantage for myself. I am just as comfy in this small Class C as I am in my much newer Class A. And I sleep great in this smaller bed. I think even better than the king. In this smaller bed, I do not toss and turn nearly as much as in a larger KIng bed where I have more room for such!

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[rvlifer]

Would be interesting to see if anyone tries to come out with a floorplan for one of the giant new tvs

TV screens are getting bigger as technology improves and prices fall

For some television viewers, size apparently does matter. Forget the 65-inch TVs that were considered bigger than average just a few years ago.

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