Over 10 million American households owned an RV in 2017, and this figure is steadily rising. While this can be attributed to many factors, one reason that RV travel is becoming more appealing is that the levels of luxury it offers are considerably greater than they were in the past, thanks in no small part to technology. Just as IoT has changed home design, it has also made a considerable difference to RV living, whether temporarily on vacation or as part of a nomadic lifestyle.
Perhaps the biggest difference IoT has made to RV travel is increased security, allowing travelers peace of mind when they’re camping in isolated spots. The ability of RV owners to connect CCTV to their smart devices has opened up their options when they’re traveling, allowing them to leave the RV unattended for longer in more remote locations. The use of cameras also makes driving safer, and gives owners who aren’t used to operating such a large vehicle confidence when navigating tight spaces or difficult roads. These features also give owners confidence in leaving their vehicles in covered RV ports when they’re not using them. This is particularly appealing to environmentally conscious travelers who wish to use solar storage options when their van’s not in use but may have been wary about leaving them unattended in the past.
An IoT system connecting lights and blinds also helps with security, allowing users flexibility if they’re out for the day. By being able to operate their vehicle’s lights and shutters from their phones, RV owners feel more confident about staying away from their vehicles for longer. Tracking devices and intruder alarms hooked up to the system further provide peace of mind, while GPS locators, such as those provided in the Airstream Silver Bullet Smart RV, guide owners back to their vehicles safely at night.
Because the majority of RV travelers use their vehicle on vacation, convenience is often a priority: they want to be able to explore their destination without worrying about domestic arrangements. IoT makes this much easier, and linking energy supplies and thermostats to their networks allows them to keep a track of the system remotely. Many systems allow users to control the temperature and lighting from their smart devices, allowing them to warm the vehicle up for the evening in advance of getting back from a long day out. Tasks that used to be laborious, such as setting up an awning or checking the ventilation are also revolutionized by IoT. Accessing these features from a phone makes them much more appealing at the end of a long day, and allows campers to fully enjoy all the possibilities their vehicle offers them.
In the modern world, an off-grid holiday may seem appealing, but many people can’t afford to be offline for the whole of their vacation. However, the wi-fi possibilities in connected RVs takes this worry out of the equation, and allows travelers to take home comforts like smart TVs and tablets away with them. People are happier to stay away for longer when they can stay connected to their loved ones and have the peace of mind that they’re not missing important communications from work. Constant connectivity also allows travelers to research their destination and change their plans as they go.
IoT is a game changer for the modern traveler, offering increased peace of mind, greater control of the environment, and access to luxuries previously only available at home or in expensive resorts. As IoT continues to develop, the possibilities for connected RVs are sure to advance too, and the RV industry is sure to benefit considerably.