Big Ol' Bug Smacker

Time to Vent

Tim R. Enright

We are planning on a road trip soon, so I decided it was time to look into improving the ventilation in our 5th wheel. We have 2 hatch type windows, 1 small slide window and 3 louver type. There is also a power vent in the ceiling at the rear of the trailer.

While parked we have all the airflow we need. My concern was that it can get pretty hot while traveling. I did not want to leave any of the windows open since I have already lost one while traveling and it was not even open at the time. The only one I would consider leaving open would be the slider. I don’t know how much air would circulate with only one small window open anyway.

I called my RV manufacturer to see what they recommended. They informed me that they had no answer and directed me to a dealership. There I was told about the different aftermarket vent covers that they sold. So I ordered one. I have seen these on several different RVs and thought I had a solution to my problem. After installing the vent cover I found that it restricted the air flow through the vent, made the vent fan sound louder and kept the vent cover from opening all the way. Since my fan was a high-flow type fan, the vent cover I had to purchase actually hung over my skylight making it darker in the room. The cover would however keep the rain out while traveling.

I thought about installing another ceiling vent, but I am somewhat hesitant about cutting a hole in the roof. I may actually go this route when I get the courage to do so.

It would be nice if manufacturers thought of things like this. It would be so much easier to build a solution into the design of the trailer from the beginning.

So as you can see I have come full circle and still have not found a solution to my problem. I just wanted to share my experiences with others who may have this same situation. Plus, I thought it was time for me to vent a little.

Article Courtesy of : www.BugSmacker.com : Copyright © 2008

Wi-Fi that Works

Tim R. Enright

If you are anything like me then the internet has become a big part of your life. I use it at work, I use it at home, and I even use it while camping. Just because we are away from home doesn’t mean we have to become disconnected from the world.

Today’s technology has made it easier to stay connected while away from home. Staying connected while RVing is becoming common practice now. More and more campgrounds are discovering how important getting online has become to most people. The internet is a necessary evil for many of us.

The problem is that most campground and RV parks can’t seem to get it right. Not that they aren’t trying. A lot of them are. There are more hotspots every year. But out of all of the parks I have been to, only a few have a usable connection that everyone can use. Some either set up a $50 router in the office or otherwise install a system that is inadequate for the size of the park. Most have no idea how it works and cannot help if you can’t get connected.

I even saw one place where they placed the Wi-Fi antenna in the center of the park and wondered why it did not work well. Maybe it was because it was located inside of a metal gazebo. Rather than fix the problem, I was told they were going to just remove that they offered Wi-Fi from their ads.

I would like to see campgrounds not just offering Wi-Fi, but also offering Wi-Fi that actually works.

Article Courtesy of : www.BugSmacker.com : Copyright © 2008