by admin | Aug 27, 2021 | RV Lifestyle & Tips
From vacationers trying to stream this weekend’s football game to full-timers roadschooling the kids, RV WiFi is essential for families on the go. In a constantly connected world, as much as we would like to use RVing as a way to unplug and recharge, having an RV internet connection often isn’t optional. It’s necessary for safety, from Googling the closest doctor to messaging a friend, and using RV WiFi to stream our favorite Netflix shows doesn’t hurt either.
At Juniata Valley RV, we want to make sure you’re well-connected in the best way possible. We’ll go over all the basics of RV WiFi and how you can get online ASAP.
Campground RV WiFi
Slow Connections
Most campgrounds, especially private ones, offer WiFi. It’s often free to use, but consider yourself extremely lucky if the connection is good! You’ll usually spend more time waiting for pages to load and videos to buffer than you will actually enjoying your RV internet.
Campground WiFi is usually slower than other public WiFi networks, like a local coffee shop, because it’s often relying on slower sources. In rural areas like a campground, the WiFi is probably from a satellite internet, DSL or fixed wireless internet. With these sub-par sources, the metal of your RV blocking the signal, and the number of people connecting, it’s a perfect recipe for slow RV internet.
Security Risks
Additionally, connecting to any public WiFi can be risky without proper privacy precautions. When using free public WiFi, you risk your information being intercepted by a hacker. Hackers can abuse your personal information or distribute malware that can ruin your computer.
To protect yourself from hackers, consider using a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your data. You can also use SSL connections to encrypt your data, as well as turn off sharing on your devices.
If all this internet security talk sounds like a foreign language, check out this YouTube video. Cybersecurity brand Kaspersky uses clear visuals and language to cover the dangers of public WiFi.
RV WiFi Options
Campground WiFi may not be the best solution for your RV internet connection. Thankfully, there are plenty of other options for connecting to the internet on the road or at a rural campground.
Cellular Data
One of the easiest ways to connect to the internet in your RV is using cellular data. Cell phone companies allow you to use data, like 5G connection, to create a WiFi hotspot. Once you hotspot from your phone, you can connect your devices and use it as a source of RV WiFi.
Cellular data and phone hotspots often aren’t very fast, and they’re not good for those spending a lot of time on the internet. Additionally, streaming movies and shows or gaming using cellular data will lead to a lot of buffering and lags. While it’s a good option for messaging or a quick Google search, cellular data often isn’t the best source of RV WiFi. Especially without an unlimited data plan with your cellphone company.
Hotspots
Outside of using your cell phone as a hotspot, most phone companies offer devices that can create a hotspot from cellular data. It’s the same concept, minus your cellphone. These devices cost upward of $100 and only work when cellular data is available. They’re a good option and work faster than tethering to your cell phone as a hotspot.
WiFi Extender
Also called a repeater or ranger, these devices extend existing WiFi signals. These can work to improve or speed up WiFi signals, like the campground WiFi. With the use of cybersecurity precautions, these can make campground connections a reasonable option for your RV WiFi.
Some RV manufacturers have begun installing their own extenders. High-end brands, like Winnebago, install them in some of their newest units.
Satellite Internet
Our last RV WiFi option is satellite. You can have a satellite dish installed on the roof of your RV. With an unobstructed view of the sky, these can be a great option to connect to the internet. It works beyond the range of cellular data. This makes satellite internet a great option for boondocking. Additionally, having your own satellite will be faster and safer than sharing with the campground’s public satellite network.
Once your RV WiFi is connected, you’re ready for any trip! If you need a new RV, or new RV parts and supplies, stop by Juniata Valley RV! Our sales professionals can help you get started with a brand new or new to you unit.
by admin | Aug 2, 2021 | RV Lifestyle & Tips
Your RV awning is the first layer of protection against the elements when you’re relaxing at the campground. Stormy afternoons and late summer heat are blocked by the shade of your awning.
With all it’s importance to your trip, awning care and maintenance should be at the forefront of the RV community. However, they’re often not talked about – despite the hefty price tag that comes with replacing them.
At Juniata Valley RV, we understand the important part your RV awning plays in every camping trip. We gathered some basic care and management tips to help your awning last!
RV Awning Care
Know your awning
RV awnings come in two different materials: vinyl and acrylic. Proper cleaning of your awning depends on the material it’s made of. Often, with either material, hosing off your awning with water is enough to keep it clean. Scrubbing your awning too frequently can wear down the material, making it more prone to holes and ripping. In addition, scrubbing can wear away any water-repellant coating applied by the manufacturer.
Vinyl awning
Vinyl awnings can be scrubbed gently with a soft brush, water and soap. They’re often coated with a substance that prevents mildew growth. If you scrub too hard, you might scrub the coating off.
Acrylic awning
Acrylic awnings can be scrubbed with a stiff brush, water and soap. They usually don’t have a mildew-proof coating, so scrubbing them sparingly is okay.
Never use an abrasive or oil-based cleaner on either type of RV awning.
Let your awning dry out
Wet from rain or a routine cleaning, its essential to give your awning time to completely air dry. Rolling up your awning while it’s still wet or, even worse, placing it in storage while wet, creates the perfect environment for mildew and dry rot.
Air dry your awning before leaving the campground. If necessary, you can extend the awning back out when you return home to allow it to continue drying.
Routine cleaning
Routinely cleaning your awning to remove dirt and mold will help extend its life. Brands like Camco, Thetford and B.E.S.T. make highly-rated commercial RV awning cleaners.
Mild dish detergent can also work to clean your awning, although dedicated awning cleaners will work much better. While a car wash brush can be used, make sure not to apply too much pressure or scrub too much in one area. This can quickly lead to worn awning fabric or, even worse, a hole in your awning.
Protect from UV Damage
Sun damage can take a toll on your RV awning. Hours in the hot sun can bleach and break down the fabric. There are several commercial fabric protectors and sealants available that you can use to apply a protective coating on your awning.
If you plan to be away most of the day, it’s smart to roll up your awning. This way it will not undergo any unnecessary sun damage.
Steady in the wind
On windy days, your RV awning can end up flapping noisily and dangerously. The best way to stop this and protect your awning from wind damage is de-flapper clamps. These will help hold your awning in place and protect it from ripping in the harsh winds.
You can also purchase an RV awning stabilizer kit. These kits often include screws and spring-loaded tension straps. They reinforce your awning by allowing you to secure it to the ground by the arms.
Don’t catch water
When you extend your awning on a rainy day, the water often collects in the center of your awning. With the arms holding the sides up, the center will dip as it fills with water. This can cause the awning to bend out of shape, or even rip.
To prevent your awning from catching gallons of water every time it rains, set your awning so one corner is dipped lower than the others. This allows water to safely run off the awning to an area you’ve predetermined.
Although RVs are mostly used in summer months, this applies to winter too. Never let snow or ice build up on your awning.
Lock the rewind mechanism
Once your awning is rolled up, make sure to lock it in place. If it’s not properly locked in the rolled-up position, outside forces like strong winds can cause it to unroll. This is especially dangerous if it happens while driving, when winds blowing on your RV awning are the strongest.
Make a habit of locking your awning when it’s fully rewound. This will help ensure you don’t forget to secure it in place when hitting the road or storing your RV outside.
RV Awning Repairs and Replacement
If your RV awning needs repairs, our service team at Juniata Valley RV might be able to help. Visit us in person or call us at 1-877-714-0415 to find out what we can do to help.
Over years of protecting you and your family from sun and rain, it’s expected that your RV awning will be worn and damaged. RV awnings can even be replaced, if necessary.
At Juniata Valley RV, our staff can help you replace your awning. If you’d rather replace your entire unit, we can help with that too! We’ll buy your used RV and help you find a brand new one to fit your needs. View our full inventory online and fill out this form if you’re interested in a new or new to you unit
