BatteryMINDer Solar Charger Controller

The BatteryMINDer solar charger controller can keep up to six 12V or 6V batteries charged and maintained at the same time, without the worry of overcharging them. Whenever the sun is out, the BatteryMINDer is able to monitor your battery’s current voltage and it automatically shuts off when there is a reduction in sunlight, such as when the sun goes behind a cloud. It works well in nearly any type of outdoor environment, including high moisture areas, because of its splash proof, conformal coated circuitry. The output supplied to multiple batteries being charged at the same time mainly depends on the limitations of the solar panel. It should not be used with solar panels exceeding 15 watts.

The BatteryMINDer solar charger controller is able to work with nearly any type of battery, including deep cycle, maintenance-free, maintenance-type, sealed, AGM, gelled or dry-type batteries. In order to get the full performance from the BatteryMINDer,  the batteries should be in good condition, with no shorted cells. The solar controller should be mounted in a location where it is easily noticed and protected from the weather. Placing it in bright, direct sunlight may make it harder to see the LED indicators. The yellow LED is lit when the sunlight is enough to charge the battery. The red LED indicates reverse polarity and the green LED shows that the battery is being charged or maintained. If none of the LEDs are lit, then the sunlight is not sufficient enough for the BatteryMINDer to work.

For more information on this solar charger controller from BatteryMINDer, Click Here

 

Best Fall Camping & RV Accessories

RV season is starting to slow down, but that doesn't mean you have to pack everything up quite yet. There are many regions throughout the country that are currently experiencing great whether that's perfect for spending time outdoors including camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. If you're taking your RV out for a trip this autumn, there are a few great accessories that will make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

Deluxe Cooking Grill Kit

With cooler weather, campfires become a necessity. Skip a separate grill and bring a campfire grill. The Deluxe Cooking Grill Kit from Tring is a simple two piece design that allows you to easily utilize the campfire for both cooking and warmth. The 24" plated grill gives you plenty of room for cooking up whatever you're craving!

Dimplex Plug-In Fireplace

So not every night is going to have perfect weather, and starting a campfire might not be an option. Add a cozy element to the interior of your RV with an electric fireplace from Dimplex. This fireplace isn't just for show either—it has a built in heater that will keep your RV warm on col autumn nights.

Bike Travel Cover

If you're the active type you'll want to keep your gear safe from the fall elements. A bike rack cover will ensure your bikes don't experience the adverse effects of cold and wet weather. This cover is great whether your bikes are on the rack or you just need to quickly cover them up before a fall storm.

Kelty Hiking Poles

Exploring the land outside of your campsite is much more enjoyable in the cool autumn climate. Kelty Hiking Poles help improve balance, save your knees, and control your speed as you head out on an adventure. With an adjustable height, they are perfect for any hiker.

RVUpgrades.com supplies RV accessories that make your road and camping trips more enjoyable. Browse our store to see our complete selection or follow us on Facebook for the latest news, promotions, and RV posts.

Covering Your RV During Winter or Summer Storage

So we are closing in on winter and your wondering if you should purchase an RV cover for your motorhome or trailer.   This is a huge topic on RV forums everywhere right about now and the answers are endless.  But here are a few things to consider as you make that decision.

RV covers are not as easy to install and remove as say a car cover would be.  So if you live in an area where you have the potential to get the RV out many times during the winter months it is something to be aware of.  Also it's a good idea to cover a clean RV and if that wont be possible after use it may not be wise to re-install on a dirty RV.  These covers will move around in the wind and the fabric rubbing on a dirty side wall can cause scratching.

Many people after a long camping season tend to forget about their camper once it has been winterized and

may not even step foot in it until spring.  An RV cover can be very helpful in keeping snow and ice melt during the winter from finding it's way into gaps or cracks in caulking and seams, then re-freezing eventually causing a leak. This could be a major problem for those RV'ers who do not do spot checks throughout the winter finding they now have some kind of water damage.  Although RV covers are generally not water proof they do have the ability to repel water giving some protection from possible water damage. Even with a cover, winter has a way of damaging an RV that is neglected and it is important to do periodic inspections to make sure your cover has not leaked and that excess snowfall is removed.

On the other end of the spectrum sunlight will deteriorate rubber and plastic parts of a camper. This includes the roof, roof seams, moldings, vents, window seams and tires. This results in more frequent maintenance and can also lead to leaks and an RV cover can definitely protect your motorhome or trailer from this type of damage.

Covers are available for every type of RV and are selected by your camper or motorhomes length and the area you live in.  Adco is a leader in the manufacturer of RV covers and has designed their Tyvek brand of cover for extreme sun and heat or snow and rain.  The Aquashed brand is a lighter weight cover that will resist moisture as well as UV rays.  Recently Camco has introduced their new lineup of RV covers which mimic the Adco brand with the Ultrashield RV cover for extreme locations and lower end Ultraguard RV cover.  All of these covers are available for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup and truck campers.  If you cover the RV it's a good idea to cover the tires which will prevent them from checking and cracking prolonging the life of the tire.

An RV cover can be a great investment in keeping your motorhome or camper looking good and protected during those periods when it will be unused.  RVupgrades carries covers for all makes and models of RV and can assist you with obtaining the correct cover for your RV.

Tailgating Essentials Checklist

If you're anything like millions of other Americans, there's a good chance you've been spending your Saturdays and Sundays watching football on TV in your living room or a sports bar. As an RV owner, however, you have a rolling tailgating machine that is perfect for going and seeing the action live. In a previous post, we covered the best college football tailgating spots, but once you get to the stadium, you're going to need a few essentials to make the day a great tailgating experience. Check out our list of tailgating essentials so you can have the best party in the lot!

Furniture

Seating is a must for any tailgate. You'll likely be on your feet a lot through the game and it's no secret that stadium seating isn’t the most comfortable. Take a load off feet before the game with outdoor seating. One of our favorites is the Coronado Series Recliner which is the next best thing to a La-Z-Boy. If you're planning on serving food, you'll also need an outdoor table or two to display your spread.

Other items to include: radio or sound system, outdoor TV, sunblock, bugspray, an awning or canopy

Cooking Equipment & Accessories

Speaking of food, what's a tailgate without a grill? Whether it's a simple economy grill or a top-of-the-line Kuuma Stow N Go, every tailgate needs a grill to feed the party. With plenty of portable grill options, there is a grill that will be perfect for your RV and tailgate party.

Other items to remember: fuel for your grill, matches or a lighter, disposable plastic ware, garbage bags, aluminum foil, pot holders

Games

Playing a few tailgating games will help you get in the competitive spirit before the main event. Some of the most popular yard games include horse shoes and cornhole, mostly because they're easily played with beverage in hand. A fun alternative these games is washer toss, which incorporates elements of both games and uses washers in place of horseshoes or bean bags.

Coolers

The weather might be cooling down, but it won't be cold enough to keep your drinks cold for another couple months. Investing in a quality cooler will last you for years, and with collapsible cooler options, they won't even take up a lot of space in your RV. Of course, it's also important to keep certain foods cool throughout the day, so make sure your cooler has enough space for everything!

Other items to remember: ice, bottle opener, koozies (can coolers), beverages

Can you think of anything else that should be included on our tailgate checklist? Let us know in the comments what you can't live without when you're tailgating!

RVUpgrades.com carries a wide range of RV accessories and supplies, including everything you need for tailgating or setting up camp. Visit our store for our complete selection of RV supplies, accessories, and parts.