RV Upgrades to Improve Efficiency

For some RV owners, the stock model just isn’t enough. They look at their camper and see all the ways the experience could be made that much better. For these RV enthusiasts, Sunny Island RV has put together a list of the top upgrades that will help make your RV more efficient than ever before.

1. LED Lighting

While LED bulbs are slightly more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they also last longer and use five times less energy. On top of that, they also burn brighter, making this an easy upgrade to justify. You can choose to replace your RV’s brake lights, porch lights, interior lights, and storage lights with LED bulbs. However, make sure to check your owner’s manual for any potential compatibility issues. 

2. Solar Power

For those who wish to camp off the grid (called boondocking), this is a great way to make your RV less dependent on generators and power hookups. While solar panels can be a bit expensive to install, they can help you save money on propane. Some manufacturers have even begun making their models “solar ready’, meaning that they are designed to make solar panel installation easier. 

3. Vent Fans

Vent fans quietly blow away steam, smoke, odor, moisture, and hot air, leaving your camper’s interior feeling cool and comfortable. Some models even come with a thermostat to better regulate the temperature. 

4. Storage Solutions

No matter what kind of RV you own, storage is going to be at a premium. Luckily, a few upgrades can help you maximize storage space. For example, installing wire shelves on the insides of kitchen cabinets provides you with a place to put all your foil, saran wrap, plastic baggies, and paper towels. Some RV owners like to put a shoe holder near the door so that nothing gets tracked in the RV and the footwear stays out of the way. If you need a place to hang your towel, towel racks don’t take up much space and are easy to install. 

5. Battery Capacity

The typical RV battery will be 12V with a capacity between 85 to 105Ah capacity. This works fine so long as you have electric hookups, but those who are interested in boondocking or don’t have access to hookups for whatever reason will want to upgrade. 6V golf cart batteries can be used to provide more power storage, and they pair especially well with solar panels. 

6. Roof Seals

Your RV’s roof bears the brunt of the wind and rain, and leaking roofs are not uncommon in campers. To help avoid this, apply an extra layer of sealant to the seals. Once it has dried and you have cleaned up any excess, apply some roofing tape on the seams for an extra layer of weather protection. Doing so can help prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. 

For help finding and installing RV parts, visit Sunny Island RV at our dealership in Rockford, Illinois. We also carry a huge selection of new and pre-owned RVs, so visit us anytime. We are proud to serve the northern Illinois area, and we welcome customers from Naperville, Illinois, and Chicago, Illinois.