Phone activated functions on an RV???

rockhillmanor wrote:
What happens when you don't have good cell phone coverage where you are parked? Do you sit there refusing to go inside the RV and flip the switch to activate your slides?

How many of you would use a phone app to operate your RV?

First - cell phone apps to control RV systems don't use cell phone networks. They are Bluetooth devices, and don't need any cell coverage to connect to the RV systems.

Second - it is becoming not a choice, but a requirement if you want the top of the line systems and convenience - not just for RVs, but for many systems/ devices that people use.

When I got my hearing aids at the VA 18 months ago, I was asked if I had a smart phone like an I-Phone. Because I did, the VA was able to give me the top of the line hearing aids with multiple levels of control, customized settings for different noise situations, etc.

Without a cell-phone to control those choices, I would have only been able to get the 'second best' model of hearing aids.

Third - similar level of control from a cell phone is standard in upper end apartments and homes today. You will get an alert is the power goes off, your fridge stops working, your AC or heater won't start, etc.

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As far as people who see cell phones as security risks - they better not buy RVs with those systems in them.

Because an unsecured system waiting to be setup to use your cell phone - and not setting that up is like leaving your RV door wide open when you are not in the campground.

Bluetooth properly setup is extremely secure.

Turning on wireless connectivity on a cell phone and leaving it on all the time is a security risk, but a controllable risk.

Having a rig with remote connection features and not setting them up / using them is a huge uncontrolled security risk.

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Lastly

the last time I saw someone use a phone to control awnings was about three weeks ago. The couple had a new Thor Hurricane - certainly not a top of the line gas motorhome.

Was sitting outside talking, and the sun moved to put the chairs in the sun. The lady picked up her phone and extended the awning to get a bit more shade.

Since the campsite was bordered by trees and limbs, she wanted to be outside when she moved the awning so she could make sure the awning didn't go too far and tangle in the limbs.

Otherwise, it would take two people to adjust the awning. One inside using the controls, and one outside watching the clearance.