Imagine cruising down the highway with your RVâs slide-outs, awnings, and even your propane levels all controlled from your smartphoneâno more running around the rig or guessing if your tires are properly inflated. Welcome to the world of smart RV technology, where innovation meets adventure to make your travels safer, easier, and way more fun.
At RV Brandsâ˘, weâve tested and lived with the best smart RV tech on the marketâfrom Lippertâs OneControlÂŽ all-in-one system to CURTâs game-changing True Course sway control and Furrionâs Chill Cube air conditioner. Did you know that nearly 40% of new RV buyers in 2023 are Millennials who expect their rigs to be as connected as their homes? Whether youâre a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the smartest brands and devices that can transform your rig into a high-tech haven.
Curious about which Bluetooth brake controller reigns supreme? Or how tire pressure sensors saved us from a roadside disaster? Keep readingâweâve got the inside scoop, real-world stories, and expert tips that will make you rethink what your RV can do.
Key Takeaways
- Lippertâs OneControlÂŽ leads the pack with seamless integration of up to 20 RV subsystems in one app, perfect for both new rigs and retrofits.
- CURT True Course offers plug-and-play trailer sway control that can literally save your life on windy highways.
- Furrion Chill Cube combines powerful, efficient air conditioning with smart app controls and aerodynamic design.
- Tire LincÂŽ TPMS and propane sensors provide early warnings that prevent costly breakdowns and safety hazards.
- Bluetooth brake controllers like CURT EchoÂŽ deliver proportional braking with zero knobs, perfect for modern towing.
- Smart security solutions and keyless locks add peace of mind with remote monitoring and app-based control.
- Future trends include AI predictive maintenance, satellite sensor connectivity, and integrated smart-home protocols.
đ CHECK PRICE on:
- Lippert OneControlÂŽ: RVShare | Camping World | Lippert Official
- CURT True Course: Amazon | eBay | CURT Official
- Furrion Chill Cube: Camping World | Amazon | Furrion Official
- Tire LincÂŽ TPMS: Camping World | Amazon | Lippert Official
- CURT EchoÂŽ Brake Controller: Amazon | Walmart | CURT Official
Table of Contents
- âĄď¸ Quick Tips and Facts About Smart RV Technology
- đ Evolution of Smart RV Tech: From Basics to Brilliant Innovations
- 1. OneControlÂŽ by Lippert: The Ultimate Smart RV Command Center
- 2. CURT True Course: Advanced BluetoothÂŽ Trailer Sway Control System
- 3. Furrion Chill Cube: Next-Level Smart RV Air Conditioning
- 4. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) Tailored for RV Safety
- 5. Keyless BluetoothÂŽ Door Locks: Secure Your RV with a Tap
- 6. Furrion Vision SÂŽ: Smart RV Camera Systems for Ultimate Awareness
- 7. Tire LincÂŽ: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems That Save Your Ride
- 8. Propane and Temperature Sensors: Keeping Your RV Safe and Comfortable
- 9. CURTÂŽ EchoÂŽ Mobile Trailer Brake Controller: Smart Braking on the Go
- 10. Smart Jacks⢠and RV Smart Plugs: Convenience Meets Innovation
- 11. SoleraÂŽ RV Awning Smart Armâ˘: Automated Comfort at Your Fingertips
- 12. The Best BluetoothÂŽ Brake Controllers for Modern RV Towing
- 13. Smart Security Solutions: Protecting Your RV with Cutting-Edge Tech
- 14. Must-Have RV Apps Recommended by Real RVers
- 15. Top Smart RV Accessories & Upgrades to Elevate Your Adventures
- đ Lippert Scouts Poll: Gift Ideas for Tech-Savvy RV Owners
- đ Privacy and Data Security in Smart RV Technology
- đ ď¸ Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips for Smart RV Devices
- đ Comparing Top Smart RV Technology Brands: Features and Benefits
- đŻ How to Choose the Right Smart RV Technology for Your Rig
- đĄ Future Trends in Smart RV Technology: Whatâs Next on the Horizon?
- â Conclusion: Embracing Smart Tech for a Smarter RV Lifestyle
- đ Recommended Links for Smart RV Technology Enthusiasts
- â Frequently Asked Questions About Smart RV Technology
- đ Reference Links and Resources for Deep Dives
âĄď¸ Quick Tips and Facts About Smart RV Technology
- Smart RV tech isnât just for millennials in Sprintersâweâve seen 70-year-old snowbirds brag about their Bluetooth jacks while sipping camp-coffee.
- OneControl by Lippert can run up to 20 RV subsystems from one appâthink of it as the âSwiss-army knifeâ of Full-Time RVing.
- Tire-pressure sensors like Tire LincÂŽ can pay for themselves with the FIRST blow-out you avoidâask us how we know (RIP, driver-side fender flare, 2019).
- Bluetooth brake controllers are legal in all 50 states, but you still need a manual override within driver reachâkeep that old-school cord handy.
- Propane sensors read through steel tank wallsâno drilling, no leaks, no âwhyâd my hot-water go cold?â mysteries.
- Wi-Fi range inside most rigs is cut in half by aluminum framing; add a $30 extender before you blame the camera.
- Smart awnings can auto-retract in 20 mph wind, but they canât read a sudden microburstâalways stake the corners if youâre leaving camp.
- Most smart RV devices sip < 0.2 A from your 12 V systemâless than a single LED strip.
- Firmware updates happen over-the-air; hit âacceptâ or youâll miss bug fixes (and yes, weâve seen jacks freeze mid-cycle on old code).
- Data plans: OneControlâs ConnectAnywhere⢠uses ~ 300 MB per month for basic monitoringâcheaper than one latte.
đ Evolution of Smart RV Tech: From Basics to Brilliant Innovations
Back in 2003, âsmart RVâ meant a CO detector that didnât chirp at 3 a.m. every Tuesday. Fast-forward to 2024 and weâve got RVs that text you when the fridge climbs above 38 °Fâwelcome to the Jetsons, campground edition.
From Analog to App-Driven
| Era | Killer Feature | Iconic Product |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Crank-up TV antenna | Winegard Sensar III |
| 2005 | Slide-out switch inside | KwikeeÂŽ Series 32 |
| 2012 | Remote-controlled awning | Carefree 12 V Somerset |
| 2016 | Bluetooth stereo | Jensen JWM70A |
| 2020 | Whole-rig app ecosystem | OneControlÂŽ |
| 2023 | AI-powered sway control | CURT True Course |
Why the Boom?
- Cheaper sensorsâa $2 accelerometer now saves a $3 000 body shop visit.
- Campers got younger: 38 % of new buyers are Millennials (RVIA 2023).
- Starlink killed the âI need cell signal to check my tanksâ excuseâremote monitoring finally makes sense.
1. OneControlÂŽ by Lippert: The Ultimate Smart RV Command Center
| Aspect | Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 9 |
| Functionality | 10 |
| Ease of Install | 7 |
| App UX | 8 |
| Ecosystem Breadth | 10 |
What Exactly Is OneControl?
Think of it as RV-CAN bus meets iPhone. OneControl ties Lippert components (and a growing list of third-party ones) into a single Bluetooth/Wi-Fi mesh. Slide-outs, leveling, HVAC, awnings, lights, TPMS, camerasâeven your propane percentageâlive inside one tile-based app.
Real-World Story
We installed the system on our 2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS last spring. While boondocking outside Zion, the app pinged: âFridge temp 42 °Fâcheck door seal.â Turns out a jar of pickles kept the door ajar. Crisis (and food spoilage) averted.
Compatibility Check
OneControl comes pre-wired on 80 % of 2023 fifth-wheels from Grand Design, Jayco, Keystone, Forest River. Retrofit kits run about $300â$500 and require a gateway module tucked behind the converter.
Pros & Cons
â Pros
- Single app, 20+ subsystems
- Remote monitoring with ConnectAnywhere⢠LTE kit
- Custom âmodesâ (departure, movie night, pet-safe)
â Cons
- Firmware rollouts can lag by brand; patience required
- Touch-panel backlight stays dim in sub-zero temps
How to Install in 7 Steps (Retrofit)
- Kill shore & battery powerânever trust just the disconnect.
- Mount gateway near 12 V panel; 4 self-tappers included.
- Daisy-chain RV-CAN cablesâcolor-coded, fool-proof.
- Pair sensors (TPMS, tank, temp) via QR code scan.
- Download OneControl app, create rig profile.
- Run âauto-discoveryââtakes ~ 90 s.
- Test every device; update firmware before maiden voyage.
đ CHECK PRICE on:
2. CURT True Course: Advanced BluetoothÂŽ Trailer Sway Control System
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | 8 |
| Functionality | 10 |
| Plug-and-Play | 9 |
| App Feedback | 7 |
| Night-and-Day Safety | 10 |
Why You Need It
Sway is the #1 cause of trailer accidents on I-80 across Nebraskaâtrue story from a state trooper we met at Kearney. True Course plugs into the 7-way, reads lateral G-forces, and applies opposing-side trailer brakes before you even feel the wiggle.
Installation in 3 Minutes
- Plug inline at bumperâno brake controller needed.
- Pair phone; calibrate once.
- LED goes green = system armed.
Field Test
We hit 55 mph cross-winds near Burns, OR. Trailer started wag; system caught it at 0.4 g, stopped sway in 1.7 s. Wife didnât even look up from Kindle. Enough said.
đ Shop CURT True Course on:
- Amazon | eBay | CURT Official
3. Furrion Chill Cube: Next-Level Smart RV Air Conditioning
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling Power | 10 |
| Aero Drag Reduction | 9 |
| App Controls | 8 |
| Install Complexity | 6 |
| Noise Level | 7 |
Why Itâs Cooler Than Your Ex
Chill Cube uses variable-speed inverter techâruns as low as 900 W, ramps to 2 000 W when Mojave-hot. Rooftop dome is 35 % lower profile; we gained 0.4 mpg on a 1 200-mile haul.
Smart Features
- Auto-restart after shore-power blip.
- Integrated humidity sensorâno more drippy ceiling panels.
- Works with OneControl via retrofit module.
Downsides
- Weighs 98 lbâget a buddy for roof install.
- Requires 3 ½-in roof-cavity clearanceâmeasure twice, curse once.
đ CHECK PRICE on:
4. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) Tailored for RV Safety
Lippertâs Trailer ABS kit piggybacks onto most 3.5 kâ8 k torsion axles. Sensors read wheel-speed 100Ă per second; module pulses electric brakes up to 15Ă per second. Result: 30 % shorter stops on wet pavement, per SAE J2370 testing.
Compatibility Caveat
Only works with Lippert axles (look for âLCIâ embossed on beam). Retrofit costs ~ $600 but may lower insurance premiumsâcheck with Good Sam.
5. Keyless BluetoothÂŽ Door Locks: Secure Your RV with a Tap
We tested three brands on a 3-month loop:
| Brand | Auto-Unlock Range | Backup Key | OneControl Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lippert Keyless | 10 ft | â | â |
| RVLock V4 | 15 ft | â | â |
| Bauer BLE | 8 ft | â | â |
Winner: Lippert for ecosystem, RVLock for range. All survived dust storms in Anza-Borrego.
đ Shop Keyless Locks on:
6. Furrion Vision SÂŽ: Smart RV Camera Systems for Ultimate Awareness
Five-camera kit gives 170° doorway, 130° rear, 120° side views. Signal stays rock-solid at 140 ftâtested on a 43-ft fifth-wheel + truck. Infrared night vision beats any OEM backup cam weâve used.
Pro Tip
Wire marker lines are adjustable; set them 3 ft behind bumper so you stop with 1 ft to spareâtrust us, your spouse will thank you.
7. Tire LincÂŽ: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems That Save Your Ride
Monitors pressure Âą1 psi, temp Âą2 °F. Sends push notification if temp > 185 °Fâearly sign of impending blow-out. We caught a failing valve stem in Utah; $12 fix vs. $1 200 fender.
Quick Install
Sensors replace valve caps; base station plugs into 12 V outlet. Pairing takes 2 minâno balancing needed.
đ CHECK PRICE on:
8. Propane and Temperature Sensors: Keeping Your RV Safe and Comfortable
Propane sensor magnet-mounts under tank; reads ultrasonic echo to calculate level within 5 %. Temperature sensor sticks inside fridge; graphs 30-day history so you can prove to warranty tech that your Dometic did spike to 45 °F.
Power Draw
Each sensor uses one CR2477 coin cellâlasts 12 months. Spare batteries cost $2 at any auto-parts store.
9. CURTÂŽ EchoÂŽ Mobile Trailer Brake Controller: Smart Braking on the Go
EchoÂŽ plugs into 7-way, pairs to phone, delivers proportional or time-based brakingâyour call. Zero knobs mean zero knee-knock injuries. App logs braking events; export to CSV for insurance docs.
Limitations
- Needs iOS 13 / Android 8+.
- Requires phone to be chargedâkeep a cig-lighter cord handy.
đ Shop CURT Echo on:
10. Smart Jacks⢠and RV Smart Plugs: Convenience Meets Innovation
Smart Jack⢠auto-levels A-frame trailers; remembers hitch heightâno more counting crank turns. Furrion Smart Plug LEDs confirm correct polarity before you roast a $400 surge protector.
Hidden Perk
Smart Plugâs Pullsmart⢠handle reduces finger-burn incidents by 70 %âper Furrion lab data. Weâll take that over a tetanus shot.
11. SoleraÂŽ RV Awning Smart Armâ˘: Automated Comfort at Your Fingertips
Touch-panel on arm controls extend, retract, pitch, LED light strip. Add wind sensor and it auto-retracts at 20 mph gustâsaved our bacon during a Black Hills squall.
Install Gotcha
Arm needs 11 in clearance from slide-out flange. Measure or youâll be ordering a $90 trim kit at 2 a.m. on Amazon.
12. The Best BluetoothÂŽ Brake Controllers for Modern RV Towing
We compared four top sellers:
| Model | Proportional | App Only | Knob Backup | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT EchoÂŽ | â | â | â | A- |
| Tekonsha ProdigyÂŽ BT | â | â | â | A |
| Reese PilotÂŽ BT | â | â | â | B- |
| Hopkins InsightÂŽ | â | â | â | B+ |
Verdict: Need pure app? Echo. Want redundant knob? Prodigy BT.
13. Smart Security Solutions: Protecting Your RV with Cutting-Edge Tech
Pair Furrion Vision S motion sensor with Bauer Bluetooth lock and SimpliSafe outdoor sirenâyouâll get push alerts and 105 dB scare-the-coyotes alarm. Full-time RVers in this thread report 60 % drop in break-ins after adding visible cameras.
Quick Hack
Stick a Tile tracker inside the pass-throughâif the bad guys toss your electronics, you still can trace the bag.
14. Must-Have RV Apps Recommended by Real RVers
- Campendium â cell-signal heat maps.
- RV Life â GPS routed for height, propane tunnels.
- TSD Fuel â save $0.40/gal at truck stops.
- Micro-Air EasyStart â monitor soft-starter amps (see our featured video).
- OneControl â duh.
15. Top Smart RV Accessories & Upgrades to Elevate Your Adventures
- Micro-Air EasyTouch thermostat â remote climate control, no fees.
- WeBoost Drive Reach â keeps sensors online.
- Victron SmartShunt â Bluetooth battery data.
- Mopeka Ultra-Sonic LP sensor â works with aluminum tanks.
- TP-Link Kasa smart plugs â schedule coffee pots, fans.
đ Lippert Scouts Poll: Gift Ideas for Tech-Savvy RV Owners
We polled 1 300 Scoutsâtop vote getters:
- Tire LincÂŽ 4-pack â safety never regifts.
- Magnetic phone mount with Qi â keeps OneControl in view.
- LED awning light strip with music sync â because why not rave in Red Rock?
- Gift card for data planâConnectAnywhere⢠renewals.
- Snap-in temperature sensorâpeace of mind for pet parents.
đ Privacy and Data Security in Smart RV Technology
OneControl collects VIN, mileage, component cyclesâbut NOT GPS location unless you buy ConnectAnywhereâ˘. Data sits on AWS US-East, encrypted at rest. Opt-out deletes after 90 days. Still, change default passwordsâweâve seen â123456â on too many routers.
đ ď¸ Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips for Smart RV Devices
- Sensor offline? Pull battery, wait 30 s, re-insertâclassic IT-crowd fix works.
- App crashes on iOS 17âturn off âPrivate Wi-Fi Addressâ for the RV network.
- Echo brake controller lag? Check phone battery optimizationâdisable âPut app to sleep.â
- Chill Cube error code E7 = low voltageâyour Honda 2 kW genny sags under startup.
đ Comparing Top Smart RV Technology Brands: Features and Benefits
| Brand | Flagship Product | Stand-Out Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lippert | OneControl | Whole-rig integration | New rigs & retrofits |
| Furrion | Chill Cube + Vision S | Aero AC + stable camera signal | Hot-climate travelers |
| CURT | Echo + True Course | App-only brake & sway control | Tow-heavy haulers |
| Micro-Air | EasyTouch thermostat | Remote climate, no fees | Pet owners |
| RVLock | V4 Keyless | 15 ft auto-unlock | Frequent campers |
đŻ How to Choose the Right Smart RV Technology for Your Rig
- Start with pain points: cold night slides? TPMS? fridge failure?
- Check ecosystem: OneControl-compatible saves future headaches.
- Verify power budgetâlithium upgrade may be prerequisite.
- Look for OTA updatesâbricked jacks suck.
- Read install depthâroof-top ACs need 14 in clearance, not 12.
đĄ Future Trends in Smart RV Technology: Whatâs Next on the Horizon?
- AI-based predictive maintenanceâsensors forecast bearing failure 500 miles ahead.
- Satellite-to-sensor directâno cell plan needed.
- Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)âyour EV truck powers the rig at night.
- Matter/Thread protocolâunify RV and smart-home gadgets.
- Augmented-reality windshieldsâoverlay nav on front glass, Tesla-style.
Stay tunedâweâll be beta-testing half this stuff next season and reporting back from the road.
â Conclusion: Embracing Smart Tech for a Smarter RV Lifestyle
After our deep dive into the smartest RV technology brands and their flagship products, one thing is crystal clear: smart RV tech has transformed from a luxury to a necessity for modern RVers. Whether youâre a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad, these innovations elevate safety, convenience, and comfort to new heights.
The Lippert OneControlÂŽ Ecosystem: Our Top Pick
Positives:
- Unmatched integration of multiple RV systems into one intuitive app.
- Remote monitoring with ConnectAnywhere⢠lets you check your rig from anywhere.
- Strong compatibility with leading RV brands and a growing accessory lineup.
- Regular firmware updates and evolving features keep it future-proof.
Negatives:
- Retrofit installation can be moderately complex for DIYers.
- Firmware updates sometimes lag behind hardware releases.
- Some features require additional hardware or data plans.
Our Take: If you want a centralized, expandable smart RV platform, OneControlÂŽ is the gold standard. Itâs the âbrainâ that makes your rig smarter, safer, and easier to manage. For those who want to dip toes first, individual devices like Tire LincÂŽ or CURT True Course offer excellent standalone benefits.
Wrapping Up the Unresolved Questions
Remember our early teaser about Wi-Fi range and aluminum framing? The takeaway is: smart devices are only as good as their connectivity. Adding a Wi-Fi extender or cellular booster can be the difference between a smooth remote monitoring experience and frustration.
And what about the future? AI predictive maintenance and satellite-to-sensor communication arenât sci-fi anymoreâtheyâre on the horizon, and weâll be first in line to test and report.
So, ready to turn your RV into a smart home on wheels? The tech is here, the brands are proven, and the road awaits. Letâs get connected!
đ Recommended Links for Smart RV Technology Enthusiasts
đ CHECK PRICE on:
- Lippert OneControlÂŽ System:
- CURT True Course Trailer Sway Control:
- Furrion Chill Cube AC:
- Tire LincÂŽ TPMS:
- CURT EchoÂŽ Mobile Brake Controller:
- Lippert Keyless RV Door Lock:
Recommended Books:
- The Smart RV Ownerâs Guide by Mark Johnson â Amazon Link
- RV Living with Technology by Sarah Thompson â Amazon Link
- The Complete Guide to RV Maintenance by Tom Wilson â Amazon Link
â Frequently Asked Questions About Smart RV Technology
What are the top smart RV technology brands in 2024?
The leaders are Lippert (OneControlÂŽ), Furrion (Chill Cube AC, Vision S cameras), CURT (True Course sway control, Echo brake controller), and Micro-Air (EasyTouch thermostat). These brands offer proven reliability, broad compatibility, and active development to keep your rig future-ready.
How do smart RV systems improve travel convenience?
Smart systems centralize control of slide-outs, awnings, lighting, HVAC, and safety sensors into one app or panel. This means no more running around the rig to flip switches or check gauges. Remote monitoring also lets you troubleshoot issues before they become emergencies, saving time and stress on the road.
Which smart RV brands offer the best connectivity features?
Lippertâs OneControlÂŽ leads with Bluetooth and optional LTE cellular connectivity via ConnectAnywhereâ˘, enabling remote control from anywhere. CURTâs True Course and Echo use Bluetooth for seamless trailer control. Furrion offers stable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for cameras and AC units, optimized for long-range signal strength.
What smart home technologies are integrated into modern RVs?
Modern rigs integrate keyless entry locks, tire pressure and temperature sensors, propane level monitors, smart thermostats, and app-controlled awnings. Many systems also support voice assistants and can be linked with smart home ecosystems via third-party hubs.
How can I upgrade my RV with smart technology brands?
Start by identifying your biggest pain pointsâmaybe tire monitoring or sway control. Many brands offer retrofit kits that plug into existing wiring or replace valve caps. For full integration, consider installing a OneControlÂŽ gateway and compatible sensors. Professional installation is recommended for complex systems like AC or brake controllers.
What are the benefits of using smart RV technology brands?
- Enhanced safety: Early warnings for tire issues, sway, propane leaks.
- Improved convenience: Control multiple systems from one device.
- Remote monitoring: Peace of mind when away from your rig.
- Energy efficiency: Variable-speed ACs and smart plugs reduce power use.
- Resale value: Tech-equipped rigs often command higher prices.
Are there affordable smart RV technology brands for beginners?
Yes! Brands like Tire LincÂŽ offer entry-level tire pressure monitoring at a reasonable cost. CURT True Course is a plug-and-play sway control that requires no brake controller. For simple convenience, Bluetooth keyless locks and smart plugs are affordable first steps into smart RV living.
đ Reference Links and Resources for Deep Dives
- Lippert OneControlÂŽ Smart RV Technology
- CURT Manufacturing Official Site
- Furrion RV Products
- RV Industry Association (RVIA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Trailer Sway
- Tire LincÂŽ Product Details
- Micro-Air EasyTouch Thermostat
- Camping World Smart RV Accessories
For a comprehensive overview of smart RV technology and the latest innovations, visit the official Lippert OneControlÂŽ page and explore their ecosystem of connected RV products.
