Lynette de Vries
November 23rd, 2024
Smart caravanning – monitoring with smartphone or tablet
Of course, for many, camping is a good opportunity to engage in the opposite trend of digitalization: the so-called “digital detox.” In other words, consciously avoiding the Internet and concentrating on experiencing nature and unwind in the analog world. This is certainly very relaxing for a few days. Still, in the future, even Internet refugees will have to carry their smartphone or tablet with them. After all, the practical device in the hand has now become indispensable for driving and testing many leisure vehicles. Thanks to the right app.
The term “smart caravanning” was coined in response to the buzzword “smart home,” which describes the control and monitoring of a flat or house via a smartphone. The use of the practical cell phone starts as early as vacation preparations, helps when using it on the road and provides additional safety and comfort while traveling.
And the good news is that smart caravan systems can now be ordered directly from the factory from many caravan manufacturers. The applications are called Hobby Connect, Hymer Connect, Dethleffs Connect, My Bürstner App or Kabe Smart D. But there are also providers that offer simple retrofit solutions for smart caravanning. Like those from E-Trailer.
Factory installed or retrofitted, there are always three components required for a smart caravanning system:
- An app on the smartphone
- Sensors for the respective task
- A central unit
Read the following text to find out what is possible next.
Leveling the Motorhome: Comfortable and Efficient
You probably know it: you arrive at your destination and want to level your RV or caravan to live comfortably. In the past, this required placing an analog level on the stove or table and the time-consuming work began.
With caravans, this meant getting the tires to the right height, going back inside to check the level, lowering the supports, and revisiting the level after each support. With RVs, it was often no different: install chocks, drive the RV on them, check, too high or too low? Adjust again … and check again.
Smart Technology for a Perfect Balance
With the modern sensor technology of a Smart Caravaning system, this is a thing of the past. Thanks to the app on your smartphone, the tilt angle of your camping vehicle is instantly displayed. Even before you start, the app indicates which side of the vehicle needs to be raised and by how much.
For caravans, the app lets you see exactly how the position changes when you turn out the supports. For motorhomes, the app lets you know when the ideal position is reached while driving on the wedges.
E-Trailer E-Level Sensor
With the E-Trailer system, this functionality is performed by the E-Level Sensor, a standard part of every starter package. This sensor makes leveling your camping vehicle easier than ever.
Automatic Suspension with the E-Suspension Module
Going one step further? With the optional E-Suspension module, you can even automatically adjust the rear axle of your motorhome on a Fiat Euro chassis or identical models. You easily control the air bellows via the E-Trailer app: add or release more air with just a few taps on your smartphone. Comfortably from your seat, until the display in the E-Level module indicates that your vehicle is perfectly level.
With the E-Trailer system, camping becomes easier, smarter and more comfortable.
Checking the caravan battery
One application that all Smart Caravaning solutions offer is the voltage display of the caravan’s battery. Since the central control unit is connected to the battery’s 12-volt circuit, the system can easily read this information.
With E-Trailers, this feature is called E-Volt and is part of every starter package.
Protecting Your Recreational Vehicle From Theft and Burglary
Security is high on the priority list for many campers, and rightfully so. Numerous smart apps and sensors today offer advanced protection against theft and burglary. Features like GPS localization allow you to monitor your recreational vehicle, even remotely. This allows you to detect thieves before they flee across the border with your beloved home on wheels.
GPS Localization with E-Track&Trace
The E-Trailer system offers GPS localization via the E-Track&Trace sensor, which is installed directly in the base station. This sensor is included as standard in the Starter Package Plus. It not only allows you to track your RV or caravan in real time, but also to receive an alert if it is moved without your permission. Even if your caravan is hundreds of miles away at a campsite, you can receive an alert via the app if a door or window is opened or the caravan is moved.
Protection Against Burglary
Not only does the E-Trailer system help prevent vehicle theft, it also provides comprehensive protection against burglary and theft of valuables. Think laptops, smartphones, photographic equipment, personal documents and cash, for example. Thanks to smart security solutions, you can enjoy your vacation destination with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected.
E-Switch and E-Movement: Complete Security
The E-Trailer system offers a combination of smart sensors for optimal intrusion prevention:
- E-Switch sensors: These are installed on doors and windows and immediately alert you via your smartphone if a door or window is opened.
- E-Movement motion sensor: It detects interior movement and triggers an alarm if unauthorized activity is detected.
In case of suspicious activity, you will immediately receive a notification on your smartphone so you can take immediate action such as alerting the police.
Smart Caravaning for Your Peace of Mind
With these advanced security solutions from E-Trailer, you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that your vehicle and property are well protected. Security has never been so simple and smart.
Water Tank Level
In the past, filling your water tank often involved a lot of running back and forth or shouting instructions to your partner. Nowadays, this task has become much simpler and more convenient.
You can simply stand next to the hose, smartphone in hand, and monitor your water tank’s fill level in real-time, accurate to the nearest percentage. Need, for instance, 30 litres of water for your trip? With a 150-litre freshwater tank, that’s precisely 20 percent. The app calculates this instantly for you.
E-Waterlevel Sensor
E-Trailer has developed the E-Waterlevel Sensor to provide you with an accurate display of your water level, making it easier to manage your water usage efficiently without compromising on comfort.
Many campers unnecessarily drain fresh water after a trip to prevent bacterial growth, leading to waste. With this smart indicator, you can avoid such wastage. Simply check the water level in the app, for instance, before and after showering, to know exactly how much water has been used and how much needs to be refilled. This significantly reduces waste and contributes to sustainable camping practices.
Gas Bottle Level
Another common frustration in camping life used to be the question: “How much gas is left in the bottle?” Today, campers can simply pull out their smartphone, open the app, and see the gas bottle’s fill percentage displayed on the screen.
An ultrasonic sensor, magnetically attached to the bottom of the gas bottle, makes this possible. For aluminium gas bottles, special holders are available. A particularly handy feature is the alarm function, which automatically alerts you when the fill level drops below a customisable threshold.
This task is handled by the E-Gaslevel Sensor, an essential part of the E-Trailer system, offering convenience and peace of mind for modern campers.
Temperature and Humidity
Modern camper technology ensures optimal comfort, whatever the season. During winter, a pre-heated camper is a luxury as you prepare for departure. With safety features such as hose rupture and crash sensors, using gas heating while driving is permitted in most motorhomes. The best part? You no longer need to step inside your camper to turn on the heating. With just a swipe and click in the app, you can set the desired temperature on your smartphone and check the interior temperature at the same time. This way, you start your journey in a pleasantly warm vehicle.
In summer, the opposite applies. Before the heat in a warm camper becomes uncomfortable, you can simply switch on the air conditioning via the app, provided a 230V connection is available. This makes preparing for your trip much more enjoyable.
Thanks to Smart Caravaning systems, many manufacturers, including Hobby, Hymer, Dethleffs, Bürstner, LMC, Kabe, Trigano, Chausson, Challenger, and Sterckeman, now offer temperature control as a standard feature. This gives you full control over your comfort directly from your smartphone.
Temperature Control
A pre-heated camper is particularly pleasant during winter preparations and even more so when starting your journey. In most modern campers, gas heating can safely be used while driving, thanks to mandatory safety features such as hose rupture protection and crash sensors. Nowadays, campers don’t even need to step inside their motorhome to activate the heating. With just a swipe and click in the app, the heating can be turned on via your smartphone. Simultaneously, the system provides information about the interior temperature of the camper. This allows you to prepare for your trip in a cozy, pre-heated vehicle during winter.
In summer, the opposite is just as convenient. Before the heat of a warm camper leaves you sweating during preparations, you can simply switch on the living area’s air conditioning through the app, as long as a 230-volt power supply is connected.
In addition to displaying the temperature, this temperature control feature is included in many new vehicles through Smart Caravanning systems offered by various manufacturers such as Hobby, Hymer, Dethleffs, Bürstner, LMC, Kabe, Trigano, Chausson, Challenger, and Sterckeman.
Safe Travel
A safe journey starts with proper loading and correct tyre pressure—essential for caravans and motorhomes often travelling with heavy loads. Modern technology now allows you to easily monitor tyre pressure with sensors and an app, without needing to stop at a petrol station.
With this smart solution, you receive immediate alerts on your smartphone if a tyre’s pressure or temperature changes dangerously during your trip. This helps you prevent punctures and avoid potential damage.
In the E-Trailer system, this functionality is performed by the E-Pressure Sensors, which enhance your travel safety in a simple and efficient way.
Tow Ball Pressure
The tow ball pressure of caravan couplings also depends on the load. To ensure safe travel, the caravan should be loaded in a way that maximises the tow ball pressure without exceeding the limit. Nowadays, specialised jockey wheels send the current tow ball pressure directly to your smartphone and even provide tips for redistributing weight to optimise the value.
The tow ball pressure is calculated using various parameters, accurate to within plus or minus one kilogram.
For this specific task, E-Trailer has developed a jockey wheel with an integrated sensor: the E-Load Sensor.
Conclusion
The new digital world of smart caravanning is not just about convenience; it also represents a significant improvement in driving safety and protection against theft and break-ins.
Many caravan and motorhome manufacturers already offer systems and apps that are either factory-installed in new vehicles or available as optional features. Additionally, there are numerous accessory providers on the market offering comparable smart caravanning solutions for retrofitting.
All that a camping vehicle needs is a 12-volt power circuit, and its owner can enjoy a more secure and confident camping experience—all from the convenience of their smartphone.
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