Remote RV monitoring

[tholtman]

I'm thinking I'd like to be able to monitor my RV (temp, battery level, security, etc.) not only while it's in storage but also while I'm away from it when camping.

I quickly found these two products that promote RV specific:

• RV Command
• Cabin Sensors

Both of these seem to work on either wifi or cellular.

Anyone have any experience with remote RV monitoring products?

[Robmat]

Originally Posted by tholtman

I'm thinking I'd like to be able to monitor my RV (temp, battery level, security, etc.) not only while it's in storage but also while I'm away from it when camping.

I quickly found these two products that promote RV specific:

• RV Command
• Cabin Sensors

Both of these seem to work on either wifi or cellular.

Anyone have any experience with remote RV monitoring products?

Great Idea something I have thought about for a while but haven't found any thing workable.

Don't have any experience with the two specific products. Checking their websites they seem to be wireless alarms systems just like SimpliSafe for homes which I have at home and have some experience. The main difference is instead of an alarm company getting notified the information is sent to you. I see some concerns that need to be looked at.

You will need cellular service in the area that you are camping for it to work or they a wifi version which is for a cabin with wifi service not really practical for an RV. Good cell service is not always the case when camping, better service mostly likely at the storage area.

You need shore power (they probably have some sort of battery backup good for a few hours or perhaps a day). Not all storage situations have electric.

Lastly as you are the "alarm company" to be effective you have to know your location and the local emergency number to contact the police each and every time you leave your RV.

For me and probably others that store their RV's without an electric hookup I would have to find a completely battery powered unit. The 8/9 dollars per month fee for the cellular is not that much of an issue but another issue is what cellular service does the alarm use - for example SimpliSafe uses T-mobile. Does the service RV Command or Cabin Sensors use have coverage everywhere.

As my RV is winterized during freezing weather the temperature isn't much of a concern as someone breaking into it. Perhaps a standalone alarm system that makes a lot of noise when the RV is tampered with. Since there is no transmitter (phone) you only need power for wifi sensors and siren it could be a complete battery powered unit. At the storage area it would alert the care taker and at a campground the nearby campers. Now to find one.

[Murf2u]

The first thing that comes to mind is that if you're looking for something that amongst other things, monitors battery levels, you don't have the coach plugged in, in which case the monitor itself will run the batteries down.

As for monitoring generally, I have several such systems, on recreational properties, my home, airplane hangars, etc. They all send alerts to my cell phone.

Of the alerts I get 99% are false alarms, I couldn't tell you the number of hours, miles, gallons of gas, etc., I've spent chasing nothing but a ghost.

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by tholtman

I'm thinking I'd like to be able to monitor my RV (temp, battery level, security, etc.) not only while it's in storage but also while I'm away from it when camping.

I quickly found these two products that promote RV specific:

• RV Command
• Cabin Sensors

Both of these seem to work on either wifi or cellular.

Anyone have any experience with remote RV monitoring products?

This is very interesting. I've been looking around for systems like this that aren't out of reason expensive. A quick review leads to these comments and possibly concerns:

* The RV Command system seems to be Cell based only, and in fact requires an $8.99/month subscription fee.
* The Cabin Sensors system offers Cell or Ethernet based system. The ethernet based system is $120 more expensive and of course requires an active internet connection at the RV. The cell based option requires a 2 year committment at $8/month. Apparently no ongoing charge for the ethernet based system?
* The Cabin Sensors system seems to offer a much better range of add-on sensor options.
* Both systems have minimal information available on the broader internet in terms of reviews. This is not a hardware only based solution, because in both cases the information goes to "Cabin Sensor" or "RV Command" servers that actually host the collection, remote monitoring, and email/SMS notifications. If either company goes away, your hardware become paper weights.

Anyone else heard of these companies?

[FlyingDiver]

I use a Siren Marine system on the boat. It would work just fine in an RV as well. It has an annual subscription for the GSM (cell) connection. No central server - all alarms are via SMS direct from the device.

Remote Boat Monitoring & Boat Tracking | Siren Marine

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by WYRon

This is very interesting. I've been looking around for systems like this that aren't out of reason expensive. A quick review leads to these comments and possibly concerns:

* The RV Command system seems to be Cell based only, and in fact requires an $8.99/month subscription fee.
* The Cabin Sensors system offers Cell or Ethernet based system. The ethernet based system is $120 more expensive and of course requires an active internet connection at the RV. The cell based option requires a 2 year committment at $8/month. Apparently no ongoing charge for the ethernet based system?
* The Cabin Sensors system seems to offer a much better range of add-on sensor options.
* Both systems have minimal information available on the broader internet in terms of reviews. This is not a hardware only based solution, because in both cases the information goes to "Cabin Sensor" or "RV Command" servers that actually host the collection, remote monitoring, and email/SMS notifications. If either company goes away, your hardware become paper weights.

Anyone else heard of these companies?

Just a quick follow up. I searched the Cabin Sensors website pretty thoroughly, and its disturbing that neither a phone number or address is anywhere to be found. There is an email address info@cabinsensors.com, and an address of "Salt Lake City, UT". Looked in the manuals and warranty info area as well. Not very reassuring.

[Rossi6998]

Having recently had my RV repaired because it was burglarized, I find the RV Command very interesting. It appears easy to install. I might look into this.

[blang]

Originally Posted by WYRon

Just a quick follow up. I searched the Cabin Sensors website pretty thoroughly, and its disturbing that neither a phone number or address is anywhere to be found. There is an email address info@cabinsensors.com, and an address of "Salt Lake City, UT". Looked in the manuals and warranty info area as well. Not very reassuring.

Just for giggles, I searched the Utah Secretary of State for a couple versions of "Cabin Sensors" and nothing was found. It COULD be a legitimate product but the legality of the business structure is certainly suspect.

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by blang

Just for giggles, I searched the Utah Secretary of State for a couple versions of "Cabin Sensors" and nothing was found. It COULD be a legitimate product but the legality of the business structure is certainly suspect.

OK, just for laughs I decided to dig some more as well. Did a domain name lookup, and that led me to a Bradley Walters, who seems to have a company EarlyRun Ventures. That led me to a technology they're supporting, Monnit Wireless Sensors. That company's website is Low Cost Remote Monitoring Solutions | Monnit Corp.. It seems to have the same sensors as cabinsensors.com, but with a wider product range. Also, much more reasonable information on the website about the company, at least at first glance. I suspect cabinsensors.com was created to target a focus audience (us!).

[blang]

Originally Posted by WYRon

OK, just for laughs I decided to dig some more as well. Did a domain name lookup, and that led me to a Bradley Walters, who seems to have a company EarlyRun Ventures. That led me to a technology they're supporting, Monnit Wireless Sensors. That company's website is Low Cost Remote Monitoring Solutions | Monnit Corp.. It seems to have the same sensors as cabinsensors.com, but with a wider product range. Also, much more reasonable information on the website about the company, at least at first glance. I suspect cabinsensors.com was created to target a focus audience (us!).

I, too, did a WHOIS on cabinsensors.com but I didn't think it was necessary to publish all that. But... now that you have, let me point out a couple of things. The domain is actually registered to Earlyrun, LLC which, according to the Utah Secretary of State, is expired for not keeping up with annual reports. In fact, there are two such LLCs, both defunct. The latest iteration associated with Bradley Walters is, as you stated, Earlyrun Ventures... but that is not the registered entity on the domain... nor is the contact info consistent. In short, I would be leery of trusting a service company (selling a service that makes the hardware work) that cannot keep up with its' own paperwork.

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by blang

I, too, did a WHOIS on cabinsensors.com but I didn't think it was necessary to publish all that. But... now that you have, let me point out a couple of things. The domain is actually registered to Earlyrun, LLC which, according to the Utah Secretary of State, is expired for not keeping up with annual reports. In fact, there are two such LLCs, both defunct. The latest iteration associated with Bradley Walters is, as you stated, Earlyrun Ventures... but that is not the registered entity on the domain... nor is the contact info consistent. In short, I would be leery of trusting a service company (selling a service that makes the hardware work) that cannot keep up with its' own paperwork.

I'm sorry you're annoyed, but I hope the link I provided to the manufacturer of these systems might be useful to others who may want to decide for themselves.

[blang]

Originally Posted by WYRon

I'm sorry you're annoyed, but I hope the link I provided to the manufacturer of these systems might be useful to others who may want to decide for themselves.

Annoyed? Not in the least. Just providing info for the good of the thread.

[tholtman]

So, what I take-away from this is while the products/services seem to have existed (maybe still do?) this may be a case of something that's a cool idea but due to the mobile nature of RVs may not be applicable or cost-effective.

I do still think this could be applicable for those Winter months when the RV is in storage and either has wifi or willingess to pay the cellular fee.

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by tholtman

either has wifi or willingess to pay the cellular fee.

That's the key, if you have some sort of data connection, and the power to run the necessary electronics. The website link I provided shows quite an interesting array of sensors available, including voltage (DC and AC), water, etc. They also have control modules that will activate 10 or 30 amp relays. Probably more than necessary, but the DC voltage measurement is very interesting. Actually, AC is as well. I also have a second/summer house that I do monitor with webcams and the Acurite temperature monitors. This would be a very nice improvement there as well, so I'm interested.