The four crucial essentials for comfy RV living

The ramp-up in clever RV technology means you don’t have to lack the comforts of home wherever you go in your RV, whether it’s a camper, caravan or motorhome. With the clever climate control, refrigeration, cooking and power supply offerings from Dometic, you have the latest conveniences available on hand.

With all the time pressures of daily life, many of us can’t choose to only take off on an RV escape when the weather is perfect. To take the chill off a cool morning or the sting out of a hot, humid day, air-conditioning makes an RV holiday much more pleasant. RV reverse cycle air-conditioning, unlike home air-con, requires unique resistance to the likes of vibration and dust, a compact and light size and needs to be energy efficient, especially when used with a compatible power system off-grid. With its new-generation efficient air-conditioner specifically designed for RV travel, Dometic’s new FreshJet Series 7 is a clever choice.

The new air-conditioner has a streamlined external design for superior aerodynamics, better interior cooling performance and airflow, and – a bonus for light sleepers, the quietest operation to date. The Series 7 features CleanAir technology, which ensures circulating air is fresh and clean thanks to the built-in air purification system, while also using the next generation of Dometic’s leading inverter technology. This technology makes the Series 7 the most efficient Dometic air-conditioner range ever.

There are three FreshJet 7 models designed to suit different RV internal area that requires cooling and heating: the FreshJet 7 Lite suits an RV up to 15-foot, the FreshJet Pro is suitable for 17- to 19-foot fit-outs, while the FreshJet 7 Plus is best for larger, up to 22-foot body-length RVs.

The rooftop is becoming a crowded part of any RV these days, with solar panels, satellite dishes, air pressure systems and other needs. With this in mind, the FreshJet series rooftop hardware is more compact than ever and aerodynamically shaped for less wind resistance too.

In addition the new (sold separately) FreshJet internal air distribution box (ADB) system adds further features and introduces remote and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. The nearly flush air distribution unit is an unobtrusive addition to the RV’s ceiling, with its 68mm profile improving headroom over a traditional unit. This set-up quietly and efficiently directs airflow to the front and rear and vents are vertically adjustable plus it includes soft LED lighting panels. The unit also provides an incorporated flush-mounted display and touch controls to ensure you’re getting the exact temperature and airflow you need.

Find out more about Dometic heating and cooling products.

RV refrigeration has come a long way since the slow to cool, unreliable old fridges, and none so much as the new Dometic NRX-C 12v/24v compressor fridge range, the five-model series starting at 50L with the largest fridge providing 130L total capacity.

The new, highly energy efficient compressor-cooled NRX series offers a full-width door handle with plenty of drinks or bottle storage inside the recessed door internal space, adjustable/removable shelf positions, a touch control panel to adjust cooling, and two crispers for fruit and vegetables. Even better the NRX range offers a modular use of cooling space with its removable freezer that allows you to increase fridge storage -- or if you prefer, you can even run the fridge as a full freezer instead.

The NRX series also feature a reversable door hinge according to fit-out needs, a premium compressor that has selectable operating modes (Eco, Boost, Silent) and a clever closing mechanism that allows you to create a gap so the fridge can be aired out.

Find out more about Dometic refrigeration products.

Induction cooktops provide instantaneous response times, energy-efficient cooking and easy clean-up, and the new Dometic CVI1525 is a showcase of this technology designed specifically for an RV, whether you’re staying in a campground or off-grid. 

The Dometic CVI1525 allows fast, closely controlled and convenient cooking with an easy-clean glass cooking surface and touch sensor controls for adjusting the cooking heat. It features an easy-to-use cooking timer, nine-step incremental heat settings and an extra-fast heat-up Boost function with unsuitable object detection on both zones. Additional safety features include over-temperature protection, and an automatic shut-down timer.

This two-zone induction cooktop strikes a balance between ease of use, performance and the electrical considerations in RV and campsite conditions. To prove its durability, it has been vibration resistance tested according to RV-specific standards and is backed up by a 3-year warranty.

Find out more about Dometic cooktop products.

Like elsewhere, the RV industry has seen a battery/solar power revolution with the likes of Enerdrive, the technology permitting the use of all suitable electrical appliances anywhere you go in your RV. Dometic sells and through its Dometic Service Centres installs the Enerdrive full power system, or individual components that you may require to update your existing system, where possible.

A wide range of Enerdrive products are on hand, available online or at Dometic agents Australia-wide. Dometic has created many different layouts to fit nearly every possible application. Designed for experienced DIY or professional installation, the Enerdrive systems are designed to be fitted quickly. You can choose from kits ranging from 40A AC and 40A DC battery chargers through to 2000W to 3000W AC transfer inverters, monitoring and low battery cutout, lithium batteries, battery management systems, fixed solar panels and much more.

Enerdrive’s eSYSTEM’s are pre-wired, complete lithium power solutions, pre-assembled to a flat panel, allowing a simple, quick install, while the new SIMARINE PICO is an innovative battery and tank monitor, with smart design, improved functionality, connectivity and ease of use. With a sleek anodized aluminium casing, the PICO’s display unit is complimented by a tough, thick Gorilla Glass with Anti-Reflective coating, protecting the optically bonded high-contrast 3.5 inch IPS LCD display. As you’d expect, the PICO is water and dust proof and can be mounted both indoors and outdoors. Even screen brightness is automatically adjusted with the integral light sensor.

With an Enerdrive system fitted, you can reduce your gas requirements by simply running typical household appliances directly from your caravan or RV. You can even run your 240-volt air-conditioner with a properly set-up system.

Find out more about Dometic solar and battery products.

Dometic also offers peace of mind with its own Dometic Service Centres, with experts who are familiar with the product and how to fit it, as well as undertaking RV servicing.

To find the most well-known RV component brand in Australia, check out the Dometic website for the full range of products to help you get out to enjoy the great Aussie landscape with the convenience and comforts of home.