No More Wood Paneling: The New Breed of RVs

There’s never a bad time for an RV trip. As friends, family, and RV owners themselves have heard – or stated – countless times, a trip up to the woods in February is just as satisfying as an August night next to the camper, out under the stars. Whether spending time inside the RV relaxing, or outside, barbecuing and enjoying nature, the features and functions on today’s vehicles are powered by some highly advanced electronic controls and hardware. At Etratech, we like to keep up-to-date with what today’s RV owners are looking for – and often, that means keeping up with the latest advances across all technology. 

Surprisingly, though, there are also a few low-tech ways that RV owners are modifying their interiors for improved mobility and space. Read about some of the latest RV trends, simple and complex, below:

Hidden TVs: It might be a flat-panel popping out of a table or dresser top, or a projection screen unwinding from the ceiling, but this has been one of the most popular space-saving trends in recent years. The growing availability and dropping prices of LCD and plasma TVs has made those the overwhelming choice in newer models. Some operate on a spring-and-latch system, and some emerge through electronic power – and that’s when electronic controls are needed.

Mobile Office: With the reach of the wireless office extending ever-further, even the most dedicated weekend warriors might need to check in on an extended vacation. From laptops, to printers, to routers and satellite connections, more and more RV buyers are making room for electronic s. It doesn’t have to be all for work, though – these installations are perfect for a quick streaming Netflix or Hulu fix, too.

No More Prefab: You’ve probably seen those old RVs where everything is fixed in place, from the tables to the chairs. Customers these days are opting for a simple solution to the problem of space – forego the prefabricated construction and invest in a free-standing table and some chairs. Move them out of the way as you go, put them outside for lunch, and enjoy unprecedented room and versatility!

What are some of your favorite RV features? Contact us and let us know!

Don’t Trash It! What to Do With Your E-Waste

A nice, shiny new HDTV! Time to throw out that slightly smaller, slightly dustier HDTV you bought two years ago. You stop to think for a minute, though. You’ve heard about some new rules, some things you can and can’t do with your out-of-date electronics. So maybe we don’t just haul yesterday’s news down to the curb – maybe the garbagemen won’t, or can’t, take it. Time for a little research. . . 

RoHS, WEEE, and other acronyms are familiar to electronics manufacturers, especially those who deal with the European markets. Those directives are so prevalent there, that beyond the manufacturers, most consumers are aware and active with their e-waste disposal and recycling. Here in North America, though, most consumers seem to be a little hazier on e-waste regulations – in part because so many of them are new, and in part because in many cases, they don’t yet exist.

Our handy list below details some of the best methods and resources for learning about e-waste disposal and recycling compliance. And if compliance isn’t necessary? It’s always good to learn about some responsible best practices.

Choose: Disposal or Recycling? At this point, either is an option for the consumer, as the end responsibility to ensure proper reclamation lies with the manufacturer. If you know of an e-waste recycler in your area, you may bring your old components directly there, but municipal pickup is also an option.

Research Local Pickup Methods and Times. Most e-waste regulation is at the local, town, or, in some cases, state level. A simple Google search of your municipality’s service website will let you know when and where to leave that old laptop for proper pickup and disposal.

Another Option: Donation. That two-year-old TV we talked about in the beginning? You may not be able to stand the sight of it anymore, but that doesn’t mean it won’t brighten up someone else’s day. Institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, and others would be glad to take it off your hands. For more information, see this link.

Etratech is committed to spreading knowledge about responsible e-waste disposal and recycling. Contactus with any further questions!