According to Jean Cernan, The average cell phone has more technology than the Apollo capsule that flew to the moon and back. Now that said, I wonder if I can view that in comparison to our motorhome.
Paying attention to what’s going on outside the front window while scanning the mirrors for what’s on your six could be exhausting at the end of the day for a lot of drivers.
Now add a technology layer to driving and it isn’t all that uncommon to have most or more of the following stuff …
Starting – All electronic instrumentation – computer controlled. Multi function Command Center showing MPG, and estimates for (DTE) Distance Until Empty are featured along with many other functions. To that add a Scan Gauge II which details about 15 to 20 more functions visible simultaneously from 4 positions from transmission temperatures to being able to monitor your inlet air temp.
GPS shows the way on our Nation’s highways in wide screen and 3 Dimensions. Our new (replacement) Cobra 25WXNWST “Nightwatch” CB is all installed and wired hot so that any tone generated by NOAA warnings will be heard in the event bad weather is coming to an RV near you. Although the language is colorful at times one can get insight as to why we’re just sitting there and not moving.
A Sony 10 CD changer with remote control tied into out dash AM/FM radio which also has up to 5 weather channels but no NOAA alert feature. The changer – practically never used, in fact one could make the argument that to remove it will give me more storage space – but it cost too much to junk the unit.
Outside temperature and direction always available in blue LCD on the dash.
Dash mounted computer station’s HP DV6000 series laptop with WLAN aircard means always in touch with e-Mail and the Internet while going down the road at 65 MPH. DeLorme Road Atlas 2009 and Streets and Trips 2009 will both require updating to 2010 versions pretty soon – can’t wait for that expense.
Finally Satellite Radio with so much informations and entertainment available that traveling without this piece is almost unconscionable.
TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is dash mounted and easily accessed keeps us informed visually and via a low pressure tone.
The wireless auxiliary brake monitor’s LED glows red when the brakes are applied on the car.
Not to forget, Cruise Control ….
Finally 2 cell phones with charger ( “me” BlueTooth – Jawbone with Noise Assassin) …. too much technology or is it just too much fun to load up your motorhome with more electronic gadgets than Carter has Little Liver Pills?
For me you can’t have too much technology and “Yes” all of this while bare footin’ down the road …..
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