NOAA Weather Radios

NOAA Weather Radios have been mentioned in several posts.  So just what is NOAA and why should I bother listening to NOAA Weather Radio?  NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Weather Service.  NOAA weather radios will only be useful to residents or travelers in the United States and its territories.   The broadcast service is NOAA Weather Radio or NWR.  NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural disasers (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental problems (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).  NWR includes 1000 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories.

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can only be received by radios specially equipped to receive the NOAA frequencies.  Specialized radios that receive ONLY NOAA weather broadcasts are available, starting at about $20 . Enter "NOAA Weather Radio" into your favorite search engine and you'll be rewarded with hundreds of possibilities.  Some CB, HAM,, survival radios, and even some car radios include access to NOAA channels.

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   The forecast repeats every few minutes.  That means you don't have to sit there waiting for a local radio station to get around to doing the weather. You can tune in immediately and get current forecasts and alerts. The best NOAA radios will respond to alerts and turn themselves on (from stand by mode) so you don't miss an important change in weather conditions.  An even more sophisticated service called Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) allows users to program some specially equipped radios to specific geographical areas instead of entire regions.  Some of the newer radios have LED displays that indicate the type of alert so you can tell at a glance if it is something you need to pay immediate attention to.

NOAA Weather Radio channels may be built into some dash-mounted car radios and CB radios. Many HAM radios can be tuned to NOAA Weather Radio frequencies if you know what they are (162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550).  Stand alone units range from small, hand-held models, to more sophisticated and expensive "base station" designs intended for desk or office use.  Base stations might be suitable for RV applications where you'll have 120 volt power available to operate them and will give you more power and greater range.  Hand-held models can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle, used in camp, or even carried on the trail.   I have an older Radio Shack battery powered radio that is a cube of about 2 1/2" and has a built-in telescoping antenna.  It works really well in camp, but is not designed to withstand the rigors of being carried in pocket or pack.  Portable hand-held models are designed to be carried in a pocket or pack and would be very useful on the trail.

Types of broadcasts.  There are several different types of informational broadcasts transmitted on NOAA Weather Radio.  The major categories include alerts, routine forecast products (hourly observations, hazardous weather outlook, zone forecast product, regional weather synopsis, and the daily climate summary), Specialty Forecast Products (Short term or "NOW" forecast, special weather statements, tabular state forecast, record information announcement, surf zone forecast, river forecast, lake forecast, coastal waters forecast, off shore waters forecast, and tropical weather summary).   The NOAA Weather Radio also participates in the Emergency Alert System and runs a test every Wednesday between 10:00 AM and noon.  For detailed descriptions of each product see the definition of NOAA Weather Radio on Wikipedia.

The benefits of having  NOAA Weather Radio in camp on on the trail are pretty obvious.  You always have immediate access to up to date weather conditions and forecast.  Knowing what is coming can make the difference between an disaster and simply weathering out the storm.

Listen up!

NOAA Weather Radios, an Asset for Campers, RVers, and Boaters

 This is a second post on NOAA Weather Radios.  Don't mean to be redundant, but it is a topic that, in my experience, is underrated.  I've met too many people who dont even know about NOAA weather radios, let alone use them!

NOAA Weather radio is a service of the National Weather Service (NWS), which, in turn, is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States of America.  The following Mission and Vision are taken directly from the National Weather Service website:

NWS Mission

Provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.

NWS Vision

A Weather-Ready Nation: Society is prepared for and responds to weather, water, and climate-dependent events.

Although the mission statement doesn't specifically mention recreation, the forecasts are of great value to campers, hikers, boaters, hunters, and fisherman.  Or to anyone who is going to working or playing outdoors.  I believe we qualify under protection for life and property when involved in our outdoor recreational pursuits.

NOAA weather forecasts are available for almost all  geographic parts of the United States.  Speical NOAA radios will automatically pick up the local forecast just about anywhere you are. 

I've seen NOAA weather channels on a few car radios but usually you have to buy a special NOAA radio.  NOAA forecasts are updated frequently and give a fairly accurate prediction of regional weather.  The 7 day forecast is usually accurate about 80% of the time; the 5 day forecast is good about 90% of the time; but the 10 day forecast is only correct about 50% of the time.

Be aware that some camping venues are located in areas that kind of make their own weather.  This is especially true of mountains but large bodies of water and sometimes even deserts can also make their own weather.  Therefore, regional weather forecasts from NOAA or your local radio station may not always be a good predictor of what you will actually experience at a specific location but it is good place to start!

You can purchase NOAA weather radios at many places that sell camping equipment.  Some places that I've confirmed sell NOAA radios are Walmart, Amazon, Target, Cabellas and even Big Lots.  You can often find them on ebay too.  Some models include hand crank chargers so you never have to worry about running out of power.

NOAA also has a superb web site where you can get up-to-date weather information.   It is the National Weather Service website.  It is a fairly comprehensive website.  Be sure to explore the options as there are many features to assist you in understanding the forecast and finding out what you need to know.  One of my favorites is the Hourly Forecast, but the menu under FORECAST includes lots of useful options including, Graphical, Aviation, Marine, Rivers and Lakes, and Severe Weather that could be useful to campers and boaters.

Be weather wise!

RV, OHV, Camping and Boating Communications

Communications enroute, around camp, on the waterand on the trail, are important.  Today's cell phones work pretty well in populated areas and even along most highways.   Sometimes they even work surprisingly well in remote locations, but hand-held CB, FRS or GMRS radios are a good addition for camping, hiking, and OHV trips, especially if you're headed off the beaten path and out of cell phone coverage.  The addition of an external cell phone antenna may improve reception and transmission, but make sure your phone is compatible with the antenna connector.   I have an external cell phone antenna on my motorhome that worked well with previous phones but my current model doesn't have an external antenna connector.  HAM radios are bit more expensive and require training and licensing but have a much greater range than FRS and GMRS radios.  Be aware that virtually all radio communications are "line-of-sight".   If you're in one valley and the person you're trying to communicate is over the hill in the next one, you probably aren't going to have much luck.  Short wave (HAM) radios can sometimes take advantage of something called "skip", where signals bounce off layers in the upper atmosphere and can reach over the horizon, but for most applications you need a pretty clear path between transmitter and receiver for reliable communications.  Of course, these days, cell phones are pretty ubiquitous and can provide communication between vehicles in a convoy and between camp sites.  You might even be able to make emergency calls out on the trail, but remember, cell phones depend on being within range of a cell tower.  While cell towers cover most cities and even most regularly used highways, you may find coverage lacking in remote mountain and desert areas where you go camping, riding, or  hiking.  Marine environments use special radio frequencies and special radios tuned to those frequencies.  If you do any off-short boating you are going to want good two-way marine radio communication.  Most marine radios include features that will aid rescuers in locating your boat in an emergency.  You may use CB, HAM, and FRS/GMRS radios for short range communications between boats in a group like you would among campers.

Not all communications have to be two-way communications.  A good NOAA weather radio can be an extremely valuable addition to your camping communications gear.   These specialized radios provide continuous local weather forecasts and alerts.  Any good radio can usually provide news, traffic, and weather updates.  Even a good am/fm portable radio can normally bring you news and weather alerts.  Sometimes the radio signals will bounce of parts of the atmosphere but they are usually "line of sight" and mountains or other obstacles will sometimes block reception.  Modern satellite radio systems take advantage of transmitters on orbiting satellites so they usually work just about anywhere above ground.

I recently saw an ad for a multi-band radio that include VHF, CB, Ham, AM and FM all in one unit.   Such a radio would certainly provide the most flexibility for remote communications, but they are a bit pricey:  around $500!  Nice thing to put on the wish list.

On the road.   CB radios are still used by over-the-road truckers and can be easily added to just about any vehicle to provide convenient communications between vehicles enroute.   Hand held versions avoid the need for permanent antennas and wiring to a 12-volt power source.  By the way, RVs, because of their fiberglass bodies, may require a special No Ground Plane antenna.  The range of CB radios is limited to a few miles, but should be more than adequate for most RV "convoys".  CBs have up to 40 different channels. Some channels have been designated for specific purposes. Channel 9 is reserved for emergency communications.  Channel 19 is the channel usually used by over-the-road truckers and an excellent source of traffic and road conditions on most major highways.  Truckrs sometimes use Channel 17 on North-South Highways and Channel 19 on East-West routes.  Channel 19 is dead center of the CB band and is where antennas are frequently most efficient.   Channel 13 is the "RV" channel, and good place to listen for other RVers.  You can choose any of the other channels for more personal communications for your group.  It may take some searching to find an unused or lightly used channel.   Hand held FRS or GMRS walkie-talkies are good for in camp and trail communications.  FRS (Family Radio Service) is what is used by inexpensive and toy walkie talkies and has a more limited power and range than GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), which uses more power and has a longer range -- but you have to have license to use GMRS.  FRS and CB do not require a license.  For added convenience on the trail, a headset provide hands-free operation.  Though somewhat pricey, "Sidewinder" brand radios are about the most convenient way to communicate with fellow riders on the trial.  These attach to your helmet and can be voice activated.  Be careful using voice activated units.   You're likely to broadcast some unintentional expletives when something goes wrong or surprises you!  I've had good success with ordinary walkie-talkie type FRS radios by tucking them in my Cambelbak and using a pu st-to-talk microphone and earphones under my helmet.  Again, the range is not great, but is usually more than adequate for keeping a group together on the trail and sometimes can even reach back to base camp so it can be useful to have someone monitoring your frequency back there in case of an emergency. We've even used them between groups out on the trails to coordinate emergency services when one of the riders was injured.

Other forms of communication can also be useful.   I may owe my life to a little-known trucker's signal.  I observed a truck driver speeding down the opposite side of the freeway toward me, flashing his lights 3 times over and over and giving three blasts on his air horn as he passed by.  Within a few minutes I encountered a wrong-way driver coming down my side of the freeway like a bat out of hell! The trucker's warning had put me on high alert so I detected the oncoming driver approaching in my lane in time to move over out of his way.  I admire that truck driver for his thoughtful efforts to warn people of the impending danger.  I may even owe him my life!  This was in the days before cell phones.   I pulled off at the next exit and called the State Police, whose tired response was "Where is he now?"  Obviously I wasn't the first one to report the wrong way driver and he had been southbound in the northbound lanes for at least 25 or 30 miles.  Speaking of wrong way drivers, a Highway Patrol friend of mine offered the following advice:   Do not drive in the fast lane of the freeway at night, especially on holidays when alcohol consumption is high, like on New Year's Eve. If you get a wrong way driver (like the one I encountered), he's probably going to be staying to his right, thinking he is being extra safe.   That puts him in the fast lane when he's on the wrong side of the freeway!  My friend says this tidbit was passed on to him by his trainer early in his career, and just minutes later after moving out of the fast lane, he encountered a wrong way driver right where his trainer said he'd be: coming down the fast lane.  When they finally apprehended the guy miles later he insisted the cops had lifted his car over the concrete center divider so it would look like he was driving on the wrong side. I know cops are tough, but not THAT tough!

Some classes of radio communication require special licensing by the FCC.  CB radios used to require a license but no longer do. FRS radios (Family Radio Service) do not require a special license. Range is about 2 miles. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) offers greater range on some channels but does require an FCC license for the higher powered channels.  A single GMRS license covers the holder and his/her immediate family for personal or business purposes.   Last time I checked the GMRS license cost $85.00 and was good for 5 years.   Some GMRS channels are shared with the FRS service and can be used without a license if you don't exceed the legal transmission power (many GMRS radios have "power save" options that operate at the FRS power, using them at higher power requires a GMRS license).  For long range communications you may need an amateur radio (HAM radio) and license.  HAM radios can sometimes take advantage of repeaters -- automated stations that re-transmit your signal, to extend the range.   You can often get HAM radios classes free from local HAM clubs or educational institutions.  The license itself costs $14.00 and is good for 10 years before they have to be renewed.  Hand-held radios can be purchased for as little as $45 but a good "base station" and antenna setup can cost hundreds of dollars.  Hand helds or mobile radios will be the most useful for camping and caravaning.

Hand signals are useful on the trail.  Ordinary driver's hand signals communicate intentions when turning and stopping and can be very useful in keeping everyone in a group on the right track.  Left arm extended straight out from the shoulder:  left turn.  Left arm held at the square:  right turn.   Left arm held down:  stop.  Left arm  waving as if patting toward the ground:  slow down.  Another helpful signal aids safety when approaching riders coming from the other direction.  Hold up your free hand displaying the number of vehicles behind you in your group.   If there are more than 5, hold up an open hand.  Raise a closed fist, with the fingers facing out, if you are the last rider.   This tells oncoming traffic how many riders to expect.   Don't display your fist with the back of the hand out as that can be interpreted as an aggressive gesture.  Thumbs up and thumbs down have specific meanings so avoid using them in the ordinary "OK/Not OK" sense.   Thumbs up means a crashed rider is back up. Thumbs down means he is down and can't get up.  A simple wave of one hand high over head, like waving "hello", is usually used to indicate "OK".  Low waving of one hand about knee level indicates "not OK".  Avoid low waving of both hands as it is often misinterpreted by baseball fans as "SAFE".

Hand signals can be helpful in camp too, especially when backing into a tight spot.   A closed hand with a thumb extended like you were hitchhiking can be used to show the driver which way the back end of the RV needs to go.  A closed fist means stop.  Slapping the side of the RV means STOP NOW!  You can indicate the driver needs to keep backing up by waving you hand in a "come hither" manner.  Then quickly raise your and and close your fist when they should stop.  Another useful gesture is to indicate the remaining distance by holding  your hands apart facing each other and bringing them closer together as the gap closes.  It helps the driver judge how much further he/she needs to go.  Hand signals avoid the problems of trying to yell commands and disturbing fellow campers.  Two-way radios will let you carry on necessary conversation without yelling but can still be surprisingly loud in a quiet campground.

Though not commonly used any more, flashing Morse code and semaphores (flags) CAN be used to communicate between camps, on the water, and on the trail.   There are marine flags with specific meanings you should be aware of when boating.  They will alert you to water skiers in the water, disabled craft, medical emergencies, out of fuel, and dangerous conditions.   One Morse code signal that IS still frequently used is "S O S", an internationally recognized plea for help.  This consists of three short flashes, three long flashes, and three short long flashes (... --- ...) .   In popular usage, SOS became associated with such phrases as "save our ship", "save our souls" and "send out succour".  These may be regarded as useful mnemonics, but SOS is not an abbreviation, acronym or initialism.  According to the Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.), the letters were chosen merely because they are easily transmitted and recognized in Morse code.  When transmitted in Morse code they are often run together (...---...) instead of being sent as separate letters.  Morse code can easily be sent as flashes of light or as sounds.  You can even send Morse code by beating on a hollow log or banging two rocks together -- three quick hits, three slow hits, three quick hits, spells S O S. An ordinary whistle is a good emergency communication device. You won't ruin your voice yelling and it carries well to alert rescuers to your location. You can whistle "SOS" or just give 3 loud, evenly spaced whistles periodically. The three blasts and rhythmic timing helps distinguish your signal from bird calls or other natural sounds like wind or creaking trees.

Parking an RV sometimes requires two people:   one to drive and one to watch where the vehicle is backing, especially when backing into a confined space.   See the previous paragraph "Hand signals can be helful in camp too".   Two way radios are very helpful here although well understood hand signals can often suffice.   DON'T just try yelling!  It will annoy your fellow campers and will probably not do very much good anyway.  A good "emergency stop" signal is to slap the side of the RV hard.  The driver will be able hear it and can stop and discuss the situation before any damage occurs.

Stop and talk.  Whenever you are traveling in a group -- in vehicles, on OHVs or just hiking -- it is a good idea to stop and talk face to face now and then.  You can check the status of fellow travelers or riders, alert associates to where you're going next, and adjust routes as needed when special circumstances arise.  It is always better to catch any emerging medical or mechanical problems in the group as soon as possible.  When on the trail you can check everyone's ability to identify the way back to camp and help them learn landmarks and trail tips that can help them find their way back if they get separated from the group.  It is also a good idea to stop and talk periodically when you're in a RV or other vehicular convoy.  Regular rest stops keep drivers fresher and more alert and stops give you a chance to socialize with members of your group and discuss any special needs or wants and plan additional food, fuel, and recreation stops and let the group address the concerns of anyone who is uncomfortable with the pace or the route.

Boats have their own visual and audio signals that you should be familiar with if you are out on the water.  Navigation lights can  help you determine which way a boat is moving relative to your position.  Boats have red lights on the port (left) side and green lights on the starboard (right side) and a white light visible from the rear.  Sailboats might also display white light visible from the front and higher than the navigation lights to indicate they are under auxiliary (motor) power at night.  A white light high up and visible all round (360 degrees) at night indicates a boat is at anchor.  Boats use audio signals (horns, whistles) to signal how they intend to pass each other.  They use short and long blasts, with a short blast being about 1 second long and long blast being 4-6 seconds long.  One short blast means I want to pass you on my port (left) side.  Two short blasts mean I want to pass you on my starboard (right) side.  Three short blast means I am backing up.  Five short blasts means danger or you disagree with the other boater's intentions.  One long blast is used in low visibility, like fog or coming around a blind corner.  Sailboats should use one long blast followed by two short blasts in limited visibility.  Since sailboats maneuver and respond differently than power boats it is useful to know if the boat approaching is a sailboat so you can be better prepared and allow greater space or reaction time.  A sailboat operating under auxiliary power is considered to be a power boat and must obey all the rules for power boats.  Boats also use flags.  Some of the most common are the Alpha Flag (blue and white) for diver down deep in the water, Whiskey Flag (blue with white and red concentric squares) for medical emergency and need help, an orange flag for water skier down, and a distress flag (orange with a black square and black circle).  The Alpha and Whiskey flags each represent letters in the alphabet, A and W respectively.  Boats may also use "day shapes", recognizable shapes that are displayed to indicated a sailboat under power (an inverted black cone) or a boat at anchor (black ball).

Talk it up!

Weather Watches, Advisories, and Warnings for Campers and Boaters

The US Weather Service issues several levels of alerts.   They may include watches, advisories, and warnings.  While many people think they are all just different names the same kind of event, each term has a specific meaning.  Watches mean conditions are right for the stated event to occur so keep watch.  A watch may be upgraded to an advisory when the probability of the event happening reaches or exceeds 80%.  A warning means the event is imminent or is happening.  For example, a tornado watch says conditions are right for tornadoes to form.  A warning means a tornado has actually been spotted in the vicinity.  You might compare the three levels of weather alerts to the three levels of evacuation notice:  1:  Get Ready, 2:  Get Set, 3:  GO!  In both situations the first level tells you to be extra alert to the conditions around you, the second level says you need to begin taking appropriate actions because the threat is more likely, and the third tells you something bad is happening NOW!

The stated mission of the National Weather Service is "Provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy."  Although the mission does not specifically address the needs of campers and other outdoor enthusiasts (hopefully we do count under "life and property" and might be part of the national economy), their forecasts can be of great use to us -- if we understand and pay attention to the alerts!

Campers and other outdoor enthusiasts should know the meaning of these weather terms so they can take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.  Each type of alert has a specific meaning that you can use to prioritize your response.  All of them mean keep an eye on the weather!  Read more to see how close an eye you need to keep depending on the type of alert.

Weather Watch.  If you hear of a weather watch in the region near where you are camping, keep an eye on the sky, check radio forecasts regularly, and begin to make preparations in case you must evacuate.  A watch means conditions are right for the forecast to happen.  Start making plans and preparations for what to do it if/when it happens.

Weather Advisory.  If you get an advisory, you should immediately start preparing to evacuate or secure your camp site against impending weather problems.   An advisory means the probability of the event happening has reached about 80% or more.  At this point you want to be prepared to take shelter or get the heck out of there on a moment's notice.

Weather Warning.  If you hear a warning you should take immediate steps to either evacuate or secure your camp site.  A warning means the predicted event is imminent or has actually been seen.  This is when folks in tornado country head to their storm cellars.   A weather warning is similar to a Level 3 Evacuation notice.   Be ready to take action NOW!

You may get weather alerts on your phone or other personal electronic device, via radio (local stations or NOAA weather stations). be informed by a ranger, other law enforcement, or other local residents, or read about it in the newspaper or on your computer.  It is always a good idea to check weather for your destination and your route before leaving home.  Then, monitor radio stations en route and in camp and periodically check your cell phone if you have cell coverage in camp.  The more warning you have of an impending weather problem the better prepared you can be.   Good preparation can prevent damage in injuries while lack of preparation or poor preparation often leads to severe personal injuries and expensive damage to property.

It would not be prudent to go camping or boating if severe weather is expected where you are going.  Almost all trips can be rescheduled to a safer time.  Severe weather problems can quickly take the fun out of any outing and could turn one into a medical or financial disaster.  We once took a dirt biking trip to the Mojave Desert over the Thanksgiving holiday.  Weather was normal when we left home and in several years of our annual "Turkey In The Dirt" outings we had never encountered any unacceptable weather.  However, by the time we reached the dirt road turn off to our destination (about 150 miles from home) it had begun to snow and there was already 6-8 inches of snow on the dirt road.  Knowing the difficult, hilly terrain and rough condition of the dirt road to the camp site we wisely decided to reroute to a different venue that didn't involve such extensive off road travel.  By the time we reached our alternate destination the snow had slowed down and there was only 2-3 inches on the ground in our new location -- and our camp site was only a few dozen yards off the main road on solid, flat, hard-packed sand.  This was before we had weather on our cell phones and even before I bought a NOAA weather radio.  In fact, that trip was a contributing factor in acquiring a NOAA radio.

Keep a weather eye.  This saying, popularized on pirate movies, basically means stay alert while going about your normal business.  Wise sailors kept a "weather eye" on the sky so they didn't encounter surprise storms.  Still pretty good advice for anyone involved in outdoor recreational activities.   Even if you have good electronic forecasts it is still essential to keep an eye on the sky.  The sky above you is going to tell you a lot more about what is happening or going to happen than any weather report!

I subscribe to an emergency email service that delivers National Weather Service Alerts for my county.   It is a good way to stay up to date on potential weather problems that might affect us.  However, it is county-wide and our county extends literally from the mountains to the sea so we get storm warnings for surf advisories even though we are in the mountains about 1300 feet above sea level.  You can sign up at emergencyemail.org.

Most published or broadcast weather predictions are for rather large, general areas.   Even many "local weather"reports tend be be regional in nature.  Local weather can be significantly affected by mountains and bodies of water.  Since both mountains and bodies of water are typical destinations for campers and other outdoor recreationalists, we are likely to be affected by very local weather patterns that might not be reflected in general forecasts.  Consult a seasoned local expert for the best idea of what to expect where you are at any given time.  Rangers, law enforcement officers, fire departments, and even owners of retail business, farms and ranches, can often be a good source of what to expect from the local weather.

Watch out!

RV Entertainment Systems

Today's technology offers many electronic entertainment options for RVs and campers, ranging from portable radios and TVs you can use on your picnic table to complete home theater entertainment systems in RVs. Portable TVs can be used by just about any camper if you have power to operate them. Power could come from campground utilities, portable generators, or invertors and battery packs. A portable TV may be used to receive over-the-air broadcasts or display VHS and DVD movies. Some portable systems are even adaptable to tent camping. My son's new minivan has a built-in inverter and AC outlets that could power small 120 volt appliances in camp but it is necessary to keep an eye on the battery charge level.  Same with some of the pickup trucks equipped with 120 volt outlets to charge cordless tools.  Of course, battery powered radios and "boom boxes" can be used anywhere and I've even seen small battery powered TVs.   With access to campground WiFi or your own cell phone "hotspot", your laptop or tablet becomes a portable movie/TV system.

Permanently mounted systems in motorhomes and travel trailers are only limited by the owner's preferences and budget -- and available space to install them. Portable and permanent satellite systems are available, including automatic systems that can be used when the vehicle is in motion. Some luxury motorhomes have large LCD or Plasma TVs with VHS, DVD, BluRay players, video game systems, and elaborate Surround-sound systems just like a home theater. TVs and other electronic equipment can be added to just about any RV if you have some cabinet space you can sacrifice for the installation and an appropriate source of power. Many RV entertainment systems are just adapted residential systems and require 120-volt AC power but there are TVs, DVD and VHS players and receivers designed to run on 12 volts DC. If you need to run residential style units but don't have a generator, you may be able to use an inverter to convert 12-volt DC to 120-volt AC power -- IF you have a large enough battery bank.  Today's flat screen TVs take up a lot less space, aren't nearly ahs heavy, can be mounted in more places, and use a lot less energy than yesterday's old CRT models.  We recently picked up a pair of flat screens with built-in DVD players, paying only about $175 for the two of them!  The light weight means they can be mounted on thin RV walls that would have never supported a heavy CRT.  Since they only stick out a few inches they don't intrude so much into the usually very limited living space in an RV.  And the lower power requirements mean you will be less likely to run down your batteries if you power them using an inverter.  There are components especially designed for RV use.  They will usually have 12 volt DC power but often have dual power options.  They may offer a few other advantages over adapting residential equipment, such as reduced size or weight and specially "hardened" electronics to make them less vulnerable to the vibration and shock found in vehicles.

Wall-mount radio systems. In recent years there have been a number of wall-mount entertainment systems designed specifically for use in RVs and travel trailers. They are shallow so they can be mounted in a thin RV wall and usually include an AM/FM stereo receiver. Older units had a cassette player while more modern versions have a CD player. The older cassette style units can often be acquired at bargain prices on ebay and other web sites. Some of the newer and more expensive models even have DVD players but you'll need a conveniently placed monitor to view them. Of course you can use an under-dash automotive radio under or in an RV cabinet, but usually it is easier to find a more convenient place for a wall mount. These are fairly inexpensive ways to add basic entertainment systems to campers and older trailers. I even have one in my enclosed motorcycle trailer for weather updates and some music while doing routine maintenance and repairs.

Mobile versus residential technology. In many cases you can adapt ordinary residential equipment for use in an RV. However, residential units are not typically designed to endure the rigors of travel. You are better off if you can purchase units designed and "hardened" for mobile use. When mounting electronic equipment in an RV you have two diametrically opposed needs: secure mounting and isolation from vibration. Most residential units are designed to sit on a shelf so you'll have to engineer a way to secure them for RV travel. To further protect sensitive electronics from vibration, use rubber "isolation" mounts if you can. You need to anchor your equipment so it doesn't bounce around during transit yet so it is isolated from road vibration. Speaker systems need to be isolated so they don't transfer vibrations to the surrounding cabinetry which can distort the sound.

The speaker systems standard in many RVs tend to come from the low end. If you value rich sound from your CDs and movies you may want to upgrade your speakers. The easiest solution is to replace existing speakers with high quality units of the same size and shape. Alternatively you may be able to enlarge the existing space or install larger speakers or additional speakers in, on, or under cabinets. Since you're in a fairly small enclosed space you won't need a lot of sound to produce satisfactory performance.  A fairly inexpensive and easy solution is a "sound bar".  You won't get full home theater sound but you should see a significant improvement over what comes out of the tiny little TV speaker and all you have to do is plug them in and find a place to set them.  Some are designed to fit specific TV models.

Advanced sound systems. There are advanced sound systems on the market that have microphones that sense speaker performance and adjust output dynamically to maximize listening enjoyment. Given that RVs are not designed with acoustical superiority in mind, these systems can at least partially compensate for physical limitations. These systems are not cheap, but may be worth the investment if you value high quality sound and spend enough time using your RV entertainment system to justify the cost. Clearly, if you can't hear any difference, there is no point paying big bucks for a fancy sound system.

Outside Entertainment Systems are becoming more popular. It makes sense, because we spend so much of our camping time outside. They may range from a simple radio/casette/CD player mounted in an outside cabinet under the patio awning to complete home theater systems with flat panel TVs that swing out from outside cabinets. Of course, an old-fashioned "boom box" works too. Weatherproof speakers mounted in the outside wall provide audio, but due to the nature of their construction to resist the elements, the way they must be mounted, and the near total lack of acoustic control in the outdoors, the sound quality won't match interior systems. Even so, they can provide hours and hours of highly enjoyable entertainment. One note of caution: be considerate of your fellow campers when using outside entertainment systems. Your neighbors may not share your appreciation of bone-rattling bass or screeching heavy metal music. NEVER play at high volume during "quiet hours" and be mindful of the impact on nearby folks at all times. If your RV didn't come with an outside entertainment system you may be able to install one yourself in an available cabinet space. Since there won't be built-in compartments for the speakers you may have to use external box speakers that attach to the side of your RV. For safety you may want to use removable speakers so they don't get snagged by trees or signposts when you are driving -- or appropriated by thieves! And weather eventually takes its toll on even outdoor rated speakers.

Generator power for electronic equipment. RV generators usually supply appropriate power for electronic equipment, but they must be tuned to operate at the right speed to produce correct 60-cycle AC current. AC stands for Alternating Current. The positive and negative legs of the circuit switch or alternate 60 times a second. If you find that electric clocks run too fast or too slow when powered from your generator, the speed is off and needs to be adjusted. There are frequency meters you can buy that plug into an outlet and let you monitor the frequency, but they are a little pricey.  An incorrect frequency can seriously affect the performance or even damage sensitive electronic equipment. If you have any doubts about your generator's performance, have it checked and adjusted by an electrician or a qualified RV technician.

Battery and inverter power. Inverters are used to convert DC power from 12 volt batteries to 120 Volt AC to operate appliances and electronic equipment. Be sure you have sufficient battery capacity to furnish the power you need. Some electronic equipment requires clean, sine-wave AC power. Some cheaper inverters create a "modified sine wave" which is adequate for some appliances but will not usually work well with sensitive electronic equipment. What you really want is a an inverter with "true sine wave" technology.  Of course, such units are going to cost more.  You will need sufficient battery power to be able to use your inverter. You need to calculate the power needs of all the equipment (both your entertainment systems and other RV systems such as your furnace, light, and water pump) and ensure you have enough batteries to provide power for the length of time you expect to be using the inverter. When making your caclulations find out the overhead of the inverter and include its power usage in your requirements.  Unless you have a solar charging system you will need to run the vehicle engine or the generator periodically (or plug into shore power) to recharge the batteries.  Unless you need the generator for something else, like running the A/C, it is probably more efficient to charge the batteries using the vehicle alternator by running the vehicle engine.  Inverters are good for powering small 120 Volt appliances for a short time during quiet hours when you can't run the generator. Some of the big luxury motorhomes today use inverters (and huge battery banks) to power residential refrigerators and other high power appliances.

Trouble shooting. The more sophisticated your entertainment system is, the more there is to go wrong with it. Yet many of the most common problems are simple to diagnose and repair. Given the normal vibration and "tweaking" of RVs, loose connections are a prime source of poor performance. If you start having problems with sound quality or your system doesn't turn on, check all the connections before you call in a repairman. Of course, it it doesn't turn on, check to make sure you have power to the unit. Check the fuse(s) and make sure both the hot and ground wire connections are secure. Problems with sound on one side may indicate faulty wiring or a blown speaker, but make sure to check the balance control first to make sure it isn't just mis-adjusted. If you have access to the speaker wiring you can test for bad speakers or speaker wiring by switching the wires. Connect the wires for the good channel to the bad side speaker and the wires for the bad channel to the good side speaker.. If you still have poor sound on the same side, the problem is the speaker or the wiring to that speaker. If the problem moves to the other speaker, you have a problem inside the amplifier and that will probably require professional diagnosis and repair. Most components of today's entertainment systems are not designed to be repaired by the consumer in the field. Even the pros often have to remove them and take them back to the shop where they have proper diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot the problem.  Many electronic devices are designed to be disposable and to be replaced rather than repaired these days.  The main lesson here is to check all the connections before you fork out $$$ for professional help or new equipment. Loose connections can be easily fixed and are a very common cause of failures in mobile entertainment systems.

RV entertainment systems can provide many hours of pleasure and supply what is sometimes much-needed distraction in bad weather where our intended outdoor activities are thwarted by Mother Nature. Entertainment systems in motorhomes and tow vehicles can significantly reduce the incessant chorus of "are we there yet" that is inevitable when traveling with small children, or anyone with a similar mentality and attitude.  I envy the "back of seat" DVD players my kids use to entertain their kids on trips.  We had to improvise with lots of verbal games on the road.  With movies to watch, "Are we there yet?" might change to "Are we there already?".

Specialized radios that may be useful in an RV include two-way radios and weather radios. A weather radio is a radio with special channels that received NOAA weather broadcasts. Many have built in alarms that respond to severe weather alerts. Two-way radios can be useful in communicating between vehicles caravaning to or from a camp site, assisting a driver and spotter in backing a vehicle into a tight spot, or talking with companions who are out hiking or riding. Hand held "walkie talkies", including FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios, are among the most convenient for use around camp. FRS radios do not require a license. GMRS radios operated on GRMS frequencies require an FCC license, which costs $85.00! Channels 2-14 on most GRMS radios operat at FRS frequencies and require no license -- but they only operate at 1/2 watt and have limited range. The other channels on 22 channel GMRS radios typically operate at 1-5 watts but you need the GMRS license to use them. Special helmet-mounted units are really nice if you're out on an OHV, personal watercraft, or horse. A permanently installed CB (Citizens Band) radio is handy for talking with other drivers on the highway. Commercial truckers often use CB radios and you can learn a lot about traffic and road conditions just by listening to their chatter. When CBs first came out they required an FCC license but they no longer do.  You might even get some tips about the best diners to stop at -- and which ones to avoid. For more sophisticated two-way communications consider ham radios. These definitely require an FCC license but they have much greater range. Participation in a ham radio club may give you access to "repeaters" -- special unmanned stations that relay your signal -- for even greater coverage.

With so many Internet and computer options available these days, you may want to include a way to connect your laptop, tablet, or smart phone to your RV entertainment system

VHS tapes and DVDs can provide many hours of entertainment in camp if you have the equipment to play them. You will need to find a safe place to store them during travel. VHS tapes need to be kept away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Do not store them near any 120-volt motor, your inverter or converter, or even electronic equipment such as TVs and movie players. DVDs aren't magnetic so they won't be affected by electricity but you do want them store away from heat, moisture, and dust. A tightly sealed plastic container, such as Tupperware, is a convenient way to organize movies and protect them from dust and moisture.  Online systems like Roku and expand your entertainment options if you have internet access.  You may be able to use a Wifi "Hot Spot" on your cell phone to power your Roku if you aren't in a campground with Wifi.

Analog versus digital TV signals.   The older, CRT style TVs in many older RVs may need to upgraded in order to receive current digital over-the-air signals.  This would require an analog-to-digital converter and switching the TV antenna to one designed for digital reception.  The older TVs should still be perfectly fine playing video tapes and DVDs.  Converting from an old CRT style to a modern LCD or Smart TV is always an option.  New TVs are surprisingly affordable.  You can often install a much larger flat screen TV in your RV, improving the picture quality and reducing weight.  Flat screen TVs will have a much different footprint and installation requirements than the old CRT models so you may have to modify the cabinets to get a professional looking conversion.  Flat screen TVs can often be wall mounted whereas older CRT based units needed deep cabinet spaces.  Installing a flat screen TV might even give you some additional storage or room for additional equipment like DVDs and audio systems.

For a movie-theater experience in camp, don't forget the popcorn! If you have an RV with electronic entertainment systems it probably has microwave oven so you can have popcorn ready in minutes. Lacking a microwave, Jiffy-pop is an easy way to do popcorn over a campfire or your RV or camp stove. For a more nostalgic approach, get a metal campfire popcorn cooker and popping the corn over the campfire may be almost as entertaining as the movie!  Actually, in some cases it might be a lot more entertaining!  For many of us, the candy counter at the movie theater is almost as important as the movie that's playing.  You can purchase many popular "theater sized" candies at places like Walmart and at the convenience stores at travel centers and truck stops to help make your experience even more fun.  Those of us from the Saturday matinee generation can find nostalgic candies online at places like OldTimeCandy.com and even at Amazon.com

Th-th-th-that's all folks!

Camping Weather

What is camping weather?  That depends on who you are and what kind of camping you want to do.  For most people camping weather is a nice, sunny but not too hot summer day,   A few hardy souls go camping in the winter and brave the snow and cold on purpose, but most people prefer milder weather for their outings.  Most folks think of camping as a summer activity, perhaps spilling over into warm days of spring and fall.  Daytime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit are quite pleasant.  If it gets warmer or colder than that, human beings begin to get pretty uncomfortable.  Lower temperatures are sometimes acceptable if you're going to be involved in strenuous physical activity that will keep you warm.  Temperatures in the 60s are often ideal for OHV or horseback riding or even strenuous hiking if you're dressed for it.  Higher temperatures are enjoyed by people involved in water sports where they can frequently cool down in the water.  But sitting around camp when its over 100°F or below 60°F isn't anyone's idea of fun.  A good rain storm can be fun -- if you're prepared and can stay dry while you watch it from a comfortable place (in your tent or RV or under some kind of awning or canopy or other protected spot).  Most of us wouldn't choose rain as ideal camping weather.  But sometimes it does catch up with us even when we try to avoid it.  Some folks go out in winter, setting up a base camp for other activities, such as skiing, ice skating,  ice fishing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.  But most of us don't think of snow and freezing temperatures as ideal camping weather.  And you need an RV that is specially equipped to handle freezing temperatures if you're going to be camping in winter.  That means heated plumbing and holding tanks as well as a well insulated coach and a large enough furnace (or auxiliary heat) to keep you warm.  Staying warm when tent camping in winter mostly means dressing right and having a warm enough sleeping bag.  Tent heaters may help, but exercise caution to prevent them from damaging and/or igniting your tent and maintain sufficient ventilation to prevent suffocation.  Because tents don't have a lot of insulation, it is difficult to keep them warm.  Tent heaters will consume large amounts of fuel and a significant amount of heat will simply be lost through the tent fabric.  That being said, I was quite surprised how much colder it was outside my tent when I crawled out bed one morning on a scout outing with one of my boys.  It was very noticeably warming in the tent. and that was with little or no breeze.

How do you keep track of the weather while camping?  Well, first of all, keep an eye on the sky.  The shape, color, and movement of clouds can give you a pretty good idea of what is coming.  These days we also have great electronic resources such NOAA weather radios and weather apps on our cell phones.

Modern weather forecasting takes advantage of many tools not available to our ancestors.  Radar, satellite images, and computer prediction models help create ever more accurate forecasts.  I've heard that there are already computer models than can predict the weather with 100% accuracy, but it takes about 48 hours to run a 24 hour forecast so until efficiency improves they are of little use.  I have been pleasantly surprised by how accurate the 7-day forecast is usually is on weatherbug.com.  By the way, the further out the forecast, the less accurate it will be.  The U.S. Weather Service used to publish a 30 day forecast, but dropped it because the accuracy wasn't as good as they had hoped.  It would be a good idea to check the 7-day or 10-day forecast for your route and destination before you take off on each trip.  That way you can plan better for clothing, appropriate meals and refreshments, and activities.  If its going to be cooler or stormier than you planned you might want to switch your menu from hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the campfire to some nice home-made chili heated up inside your cozy RV!

No matter what the forecast when you leave home, it is probably going to change before you get back unless you're going to be gone only a very short time.  With that in mind it is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather while your away.  Local radio stations and NOAA weather radio broadcasts can provide useful information but knowing how to interpret signs in the immediate area may be a more direct and more accurate measure of what to expect.  Many locations, especially mountains and large bodies of water, have their own micro environments that can create their own weather that probably won't show up on the weather service forecast.  Local sources, such as rangers and residents may have some insight into local weather you won't get from the radio or TV forecast.  Clouds and their behavior are one of the best predictors of weather.  High, thin, cirrus clouds almost always mean good weather.  Low, dark, roiling clouds often mean rain or storms.  Uniform gray clouds might deliver showers but most often don't.  Find out from which direction your weather normally comes and monitor the skies in that direction.  Barometers display changes in air pressure.  High pressure usually accompanies fair weather, low pressure is identified with stormy weather. If the barometer is rising, it is normally a predictor of good weather where as dropping barometric pressures may mean an approaching storm.  Strong winds and other violent weather often occur along a "front" where two masses of air of different pressure and temperatures collide.

Old weather sayings, often accredited to sailors, shepherds, or farmers, often have some basis in meteorlogical fact.  One of the most popular is the old rhyme:

     "Red at night, sailor's delight
      Red at morning, sailor take warning."

This apparently originated in England where most of the weather comes from the west.  "Red at night" is often caused by dust particles in the air, indicating dry air and probably high pressure is approaching from the west and, therefore, good weather on the way.  "Red at morning" on the other hand means the dry air has already passed and wetter, cooler weather may be on the way,.  A morning sky that is a deep, fiery red can indicate that there is high water content in the atmosphere. So, rain could be on its way.

Another with some merit is "No weather is ill if the wind is still."   Calm winds, especially with clear skies, are normally associated with areas of high pressure, indicating good weather.  However, remember too, "the calm before the storm".  Thunderstorms often develop even though surface winds are low.  In addition, there is the "eye of the storm" where winds and clouds are clear smack in the middle of a large storm like a hurricane or typhoon. In that case you may just have time to catch your breath before the next round of nasty weather descends on you, often with winds changing direction.

Some people believe their own joints can predict the weather.  There may actually be a sliver of truth behind this one.  Changes in barometer pressure can affect body fluids,  A drop in barometric pressure may trigger pain due to swelling in joints as the internal fluids slowly react to the change in pressure.

My grandmother used to say "Sunshiny showers won't last half an hour."   If the sun is shining while it is raining, there is a very good chance the rain clouds will indeed pass by quickly.  Of course the timing may be affected by whether the sun is peeking through ahead or behind the storm but either way rain from scattered clouds isn't likely to continue for very long.

Another folk tale is that you can tell the temperature by crickets' chirps.   Apparently this actually works.  If you have the patience, count the number of chirps in 14 seconds and add 40 to get Fahrenheit temperature.  Sorry, don't have the formula for Centigrade wihtout all the normal conversion calculations!

These days you can buy your own weather stations to have in your home or take with you camping.  They can measure local conditions and give you an instant forecast.   I've tried a couple of them and while I found the measurements of temperature, humidity, and wind speed and direction fairly accurate and useful, I didn't find the forecast particularly accurate.  If  you install your own weather station, be aware that it may take some time -- perhaps even a few weeks -- for it to calibrate itself to your local conditions so it can give an accurate forecast.  That being said, portable weather stations may not have time to acclimate themselves as you travel but is is always good to have instruments to at least measure temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.  You may find knowing wind speed and direction helpful too, if only to know whether or not to light a campfire and on which side to sit if you do. 

One of my favorite weather station anecdotes is that of the "Weather String".   Tie a string outsdie your window.   If you can see it, the sun is out.  If it is wet it is raining. If it is moving the wind is blowing.  If it is frozen stiff it is cold.  If you can't see it it is either dark (night time) or foggy.  As silly as that may sound, there is some value in simple weather tools.  Many rural airports still rely on the old fashioned wind sock to give pilots an indication of wind speed and direction so the weather string as a wind measuring device just might not be too bad an idea.  Those cute little colorful windsocks designed to hang on your awning may actually be of some use in measuring wind direction and velocity.  Very often, an RV's monitor panel will include a barometer and thermometer.  The thermometer usually only displays inside temperature so you may want to invest in an indoor/outdoor thermometer.  RV stores sometimes have clear thermometers that mount on the outside of a window so you an easily read outside temperature from inside your RV.  Some even include a humidity gauge.  Those placed on dual pane windows will be more accurate than ones stuck on single pane glass, because both temperatures may be more affected by the heat coming through the glass.  Knowing the outside temperature will help you plan outdoor activities, dress appropriately, and give you some indication of whether you need to take measures to deal with freezing temperatures.  If you buy an electronic indoor/outdoor thermometer you will need to find an appropriate place to mount the outside sensor.  You want it where it will not be in direct sunlight or affected by vehicle systems (furnace, fridge, hot water heater, generator, vehicle engine or exhaust).  One good place on newer RVs with slide outs is in the channel surrounding the slide out.  If that doesn't work for you or you don't have slide outs, look for a spot that is protected from the sun but gets adequate exposure to outside air.  Some possibilities might include the side of the RV right under the rolled up awning or anyplace it will not be in direct sunlight, like on the back side of a bumper.  Avoid wheel wells because water, snow, and other debris kicked up by the tires will affect the reading and probably damage the sensor or knock it off.

Smart phones often have weather apps or you can get weather apps for them.    Of course you must be within range of a cell tower for it to work, but it is sometimes surprising how far coverage reaches out into camping territory.

NOAA weather radios and local radio stations are a good source of current weather forecasts.  However, be aware that there are often micro weather environments around mountains or large bodies of water that create their own weather, which may differ drastically from the regional forecast.  Locals and frequent visitors are usually a good source of weather lore.  As with any radio you have to be within range of the transmitter to receive a signal.  NOAA transmitting stations are designed to provide as broad coverage as possible but you might still have trouble in steep canyons or behind large mountains.

In several areas where I've lived, the weather by-word is "If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute".  That is certainly more true some places than others, but weather can and often does change frequently just about everywhere.  With that in mind, it is a good idea to be prepared when you're camping.  Keep rain gear handy and be prepared to wait out occasional bouts of stormy weather with appropriate refreshments and indoor activities.  Since things usually cool down when it rains, hot beverages and related snacks are a comfortable treat during stormy weather, something you might easily forget when planning a summer trip.  Given the large variety of micro-environments that we can encounter in our travels, expect the unexpected.  Campers often like to go to the forests and the mountains.  Mountains often make their own local weather which might not conform to regional weather forecasts.  In that case, electronic forecasts aren't going to be as much use as being able to recognize what is likely to happen based on local conditions.  For that you need experience -- or access to someone with experience.

You may have heard the term "keep a weather eye".  In general it means to keep a careful watch on a situation without involving your full attention.  Obviously it was derived from actually watching the weather, most likely by sailors.  It is excellent advice for campers.

Be weather wise.

Monitoring The Weather While Camping or Boating

How often have we heard or even experienced the cliche of rain spoiling the picnic?  Sometimes this problem can be avoided by paying appropriate attention to the weather forecast or just by keeping a close eye on the sky.  NOAA weather radios and local radio stations can be a good source for regional weather forecast but you can't beat the experience of local or frequent visitors to a particular location for good weather information.

Weather is very likely to be of more concern to you when camping than it is at home.  At home we usually just adjust the thermostat and wait out bad weather.   You may have to adjust your wardrobe if you're going outside depending on the weather forecast, but mostly we move from one climate controlled indoor space to another, usually via climate controlled vehicles, so weather isn't so critical.  Whether you're camping in a tent or a luxury RV, weather will affect your comfort, your travel plans, and your activities.  A comfortable RV will usually provide adequate protection from the elements as long as you don't run out of resources, like fuel or battery power.  Tent campers are far more affected by weather and usually can do little about it but endure it or pack it up and go home. However, if you are properly prepared, you can be comfortable in your RV or your tent in just about any kind of weather.   In order to be prepared, you need to know what to expect.  Maintaining a comfortable temperature in a tent will be more difficult than in an RV, but if you are properly prepared, you can at least make it bearable.  You might be able to retire to your vehicle to keep warm in particularly nasty weather.  Or at least you can dress to stay warm.  But first you have to know what kind of weather to expect, then how to deal with it.  If you left home in warm sunny weather and only brought light clothes you'll have a hard time keeping warm if it turns cold and/or rains.

Weather can be even more of a problem for boaters.   Wind and rain can really wreak havoc when you are out on the water.  Thunderstorms are an even greater threat to boaters than to land-lubbers, especially if you are in a sailboat with a tall mast.

Check the forecast before you leave home.  The first step is to check your local forecast before you even leave home.  Your local newspaper, radio and TV stations, and weather sites on the Internet are good places to get some idea of what to expect.  My favorite Internet weather source is Weatherbug. It can be accessed on at Weatherbug.com.   It is also available as a downloadable gadget that constantly monitors the local weather forecast.  It constantly displays the current temperature on the status bar of your PC and sounds a chirping sound when an alert is posted for your selected area.   It includes a forecast up to 7 days.  Be aware that the Weatherbug gadget was once considered to be adware but the latest buzz on the 'net says it isn't far enough across the line to warrant concern.  Once you know the weather forecast for where you're going you can decide whether to proceed with your trip or not and, if you decided to go anyway, what kind of preparations you need.  What you bring along will vary greatly depending on the forecast. "Heat wave" will dictate light weight clothing coupled with cooling techniques, cold beverages, and frozen treats.   On the other hand, a prediction of cold and/or wet weather requires warm clothing, rain gear, extra blankets,  auxiliary heat, and warm treats.

Weather watches versus warnings etc.  There seems to be some confusion about the terms "watch" and "warning".   Many people use the terms interchangeably -- and incorrectly.  Each has a specific and somewhat different meaning.  A "watch" means conditions are right for a chance of the indicated condition.   A "warning" means the condition is happening or is likely to happen.  A third alert, "advisory" is sort of between a watch and a warning, indicating the specified weather has a "pretty good chance" of occurring.   A watch means keep your eye out for the condition; an advisory means REALLY keep your eye out and start making preparations; a warning means it is happening or its probably happening and you should be taking immediate steps to protect lives and property.  For example, when you hear a tornado warning for you area, seek safe shelter IMMEDIATELY!  If it is just a watch, start making preparations so you'll be ready when the warning is issued.  Make sure you know where you and your family are going to go and that you have necessary supplies prepared (food, water, clothing, flashlights, tools, etc).  For example, a tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to form and a tornado warning means tornadoes have been sighted in the area.  In short, a watch condition means start making preparations; a warning means take cover NOW!  When I hear an advisory I figure it is time to get ready to take cover and to closely monitor ongoing reports.  Your tent or even your RV isn't going to provide sufficient protection against tornadoes.  If you are in areas where tornadoes occur, check to see if there is a shelter nearby or look for someplace relatively save, like under an underpass.  Basements or cellars usually offer the best protection within buildings but if you are in a building that doesn't have them, go into closet or bathroom without windows.  A bathroom has the advantage of some additional structural integrity due the plumbing in the walls.  Bathrooms are usually fairly small and have small windows, which also makes them less susceptible to wind and changes in air pressure that accompany tornadoes.  However, tornadoes bring a sudden drop in air pressure which can cause buildings filled with air at normal pressure to explode.

Monitor weather forecasts in camp or on the water by listening to a local radio station or using a NOAA weather radio.  The NOAA weather radio provides continuous local weather reports in most areas of the United States.  If you have satellite or wifi Internet access or a Smart phone you can check weather on your favorite web sites too.  One of the things I like about the Weatherbug app on my computer is that it "chirps" whenever there is any kind of severe weather indicated for my area.

Keep an eye on the sky.  Regardless of the forecast, keep an eye on the sky.  Invest a little time online or in the library learning a little about clouds and what they mean . Cloud forms and movement are pretty good indicator of pending weather.  You can also get printed scales that let you estimate wind speed by observing the movement of leaves, branches, flags, etc.   Check it out at Estimating Wind Speed.  For example, if the flag is fully extended and makes a popping sound, the wind is about 30 mph.  If you're camped where you can hear crickets, you can estimate the temperature by counting cricket chirps.  For the temperature in Fahrenheit, count the chirps in 14 seconds and add 40.  For example, 30 chirps in 14 seconds plus 40 = 70°F. For Celsius, count the chirps in 25 seconds, divide by 3, and add 4.  Example: 48 chirps in 25 seconds divided by 3 = 16 plus 4 = 20°C.   Know what direction weather usually comes from and note any changes in clouds in that direction.  Large, dark, roiling clouds will usually bring rain or snow and sometimes thunderstorms fairly soon.  High cirrus clouds (high wispy clouds) in and of themselves seldom produce any precipitation but are usually the leading edge of an approaching weather system that may bring rain or snow within a few hours.   A low, even overcast may dampen your spirits but usually doesn't dampen anything else very much.   Fog will inhibit visibility and condensation may dampen awnings, tents, table clothes, camp chairs, and OHV seats.

Talk to the locals.   People who live or work or frequent a particular area get used to the weather patterns and can often be a good source for predicting what is going to happen in the near future.  Since camping destinations are often on or near mountains, be aware that mountains often create their own local weather that won't show up on regional forecasts.  The same is often true of large bodies of water.

Develop some weather prediction skills of your own.   Predict-the-Weather-Without-a-Forecast is a web site with some simple lessons for predicting the weather using only what you see or feel around you by observing clouds, wind, and/or animal behavior.  Clouds are probably your most obvious source of weather information.  High, wispy clouds or no clouds usually indicate good weather while low, dark, roiling clouds signal a storm.  An even, gray overcast usually doesn't produce rain or snow but often means cooler temperatures.  Interestingly enough, a clear sky at night usually means cooler temperatures too.

"Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight" is an old weather proverb that may actually have some scientific basis.  Sunlight reflecting off clouds may indicate rain or shine depending on where the clouds are and from which direction weather usually comes.  In the northern latitudes, weather usually moves from west to east, thus the "red sky" predictions.   This same phenomenon is captured in the Holy Bible: "When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say: There cometh a shower: and so it is" (Luke 12:54) and "When it is evening ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.  And in the morning, it will be foul weather today:  for the sky is red and lowering" (Matt. 16:2–3).  Moist air will create a yellow or gray sky sunset and dry air will yield a crimson sky (Red at night, sailor delight, assuming weather is coming from the west where it normally comes from due to the Earth's rotation.

Leaves sometimes are a pretty good indicator of pending rain.  Two trees are particularly known for this:  Silver Maples and Gensus Oaks.   The change in barometric pressure due to an approaching storm will cause the leaves to turn over so their light undersides are exposed. This has to do with variations in the veins on the front and back of the leaves and how they respond to changes in pressure.  Essentially they are natural barometers.  Low pressure usually means rain; high pressure usually means clear skies.

Clear nights, cold days is another folk proverb that appears to have some validity.  Clear nights also tend be colder than cloudy ones since the lack of clouds allows heat from the ground to escape more easily.

If a circle forms 'round the moon, it will rain very soon.  The presence of high-level cirrus clouds often means rain is on the way and such clouds can cause a "circle 'round the moon" you can see the night before.

I remember being told as a kid that if the snow was crunchy, it was below 10°F.  Not sure of the scientific accuracy of that bit of folk lore (although it does seem to be supported by anecdotal evidence and personal experience).  From a scientific point of view, snow does crunch more at colder temperatures than at warmer ones.  The crunching is caused by ice crystals rubbing together as you compress the snow.   The colder the temperature, the louder the crunch.  At warmer temperatures, friction between the crystals is reduced and they slide silently past each other.   I typically observe "soft" crunching at about 20°F and very sharp crunching when it gets down around 10°F or below here in Utah and where I grew up in Idaho.   I have also observed that when temperatures drop close to 0°F or below, my nose immediately reacts to cold air when I go outside, feeling sticky just inside my nostrils, probably from the mucus thickening or freezing.   Speaking of snow, folk myths say it can't snow if it gets too cold.  That isn't strictly true.   It can still snow at very low temperatures, as long as there is enough moisture in the air.  However, sustained low temperatures may literally freeze all the moisture out of the air and then it can't snow for a while.  A new weather front with lots of moisture could move into a cold area and you could get snow even at very low temperatures.  On the other hand, clearly it can be too warm to snow.   For snow to form the atmospheric temperature must be at freezing or below.  For snow to stick, the ground temperature must be at or below freezing. Snow can form high up in the clouds and then melt as it falls through warmer air near the ground.  If the snow is falling thick enough and fast enough, some of it may be visible near the ground before it melts.  Generally, snow will not form if the ground temperature is 41°F or warmer.   By the way, even though snow is made of ice crystals, it is a pretty good insulator.  A foot of snow is about equal to the R-13 fiberglass insulation in the walls of the typical home.  That's why igloos and snow caves can keep you warm.

Speaking of snow, did you know that a blizzard is more than just a common term for a nasty snow storm?  According to the US Weather Service, there is a specific definition for a blizzard.  To qualify as a blizzard according to meteorological definitions, you have to have falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less plus sustained winds of 30-35 mph for at least 3 hours. Doesn't matter much to a driver or a camper whether the raging snow outside is officially a "blizzard" the roads are slick and you can't see where you're going, but it is an interesting bit of trivia.  Of course you can experience blizzard-like conditions that may not last long enough to meet the formal definition but certainly do last long enough to be real nuisance or even a hazard in camp or on the road.  You won't really care if it is officially a blizzard if blowing snow prevents you from finding your exit.

A "whiteout" is a condition where falling or blowing snow reduces visibility to virtually zero. During a whiteout it is just about impossible to tell the difference between the snow-covered ground and the snow-filled air.  There is no discernible horizon.  If you encounter a whiteout, it is best to stop and wait it out.  Continued travel is very dangerous.   If you're on the highway, you could easily drive off the road.   If you are already traveling off-highway, you may get totally lost.  Anytime you are moving you are at risk of running into unseen obstacles or other travelers.  If you MUST move, do so cautiously.  If you pull over, try to get far enough over so you're out of traffic to reduce the chance of getting hit.  Even though weather may reduce other traffic on the road there will still be some, including snow plows.  If you happen to get in their way you are pretty much guaranteed to come out on the short end of the deal!

Wind can be a weather problem all by itself.  You don't have to have tornado or hurricane conditions for wind to create a hazard.  Strong gusting winds can wreak havoc with your campsite. They can damage awnings, tents, and canopies.  They may blow camp chairs or other light objects away or into your fire pit.  Winds can pick up debris that can cause injuries or damage.  Wind can sometimes create dust storms that reduce visibility and cause breathing problems for many people. Wind can wreak havoc with campfires and scatter embers that can start unwanted conflagrations. What can you do about wind?  First of all, make sure your campsite is as secure and wind-resistant as possible.   Put away canopies, umbrellas, folding chairs etc.  Make sure you tent is securely anchored. Head your RV into the prevailing wind.   Put out your campfire.  Then stay inside your tent or RV until the wind subsides.  By the way, always put up your camp chairs or at least fold them up and lay them flat when you retire from the campfire each night.  I've seen way too many light weight aluminum chairs blown into firepits where hidden coals have destroyed them by morning.  Wind can be problematic on the trail too.  Hikers, horseback riders, and OHV riders may encounter difficult and/or dangerous conditions brought on by wind.  I've seen dirt bikers literally get blown over when they topped a hill one windy day in the Mojave Desert.  They hit the top of the hill and went over like Arty on the tricycle on the old Saturday Night Live stunt.  Wind may kick up dust and debris that affects visibility and could injure your eyes.  Head winds may affect vehicle mileage, significantly shortening your normal travel range.   That cute little decorative windsock on your RV awning must might be more useful than you think.  After all, small airports still use windsocks to give pilots information about wind direction and speed.

Thunderstorms often bring severe weather conditions that require special attention.  Even fairly distant thunderstorms can cause flash floods miles away, so avoid low-lying areas and especially sand washes when there are storms anywhere in the area.   Lightning is another hazard of thunderstorms. Stay out from under tall objects like lone trees, light poles, power poles, and radio towers.  You can estimate how close lightning is to you by counting the number of seconds between the flash and when you hear the thunder.   Divide the number by 3 to get the distance in kilometers or by 5 for the distance in miles.   If you don't have a watch to count the seconds, you can estimate the time by counting 'one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand, etc).  When I worked outdoors we were instructed to stop work, leave the job site, and seek immediate shelter if lightning were within one mile.

Weather instruments, such as a barometer, can help you get a feel for what is coming.  A rising barometer usually means fair weather ahead.  A falling barometer may indicate an approaching storm.  Falling temperatures and increased wind often precede a storm too. Typical clusters of weather instruments for your home or RV will include a barometer, thermometer, and a humidity meter. I like to have an indoor/outdoor thermometer in my RV so I can keep an eye on both temperatures easily.  One I saw recently accommodates up to 3 remote transmitters so a single instrument could monitor inside and outside temperature and the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer.  There are more sophisticated electronic weather stations you can buy that give you a plethora of weather information, some if it useful, some of it pretty arcane.   Another useful device is one to measure wind chill.  Wind chill is the perceived temperature felt on exposed skin due to wind.  Wind chill isn't measured when the temperature is above 50°F and is never higher than the static temperature.  It is usually colder than the actual air temperature.  You feel colder because the wind removes heat from your body more quickly than still air does.  If the air is 40°F and there is a 10 mph wind, it will feel like its 34°F.   At higher temperatures (above 50°F), the heat index is used to measure the increase in perceived temperature due to a combination of heat and humidity.  High humidity makes you feel hotter because your perspiration doesn't evaporate as quickly to keep you cool. If the air is 90°F and the humidity is high, it will feel more like 105°F.  Some people believe they can predict a change in the weather by the feeling in their joints.  There might be some truth to that.  The fluid in our joints reacts to changes in barometric pressure.  Anyone who is sensitive to such changes might actually be a fairly accurate barometer!

Use local resources when you can.  Your campground host, rangers, law enforcement officers, and other campers familiar with the area can be a valuable source of weather information.   They may be familiar with typical weather patterns and can tell you what to expect. Very often, their predictions are far more accurate than formal weather reports. They can also alert you to potential flash flooding along streams or dry washes.  I once worked at summer resort where it rained every day at 1:00pm.  You could almost set your watch by it.

One of my favorite weather anecdotes is the "weather string".   Hang a string outside your window.  If you can see it, is probably clear and the sun is probably shining.  If you can't see it, it may be dark or foggy or snowy outside.  If it moving, the wind is blowing.  If it is wet, it is raining.  If it is frozen, it is cold.  If its gone you may have really strong winds.  While this is intended mainly as a joke, a weather string can help you judge wind strength and direction, just as pilots judge wind wind strength and direction from wind socks.  The little toy windsocks folks hand on their RV awnings can actually give you a fairly good idea of wind speed and direction once you get used to reading them.

Be weather wise!

Personalizing Your RV

As human beings we like to put our personal mark on our things.  We like custom homes, or seek to customize our tract homes to reflect our personal  preferences.  We create gardens and landscaping to suit our taste.  We customize our wardrobes and our appearance.  We trick out our rides.  Our RVs are no different.  They just require some alternate approaches than our homes and cars.

Personalizing your RV is more like personalizing your residence than personalizing the family car.  Because of the high cost of exterior paint jobs on such big rigs, you will probably not want to change the color or paint scheme of your RV.  But you might add some decals, stripes, or hand-painted graphics to express your preferences.   I've seen a variety of beautiful wild animal decals and we chose an eagle to put on the spare tire cover on our Southwind Eagle 1 motorhome.   I've used ordinary colored (red/white/blue) vinyl electrical tape to add a patriotic highlight stripe so some of my RVs.  Its actually a bit heavier than vinyl striping tape and I was pleasantly surprised at how long lasting the adhesive was, even in sun,rain, and snow.  Professional vinyl striping tape is available in a variety of widths and colors to match, highlight, or complement existing color schemes..  A popular upgrade that is not TOO expensive is to switch from hub caps or wheel covers to wheel simulators, which look like custom rims and add a lot of class to older rigs.  Awnings are a popular option, both large patio-style awnings and window awnings.  You can add exterior lights to improve campsite illumination or light up other areas of activity.   Some RV, OHV, and camping clubs have logos you can post on your vehicle or you may be able to have your own custom made signs for your club or family name.  Be sure to check prices on-line.  I found significant savings by buying my first "Desert Rat" decal on ebay compared to my local sign shop.  My apologies to sign shop owners, but a difference of about 400% is significant!   My cheap letters lasted about 10-12 years before I replaced them.  This time I opted for a more elaborate design with a graphic desert background.   It is made from the same material as commercial vehicle wraps and should last a very long time.

Internal personalization is a little more flexible.   Once again, you probably won't like the cost of a complete internal make-over.  New upholstery, cabinets, and carpets can be quite costly but can also be very satisfying.  Same with changing out furniture and major appliances.  If your RV interior is in really bad shape a complete make-over might be justified, but if most if it is in reasonably good condition, I'd stick to less costly modifications, such as painting appliances instead of replacing them. Unless you are experienced in upholstery you'll probably want to enlist a professional for major repairs or upgrades to that part of your RV.   Few people have the skill or the heavy duty sewing machines required to to upholstery.  Slip covers are often used in homes to cover worn, outdated, or unsightly furniture.  You seldom see that in an RV but it might be worth a try.  I've seen people use colorful Indian or Mexican blankets to cover worn sofas or dinettes temporarily.  You might consider dyeing faded carpets to improve the appearance or change the color scheme.  However, you can work wonders with new curtains or drapes or bedspreads and shams.  You can add or change a shower curtain and mats in the bathroom.   You could paint or wallpaper some interior walls. You might use wallpaper border to highlight your favorite activities.  My truck camper came with a fishing motif all around the top of the cab over sleeping area.   Since I'm not an avid fisherman, I opted to replace it with a dirt bike theme in keeping with my family's primary recreational pursuit.  Wallpaper borders are pretty easy to work with.  Just came across a new trick for removing old wallpaper: use a capful of fabric softener in a quart of water, spray the old wallpaper, and let it sit for a few minutes.   It should peel right off.  You can add accessories to meet your particular preferences for kitchen, recreation, and entertainment systems.  Even little things like toothbrush, napkin, paper plate, and match/toothpick holders can make life on the road easier and more fun, keeping oft used things right at your fingertips.   Adding or updating light fixtures is a neat way to make your living space more suitable for your particular activities.   If you go for LED lights  you'll even save electricity and reduce battery drain.  Magazine racks, spice racks, and other wire racks can be installed to help organize your goodies where they'll be easy to use.   Maps, pamphlets, and diaries will get a lot more use when they're handy.   If you're a computer buff, you may want to convert some table, cabinet, or counter space to a dedicated work station.  You can even get computer shelves designed to go on your steering wheel!  12-volt fans, both permanently mounted and portable can add cooling comfort on hot days and redistribute heat where you want it on colder ones.   Entertainment options can range from a simple radio/cassette/CD player to complete home entertainment systems.  An option I recommend for everyone is a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio that gives constant weather updates and alerts.  Adding an electric fireplace/heater is a customization that is becoming more and more popular with RV owners.  They are attractive and often make it more comfortable in cold weather.  You can find them for around $160, sometimes less. We got ours on sale at Harbor Freight for $59.99 and I've seen some at Walmart for $69.99. As long as you have sufficient 120 volt power (shore power or generator) you can enjoy 750 or 1500 watts of heat and a nice fireplace display complete with glowing logs and fake flames that are surprisingly realistic. This one bit of personalization that is functional as well as adding a nice cabin-like ambiance.

Changing the faucets in the kitchen and/or bathroom is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to update the appearance and functionality of your RV.   I find a high "goose neck" bar faucet is handy for filling canteens and Camelbaks and for washing large pots and pans.  Be sure the spacing for your new faucet matches the holes in your sink.  Changing  faucets should be as easy as turning off the water supply, disconnecting the supply lines to the old faucet, removing the nut under the sink that secure the old faucet, then carefully lift it out.  Clean the surface that was under the old faucet.  The new one will probably be a slightly different size or shape.  Slide the new faucet into place.  Install and hand tighten the nuts to secure the new faucet to the sink, then connect the supply lines.  Use teflon plumbers tape on the new faucet to help ensue a good seal but not on compression fittings.  Tighten the connects, turn on your water supply, and enjoy your new faucet!

You might want to customize the dash instruments.   I've seen modifications to change the color of the dash lights.  Sometimes you can buy colored bulbs to replace the existing clear ones or get bulb-dye to color existing bulbs.  Just make sure you don't darken them to where you can no longer read your instruments.  There are a number of additional instruments you might like to try.  I like the big "RoadRanger" compasses and have also found altimeters and clinometers useful.  Some owners like to upgrade the "idiot light" oil pressure indicator to a real oil pressure gauge or add a tachometer. Thermometers that display both inside and outside temperatures are helpful.  I've tried both automotive and residential style indoor/outdoor thermometers and found both to be satisfactory.  The digital, automotive style are especially good if you want to be able to see them when driving.  The residential styles are better installed in the living area to only be used in camp.  Several of my motorhomes came with a simple "weather center" that displays inside temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.  It is pretty common to find these as part of the systems monitor panel in RVs.   If yours doesn't have one, they're fairly inexpensive and easy to install.  More complete systems might include outside temperature and wind speed.  I always like to have a NOAA weather radio available to monitor local forecasts and pick up storm warnings.  These days you can also get instant weather information on your cell phone or over the Internet if you are in a area where you have a wifi connection.  I have used a program/service called "Weatherbug" at home, but my computer tech tells me it is considered "Malware" and may have a security risk.  It displays current temperature on the status bar and will chime and flash the icon whenever there is a weather alert.  Alerts and warnings include rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, winter storms, and high fire danger . Some easy decorator touches include the addition of throw pillows and carpet runners.  Throw covers are an option, but I seldom see them used in RVs.   Probably because they may not stay in place very well during travel. They are, however, extremely useful if you're engaged in activities that would soil your clothing and transfer the dirt to your upholstery.   Throw covers can be removed and washed and its a whole lot easier than shampooing the upholstery.  Sometimes we just wrap the sofa in an old blanket or beach towel if we're anticipating dirty conditions.   Its a lot easier to throw it in the washer when we get home than it is to clean the upholstery and blankets and beach towels are a lot cheaper than new upholstery, especially when they're re-cycled  from home that almost made it into the Goodwill box before being adopted for camping.  Slip-on seat covers are helpful for rejuvenating the driver and co-pilot seats or mitigating the cold feel of vinyl or leather with sheepskin covers.

Toyhaulers and other enclosed recreational equipment trailers often benefit greatly from customization to meet your specific needs.  Adding tool boxes, cabinets, racks, closet rods, tie downs, and peg boards can help you organize your tools, gear, equipment, and spare parts. You can decorate the interior to reflect your chosen sport or OHV lifestyle.  I find functional customization to be the most satisfying but there is nothing wrong with purely cosmetic modifications.   Part of the original decals on one of my motorhomes included red, white, and blue stripes about 1/2" wide.   I was able to add matching stripes to my motorcycle trailer using colored electrical tape.   It has since become a kind of branding we use to mark almost all of our equipment.  Sometimes you can also buy decals or striping tape to match those on your motorhome.  Cosmetic changes like this don't add functionality but they are fun and many people find it pleasing to color coordinate their truck and camper, motorhome and trailer, or other tow vehicle and trailer.  I even adopted the red-white-blue stripe pattern to tag my camp chairs, stoves, lanterns, water jugs, ice chests, and tools making them easy to identify and keep track of around camp.

You may see motorhomes, trailers, and vans with elaborate murals on the sides or rear.  Some of these are factory originals, like the wild animals that grace the rear of many "Safari" motorhomes. The most beautiful and complex murals I've seen have been on custom vans, but the same technique could be used on motorhomes and trailers -- if you have the budget for it or the skill and will to paint it  yourself. Those hand-painted, air-brushed works of art don't come cheap!  Auto paint shops are skilled at painting flames and other geometric designs and may be able to create a custom decoration for your rig, but again, it will probably be relatively expensive.  Unless you are a skilled auto painter you probably won't want to attempt doing any custom graphics yourself.  "Rattle cans" can do a pretty good job repainting limited areas like the highlight stripes on campers and trailers but aren't so good on large areas.  I suspect if I tried it the results would be less artistic than the graffiti on big city buildings, overpasses, and railroad cars.  Vehicle wraps are becoming popular, mostly for advertising, and that might be a way to enhance the exterior of your RV.  But unless it is subsidized somehow by advertising, it will probably be cost prohibitive.  I have a beautiful "Desert Rat" decal on the back of my motorcycle trailer made from the same stuff as vehicle wraps. It is about 3' wide and 1 1/2' tall and cost me under $100.    Wrapping an entire RV would cost thousands.  If you choose to repaint stripes, follow the instructions on the paint can carefully in both preparing the surface and applying the paint.  Mask off areas you don't want to be painted.  Try to keep your hand moving smoothly as you spray.   If you slow down you'll get thick spots.  If you should apply too much paint and it begins to run, I've found I can often gently dab away the runs with a clean soft cloth and repaint the area.  Don't hold the can too close to the surface.  It is better to apply several light coats than one heavy one.  Vinyl stripes are available in a variety of sizes and colors and are easy to apply in straight lines.  Narrow tapes (up to 1/4") can usually be applied to follow curves and, if you have the patience and the touch for it, you can even curve tapes as wide as 3/4" by very gently heating them with a heat gun or blow dryer.  Be very careful if you try this.  The tape will often stretch and become much narrower than its normal size if you pull too hard or too fast or apply too much heat.

Another very functional modification is the addition of shelves or dividers in cabinets to make them easier to use.  Built in shelves are the sturdiest but wire-rack shelving can be easily installed in just about any cabinet to improve organization.

Make it yours!