Where has the summer gone? It's August already.

One update I can report on - the fuel mileage of the Aero Shield Deflector. After a recent 1,300mi trip I can confidently say that there was NO improvement in fuel mileage. The deflector did seem to keep the front of the RV free of bugs, which is the primary reason I purchased it, but I did not see any improvement in fuel mileage as the manufacturer claimed.

I have to think though that this is sound technology as just about every semi-tractor/trailer on the highway has some kind of aerodynamic reflector. But it's my belief that due to the rounded, almost bullet shape of my RV's nose, it is already as aerodynamic as it is going to get.

I am sure the deflector would have better results on the older style trailers that have flat noses.

Reflecting back on the season so far, I have produced 46 videos in 2018. I trust you have found something interesting in at least one or two of them. If not, I am sure to have a few more videos before year's end.

I recently added a remote control function to my awning. The remote can be installed either stand-alone, or be a part of a larger remote function including support of two of my dimmers. This project is a bit of a transition project as I will do a final upgrade in the weeks ahead.

In Sep, I plan on going on a trip with 6 other RV'ers from Michigan to Halifax, Nova Scotia and back. This trip will take maybe 30 days, so I won't have a lot of time to do any projects during that period. However, I am sure to shoot a lot of video and plan on doing a few new campground and destination videos upon my return.

We're also headed to the Grand Design RV rally in Elkhart, In at the end of this month. While I have not scheduled anything yet, I end up usually doing something major to my RV. The first year for example, I upgraded to self-adjusting brakes (installed by Lippert's factory team). Then last yr, I upgraded the axles and springs to 5200lb units (the originals were 4400lb capacity), and 12" brakes from the 10" brakes I had installed the prior year. As well, I had slide toppers installed - again, all by Lippert factory installers.

I am still looking at doing more automation/remote work. I want to construct a WiFi-to-433Mhz bridge similar to the one shown in the Awning remote video. Other ideas I have are a Hall Effect current detector for the awning motor. My idea is when the motor goes into stall (when the awning is fully retracted), the motor will automatically turn itself off. This will (hopefully) help prevent ripping the anchors out of the sidewall. This has happened a few times to other RV owners.