Safe Is Sexy; Show Off Your SmartPlug this Valentine’s Day SmartPlug February 12, 2018 9:00 am No Comments Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Do you have a romantic RV adventure planned? Or maybe you’ll enjoy date night on your boat? No matter how you plan to celebrate, remember –safe is sexy! Before your mind begins to wander, let us clarify. By “safe”we, of course,mean practicing safe boating and RVing!Queue SmartPlug… SmartPlug’s 4-Stage solution protects against overheating–the #1 cause of shower power failure and fires.Loose connections are addressed by a sleeve design and a multi-point locking system which take all the physical stress off the pins while securely fastening the plug to receptacle. Pin contact area is increased by more than 20x and protected behind three weatherproof seals for a dry and corrosion-free connection. As you head out on an adventure this Valentine’s Day, think ahead and don’t forget to use your SmartPlug!

5 Must Have RV Accessories SmartPlug January 25, 2018 9:00 am No Comments Whether you live the RV lifestyle full time or if it is just a favorite pastime of yours, it’s important to make the most use of the space you have. There are so many gadgets available on the market, but which ones are most useful? Here are our top 5 picks for must have RV accessories: 1. Solar Oven Why heat up your kitchen and drain your battery? Use the power of the sun to cook your food with a portable solar oven! You can cook your favorite meals and when you’re finished, fold it up and easily store it away until next time. 2. Portable Solar Panels Take your energy saving techniques one step further with portable solar panels. Put them up when you set up camp and use the sun to power your RV, charge your battery, and more. 3. Sun Reflector When you are setting up camp in hot summer climates, keep the temperature inside your RV cool by applying reflective insulant to your windows. This cost-effective method saves energy, keeps your guests comfortable, and is so simple to install, all you need is some double-sided Velcro and you’re done! 4. SmartPlug This power system is a revolutionary design that replaces outdated twist type electrical connections. Never worry about loose connections, corrosion, or power failure. SmartPlug eliminates overheating, is simple, easy to use, and automatically locks into the inlet. 5. Two-Way Radios Not only are two-way radios fun for the whole family, they can be quite useful on your RV. They come in handy when parking your RV in constricted areas and best of all, when you’re out on an adventure with no cell or wi-fi signal, they allow you keep in touch as you explore! 5. Two-Way Radios Not only are two-way radios fun for the whole family, they can be quite useful on your RV. They come in handy when parking your RV in constricted areas and best of all, when you’re out on an adventure with no cell or wi-fi signal, they allow you keep in touch as you explore! As you prepare for your next adventure, make sure your RV is fully stocked with the latest gadgets to enhance your experience. What are your favorite RV accessories? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Introducing the NEW 50A Cordset from SmartPlug SmartPlug January 18, 2018 9:00 am No Comments We’re excited to launch the newest product to our lineup – the SUPERFLEX50 50A 125/250V. While most power cords become stiff in extreme weather conditions, this revolutionary product remains incredibly flexible in extremely hot conditions and even down to –58° F. SUPERFLEX50’s covering is made from supple 100% Seoprene® Thermoplastic Elastomer. Inside is pure stranded bare copper and #6 wire. The combination ensures maximum electrical transfer and the utmost flexibility needed for easy handling. SmartPlug System’s SUPERFLEX50 can be used on standard marina 125V or 250V four-plug connections. It has dual LED power lights and is available in 25’ and 50’ lengths. Unlike traditional twist-style connections that are hard to align and thread, the asymmetrical SmartPlug pushes straight in. Dual locking clips and the inlet cover remove tension from the pins, holding the cord securely in place. Triple waterproof seals ensure a dry connection and protect internal elements from contaminates. To learn more about this product, feel free to contact our team. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and set you up with a distributor in your area!

SmartPlug Featured in California Marinas! SmartPlug July 6, 2018 9:00 am No Comments SmartPlug Featured in California Marinas! Exciting news! SmartPlug has been featured as one of “Tommy’s Favorites” at marinas across the California coastline. Here’s what Tommy had to say: The New “Smart Plug” A new option on the market has a four stage solution that protects against overheating and loose connections and provides more electrical contact with the female connection inlet on dock side and on the vessel. SmartPlug is a safe, simple and secure solution for all shore power systems and we’re happy to work with such great marinas. Thanks again for the feature! If you’d like more information about our marine product line, view our product catalog.

Ring in the Near Year with an RV Celebration SmartPlug December 7, 2017 9:00 am No Comments Have you ever thought about hosting a New Year’s Eve party in your RV? We have, and think it’s the most epic and unique way to celebrate the new year! At SmartPlug, we love out of the box ideas, so we’ve put together some inspiration to help you plan your awesome RV New Year’s Eve party: The Atmosphere With an RV, there are endless options for the physical location of your party. Set up camp at a local spot or road trip to a new destination. Some RV grounds have New Year’s celebrations with fireworks shows, so do a little research and you can really wow your guests! Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to your RV. You don’t want to take up too much space with unnecessary adornments. Perhaps have colorful lights hung up and some balloons placed variously in and outside of the RV. Consider the size of your RV and the best ways to make the most of the limited space. Rearrange your furniture and even relocate items outside so guests can get comfortable both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting, of course!). Food Food is not only a necessity to keep guests fed, but it can also add to the décor. Thoughtfully laid out platters and colorful desserts can bring even a bland interior to life. If you need some NYE inspiration for party food, consider these:  Confetti clock cookies: fill sugar cookies with rainbow sprinkles then decorate them with a clock face using icing. White chocolate dipped cherries: this gorgeous contrast of bright red and white is elegant, attractive, and delicious. Apps: keep to the classics! Finger foods like pigs in a blanket, mini ham and cheese sandwiches, and small pizza bites are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Activities Even though a party in an RV is already a unique way to celebrate, be sure to entertain your guests and give them a night to remember. Depending on the location, a bonfire outside of your RV allows your guests to get some fresh air without freezing. Consider planning some games instead of watching the Rockin’ New Year’s Eve special the entire night. You can even set up a homemade photo booth in your RV! Just set up a backdrop and supply some props and cut outs, like paper mustaches, glasses, and hats. If you have a bunkhouse in your RV that will provide a perfect place for your photo booth. Lastly, always remember, safety first! If your guests will be drinking, ensure they have a safe ride home. Always practice fire safety if you will be making a bonfire or will be near fireworks. Additionally, be sure your RV is equipped with the latest and most advanced electrical connection. No matter where you celebrate, SmartPlug would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year! If you decide to throw the epic RV NYE party, share your pictures with us on Facebook!

Holiday Gifts for the Boater in Your Life SmartPlug November 20, 2017 8:00 am No Comments With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your family and friends. At SmartPlug, we’re passionate about boating, so we’ve compiled this list of the best holiday gift ideas for the boater in your life! 1. Engel High-Performance 25 GT Cooler This distinct cooler is roto-molded for toughness and durability. It’s built with 2 inches of insulation throughout so that it retains ice for up to 10 days! Its all-silicon gaskets ensure an airtight seal that will never lose its shape. This gift is perfect for family boat trips or an all adult trip with just friends! Price: $149.99 Purchase here. 2. Orca Chasertini Glass Boating goes hand in hand with relaxing and enjoying your free time. We all know from experience, passengers like to enjoy a nice cold cocktail while onboard. But nothing is worse than when your martini gets warm in the blistering sun. Pop this Chasertini glass in the freezer then add any libation and you can count on it to remain cold until tomorrow! Price: $24.99 Purchase here. 3. West Marine Blanket This gift is one the whole family can enjoy out on the boat. Whether you use it as a lap warmer or for snuggling on a cold windy night, these refined blankets are perfect for indoor and outdoor usage. They’re easy to care for and machine washable. Shop the designs and pick one that best suites the boater in your life. Price: $29.99 Purchase here. 4. Innova Kayak Inflatable Solar 410 C This gift is perfect for the adventurous boater. While inflatable kayaks used to be glorified pool toys, this Innova lets you bring a boat on board with you in a bag. You can stow this kayak out of the way when you’re enjoying your big boat then take it out when you’ve anchored and are ready to go exploring. It allows seating for three people. Price: $759 Purchase here. 5. Shore Power System Ensure the boater in your life is safe and secure with a new SmartPlug shore power system. This easy to use system provides protection against loose connections and corrosion – the leading causes of shore power failure and fires. Find a distributor here. No matter what type of boater you have in your life, one of these gifts is sure to excite them this holiday season. When they thank you for the gift, be sure to tell them SmartPlug hooked you up with the idea!

Five Rivet Recognition SmartPlug November 15, 2017 9:00 am No Comments Exciting news for the Airstream industry! In May, Airstream launched their new Five Rivet Dealer Standards program, which was developed with input from Airstream’s Dealer Council to ensure it met dealer expectations. This status is measured daily and awarded quarterly. Well, Airstream has just announced their list of dealers who have earned the distinction of “Five Rivet” status. The Five Rivet Dealer Standard Program holds dealers to a very high standard for both sales and service departments. After meeting the high standards, the dealer must then receive high scores on customer surveys to obtain the official Five Rivet status. SmartPlug congratulates all the Five Rivet status dealers who are fully committed to creating a better customer experience. The list of dealers are:  Colonial Airstream- Lakewood, N.J. Ewald’s Airstream of Wisconsin- Franklin, Wisconsin Airstream of Virginia- Thornburg, Virginia Schumacher European- Phoenix, Arizona Airstream Adventures Northwest Idaho- Caldwell, Idaho Airstream Lazydays- Tucson, Arizona Bay Area Airstream Adventures- Fairfield, California Haydocy Airstream & RV- Columbus, Ohio Airstream of North Georgia- Norcross, Georgia Airstream of Scottsdale- Scottsdale, Arizona Being recognized by Airstream means that these dealers have not only met the high dealer standards in facility and personnel requirements, but they also deliver on great customer service by getting rave reviews from their guests who have recently purchased new Airstreams. We’re thrilled to see these dealers work so hard to obtain such an impressive status so early into the new program that launched just a few months ago!

RV Destinations for Winter SmartPlug November 2, 2017 7:00 am No Comments While most people may think the Winter season calls for closing up your RV, it can actually be a great time to take a trip. You can use your RV to to escape to warmer weather this winter season. Here’s SmartPlug’s “coolest” winter RV destinations: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina If you’re an RV snowbird that wants the beach experience, you really can’t do much better than Myrtle Beach. This area is home to several RV parks and it has activities and opportunities for all types of RVers- from the shopper to the outdoors explorer. Many of the camps are oceanfront and offer fishing piers, pools, and playgrounds. If you want to hit Myrtle Beach this winter, it’s a good idea to book well in advanced since this is a popular destination. South Texas Region, Texas Texas is known for mild winters, friendly people, and an abundance of social activities at their camp grounds. When it starts getting cold up north, Texas weather stays pretty mild during the winter season. If you’re looking for a place with lots of entertaining, local culture, and some of the best food in the country, Texas should be at the top on your winter vacation list. Death Valley, California/Nevada This destination has an interesting name and offers an even more interesting trip. Death Valley is actually a destination that’s far better in the winter season, as the lower elevation campgrounds are closed during the summer because of the extreme heat. Winter and spring is known to be very pleasant down in Death Valley, including some amazing wildflower blooms and wildlife. Death Valley does feature some very remote terrain, straddling both states, so check out the park information and regulations before you go. Tucson, Arizona If you’re ready to embrace the heat, Arizona is the destination for you. Known for its arid temperatures and fabulous culture and nightlife, Tucson offers an innovative and friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for a vacation where you can avoid the snow and instead soak up the constant sunshine, Arizona is the place for you! Do you have other RV destinations that you love to travel to during the winter months? We’d love to hear about them, tell us in the comments!

Tips to Make Your Airstream Go Green SmartPlug October 17, 2017 4:25 pm No Comments RV vacations are already more environmentally friendly than fly, drive, or hotel vacations, but there are still ways we can go green-er in Airstreams. SmartPlug is all about safe and responsible RVing, so we wanted to share our favorite tips to help you go green in your Airstream. 1. Minimize your trash While camping, use as few disposables as possible. Instead of packing paper plates and plastic ware, consider using real dishes. Look for opportunities to reuse consumables such as sandwich bags and aluminum foil. Another great hack is to refill your plastic bottles instead of throwing them out after one use. And don’t forget to recycle. If your campground doesn’t have a recycle station, designate a bin in your RV for recyclables and do a Google search for the nearest recycling center on your route. 2. Work with nature When in hot weather, use natural shade. Try using awnings and canvas covers instead of the AC when possible and keep the windows open to get a nice breeze. When you’re in cold weather, remember to park your RV in a place where it will be protected from the north and west winds and warmed by sun exposure. You can drastically reduce the amount of energy use by cutting back on the AC and heater. 3. Cut down on utilities In addition to cutting back on the AC and heater, save water by investing in a good water filtration system for your Airstream. In addition to reducing plastic consumption, you’ll also save money by not purchasing bottled water. Use solar kits as much as possible to reduce your power consumption while also keeping your RV’s batteries fully charged. Another great tip is to consider upgrading your fridge. If you’ve got an older refrigerator you may want to replace it with a high-efficiency model that could cut energy consumption in half. 4. Maximize your fuel efficiency Here are some simple adjustments to make that can have a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. First, properly inflate your tires, as it improves an RV’s gas mileage. Whenever possible use biodiesel instead of regular diesel. Only pack what you absolutely need for your trip so that you reduce the weight of your Airstream. When driving on hills, reduce your speed; in addition to increasing your fuel efficiency, driving slow allows you to better enjoy the gorgeous view! Finally, stay on top of your scheduled maintenance and keep your Airstream tuned up. At SmartPlug, we believe it’s our responsibility to be safe and smart RVers, and taking these easy steps will ensure you’re being environmentally friendly while on your adventures.

Caring For Our Waters SmartPlug October 3, 2017 7:52 pm No Comments Boating is a fun and relaxing past time, but while you’re out on the water, it’s important to take strides to ensure you’re being an environmentally friendly boater. As boaters, we want to create as little disruption as possible to the natural marine habitat. Here are some of our tips on how to be a more environmentally friendly boater. Use non-toxic cleaning products As you boaters know, cleaning your boat regularly is important for proper maintenance. To best protect the marine habitat, avoid cleaning products that contain sulfate, phosphate, and other hard detergents. If possible, consider using chemical free, water-based cleaners. These eco-friendly cleaning products will leave your boat sparkling clean without the harsh effects on the surrounding waters. Don’t overfill your fuel tanks As fuel warms, it expands, causing any excess fuel to escape through the vent line. In addition to heating, boating on rough seas can also cause spillage from over-filled tanks. If you’re filling a built-in fuel tank, you can use your hand to check for air escaping from the vent. You’ll feel a distinct increase in air flow when your tank is nearly full and that is your signal to stop filling. Give the engine a break You don’t ALWAYS need to run your engine while on your boating trips. Let it coast when possible. Consider turning off your engine and enjoy letting your boat coast for a while. Also remember, once you reach your destination, throw out your anchor and shut down your engine. Don’t pollute While out on your boat make sure you’re keeping the water clean. When maintaining your boat, properly discard used oil and filters. If you take snacks and drinks on board, make sure you bring a container to dispose of the trash until you’re back on shore. Paper or light plastic bags often fly away into the water, so ensure these light items are secured. Finally, don’t toss any items in the water! That includes bottles, cigarettes, or any liquids such as soda, oil, or gasoline. Boating should be viewed as a privilege and a responsibility. Always take these eco-friendly measures while boating and make every effort to stay in line with environmentally friendly boating. Happy boating everyone!