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Why modern RV automation matters to this owner
4 months ago
It is gorgeous, but I’ll take my Pebble over it anytime. With the Airstream, the first thing you do is strip out half the mechanicals and replace them. No thanks.
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Good idea! It would be nice to meet some Pebble owners. Please keep us posted. We are planning to return from our trans-Canada trip in early fall.
Unfortunately, our schedule is tight: long driving days and short stays as we make our way across the country.
Next time, then! Safe travels!
I saw the note on the Pebble not needing a surge protector. What about a water-pressure regulator?
I was told the Pebble has a built-in water-pressure regulator, so it’s not needed. But I still use an adjustable water-pressure regulator on the spigot before my inline filter and hose. It is inexpensive extra peace of mind and helps protect the filter and hose from unusually high pressure.
I skipped a surge protector because the Pebble-supplied charger seems robust and has built-in protections. The Pebble electrical system is more like an EV than a traditional RV: shore power charges the high-voltage battery, which supplies the internal appliances, so a surge passing through the EVSE to the appliances seems highly unlikely.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BZD08U
Might something like this work as added protection to regulate water pressure?
I was told the same thing: there’s an internal flow regulator that limits pressure to around 50 PSI. I’ve just been using a filter, not a pressure regulator. My old adjustable one stopped working properly and I haven't replaced it; there is something to be said for the simplicity of non-adjustable ones.
But I still use a Power Watchdog in front of the Pebble charger. I already had it from a previous trailer, and I figure it provides insurance against the Pebble charger getting fried by a surge or bad pedestal.
That would work, but I went with an adjustable model since it wasn’t much more expensive. I liked being able to see the pressure and adjust it, ideally around 50–55 PSI. This is the model I bought, though there are many similar options: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVDNHG1M
Camco also has a model with a built-in 90-degree angle to reduce strain on the hose and a quick shutoff valve, though I haven’t tried it: https://www.campingworld.com/camco-90deg-adjustable-water-pressure-regulator-w-gage--158809.html
amazon.comAmazon.com: RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator Valve With Adjustable Knob | CSA Approved, Lead-Free Brass, Tool-Free, Water Pressure Reducer With Gauge and Inlet Screen Filter for RV Camper : AutomotBuy RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator Valve With Adjustable Knob | CSA Approved, Lead-Free Brass, Tool-Free, Water Pressure Reducer With Gauge and Inlet Screen Filter for RV Camper: Water Hoses & Fittings - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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campingworld.comCamco 90DEG Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator w/ GageProtect your RV plumbing w/ the Camco 90DEG Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator w/ Gage. Combines angled design, gauge, adjustable pressure, and more. Buy now.Thank you—I appreciate the information and links!
I took pictures of the charging device that comes with the Pebble and asked an AI assistant whether I still needed a Power Watchdog. In a nutshell, yes.
The common campground-pedestal risks include low voltage, an open neutral, a miswired outlet, and voltage spikes from generator switching. Those are the situations where a Power Watchdog earns its keep. Based on the device photos, I would keep the Watchdog; nothing suggested Pebble included a full EMS/surge protector that would make it redundant.
I have no plan to stop using my Watchdog. It protects both the Pebble and its charging box. We plug the Watchdog into the pedestal as soon as we roll into the campsite, so if there's a problem with the pedestal we know before investing time in settling in and can ask to move sites before unhitching.
Our plans have changed. After meeting friends during the return trip, we’ll make our way back to California, perhaps staying at some Harvest Hosts. I’ll be interested to hear about your trans-Canada trip. We’re planning to visit several Canadian destinations and stay with family.
Trans-Canada is on my road-trip wish list too. Those of you doing it, please post everything you learn about charging stops—what works and what doesn't—so that we can all learn from the experience.
Power Watchdog model recommendations?
Has anyone solved the frustrating bed straps? I think ours may even be upside down because the adjustment buckle is on the underside of the strap once we get it hooked into the holes.
We use ours every day. I had to tighten one of the latches, but otherwise we like that they keep the sheets on the bed while stowed.
We never put the straps back on after removing the plastic. During our walkthrough, we were told the straps were just for initial installation and transport. We haven’t had an issue with the mattress traveling without them—just a quick straightening of the top sheet and comforter after lowering the bed.
Toss them. Useless and annoying.
Mine kept popping out of the hole, so I added a bolt and washer to keep the strap in the hole. It seems to work so far.
We use ours too.
About an hour away from me, but I could possibly be up for a coffee or drink depending on whether our schedules align.
Colorado Pebble owners, give a shout! Perhaps a Colorado Pebble meetup in the fall?
I'll be coming through there on my way back from Canada in the fall. Maybe the dates will be right. How do you feel about a Northern California Pebble crashing your Colorado meetup?
Would be great!
The more the merrier. The Pebble community is so small that we need to keep it growing and keep the connections and exchange of ideas going.
Open to other suggestions, but tentatively thinking of a midweek Colorado meetup in the fall, with the location chosen to mitigate weather.
I’ll be passing through Colorado in August, though the timing may not help.