I admit it, I absolutely love the spring. It’s a beautiful transition phase that always has light at the end of the… well, spring. Not only does it mark the end of winter and the cold, dark days and nights, but it also gives proof that summer is fast approaching.

It also serves as the time for us who live in regions that endure all four seasons to start preparing our RV for the upcoming season. (Or with how mild the weather in New England has been lately, we can even get a jump start on the season!)

What strategies do you employ to get your rig cleaned up and road ready after being tucked away for the winter? We would love to hear your stories in the forums.

Safe Travels,

Shane

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Portable Ice Makers

By: Raechelle Janzen – RVRepairNOW.com

     One of the things we seem to miss the most when we are out traveling in our travel trailer is having an ice maker. I know it seems like something simple, but sometimes those are the kinds of things that one misses the most when away from home. It can be inconvenient, when you go make yourself something to drink and you don’t have an endless supply of ice like you have in your home’s kitchen. Of course, you can just fill ice trays with water or you can make a trip to buy leaky bags of ice like you have always done in the past. But, if you use your RV frequently, a portable ice maker unit may be something you want to consider buying.

Features

     Today there are a variety of portable ice makers on the market that can make all the ice you might need. They can make 15lb to 40lbs or more of ice a day, depending which model you purchase. This is much more than the average person could use in a day’s time. These ice makers are very efficient and compact enough to sit on a countertop. All you need to do is add tap or bottled water and then plug it into a standard wall outlet. They start making ice in a short period of time – most units in about ten to fifteen minutes. You can get ice makers with modern LED and touch pad controls or simpler models with just basic features. A few ice maker units can also operate on batteries so you can take them to picnics, tailgating, boating, your kid’s sporting events, or maybe a backyard barbeque or party. It is a good idea to make sure the portable ice maker has a water filter built into it to help not only with the taste of the ice but to also prevent hard water problems with the unit.

Prior to Purchase

     Before you purchase your portable ice maker consider how much ice you will actually need and how much space you have for the unit. Another important factor to consider is where it will be stored during travel. Keep in mind that you can also use it at home as an extra source of ice when needed as well as using it in your RV. Portable ice makers are made by many different manufacturers and come in many colors and different features to fit your needs. Some units can produce a lot more ice than others so it is important to research specific models prior to buying so that you get the proper one for you. The least expensive units can run about $130. For about $200, you can find a pretty decent capacity ice maker that would fit most needs. There are units well above the $200 level as well.

Where to Purchase

     You can purchase portable ice making units in such stores like Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target and several online outlets. Also, check the camping supply department of sporting goods stores as well as RV supply outlets. Wal-Mart currently has units made by Igloo, Haier, Oster and Magic Chef and others. Their prices run from $129 up to $244 depending on the manufacturer and features you prefer.

LED Replacement Light Bulbs

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

       LED lighting isn’t new technology, but it has really become popular in many industries over the last few years. It has many benefits, including energy efficiency, extended usage and more. I’m always looking for ways to “Go Green” as well as ways to save a few bucks. LED light bulbs are a great way to accomplish both of these goals. Bulbs such as the Revolution 1141-150 from Star Lights, Inc. are extremely energy efficient. In fact, ten of these bulbs use the same amount of power as one single conventional bulb! In addition, their life expectancy is an astonishing 60,000 hours!

       LED bulbs cost more than a conventional bulb initially, but they are still reasonably priced. The savings you’ll experience by reducing energy consumption and replacing the bulbs far less often, if ever, and the betterment of the environment make LED’s a worthwhile investment. They are a necessity for Full Timers, and I absolutely recommend them for all RV’ers to use in their RV’s and at home as well. With the life expectancy, most RV’ers will probably never have to replace them. So the real question is: can you (and the environment) afford NOT to use LED bulbs?

To view other LED lighting options for RV’s, click here.

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

                As I was browsing the internet, I came across this article from The Mirror in the UK. It’s a sad story of a camper who was found dead in his tent, presumably from carbon monoxide poisoning. Apparently he had brought his gas barbeque into his tent at some point during the night to heat it up. He did take it back out of the tent after he and his wife were warm enough, however he still got carbon monoxide poisoning from the lingering fumes. I am attaching the link below if you’d like to read the full story.

                This tragedy serves as a reminder for the rest of us regarding camping safety. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, highly dangerous hazard. You should never use any type of heating source that isn’t specifically designed and approved to be used inside a trailer or tent. Also be sure to pack extra blankets and sleeping bags to help you stay warm during cold nights.

                Remember, thinking of safety first helps ensure you have a positive experience and return home safely with good memories, rather than tragic stories.

Happy Camping!

Shane

Feel free to read the full story here.

Where should I put this sleeping bag?

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

     One of the first questions people ask themselves when they decide to start camping is whether they should buy a tent, a camper (pop-up or slide-on), or a motorhome. Excluding those envied lottery winners, not many people jump into camping by purchasing a motorhome. There is normally some type of progression leading up to the big rig. Therefore, the question for people who are new to camping is narrowed down to whether they should buy a tent or a camper? Three things to consider when choosing between a tent and a camper are expenses, comfort, and safety.

     As with many purchases, the first thing for the new camper to consider is their budget to see what they are comfortable spending, as well as what costs are involved in each of the options being considered. Tents are much less expensive than purchasing a camper. Small tents can be purchased for under $50 and high-quality, family-sized tents for under $200. There will be minor expenses associated with using a tent such as a hammer or mallet to drive the tent stakes into the ground. This is highly recommended, as it would be very embarrassing to return to the campsite after a hike or a swim to find the wind-blown tent wrapped around a tree. Campers have a much wider and higher price range. They start at just a few thousand dollars for an older, used model and up to $30,000 for a brand new model. More than simply making a purchase, buying a camper is an investment. However, this investment comes with additional expenses. Campers will lower the tow vehicles’ fuel efficiency during the drive to and from the campground, increasing fuel expenses. Pop-up campers will require tire maintenance or replacement over time. With all the moving parts in a camper, such as door hinges and knobs, wear and tear will create expenses for replacement parts as well.

     Comfort is another important factor to consider for new campers. Tents are viewed as uncomfortable, especially for longer trips, and therefore avoided by many people. Using an air mattress is a great way to increase comfort while sleeping in a tent. Otherwise, lying on the hard ground will oftentimes result in a poor nights’ sleep. Campers are viewed as much more comfortable since they include a bed to sleep on. While this is true, some above-average height people have trouble sleeping in a camper because they cannot stretch out. Some models also include a bathroom, eliminating the need to use public restrooms, therefore increasing many owners’ comfort level. In addition, campers help block outside noises, providing for a quieter atmosphere (and possibly a better nights’ sleep) than a tent.

     A third factor to consider while determining what to purchase is safety. Campers need to consider what types of areas they will be camping in and the possible dangers. Tents provide shelter from some weather elements, such as rain and direct sunlight on a hot day. Tents can also provide some safety from potentially dangerous animals by serving as a hiding place to stay out of their sight. However, any large threat such as a bear or cougar could easily claw or chew their way into a tent. A camper provides a safer camping environment as it will protect from most types of weather, including wind, as well as provide much more protection from wildlife.

     Considering the available budget, comfort needs, and safety risks in potential camping areas will help new campers determine whether to purchase a tent or invest in a camper. For an affordable way to get outdoors and try out camping, a tent is a good way to start. However, if a new camper has the financial means and plans on camping for extended periods or in potentially unsafe places, a camper would be a wiser investment.

I have been staring at this blank blog post off and on for several days now and still have no idea what to say. So many thoughts and emotions come to mind when tragedies like this happen. I can’t pretend to empathize with Norwegians, especially those loved ones of the victims. I do however sympathize greatly. I am a fairly logic-based person. What I mean is, whether I think somebody’s thoughts, actions, decisions, etc are right or wrong or good or bad, I can typically determine their paradigm (the way they view the world or a situation) and understand their thought process. However terrorist attacks such as this absolutely baffle me. I can empathize with idealists who have very strong beliefs and think that differing believes and innovative ideas are needed to continue advancing our world. However, to what end are these types of attacks carried out? What was this gunman trying to accomplish? It’s not going to stop a political party from believing their beliefs and being who they are. Just like the U.S. did after 9-11, I’m sure Norwegians will get back up. They will most likely never forget this, and they shouldn’t. However it won’t keep them down. I need to research to see is Norway has a death penalty. Does anyone know?

To our friends and followers in Norway: Keep your heads up. The actions of one evil being doesn’t define who you are. You’re in our thoughts.

Shane

     I recently started attending college so I could increase my level of intelligence and earn a Bachelor’s degree. I had an assignment of writing an argumentative essay regarding national healthcare here in the U.S. I am going to post it here so it can be discussed and debated. (Not the writing, although I’m always open to feedback. I have already completed this class and received my grade. I’d like to discuss the pros and cons of national healthcare in general and the ObamaCare plan.)

Disclaimer: Please understand that the viewpoints within this essay or the forthcoming comments do not necessarily reflect those of RVRepairNOW.com or Wild Tangent Ventures, Inc.

     The Assignment was specific: Write a 3-4 page essay that answers this question: Would national healthcare result in better health care for U.S. citizens? (This is important as I had a small defined amount of space to answer a very specific question, so I had to leave out so many aspects of national healthcare. I’d be happy to discuss other aspects in our forums!)

National Healthcare – Will it Provide Better Healthcare for Americans?

By: Shane Skinner

     How would an honest, tax paying American citizen feel if they were denied important healthcare coverage due to their prior medical history, even if the history was seemingly irrelevant to their current medical situation?  How would anyone feel in this situation?  According to a congressional committee investigation, the four largest for-profit health insurance companies, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealth Group, and WellPoint, refused to issue health insurance coverage to more than 651,000 Americans, equaling 1 out of 7 applicants, from 2007 through 2009 based on their prior medical history. (H.R. Rep., 2010).  This inhumanity put well over half a million American taxpayers in the unthinkable situation of having to decide between absorbing costly out of pocket expenses for the necessary services or remaining ill or injured.  President Obama is not the first American president to introduce a national healthcare plan, as it has been discussed in one form or another for several decades; however he is the first to get one approved.  In many ways the United States is behind the times, being the last developed nation to implement some type of national healthcare system.  Opponents to the “Obama Care” reform plan are attempting to lead people to believe that there will not be enough doctors to treat everyone in a timely manner and that the quality of healthcare and choice of doctors will be jeopardized.  Is the possibility that current patients may have to wait longer to receive basic care a reason to prevent a reform that will create new medical care possibilities for many taxpayers?  On the contrary, implementing the national healthcare reform which prevents insurance companies from denying or cancelling coverage, offers preventative services at no cost and retains the freedom of choosing your in-network physician is an effective way to ensure American citizens receive better quality healthcare.

     The GOP website states, “We oppose government-run health care, which won’t protect the physician-patient relationship, won’t promote competition, and won’t promote health care quality and choice.” (Issues, 2011).  Reform promotes competition because the insurance companies will have to compete for the new customers (those currently without coverage).  Furthermore, losing the ability to deny coverage and cancel non-fraudulent plans will drive the companies to identify new profit making methods (customer acquisition and retention), further sparking competition.  In addition, the GOP’s speculation that the reform will not promote health care quality and choice is absurd.  Patients will retain the right to choose from any in-network doctor and the overall quality of care provided will be greatly improved because insurance companies cannot rescind coverage or place limits on the amount of coverage provided.  Americans will also be eligible to receive certain preventative services (which they otherwise may not be able to receive) at no cost.  All Americans deserve the right to receive affordable health insurance and healthcare treatment without worrying that the insurance companies could take away that right.

     One of the primary benefits of the national healthcare reform is that it will protect patients from having insurance companies refuse coverage based on what they determine to be pre-existing medical conditions.  The sheer number and wide age range of citizens who were denied healthcare coverage is shocking, and even more unfathomable are some of the specific cases cited.  A Google search for “Children denied health care” shows several cases in which a young child was in need of care and his or her parents were denied coverage because the insurance company claimed there was a pre-existing condition.  One of the most blatant cases of abuse of the system by an insurance company is the case for newborn Houston Tracy.  He was born with a birth defect in his arteries and required life-saving surgery shortly after birth.  However, his parents’ health insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, denied their medical claim for his surgery, claiming it was a “pre-existing condition”. (Health Care Reform, 2010).  How does a newborn have a pre-existing condition?  Being denied healthcare coverage puts people in a difficult predicament.  They have to choose between absorbing out of pocket expenses for treatment (oftentimes these services are very cost prohibitive) or electing not to receive the treatment and risking worsened health complications later.  The assurance that American Citizens will be eligible to have health insurance coupled with the inclusion of preventative services being offered free of charge to eligible patients sets a very strong foundation for the national healthcare reform.

     Another way nationalized healthcare will lead to better quality healthcare is by offering preventative health services at no charge.  “If your plan is subject to these new requirements, you may not have to pay a copayment, co-insurance or deductible to receive recommended preventive health services, such as screenings, vaccinations and counseling.” (Preventative Care and Services, n.d.).  The article then goes on to list some of the benefits of preventative care.  The first benefit focuses on early detection of possible health problems, such as cancer screenings and diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol tests.  Another benefit is prevention, such as flu and pneumonia shots and routine vaccinations against other diseases.  The third benefit, counseling services, covers such topics as pregnancy, smoking, alcohol use, weight loss, eating healthily and depression. 

     A national healthcare reform, which entitles every American citizen the opportunity to have affordable health insurance and the ability to receive important preventative health services, among many other benefits, is a necessity for the growth and continuing development of this great nation.  “America is a country built on productivity; healthy citizens contribute to society, in large part, by working.  These working individuals pay a substantial portion of their income in the form of federal, state, and local taxes, thus funding important governmental programs and paying for such services as public school systems.  Viewed in this context, the healthcare reform act is an investment in the health of Americans–primarily working Americans–that otherwise are unable to afford or procure health insurance.” (Walter, 2010)  Every citizen should stand up for their families’ rights and make sure that their state representatives know that they support the national healthcare reform.

References

Health Care Reform  (2010, March 26).  Newborn with birth defect denied coverage.  Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/26/health/main6335430.shtml

H.R. Rep.  One Hundred Eleventh Congress, (2010).

Issues.  (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.gop.com/index.php/issues/issues/

Preventative Care and Services.  (n.d.)  Understanding the affordable care act: Provisions.  Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preventive/index.html

Walter, A.  (2010).  Counterpoint: The patient protection & affordable care act fulfills a natural right of all American citizens.  Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=55821067&site=pov-live

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Maugle Sierra Vineyards and Winery – Ledyard, CT

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

We decided to take our first trip to a winery last weekend. There are a few wineries within short driving distance to our home and we choose this one because… well, she said, “turn there”. (Lots of planning and preparation, right?) The winery is nestled just off of the road in the forest, so you immediately feel relaxed when you get out of the car. The beautiful vineyards are behind the tasting room and there is a trail open during the summer where you can grab a bottle (or two) and enjoy your wine out in the fresh air.

Upon entering the tasting room we were pleasantly greeted by Paul, the owner. He is a very pleasant gentleman with an obvious and contagious passion for wine and romance. He conducted our wine tasting personally, which was a great value in my opinion. There were 2 tastings to choose from: the first had 6 wines-3 each of whites and reds-and the second had 3 wines, which were sweeter and more suited for dessert. We decided to each do one and share sips. This may have been a no-no etiquette-wise, but Paul didn’t seem to mind. I got the impression we weren’t the first couple to do that. Each tasting was only $10 and you get to keep your wine glass that has the vineyards name and logo on it.

Maugle Sierra Tasting Room

After completing the tasting, we decided to purchase a bottle of their 1740 Ledyard House Rose. This was a surprising favorite because we are both typically sweet red wine drinkers, but this white wine has, as they explain on their website, “a little bit of summer sunshine in every glass”. We also purchased a box of crackers and brick of cheese and found a table in a quiet corner. We spent the next hour + engaged in nice, meaningful conversation while enjoying a great bottle of wine with our cheese and crackers. It was a very romantic, relaxing afternoon and we already have plans of taking a picnic there when it gets warmer and drinking some of their wine as we overlook the vineyards.

 Feel free to check out their website!

          Taste Wine Like an Expert: Wine Tasting 101 (Beginner’s Basics)

Chargers for Electronic Devices

By Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

I wanted to write a quick article about something we all use: chargers. A few months back I was cleaning the kitchen counter and realized we had the following charging cords all over the counter: One each for all 3 cell phones in the house, 1 for my oldest daughters DSi, 1 for my younger daughters Gameboy and 1 for the iPod’s 6 chargers on the counter, are we nuts?! I started thinking about all the electronic devices that have some kind of charging cord, including our laptops, GPS, E-Reader, Cameras, Camcorder, etc. I couldn’t stand all the wires anymore, so I started doing some research. I found this awesome product called the Powermat. It’s a wireless charging station, sort of. The mat itself has to be plugged into an outlet, but if you have a smart phone or iTouch, you can get a receiver which enables you to set your device on the Powermat and charge it without having to plug it in. It also comes with a powercube which is a wired receiver with several tips including mini and micro USB, Apple, Samsung, Sony, LG, DSi and DS Lite. Powermat’s come in different sizes. I got the travel unit which can charge up to 3 devices at once on the mat, and it also has a USB port. It also folds up and fits in a little carrying case so it’s easy to use on the road.

     Now that spring is here, I am thinking more about RV’ing and am making my list of things to take along on trips. As far as electronics go, that list includes: 3 laptops, 3 cell phones, 2 iPod’s, a Garmin GPS, an E-Reader, a digital camera, a flip camcorder, a blue tooth headset, a DSi and a Gameboy. (Now do you see why I have to make a list???) In the past, the electronics became the cause of frustration when we forgot certain chargers or forgot to plug them in, etc. Now I am able to eliminate most of the cords and simply use the Powermat. I have an AC converter so I can plug it right into the cigarette lighter and leave it on the dashboard. (I always put up a windshield cover to block nosy eyes and direct sunlight)

     Another, more affordable option is portable chargers. I like the Sharper Image portable power pack. It only has 4 tips, so it can’t do as many devices as the Powermat, but it’s portability is very convenient. You charge up this device through a USB port and it holds enough juice to give 2 full charges. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, so it’s perfect for day-trips. There are many different brands that make similar products. Others use AA batteries. Although this is a bit more convenient as far as not having to ensure it is charged, of the few I have used I found them to charge slowly and not last very long. If Powermat or one of these portable devices isn’t in your budget for this year, I have one last product to mention.  AMP Energy has come out with 3-in-1 cell chargers that can charge your device by AC, DC or USB. And they include 2 or 3 tips based on the brand, so the Blackberry/Motorola version as an example includes the mini USB, micro USB and a Motorola plug. I like this one, because the mini and micro USB’s can charge a lot of my devices. This unit is convenient and you can use it at home and on the road. You can find it for under $20 on-line so if you were planning on buying a new wall adapter or car charger, I suggest you get this one instead.

    The bottom line is this: Make a list of all of your electronic devices and more importantly what tip (plug) they need to charge them. Then do a Google search for charging devices and find the one that works best for you. Eliminating a few cords will save you some room in your glove box, and some frustration when you’re supposed to be on a fun trip.

Edit: Wanted to add this cool gadget from our site. This is a great, very inexpensive option for RV’ers to keep in your emergency kit. – Hand Crank Charger

TV 101 for RV’s (and home)

By Shane Skinner - RVRepairNOW.com

For my 2^nd blog, I decided to talk about one of my favorite electronics, Televisions. Who doesn’t like watching TV? If it weren’t for having a TV to watch the games, I don’t think I would ever be able to go on a trip!

TV 101:

First, let’s discuss a few basics about TV’s. This section applies to all TV’s, not just those for your RV. First, in case you’ve been living under a rock the last few years (I’m not judging you, I know the economy has been tough), yes, you do want an HDTV. The difference a High Definition (HD) picture makes is amazing. There are different levels of HD. 420p, 720p and 1080p are the most common. This represents the number of pixels used to create the picture. As an example, have you ever taken a picture with a cell phone or cheap camera and printed it as an 8×10? The reason the picture printed so blurry was because the camera didn’t have enough megapixels to support that size of a picture. The pixels had to be stretched out to form the picture, causing the blurriness. Therefore, the more megapixels a TV has, the clearer and better the picture will be. With that being said, don’t be alarmed if your little HDTV isn’t a 1080p. In fact it probably won’t be. Smaller HDTV’s typically don’t need to be 1080p because there isn’t enough screen size to fit all the pixels.

The next thing to consider is what type of TV to purchase. The major kinds on the market today are LED, LCD and Plasma. Plasma’s are typically only manufactured in models 42” and larger which is too large for most RV’ers needs, so I will stick to LCD and LED TV’s in this article. I want to let you in on a little secret: An LED TV is an LCD TV. LCD and LED TV’s use the same display, however LED TV’s use LED back lighting, which is far superior to LCD’s fluorescent back lighting Therefore, LED TV’s typically have a better contrast and more accurate colors then LCD. Contrast Ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image, so the higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture will be.

Hertz (Hz) is the refresh rate. Simply put, this is how many times per second the picture “refreshes” or “updates”. The higher the Hz, the faster the response time. This helps maintain a clear, crisp picture even during fast action scenes. This is most important during sporting events, action movies and video games. Most smaller TV’s are still made with 60Hz, while many mid-large size units are made with 120hz or even 240hz. There are questions about the reality of the difference. Some people believe the human eye can’t see the difference. I have seen a demo on an HDTV where they had a split screen with 120hz on one side and 60hz on the other. The picture on the 120hz side was much clearer, while features on the 60hz side were slightly blurry. (You can also find comparison pictures on-line) I can also tell you from looking at several models with 120hz and 240hz, they look fantastic. That being said, I haven’t really complained about either of my smaller TV’s at home which are both 60hz. (Come to think of it, all those times I yelled at the referee for calling my teams player out of bounds may have been due to a slightly blurry picture. Nah… the ref’s had to have been wrong)

Size:

The very first thing you should look at when looking for a TV is size, and this is even more important when finding a TV for your RV. After determining where you will be placing your TV and where you will be sitting while watching the TV, measure your space to see what dimensions are available to you. Keep in mind that screen sizes are measured diagonally, so you will want to get the actual width and dimensions of the unit. While measuring, you also need to determine if you will be using the stand or mounting the TV. Most RV’ers mount their TV, but if you intend to keep it on the stand be sure to include it when measuring the height.

Special Features:

There are certain features you will want to consider for your new TV based on what you’d like to use it for. I love my combo TV, with a built-in DVD player. It’s very convenient for me as I don’t have to have a separate player hooked up. Just be sure to check your TV placement/mounting configuration. Most combo units have the DVD slot on the side of the TV, so you’ll want to make sure you’ll have enough room to get the DVD in and out. If you plan on hooking up additional devices (DVD/Blu-Ray players, gaming systems, camera, etc) you’ll want to make sure your TV has enough of the proper connections. Another neat feature is some units now have a built-in memory card slot so you can insert the memory card from your camera and view your pictures/videos on your TV.

Service:

The next thing to consider is what type of service you plan on using. Today’s RV satellite systems are totally self contained, meaning you can watch satellite TV anywhere. Set-up is also easy nowadays. You’ll use the same type of satellite equipment (Dish and Receiver) in your RV as you do in your home. You’ll need a movable stand so you can aim your dish south towards the satellite. There are various types of stands ranging from the inexpensive manual stand where you align the dish yourself using a crank, to the more expensive automated in-motion stands that will continually adjust your dish so passengers can watch TV while on the go. (Please note I said passengers. Don’t watch TV while driving your rig, okay?)

The major satellite providers are Direct TV and Dish Network. They both offer good service and plenty of channels to choose from. For us football fans, Direct TV has exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket, so you never have to miss your favorite teams game! Both DTV and Dish provide you with the satellite dish and receiver. There are also low profile satellite dishes available that only go about as high as your vent. These can be a more attractive option, but make sure to do your research. Some of them aren’t compatible with all service providers and all their programming options (HD).

Last Tip:

Last, although LCD TV’s can withstand some vibration and temperature changes, there are manufacturers who make HDTV’s specifically for RV’s. These units are specially designed to withstand higher amounts of vibration and movement as well as greater changes in temperature and humidity. Depending on your usage and budget, this might be the best way for you to go.