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Hands On: Easy Expansion

Originally Published in MotorHome Magazine

 

Let’s Go Aero’s collapsible shelter connects to the motorhome’s doors and provides protection from the elements

Many of us would like to believe that we’re equipped and prepped for nearly anything Mother Nature tosses our way. But, as is often the case, the weather can throw a curve ball when we’re getting ready to eat outside or lounge around the RV site. Now there’s a unique product that mates a portable canopy that attaches to the motorhome and provides extra outdoor space that’s protected from the elements.

Let’s Go Aero has developed a tentlike shelter, the ArcRV Side Room, that turns into a portable extension when tethered to its RV Connector. Attached to the motorhome, the ArcRV Side Room becomes a completely sealed 6-by-10-foot shelter (measured at the base) that offers almost 9 feet of headroom. The shelter is made of 2,000 mm coated polyester and rip-stop nylon, which is very strong and weather-resistant. The fabric, much like a tent, is held in place with steel and fiberglass poles and a number of shock cords with C-clips.

As simple a concept as this shelter seems to be, reading the instructions is mandatory. If you don’t, you’ll be reminded of how much “fun” it is to erect a tent that you haven’t used for years.

[A] Assembling the ArcRV Side Room is like erecting a tent, using poles and straps to form the nylon structure. The process is less difficult if time is made beforehand to read and follow the assembly instructions. [B] Once the basic structure is in place, the RV Connector kit is used to mate the shelter to the motorhome. A stretch sleeve is pulled over the entry steps for stability.

[A] Assembling the ArcRV Side Room is like erecting a tent, using poles and straps to form the nylon structure. The process is less difficult if time is made beforehand to read and follow the assembly instructions. [B] Once the basic structure is in place, the RV Connector kit is used to mate the shelter to the motorhome. A stretch sleeve is pulled over the entry steps for stability.



The process begins by connecting the lower portion of the frame via the two G-labeled poles and setting up the tapered structure. This is followed by adjusting the webbing straps to match the taper and locking them in place between the notch rivets. From here, continue working with every intersecting pole except B, C1 and D, which will be used right after the tent cover is installed.

hands-onSpecAt this point, the door/screen panel and the RV Connector can be applied to their respective ends. The door/screen is attached by way of zippers, which adds security and stability. The RV Connector attaches to the rear framing poles from inside using all of the integrated C-clips. Once it is clipped into place, the straps are adjusted and the buckles are applied where necessary.

The giant elastic 5-by-7-foot Stretch Sleeve is then pulled over the lower edge of the motorhome. Apart from driving in the included stakes for additional stability, that’s it.

The ArcRV Side Room and RV Connector are made of good materials and the build quality is excellent; as a result, they command a hefty price tag of $429. The ArcRV, which weighs 27 pounds and comes with a handy carry bag, was originally designed for use on Sprinter-based Class B motorhomes, and while there are patents pending for the product and its intended use, the collapsible room can be adapted for other RV types as well, so long as the height requirements are met.

Having the ArcRV in place allowed us to extend our time outdoors, whether to escape the harsh midday sun or to block the wind during the evening. It’s fantastic as a mobile mud room, and is also a fun space for kids who prefer to sleep outdoors.

Let’s Go Aero | 877-464-2376 | www.letsgoaero.com

 


 

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