Automating Your Recreational Vehicle with Linear Actuators

Automating Your Recreational Vehicle with Linear Actuators

Nataliia Borysko
Nataliia Borysko
Content Copywriter

Gone are the days where recreational vehicles (RVs) were crammed with a bed, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Thanks to the rapid development of technology, modern RVs, packed with high-tech equipment and smart storages, have turned into compact living solutions, allowing for a more spacious interior. In this comprehensive article, we will explore how you can employ linear actuators in RVs to automate it and look into an exciting DIY project for a camper van powered by linear actuators.

The Role of Actuators in RV Automation

RV automation with actuators have become quite popular and serve many different applications. In some cases, a higher force from a linear actuator is needed, but small linear actuators are also used around RV’s, such as opening windows, vent lids, and sometimes even toilet lids. Other applications of linear actuators include automated TV units, plug socket strips, and the RVs awning.

At Progressive Automations, we offer top-quality linear actuators of varying strengths to cater to these applications within an RV. Whether you’re looking for a new replacement actuator or you’d like to use a linear actuator for new applications for comfort and efficiency, enhancing RV functionality, we’ve got you covered. We will discuss, in more detail, the most prominent applications for linear actuators in an RV.

RV Slide Out Actuators

Space is always a concern in RV’s. How does one store everything (e.g. a bed, a kitchen, TV units, and so on) in such a confined space? Thankfully, a slide-out actuator for an RV exists where it attaches to a portion of the coach and extends it outward, allowing for a significant increase in the amount of living space. The more expensive RVs have multiple linear actuators that allow for both sides to slide out and can feel like they’re turning an RV into a portable mansion.

Linear Actuators for Recreational Vehicles

The linear actuators required to move these heavy units along a slider will probably be the strongest actuators you’d find in an RV. Although, RVs also have some powerful self-levelling actuators. On that note, it is important to ensure the linear actuator that is being used has enough force to carry out its intended task without a problem.

Progressive Automation’s PA-13 High Force Industrial Actuator would be an excellent fit for these operations as it has a force rating of 3000 lbs – more than enough to handle these tasks. Moreover, the actuator is IP66 rated, meaning it is water and dust resistant and can withstand a wide range of operating temperatures. These actuator specifications make it perfect for RV applications.

RV solar actuator

RV Roof Solar Actuator

RVs generally have a few power sources, namely, a 12-volt DC system and a 120-volt AC system. When the RV is stationary, it can be externally powered from a nearby 120-volt AC electrical outlet. The 120-volt system is required when powering the heavy power-consuming electronics (air-conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves).

A portion of the 120-volt AC is converted to 12-volt DC for other items in the RV that runoff that voltage, such as lights and vent fans. When a 120-volt AC source is not available, the 12-volt system can still be used by having a battery storage setup. These batteries can be recharged when external power is available again or by using a roof solar panel.

This is where linear actuators for an RV solar panel tilt mount come in handy. The linear actuator can be used to automatically tilt the solar panel towards the sun for optimal solar radiation to contact the panel. Once the batteries are fully charged, the solar panel can automatically tilt back down to its resting position to avoid pulling off when driving.

Our research has highlighted more benefits for using a linear actuator for solar panel tracking, including increasing the electrical conversion efficiency by 25% to 40% – a substantial benefit.  

A common piece of equipment is a roof vent that is used to increase airflow in an RV and keep the air fresh. An RV vent lid actuator is another application worth noting as it can be opened with a simple push of a button when better airflow is needed, which means that you don’t have to pull over to open the hatch manually.

RV Bed Lift Actuator

Although some RVs have units that can slide out to create more space inside, space is still a concern when on the road and those units need to be slid back to make the vehicle roadworthy. This concern is why many RV manufacturers have implemented various smart storage solutions, one of which is allowing beds to be lifted and stored on there side. Electric linear actuators are sometimes used for this process, but also for adjusting the position of the bed in the manner required, much like a hospital bed.

The bed can be divided into two or three segments with a bed actuator for each segment, allowing for customized comfort. Moreover, another actuator would be used to pivot the entire bed into a stored position. In order to control the precise positioning of the actuators, a bed actuator with a remote is usually attached to the control unit.

Choosing the Right Actuator for your RV

Whether going on a vacation with your family or doing a road trip with your buddies, recreational vehicles are the ideal way to travel. You can go anywhere the road leads you, without losing the comfort of your home. However, to ensure your trip is stress-free, it's a great idea to make sure your RV is automated, so it can set up exactly the way you want, and with minimum effort. At Progressive Automations, we offer a wide range of linear actuators and motion control systems to help you achieve that. Our units have high IP ratings, large force capabilities, various stroke length, and an industry-leading 18-month warranty, perfect for any applications in your RVs.


Automated retractable awnings are a great way to shelter you from nature’s less friendly elements, whether it be the blazing sun or the pouring rain. Not only it can provide shade for your outdoor pleasure, but it can also prevent sunlight shining through windows or glass doors, which can reduce the temperature by up to 20 degrees inside the vehicle on a very hot day. On the other hand, if it’s raining, it can provide a dry area outdoor for your activities. With so many benefits, you would want to deploy the awnings quickly, reliably, and most importantly do so within the comfort of your vehicle.

Photo of bus recreational vehicle

With electric linear actuators you can automate your retractable awnings, so you don’t have to expose yourself to the elements when deploying them. Our PA-04 Linear Actuator has every feature you would need to automate your retractable awning system. It is an IP66 rated unit, which makes it resistant to rain and dust and is designed so that it can be used outdoors. With up to 2.9”/sec of speed, you can deploy the awning at a moment’s notice. It also offers feedback options with a Hall effect sensor, which allows you to synchronize multiple actuators to work at the same time. Paired with a control box like our PA-40, you can operate them with a push of a bottom while sitting comfortably inside your vehicle.

In a recreational vehicle, you want to keep everything compact and well organized. The last thing you want is to run a whole bunch of power cables from your wall outlet inside an already limited space. However, one simply cannot put power outlets socket everywhere in their RVs, it is not safe for children, takes extra surface space and can be an eyesore in the interior of your mobile home. With an automated retractable power outlet, you can install the sockets almost anywhere in your RV without having to worry about the downside. The PA-14 Mini Linear Actuator is the perfect tool to accomplish that. With its small size and low operating noise, it is perfect for indoor applications. When paired with the PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box, you can raise and lower the power outlet with your smartphone anywhere inside the vehicle.

Photo of an automated retractable power outlet

One of the trade-offs for an RV’s mobility is its limited space. When on the road, the vehicle itself cannot exceed a certain size. However, when the RV comes to a stop, there are many of them that come with a feature to expand its structure, allowing for additional space. Most expanding RV spaces involve sliding out the floor panel or lifting an entire sidewall of the RV. It is a great feature, but to do it manually is extremely labor-intensive. Fortunately, high power electric linear actuators can be implemented in the RVs to do the most physically demanding tasks for you.

Photo of a man near white bus recreational vehicle

The PA-13 High Force Industrial Actuator is a great fit for this application. It has an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, a wide-ranging operational temperature for potentially harsher environments, and most importantly a high force rating of 3000 lbs. This is the most powerful unit Progressive Automations currently carries and is designed to move heavy loads in construction and industrial settings. With that much force output, it will have no problem expanding your RV’s flooring panel or opening an entire side of the wall while you sit comfortably at the sideline.

Practical Implementations of Actuators in RVs

DIY projects outside of your day-to-day can be one of the most rewarding aspects of our busy lives. The excitement of planning them out, the adrenaline of taking on a challenge, the not-so-enjoyable disappointments during execution, the improvements made along the way, and the uplifting sense of accomplishment at the end. Everything about them makes them inventive and completely worth it, and with the help of some useful gadgets, they can be made even better! Progressive Automations’ top-of-the-line product range is very popular among our DIY consumers. Our linear actuators and controllers are designed with diverse applications in mind, which makes them an ideal pick for customers who are dealing with non-standard, self-made designs. These drop-down TV mechanisms and DIY robotic projects for kids are just some examples of the versatility we offer to DIY enthusiasts!

Camper van with bed lift

DIY RV Upgrades with Actuators: Automated camper van

Camping is a retreat and hobby that many enjoy – driving off to a faraway location, the blissful sense of absolute peacefulness we all crave, and getting to spend quality time with your loved ones. Camping and ‘van life’ are becoming more and more popular and as a result, so are people’s initiatives to enhance their setup. Camper vans are equally notorious due to their limited spacing and difficulty in setting up your space. Even if you have a dedicated campervan or RV, pulling out or cleaning off the beds can be a struggle that not everyone looks forward to. This is where automated bed lifts come into play. Linear actuators are ideal implementing into many areas of your camper van or RV. Whether you are looking for a bed actuator, or want to install actuation devices for peripheral parts of your van, you should 100% consider linear actuation technologies.

Camper Van Bed Lifts

When automating camper vans, making a camper bed platform with a lift mechanism is perhaps the first thing that pops into mind for many of the DIYers who call us. Usually, in any camping vehicle, the beds are folded within the couches, or concealed behind a compartment in the wall. Installing an electric bed lift in a camper van can make a huge difference in how this task is performed.

The installation process of a DIY RV bed lift is not that difficult. You just need to determine the mounting locations of your linear actuators, which can be optimized by performing the right torque calculations, and selecting the correct components to go along with your chosen linear actuator. With such a setup installed in your van, raising and lowering your beds is reduced to the press of a button. Installing a lift-up bed for a sprinter van has the exact same requirements – you can have your bed ready or retracted within seconds.

 Next up, we would like to offer our recommendations on what products you would need to carry out such a conversion. Progressive Automations has helped many clients with their DIY bed lift project and find that they often follow the same trends. The similarities seen across the majority of applications has determined the following products as the best solutions for bed lifts in camper vans or RV’s. 

PA-04-30-400-HS-24VDC

Linear actuator made by Progressive Automations

Figure 1: PA-04

 

The PA-04 is one of our most versatile linear actuators, great for many different applications. It’s perfect for van conversions owing to its 400 lbs dynamic and static force capability, as well as 6” – 40” stroke length, which is more than the amount of travel you need for setting up a camp uptight.

The Hall Effect feedback incorporated in its circuit enables synchronized travel, which is a requirement for camper vans as multiple actuators are moving the same load simultaneously. You will typically need four of these actuators, all in sync, to raise and lower your bed lift application.

FLTCON-4

 

FLTCON-4 control box for linear actuator

Figure 2: FLTCON-4

 

The FLTCON-4 is the control box that goes along with PA-04 linear actuators. It’s designed to work with Hall Effect sensors and is remarkably compact, allowing it to fit into any corner or nook of your van. It’s a 4-channel controller which means that you only need one of these to control all four of your linear actuators.

RT-11 Remote

 

RT-11 remote control for linear actuators

Figure 3: RT-11 Remote

 

Here comes the fun part. To go with your linear actuators and controller, you can get the incredibly easy-to-use RT-11 Remote. This remote allows you preset up to four heights, bringing your bed lift to its desired height with the push of one button. We recommend this remote for its convenience and ease of use, and it’s proven quite popular in other bed lift applications previously completed by our customers!

 BRK-02 Mounting Brackets

 

BRK-02 mounting bracket for linear actuators

Figure 4: BRK-02 Mounting Brackets

 

Finally, you need our sturdy BRK-02 Mounting Brackets to fix the linear actuators to your application’s mounting points. Two of these are attached at both the stroke and motor end of each linear actuator, meaning you will require eight. They allow 180o of rotation and can withstand much more load than the linear actuator, which makes them a reliable option for this application.

FAQ

How can linear actuators improve RV living?

 

Linear actuators can significantly enhance RV living by automating various components such as extending and retracting slide-out rooms, raising and lowering TV lifts, and adjusting beds or other furniture, thus maximizing space utilization and comfort. They contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable living environment by enabling easy adjustments to the RV's layout and amenities with the push of a button.

 

 

What are common uses of actuators in RVs?

In RVs, linear actuators are commonly used for moving slide-out rooms, adjusting fold-out steps, lifting and lowering beds or television screens, and automating window and vent openings. These applications help optimize living space, improve accessibility, and enhance overall comfort and convenience for occupants.

 

 

Tips for installing actuators in recreational vehicles?

When installing linear actuators in recreational vehicles, ensure you select actuators with the appropriate load capacity and stroke length for your specific application. It's also important to plan the installation carefully to avoid interference with existing structures or systems. Additionally, make sure the power supply matches the actuator's requirements, and consider weather resistance if the actuator will be exposed to the elements. Proper mounting and alignment are crucial to ensure smooth operation and extend the lifespan of the actuator.

 

Final Thoughts

Heading out for a family vacation or hitting the road with friends? RVs are the perfect way to travel in comfort, letting you explore wherever the journey takes you without leaving home's comforts behind. To make your adventures as smooth as possible, consider automating your RV. This way, it adjusts just right to your needs with hardly any hassle. Progressive Automations has got you covered with an extensive selection of linear actuators and motion control systems, making it easy to get your RV just the way you like it, effortlessly.

Nataliia Borysko

Technical Content Copywriter at Progressive Automations, Progressive Desk, and Progressive Bed
Nataliia is a passionate writer with immense love for languages and a dual academic background in linguistics and marketing. On her career journey, Nataliia has worked as a product marketer, a competitive intelligence analyst, and a marketing content writer for multinational companies.